Alex Davis’ Best Folk Albums of 2015
By Folk Department
Alex Davis*, host of Atlantic Weekly II (Saturday, 10 am to 12 pm est)
In no particular order with a short description (Artist/Album/Label)
Paddy O’Brien/Bright and Early/NewFolk
Brilliant understated traditional playing with Dathi Sproule accompanying.
Matt Cranitch and Jackie Daly/Rolling On/Self Release
Rollicking yet unadorned tunes that reflect the Sliabh Lucra tradition and the experience of these masters of Irish music.
Oisin and Conal Hernon/Across the Sound/Claddagh
Banjo and accordion never sounded so good from these brothers of the Aran islands.
Socks in the Frying Pan/Return of the Giant Sock Monsters from Outer Space/Socks in the Frying Pan
Hot, slightly quirky music from young Irish musicians.
Tabby Finch/Old Haunts/Self Release
A collection of mostly Irish tunes by a Virginian playing truly eerie and beautiful hammered dulcimer.
Altan/The Widening Gyre/Compass
An excellent Irish meets American folk album from one of the greats of Celtic music, based from Donegal, Ireland.
Brid Harper/Brid Harper/Self Release
Truly excellent fiddling by a child prodigy who has grown up and maintained her skill.
Caitlin Nic Gabhann and Ciaran O Maonanaigh/Catlin & Ciaran/Self Release
Lively fiddle and concertina duo from Ireland.
The East Pointers/Secret Victory/The East Pointers
Hot Canadian-Celtic folk featuring fiddle, banjo and guitar.
Jenna Moynihan/Woven/Jenna Moynihan
Another Berklee music grad from Boston, Moynihan is an excellent fiddler with a handful of self-written tunes as well!
*With assistance from Kevin Donleavy
