It’s no great surprise that Altan, the first traditional Irish group signed to a major label, would want to kick off their run of shows in our fair city. Since The Sofia’s grand opening back in February 2018, Irish music and its many offshoots have been featured with increasing regularity at this mid-sized performing arts center and with favorable results. What starts in our fair city of Sacramento, Altan’s abbreviated run of shows will ultimately end just 19 days later in Chicago.
Considered one of the most important Irish bands of their time both at home and on US soil, the group has already collectively sold well over a million records. Additionally, they are a veritable headliner in the states drawing capacity crowds at performing arts centers, theatres, and major Irish-themed festivals.
With a brand new album set for release on Compass Records, the upcoming tour dates couldn’t have come at a more apropos time. Since forming back in 1987, the now 64-year-old Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (bandleader, lead vocalist, and fiddler) has helped lead the group to critical acclaim while releasing a formidable catalog. ‘Donegal’ is the group’s 10-track opus and steeped in the traditions of Irish culture while honoring their origins, the culture, and the fertile grounds from which they came.
On their latest record, the Altan collective also features fiddler/singer Clare Friel along with accordionist Martin Tourish. Guitarist Dáithí Sproul, guitarist/backup vocalist Mark Kelly, bouzouki, mandolin and Ciarán Curran.
‘Donegal’ kicks off in fine form with “The Yellow Tinker,” a beautiful and contemplative instrumental reel that forays beautifully into “Liostáil mé le Sáirsint,” which finds Ní Mhaonaigh at home singing in her native Irish language. Other highlights include the also
fabulous reel, “An Gasúr Dána/An Ghirseach Dholba/ Ríl na mBreac Beadaí” and the ready-for-Irish-dance-competition jig, “Port Árainn Mhór/Port Kitty Rua Mooney.”
For those on the fence about Irish music in general, you are hereby advised to add the upcoming Altan concert to your to-do list. If there were ever a perfect entry point into world music in general, this would be it.
Altan plays The Sofia located at 2700 Capitol Avenue in downtown Sacramento. Doors open at 6pm and the show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $35. The Sofia is located at 2700 Capitol Avenue in downtown Sacramento. All ages are welcome.
(Rio Linda Online)