We keep returning to Across the Sea To Ireland by Rhoda Barfoot. We keep returning to Galway Bay and Danny Boy. Often late at night , and often in a “have you heard this?” kind of tone. Add in Mo Ghile Mear and it’s hard to pick the best reinterpretation from the album.  Rhoda demonstrates an ability to visit a traditional standard that has been covered a thousand times, and leave it in a better state that when she arrived.  Not many artists can do that.

Seán Tyrrell is another artist who recorded Galway Bay for his Moonlight on Galway Bay album from last year. A friend quoted him as saying “these songs were leprechaun music and good only for the corned beef and cabbage circuit in the States” to which he replied .  “I never thought I would see the day that I would be recording these songs but once smitten could not resist their charm or the temptation to maybe breath new life into them.” It’s a more traditional delivery, but still worthy.  Both albums are worth a listen. 

Seán Tyrrell from Moonlight on Galway Bay