Niamh Ni Charra
Album: Cuz - A Tribute To Terry 'Cuz' Teahan
Label: Traditional Arts
Tracks: 14
Website: http://www.niamhnicharra.com

"Cuz"is named after legendary Irish musician, Terry 'Cuz' Teahan, who migrated to the US in the early part of the last century and who was to have a massive influence on the East Coast Irish music scene both as a performer and teacher, it would be fair to describe him as an inspirational source who enthused and inspired many musicians over a number of generations, including a young Niamh Ni Charra, when she met him in the latter years of his life and the early years of hers.

I guess if Niamh was a classical violinist she would be called a virtuoso, well even though she chooses to call her instrument of her trade the fiddle it's still very much the right thing to use that term. Not only that, fiddle isn't her only weapon of choice as she's a pretty mean concertina player too.

As you would expect from the title, "Cuz", subtitled, 'A Tribute To Terry 'Cuz' Teahan', consists of a series of sets of his tunes, though with Niamh Ni Charra's signature sound distinctively laid over the top and for fans of traditional Irish Music, it's a combination that's heaven made.

That said, this is not an entirely instrumental album, there are some great contrasting songs that also highlight that Ni Charra also has a great set of vocal chords. "Is Ar Eirinn Ni Neosfainn Ce Hi" is a glorious piano ballad that also features some really poignant concertina that adds to an already emotional atmosphere to create a really powerful and moving song.

"Cuz" is an album that pays tributes to one of the great masters of Irish music, by one of its new mistresses and one that should have broad appeal.

Neil King