Mortal Daze – Shenanigan (SOCAN 2001)

This is the debut album of the Vancouver based six piece. Irish/Celtic in genre, the sound is both tight and measured. No prima donnas here, simply a group of very accomplished musicians who have all paid their dues and produce a very “together” sound on fiddle, accordion, guitar, flute, whistles, banjo, bouzouki, bhodran and fretless bass.

The album passes the weight test at 17 tracks and no less than 76 minutes playing time ranging from traditional Irish jigs and reels a plenty (many of which I haven’t heard recorded previously as well as old favourites) through to modern jazz style arrangements, a tango, some Cape Breton style double stopping fiddle and four original songs by singer Clare Brett including “Muruche”, her interpretation of the story of the “Selkie”. Clare’s voice is something well worth buying the album for alone, as its clarity and integrity are something rarely come across. Her version of “Carrickfergus” is a one off.

The music transcends a range of Celtic styles with echoes of Silly Wizard, De Dannan, Bullywee Band and The Bothy Band to name but a few. Shenanigan do, however, defy all attempts to pigeon-hole. The sound is all their own – great at first hearing – then it grows on you to the extent that I’ve played the album at least twice a day for the last four weeks.

This is one of the best arranged and engineered folk albums I’ve heard in a long time. It isn’t on general release in the UK yet, but soon will be. In the meantime, check out Shenanigan’s website to see how to get it.

Go out and buy it, you won’t be disappointed!

Kevin FitzGerald

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