Track listing 1. Paddy Scanlon's Polka/ Mrs Mulvihill's Polka/ The Kinnard Polka 2. Art O'Keefe's Slide/ The Star Above the Garter/ Taidhgin an Asail's Jig 3. The Providence Reel/ The Man of the House/ Speed the Plough 4. The Star of Logy Bay. Song 5. Donal De Barra's Jig/ Frank McCollum's Jig/ The Christening 6. The Sports at Listowel/ The Man From Gleanntan. Hornpipes 7. Amhran na Leabhar. Slow Air 8. McDonagh's Reel/ Peg McGrath's Reel/ Martin Mulvihill's Reel 9. Sweet Kingwilliamstown. Song 10. Paddy Cronin's Slide/ Sergeant Cahill's Favourite/ The Game Cock. Slides 11. Smash the Windows/ The Winding Hills of Sligo/ Bonnie Ann. Reels 12. The Grey Funnel Line. Song 13. The Blackwater Polka/ Kathleen's Polka/ Micheal's Polka   Click on underlined titles to hear sound samples with Real Player

Past, present and future of Irish music, all encapsulated in one single album. Sliabh Notes once again come across as the foremost interpreters of a tradition of exceptional vibrancy. For many years Sliabh Luachra has been noted for its unique style of traditional music. This recording features tunes and a song from the area, as well as tunes and songs from other sources and other regions.

"On each of our other albums, we featured a number of guest musicians, and this time is no exception. We are delighted to welcome Kevin Burke, Matt Molloy, Colm Murphy, and Liam O'Maonlaí and to initiate them into the ranks of "honorary" Sliabh Notes!
We also welcome back again, Steve Cooney and Brian McGrath.

"Sliabh Luachra is located in the south-west of Ireland, and encompasses areas in east Kerry, north-west Cork and south-west Limerick For many years, the region has been noted for its own musical style of music, particularly its distinctive repertoire of slides and polkas, and for the dancing of sets. The area has produced many wonderful musicians, all of whom have bestowed the gift of their music on succeeding generations. They have passed on to musicians and listeners their repertoire of tunes, the style of playing, the spirit of the area, in a word, the draíocht (magic) that was the hallmark of their own music, that which makes the music what it is". Matt Cranitch -- Dónal Murphy -- Tommy O'Sullivan --Sliabh Notes
 
 

                                 Press Reviews

www.emigrant.ie
When the first Sliabh Notes (Matt Cranitch, Dónal Murphy and Tommy O'Sullivan) album came out, I thought I would blow out my CD player. I was working weekends in an empty office building so I played it over and over... and I played it loud... louder than what was normally accepted, surrounding myself in a wall of sounds from Sliabh Luachra while I worked over proposals and spreadsheets. It's what got me through some gruelling projects. Their second album, Gleanntán, kept the promise of more great tunes and songs.

So when I heard this new CD was coming out, expectations were high. Would it live up to the energy and originality of the first two CDs? Or would the group run out of steam and leave me cruelly disappointed. Well, I needn't have worried. This trio has done it again... and for the third time has delivered a solid work, full of life and presence.

First, I have to confess that I'm partial to the music of this area. While the reels are great, the slides and polkas are mighty! From the opening bars of "Paddy Scanlon's Polka" to "Paddy Cronin's Slide", from "The Game Cock" to "The Blackwater", Cranitch, Murphy and O'Sullivan play them with energetic precision... as if they've been playing them together since infancy. The changes are clean, the rhythm driving, and, while the tunes are fast, not a single note gets lost.

They do justice to slower tempos as well. The hornpipes "The Sport at Listowel" and particularly 'Cuz' Teahan's "The Man from Gleanntán" are really delightful. But you can't beat Matt Cranitch for the slow airs. "Amhrán na Leabhar", with Steve Cooney's guitar backing, has all the dark beauty of the Ivereagh, the Skelligs, and Caherdaniel where it was first penned.

Sliabh Notes traditionally feature guest musicians on their recordings. This CD enjoys a gallery of master musicians including Kevin Burke, Matt Molloy, Colm Murphy, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Brian McGrath, and Steve Cooney. A veritable Who's Who of traditional music. But the sound is pure Sliabh Notes - fluid, masterful, perfectly balanced production and yet imbued with a vitality usually found on a live recording. And that brings me to why this group is such a favorite of mine.

I've been a fan of Matt Cranitch for close to 30 years, since his days with Na Filí. I enjoyed Dónal Murphy when he was with Four Men and a Dog. But that original Sliabh Notes album was the first time I heard the singing of Tommy O'Sullivan and I've been enthralled ever since. He has a light touch, a sweet natural tenor and a gorgeous turn to his phrasing that make his interpretation of song tasteful and original. Whether the song is traditional or more recently written, the treatment is finely wrought. On this album, he does a very unusual version of Cyril Tawney's "Grey Funnel Line" which stopped me in my tracks. I love when what a singer does makes you stop and LISTEN. He sings two more songs, "The Star of Logy Bay" and "Sweet Kingwilliamstown" which only makes me wish there were more. I guess I'll just have to wait for CD number 4. R.M.V. Music Corner Editor

