Not only is John Whelan one of Ireland's finest button accordion players, but the original compositions on Celtic Fire show that he is becoming one of its most accomplished composers in the traditional style as well. If you didn't know he wrote selections like "Jigs #1 & #2" and "Reels #1 & #2," you would swear they've been played in pub sessions and around kitchen tables for generations. Most of the selections here are played at very lively tempos, but even at the quickest pace Whelan and his talented crew of backing musicians never falter. The one slow tune, the haunting waltz "Father," stands out in sharp relief against the frantic pace of the rest of the dance pieces. Celtic Fire is a fine collection of tunes played with a maximum of passion and a minimum of pretension.
- Michael Simmons
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Celtic Fire
