The Mystery Inch

Twelve instrumentals, five pairs of hands, and about as much transportative fun and joyful tune-making as you can imagine: welcome to the quicksilver ‘instruMENTAL’ (as they put it) world of The Mystery Inch. The line-up consists of Damien O’Kane on banjo and guitar, David Kosky on guitar, John-Joe Kelly, the great bodhrán player from Michael McGoldrick's band, fiddler Carmel O’Dea and Danny Cameron on button box. According to O’Kane, whose regular job is in Kate Rusby's band, the ‘only rule was to make some music that was as raw, fun and live as possible.’

The title-track is a Kosky original sandwiched by two traditionals, ‘The Humours of Ballyloughlin’ and ‘The Banks of Newfoundland’. Like many of the tunes, or ‘diddles,’ as the liner notes call them, these were learnt and drawn from the world of late-night informal sessions, and summoned up from the misadventures of life on the road. It's incredibly assured, intimate playing, full of invention, fun and friendship, and studded with moments of real beauty as the players’ instruments coalesce. This may not be an album with a major statement to make, but it's a music that will stay fresh for years to come.