Nuala Kennedy - The New Shoes (2023)

Review by Chris Nickson Given all she's done in the past, it's hard to believe this is Nuala Kennedy's debut CD. Born in Ireland and now residing in Scotland, the flutist, whistle player, and singer is an excellent composer, but also a highly skilled and sympathetic interpreter of contemporary and traditional Celtic material. On The New Shoes, Kennedy is backed by an excellent band plus a few guests (the trumpet on "Erin on the Rhine" adds an unusual but lovely combination). Kennedy sings on several pieces, and although she possesses a competent voice, which is framed best on "Cáit i nGarráin a Bhile," she's not stunning, certainly not compared to her shimmering, agile flute work. Working alongside Claire Mann, who also plays flutes and whistles, she creates the kind of double-teaming reminiscent of Flook, but with the emphasis squarely on Celtic music of all kinds. The instrumental sets are well put together, flowing seamlessly from one tune to the next, as on "Hop Jigs," for instance, or the closing title track, which is made for dancing and breaking in those new shoes. It's worth hanging on a few seconds, too, for the untitled bonus cut, which puts Kennedy together with flutist Jane Rigler for a stunning duet.

Tracklist:
1. Nuala Kennedy - The Pink Flamingo / Eight and Forty Sisters / Return of the Whistles (04:21)
2. Nuala Kennedy - Cáit i nGarráin a Bhile (03:41)
3. Nuala Kennedy - Michael Gorman’s / Nead Na Lochan / Top The Candle (03:12)
4. Nuala Kennedy - Thane’s / La Ride / Hip Hop Bourée (04:27)
5. Nuala Kennedy - The Groves Of Donaghmore (03:44)
6. Nuala Kennedy - La-Bas Dans La Prairie / La Valsounette (04:32)
7. Nuala Kennedy - Erin On The Rhine (06:30)
8. Nuala Kennedy - Co Ni Mire Ri Máiri? (Who’ll Dance With Mary) Rogha Inion De Brun (Miss Brown’s Fancy) Tar Suas Staighre Liom (Come Upstairs With Me) (03:29)
9. Nuala Kennedy - Francie Dearg’s Highland / Siudaibh ‘Illean Gabhaibh ‘m Port / Angus The Winemaker / Ward Allen’s (03:58)
10. Nuala Kennedy - A Bhean Úd Thíos (04:03)
11. Nuala Kennedy - The Buddha’s Delight / Seachdain Nan Deuchainn (Exam Week) / El Paso (07:20)