Net Rhythms Web Site
A most enjoyable third release from the self-styled ambassadors of the music of Ireland’s Sliabh Luachra region (memo: must catch up on the previous two!).
 Sliabh Notes is currently a trio – fiddler Matt Cranitch, button accordion player Dónal Murphy and guitarist Tommy O’Sullivan – who here are augmented from time to time with high-calibre guests like the Chieftains’ Matt Molloy (flute), De Dannan’s Colm Murphy (bodhrán) and Patrick Street’s Kevin Burke (fiddle).
It’s to the trio’s eternal credit, though, that its their own contributions which provide the consistent thread with tremendously instinctive and empathic playing; track 3, a set of reels, which features plenty of guest musicians, is perhaps the most convincing demonstration of this, for the core trio never sounds swamped and the set catches fire spectacularly.
As well as nine tune-sets (featuring plenty of the slides and polkas characteristic of the Sliabh region) and a slow air (a duet between Matt and guest guitarist, the album’s producer Steve Cooney), the album contains three songs spotlighting Tommy’s softly lilting vocal skills; only his treatment of Cyril Tawney’s Grey Funnel Line didn’t quite convince me.
But each and every instrumental selection is a treasure, incorporating an almost endless parade of subtleties that demands repeated, and detailed, listening – I keep returning to delights such as the superb twin-fiddle work on the set of jigs (track 5), for instance.
It may sound a bit of a contradiction in terms, but the album’s fresh ambience carries with it a softness of touch that belies the spring in the step and tempers the occasional hint of further wildness that creeps into the playing; some may find the result a little over-polite at times, but I find the combination particularly attractive. David Kidman

Folk Roots Review Aug/ Sept 02

Detailed liner notes source all the tunes and include the song’s lyrics - an added bonus to an album which thoroughly captures the magic and toe-tapping enticements of this perfectly formed trio. Geoff Wallis

Pay The Reckoning Web Site
You don’t actually have to play this CD to tell that it’s going to be a superb collection of tunes; the cover drops some pretty big hints!
Sliabh Notes are fiddle virtuoso Matt Cranitch, ace box-player Dónal Murphy and cracking guitarist and vocalist Tommy O’Sullivan. An ensemble who can play up a storm on their own. However they’ve also managed to recruit a few big-hitters to sit in with them on a few of the tracks - Kevin Burke, Steve Cooney, Matt Molloy, Brian McGrath, Colm Murphy and Liam O’Maonlai! Appetite whetted, or what!?
The lads are called Sliabh Notes for good reason. They have a gra for the music of the Sliabh Luachra area - where slides and polkas predominate the musical topography. Therefore it’s no surprise to find that the CD opens with a rousing set of polkas (Paddy Scanlon’s/Mrs Mulvihill’s/The Kinnaird), where the musicians’ ease with each other is apparent. A great curtain-opener!
And then to a set of slides (Art O’Keeffe’s Slide/The Star Above The Garter/Taidhgín an Asail’s Jig) - as compelling and playful as you could possibly wish. Kevin Burke adds his distinctive fiddle to the mix and Steve Cooney’s guitar sits easily alongside Tommy’s high-strung instrument.
Next up is a set of reels (The Providence/The Man Of The House/Speed The Plough). All are pretty much standards, but with Matt Molloy’s flute, Brian McGrath’s piano and Colm Murphy’s bodhrán swelling the sound, the players find patterns and twists that shed new light on these often-played tunes.
The first song on the album is a very effective “The Star of Logy Bay”, originally from Newfoundland. A beautiful song, and beautifully delivered by Tommy whose light touch is, as ever, remarkable.
A set of jigs (Dónal de Barra’s/Frank McCollum’s/The Christening) - the final jig composed by Dónall himself - leads into a beautiful set of hornpipes (The Sports At Listowel/The Man From Gleanntán). The latter tune is a composition of the late Terry “Cuz” Teahan.
Matt delivers a tour de force performance of the slow, reflective “Amhrán Na Leabhar”, with Steve Cooney providing accompaniment. But the melancholy atmosphere is not allowed to linger as the band launch into a swinging set of reels (McDonagh’s/Peg McGrath’s/Martin Mulvihill’s).
The exile song “Sweet Kingwilliamstown” finds Tommy in great voice, Dónal, Matt, Steve Cooney and Liam O’Maonlai assisting with the greatest sensitivity.
Yet again the air of melancholy is quickly dispelled as Dónal and Matt launch themselves with great gusto into a set of slides (Paddy Cronin’s/Sergeant Cahill’s Favourite/The Game Cock). The band follow this up with three reels (Smash The Windows/The Winding Hills Of Sligo/Bonnie Ann) before Tommy gives us his last song “The Grey Funnel Line”, composed by Cyril Tawney and one of the highlights of June Tabor and Maddy Prior’s “Silly Sisters” incarnation.
The album closes with a set of three intricate, dazzling polkas (The Blackwater/Kathleen’s/Micheál’s), all composed by Matt Cranitch.
The special guests stand to one side for the finale, allowing the core members of the group to do their stuff.
an album which thoroughly captures the magic and toe-tapping enticements of this perfectly formed trio. Geoff Wallis

