Between Wind and Water

There's always been a natural joyfulness in the sound the String Sisters make together. Right from their first performance at Celtic Connections in 2001 there was something in the blend of Shetland, Scandinavian, Donegal and Irish-American accents that communicated a sense of harmony and well-being. And so it continues on Between Wind and Water, which has its moments of reflection and lost love but also a joie de vivre that is almost its default position.

All six fiddlers contribute tunes, from the Irish-bluegrass feel of ‘The Crow's Visit’ and the crisp, pizzicato atmosphere of ‘Open to the Elements’ and from the medieval quality of ‘Trotto’ to the train-like cry and locomotion of ‘Late Night in Førde’. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Emma Härdelin lend their winsome voices to a murder ballad, ‘Wind and Rain’, and each member has a solo song that adds to the overall personality of an album that cheerfully demands repeated listening.

Doubtless there is thought and rehearsal behind everything here but with the measured and always apposite accompaniment of the ‘String Misters’ rhythm section, the ensemble sounds relaxed and easy, perhaps even at its most orchestral.