Sharon Shannon with the RTE Orchestra - Flying Circus

by Malcolm Carter

published: 12 / 1 / 2013

Sharon Shannon with the RTE Orchestra - Flying Circus

Label: IRL Recordings
Format: CD

Inspired world music on latest album from Irish folk musician and ex-Waterboy Sharon Shannon, which is a collaboration with the RTE Orchestra

Review

Irish musician Sharon Shannon has already collaborated with such a diverse bunch of musicians which, coupled with her undoubted skills on the accordion, keeps her music fresh and exciting. Even her most devout fans have no idea where this talented award- winning musician is going to be heading musically, but you can be sure of one thing -every piece of music that Sharon puts her name too just exudes quality. ‘Flying Circus’ is the latest in a dozen or so solo albums that Sharon has released since the early nineties. The initial writing sessions began almost five years ago, and the songs were finally recorded at the beginning of January 2011. Although never attracting the media attention that some of her fellow Irish musicians like Shane McGowan have, Sharon has probably done more for Irish music than any other musician over the last twenty or so years. By mixing in a myriad of genres while never losing sight of her roots, Sharon has opened up the world of Irish music to many who would have otherwise passed it by. Hooking up with the RTE Concert Orchestra (an Irish orchestra which is part of RTE, the Irish national broadcasting station) is an inspired move, but just one listen to this album will have you thinking that it’s such an obvious move so why didn’t it happen years ago? Again Sharon, along with the orchestra, will have people embracing these wonderful tunes, even those who would normally give Irish music a wide berth. It’s irresistible, this music, and the album opens with ‘Top Dog Gaffo’, which is written by Sharon and guitarist Jim Murray in memory of one of Sharon’s dogs, which sadly passed away. Far from being a maudlin instrumental, it is one of the most uplifting tunes you will ever hear. It’s a brilliant start to the album. It brightens up the darkest of days. You will find it hard to sit still whenever you hear the song, and, at two all- too-short minutes, it is what that repeat function was made for. While all the songs on this album obviously have that Celtic sound about them, as usual with any album that bears Sharon’s name, there is a lot more going on here. The title track opens gently, and is almost melancholic in its feel, but as always with Sharon’s work a wave of optimism washes over the listener, and once again it is difficult not to fall instantly in love with such a beautiful tune wherever your musical tastes lie. While this album displays the brilliant teamwork between Sharon and The RTE Concert Orchestra, mention must be made of the input from Jim Murray. Not only does Murray have a hand in writing all but two of the songs here, his guitar playing, especially on the opening of ‘April Magnolia’, is a joy to hear. It takes a special type of songwriter to compose songs that paint pictures in your mind while you’re carried away by the sounds you are hearing and Murray excels at this. Shorn of any lyrics, it is up to the listener to interpret the song in their own way, and each and every one of these tunes will make you look at your day in a different light. ‘Flying Circus’ is one of those albums that is difficult to listen to in its entirety without wanting to hit that replay button at the end of each track. Just when you think it can’t possibly get any better than a song like ‘April Magnolia’, ‘Dreamcatcher’ comes along and once again you are smitten by its beauty. The playing is, of course, immaculate, and the melodies simply flow and eat into your head so much that you begin to wonder how you possibly ever lived without ‘Flying Circus’. The way slower, piano led pieces like the fascinating ‘Cape Clear’ evoke such strong images is quite incredible. What could have been four minutes of background music in less talented hands will prevent you from what you are doing for the duration. This music captures you and sweeps you way it’s as simple as that. Ending the album with the jaunty, immensely catchy ‘Off The Hook’, where ‘Top Cat Billy Bob’ morphs into a reprise of ‘Top Dog Gaffo’, just makes you want to play the whole thing all over again as any great album should do. Sharon Shannon has proved time and again that she is in a class of her own but with ‘Flying Circus’ this talented Irish musician has made one of the best albums of her career so far. Don’t be misled by the Irish music tag! This is world music that can be enjoyed, appreciated and loved by anyone.

Track Listing:-

1 Top Dog Gaffo
2 Flying Circus
3 April Magnolia
4 Dreamcatcher
5 Cape Clear
6 Windchime Dance
7 Fare Thee Well
8 Lady Luck
9 Butterflies
10 Wood Road
11 Indigo Sky
12 Off The Hook