Mick Kinsella - Harmonica
Mick Kinsella, one of Ireland's best kept musical
secrets, further enhances his reputation as one of the finest
harmonica players east of the Atlantic on both diatonic and
chromatic with the release of this, his first solo album. An
unashamed advocate of the overblow school, Mick puts his diatonic
harps through their paces, demonstrating the potential of this
approach to playing in both the traditional and 'world music'
styles represented here. With excellent control and a horn-like
tone to die for, Mick breaks new ground by taking the Richter-tuned
diatonic beyond the limitations that have previously restricted
its potential for expression and interpretation by more traditional
players.
A very fine chromatic player, Mick displays his
skill with the standard tuned chromatic on the haunting 'Canyon
Moonrise', his full tone enhanced by the rich string backing.
Rosaleen's Children/ The Spanncomp Jig features Mick's use of
chromatic modified to allow for ornamentations more consistent
with those found in traditional styles of Irish music, an approach
learned from legendary Irish player Eddy Clarke.
While the influence of traditional Irish music
is evident throughout the album, Mick draws on many sources
both for repertoire and inspiration. He pays homage to English
folk/blues diatonic player Rory McCloud by doing a cover of
'Take Me Home', and 'Marcelle and Marcel' by the French master-blaster
Jean-Jacque Milteau. Besides demonstrating his own formidable
skills as a composer, he also draws on his blues roots on 'See
the Blues'.
In the album's liner notes it's written: "He
is a wonderful musician and more importantly an equally wonderful
person. He deserves to be heard. I now that this gem will bring
much joy to all who listen!" I couldn't put it better myself.
PF
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