The Youth That Belonged to Miltown

Nestled on the rugged Atlantic coastline of County Clare, Miltown Malbay has produced poets, politicians (an Irish president among them) and musicians, not least the famed uilleann piper and sometime flute and whistle player, Willie Clancy. Marking the 50th iteration of the annual summer school and festival named in his memory, this first outing from the flute and fiddle partnership of Marian Curtin and Therese McInerney, themselves Miltown natives, pays homage to the rich legacy of their shared West Clare heritage.

The Youth That Belonged to Miltown suggests a bright future for the fledgling partnership between Curtin, a former Under-18 All Ireland champion, and McInerney, whose 2017 solo outing, Down the Strand, is well worth seeking out. Things get off to a blazing start with a set of infectiously delivered, toe-tapping reels (‘Crosses of Annagh / The Fairy Reel / Up to Your Knees in Sand’) and there is energy aplenty in the easy-going give-and-take between the duo, with McInerney’s fine vocals and Curtin’s harmonies on ‘The Hills of Shanaway’ winningly delivered. Solo spots include Curtin’s hauntingly evoked slow air ‘An Buachaill Caol Dubh’ and a set of dancing reels from McInerney. The soulful lament of the title-track is delivered with a measured, mature gracefulness that bodes well for this polished pair.