Now More Than Ever

With Boston fiddler McNally leading the charge, the Katie McNally Trio have been steadily making waves since their 2016 debut The Boston States. Now More Than Ever is their second album and an ambitious and engaging listen it is too. Completing the talented trio are Shauncey Ali on viola and Neil Pearlman on piano. With a mix of Scottish, Cape Breton and a few self-penned tunes, Now More Than Ever is marked by a well-earned confidence. Bluegrass and Latin jazz sit comfortably alongside some nifty jigs and reels. ‘Fletch Taylor/Marcel Aucoin/Matthew Robinson’s’ opens with some fiery fiddle and viola and sets the scene for an exciting listen. At the other end, ‘Dr John O’Grady’s 75th/Quinie Fae Rhynie’ closes the album with some more jigs and reels, a fine end to a beautifully produced album. ‘Lament for the Red Ladder’ opens with a sweet lament which swiftly moves into the pacy ‘Francis the Miller’ while ‘Acadia March/The Brunch Tune’ has fun with a pair of evocative tunes. Produced by Anna Massie, there is some very exhilarating musicianship here, with space for the trio to really explore and experiment with each other. An electrifying and thoroughly satisfying listen.