It’s Wednesday night at The Grand Social in Dublin and Mórga are kicking off their Irish tour.  What better way to spend some time than in the company of four top musicians - this being their first tour in some time. You will be familiar with David Munnelly on accordion and Danny Diamond on fiddle as members of Tradconnect. David lives in Holland and is getting involved in all kinds of European and Irish collaborations.  His duet album with Mick Conneely called 'Tis What It Is was a hit last year and he has now taken over from accordion player Barry Brady in this established group.  Danny's album "Music from the Irish, American and Nordic Traditions" was equally impressive.  Other group members are Dominic Keogh on bodhrán and Jonas Fromseier on bouzouki and banjo. From tonight's performance it is evident that the Flanagan Brothers from a bygone era in New York have a big influence on Mórga's music. The Flanagan's would be thrilled to know that their music has lived on for close to 100 years and that their names were being brought up with great respect at this Dublin gig almost a century later.  

Like the Flanagan Brothers who played great traditional music while supplementing it with crowd pleasing Irish American songs, such as Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ra and I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen, at this performance it is Helen Diamond, sister of Danny providing her rendition of some great songs. We also got an instrumental version of  Too Ra Loo from David leading into some upbeat numbers. There is a great vibrancy to the interaction amongst the musicians with the banjo in particular bringing some of that distinctive 1920's sound to the proceedings. All in all it was a very entertaining night with David and Danny sharing the mike for introductions.  The music was lively, entertaining and well worth the trip out. If you get a chance to see them on this short tour, go for it, you won't be disappointed. www.morga.ie