For Love and Laughter (Compass, 2007)
There is no doubt that Solas is the most influential US-based Celtic band in North America. Solas has become a launching pad for several outstanding vocalists, like Karan Casey (who has had a successful solo career) and Deirdre Scanlan. It’s one of those essential bands that never ceases to surprise, but at the same time provides opportunities to some of the finest instrumentalists and vocalists in the contemporary Celtic music scene.
Most Solas CDs feature a mix of fiery instrumental pieces full of virtuosity and exquisite ballads that provide room for the talented singers. For Love and Laughter is no exception to this rule. The band has signed Mairead Phelan, a young singer from Kilkenny, as new vocalist and she keeps the standard as high as her predecessors. Solas is still led by multi-instrumentalist Seamus Egan (flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, whistle, guitar and bodhran), together with Winifred Horan (fiddle), Mick McAuley (accordion and concertina) and Eamon McElholm (guitar and keyboards).
As an added treat, For Love and Laughter includes members of the increasingly popular Canadian contemporary folk band The Dukhs. It’s an impressive collaboration, featuring two of the finest contemporary folk bands from North America. Other collaborators include Natalie Haas on cello, Chico Huff on bass, John Anthony on bodhran and other types of percussion, and Dirk Powell on bass.
Solas is on tour. Next dates:
- Oct 1 / Aladdin Theatre / Portland
- Oct 4 / Lotus World Music Festival / Minneapolis
- Oct 5 / Abbey Pub / Chicago
- Oct 7 / The Ark / Ann Arbor
- Oct 9 / St. Brendan’s Inn / Green Bay, WI
- Oct 10 / Cedar Cultural Center / Minneapolis
- Oct 25 / Perthshire Amber Festival / Perthshire, Scotland UK
- Nov 1 / Liverpool Irish Festival / Liverpool, UK
Buy the CD or MP3 download:
- In North America: For Love and Laughter
- In Europe: For Love and Laughter
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
