Paths That Wind

Released to mark the band's tenth anniversary, Paths That Wind is a celebration of The Paul McKenna Band's vibrant history and confident future. It's a fine mix of self-penned songs, traditional classics and some affective covers. Paths That Wind boasts a remarkable guest list too, including John McCusker, Rod Paterson, Mike Vass and James Lindsay.

Comprising Paul McKenna on vocals and guitar, Seán Gray on flute and whistles, Ewan Baird on bodhrán and percussion and Conor Markey on tenor banjo, bouzouki and mandolin, it is a stripped-down sounding quartet but one which is packed with a fierce and authoritative power. ‘Long Days’ opens with a quiet, timeless contemplation before the album picks up with a feisty cover of Alistair Hulett's ‘He Fades Away’. There is an echo of Dick Gaughan in ferocious cover of Peggy Seeger's ‘Song of Choice’ while the band's sensitivity comes to the fore in a tender rendition of Jim Reid's ‘Greylag Geese’. The band are well-known for their rich musicianship but there is a beautiful resilience to the band's sound here too – perfectly captured in McKenna's idiosyncratic lead vocals. Beautiful performances, inspired arrangements and a sensitive response to the song; a truly fine celebration.