A work of genius, or madness, or possibly both, Pondelorum is the third solo album from piper Eoin Dillon, formerly with Dublin musical pioneers Kila, joined here by a cast of thousands - or at least dozens - of guest musicians. Although there are copious notes with this CD, they tell us little about the music, instead being filled with poems, anecdotes, exhortations and depositions. I'm assuming that Dillon wrote everything not otherwise ascribed, both music and text. This enigmatic character does tell us a little about himself here, if he's to be trusted: born in Dublin in 1971, to the bells of Christchurch (I bet his mother was thrilled), drifting off the beaten track soon enough, and these days freewheeling with no brakes and little sense of direction, but things don't seem to be going too badly if this recording is any indication.
Eoin Dillon's piping is tighter, sharper, at times more urgent than on his previous albums. The opening Dancing On The Radio is a lovely lyrical piece, showing great control under Eoin's wild open technique, while Flor Begley The Piper From Crossbarry pushes on at a gallop, heedless of obstacles. The clever Christchurch Bells combines a pulsing reel with those portentous peals. Uisce Faoi Thalamh resembles the classic 17th century airs of aristocratic Ireland, with their songs of faery and fey spirits, beautifully played on pipes and harpsichord. Dillon finishes with a slow piece, more jazz than trad, drums and trombone evoking Soho rather than Smithfield. There are some imperfections here, more on the whistle than the pipes, but this is an outstanding album and a rare treat for anyone with an interest in the future of Irish music. I should point out that the track names on the sleeve are quite different from those in the notes, so don't trust your eyes on Pondelorum. Rely on your ears.
Eoin Dillon's piping is tighter, sharper, at times more urgent than on his previous albums. The opening Dancing On The Radio is a lovely lyrical piece, showing great control under Eoin's wild open technique, while Flor Begley The Piper From Crossbarry pushes on at a gallop, heedless of obstacles. The clever Christchurch Bells combines a pulsing reel with those portentous peals. Uisce Faoi Thalamh resembles the classic 17th century airs of aristocratic Ireland, with their songs of faery and fey spirits, beautifully played on pipes and harpsichord. Dillon finishes with a slow piece, more jazz than trad, drums and trombone evoking Soho rather than Smithfield. There are some imperfections here, more on the whistle than the pipes, but this is an outstanding album and a rare treat for anyone with an interest in the future of Irish music. I should point out that the track names on the sleeve are quite different from those in the notes, so don't trust your eyes on Pondelorum. Rely on your ears.
(c)Alex Monaghan
Tracklist:
01. Dancing on the radio / Port Con Durham
02. Marina's kitchen
03. Pondelorum, featuring Bill Harte's Jig
04. Christchurch bells
05. Cock of the walk
06. Reel Hugo Chavez
07. Flor Begley, the piper from Crossbarry
08. Uisce fé thalamh
09. I shot the donkey
10. Swan song
Eoin Dillon - uilleann pipes, tin whistles
Graham Watson - guitar, elrctric guitar, mandola, bendir drum
Seanan Brennan - guitar, mandocello, banjo, aye
Brian Hogan - bass guitar
Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin - harpsichord
Josh Johnson - piano
Alex Borwick - trombone
Hugh O Neill - drums
Rónán Ó Snodaigh - bodhrán, bells
Brian Flemming - bones, djembe, darabuka
Aedín Martin - harp
Barry Carroll - hammered dulcimer
Éamonn Gall Dubh - saxophone
Cormac Mac Diarmuida - fidil
Fintan Jones - clarinet, sax
Margeurite Collins -flute, fiddle
Joe Doyle - bazouki
01. Dancing on the radio / Port Con Durham
02. Marina's kitchen
03. Pondelorum, featuring Bill Harte's Jig
04. Christchurch bells
05. Cock of the walk
06. Reel Hugo Chavez
07. Flor Begley, the piper from Crossbarry
08. Uisce fé thalamh
09. I shot the donkey
10. Swan song
Eoin Dillon - uilleann pipes, tin whistles
Graham Watson - guitar, elrctric guitar, mandola, bendir drum
Seanan Brennan - guitar, mandocello, banjo, aye
Brian Hogan - bass guitar
Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin - harpsichord
Josh Johnson - piano
Alex Borwick - trombone
Hugh O Neill - drums
Rónán Ó Snodaigh - bodhrán, bells
Brian Flemming - bones, djembe, darabuka
Aedín Martin - harp
Barry Carroll - hammered dulcimer
Éamonn Gall Dubh - saxophone
Cormac Mac Diarmuida - fidil
Fintan Jones - clarinet, sax
Margeurite Collins -flute, fiddle
Joe Doyle - bazouki