Pauline Scanlon and Éilís Kennedy have joined forces to form a mighty Irish duo by the name of Lumiere. Both artists have featured on Folk Radio UK and are outstanding singers in their own right. I really had no idea what to expect but when I heard the album it left no doubt in my mind that this is one of the most beautiful duets I’ve heard.
Éilís Kennedy was introduced to me back in 2006 with the release of her album One Sweet Kiss. An incredible album that featured both English and Gaelic songs including a great cover of Boots of Spanish Leather. I came across Pauline in the same year with the release of her very successful album Hush. Both hail from the same Kerry town of Dingle and bring their own individual qualities to this album. Maybe it is because they hail from the same area that they manage to work so well together. They may as well be for sisters for unity they present on this album. There is a deep passion and love for the music that can be clearly felt.
Many of the songs will find common ground for many folk music lovers and will appeal to those both familiar and unfamiliar with the Irish tradition. Classics such as Fair and Tender Ladies, The Poor Wayfaring Stranger, Spencer the Rover get a magical re-working. Their harmonies are perfect and there is a deep resonance to their voices which carries beautifully across the top level musicianship.
There is a great mix of tempo and contrast to keep your attention, like their voices wasn’t enough! The production is second to none by John Reynolds whilst the musicians list is spot on with some well known names such as Alan Kelly (accordion), Donogh Hennessy (guitar), Sean Regan (fiddle) and James O’Grady (pipes and whistles). Seamus Begley and Damien Dempsey also make guest vocal appearances on Oro Mo Bhaidin and The West’s Awake.
The album features a well written booklet which includes lyrics, translations, background and history to songs etc. This album has legs and I can see it doing very well due to its wide appeal. Let’s hope we get to hear more from these two lovely Kerry women!
Buy the CD: Lumiere
Whoa!! It’s been a while since I’ve listen such a great song. I specially love their voices. The ladies’ voices are really sweet and the music has a lot of feeling.
Thanks for this review
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