Shorelines

Shorelines, the fifth solo album from the Irish multi-instrumentalist is an exciting, inspiring and thoroughly enchanting listen. A collection of traditional Irish and self-penned tunes, many of which take narratives of female lives at its heart, Kennedy here has curated something rather special and rather affecting.

Single ‘Sally Sits Weeping / Blue Devils’ Jig’ is a genuine highlight – a stunning interpretation of the folk classic concluding with a somewhat melancholic jig. ‘Saltwater / Flow / Cúicúín’ begins as a swirling instrumental before settling into a sweet children's song with the cuckoo as its focus. ‘Sea Reels (Downtown Troy / Haul Away de Hauser / Distant Colours)’ picks up the pace with feisty fiddle and flute, while ‘Whirlpools / The Lighthouse Polka’ provides a swaying, invigorating dance. ‘The Cavan Road’ concludes the album. A solo vocal track, it is a poignantly haunting finish to a handsome listen.

There are some excellent collaborations here too, with Tara Breen on fiddle, Tony Byrne on guitar, alongside singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, pianist Caoimhín Vallely, US vocalist Moira Smiley and Todd Sickafoose on bass – highlighting the very best collaboration of Irish, Scots and US traditions.

Shorelines is a beautifully recorded, arranged and touching listen, from one of the finest stewards of traditional Irish song.