The Irish Times
Sliabh Luachra’s reputation for pristine, powerful music is legendary, and Sliabh Notes have never been behind the door when it comes to raising its flag high.
Their union of Donal Murphy’s box and Matt Cranitch’s fiddle with the louche guitar of Tommy O’Sullivan, has offorded them a spot on the landscape that’s fertilised by the Rushy Glen, but partial to the odd cross-pollination from beyond those borders too.
Denis Murphy, Padraig O’Keefe and Johnny O’Leary are duly honoured, but so too is Glin’s marvellous, Martin Mulvihull.
There’s a relaxed, low-key confidence about their playing that’s born of a passionate love affair with the music, and a fearlessness about rendering it afresh.
O’Sulivan’s eclectic repertoire wraps itself around the gorgeous The Star of Logy Bay and Sweet Kingwiliamstown alike. Understated and magnificent. Siobhan Long.

Irish Music Magazine.April 2002
Along Blackwater's Banks is the third recording from Slaibh Notes. Their previous releases, the eponymous Sliabh Notes and the highly acclaimed Gleanntan, raise high expectations in the listener, and this new disc does not dissapoint. As with their previous work, the group here concentrates on the distinctive dance music and airs of Sliabh Luachra, along with three lively songs. Not surprisingly, the dance music selections run to polkas and slides, tune types frequently played in Sliabh Luachra, but heard more seldom in other regional styles.
There are also stellar sets of reels, most notably The Providence/ The Man of the House/ Speed the Plough. Session standards all, these reels take on new life and luster in the brilliant playing afforded them here by Sliabh Notes with sparkling assistance from Matt Molloy on flute and Colm Murphy on bodhran. The standout track, however is an achingly beautiful presentation of Amhran na Leabhar. The air is familiar to all those who have benefited from Matt Cranitch's superb instrumental opus, The Irish Fiddle Book, but to hear the master himself play this gorgeous tune is a lesson in itself. This is one that should not be missed. Sally Sommers Smith
 

The Living Tradition
Puns are not everybody’s cup of tea, but I like them! That’s one of the reasons I’ve always appreciated this band’s name, as they feature the music of the Sliabh Luachra area of Ireland. The other, and more important reason is that they play so well.

Indeed, I recall wandering into a traditional music shop in Galway a few years ago and being so impressed by the CD that they were playing that I bought it at once —and had no regrets at all, as you sometimes do with impulse purchases. That CD was by Sliabh Notes and I’ve been impressed by all of their output to date. And I still am, as this is a very worthy successor indeed.

The group is made up of Matt Cranitch, fiddles; Donal Murphy, accordion; and Tommy O’Sullivan, guitar, high-strung guitar and vocals. On this outing, they have guest support from Kevin Burke, fiddle; Steve Cooney. guitar; Man Molloy, flute; Brian McGrath, keyboards and piano; CoIm Murphy, bodhran; and Liam O'Maonlai, piano. Well, if you’ve got pals like that who can help out, why not use them?

Given this line-up, the quality of content and presentation was never going to be in doubt, and we have indeed a rip-roaring selection of the polkas and slides for which Sliabh Luachra is noted. The opening polka set Paddy Scanlan’s/ Mrs. Mulvihill’s / The Kinnard and the closing one The Blackwater / Kathleen’s / Micheal’s nicely sandwich what fits in between. What does fit includes robust reels, jaunty jigs and hearty hornpipes. But — easy on the alliteration - there are also sensitive songs. Tommy’s pitch and timbre are ideally suited to the three we have here — The Grey Funnel Line, The Star Of Logy Bay and Sweet Kingwilliamstown. This last is said to have been written by Danny Buckley, who survived the sinking of the Titanic, only to be fatally shot during the last hour of the First World War.
This is an excellent production, and one which  can only enhance the group’s reputation further. Gordon Potter

Irish Voice, NY — 4th June 2002
Along Blackwater Banks is the title of the new album from Sliabh Notes. The band are Matt Cranitch on fiddle,
Tommy O’Sullivan on vocals and guitar and Donal Murphy on accordion. All are from Cork and Keny. and so is much of their musical influence — Sliabh Luachra.
This is an area touching north west Cork, east Kerry and part of Limerick which has produced many great musicians, particularly known for their playing of slides and polkas. Sliabh Notes continue their tradition by playing many of the tunes from this region.
Throughout this album the names Padraig O’Keefe, Dennis Murphy and Julia Clifford are mentioned as sources of tunes. Martin Mulvihill is also another influence and they play some of the tunes from his collection.
If there is a high end of traditional music playing, Sliabh Notes must certainly be in that category. From the first notes on this CD, the playing is spirited and full of passion which shows how experienced they are.
Matt Cranitch has been playing professionally since his days with Na Fill. Sullivan has also clocked up the music miles, having lived in Denmark, and toured extensively elsewhere throughout Europe.
If you’re a fan of the music of Sliabh Luacha then this is the CD for you. Matt’s playing is superb, as is Donal Murphy’s. “Paddy Scanlon’s Polka” and “The Kinnard Polka” are the first tunes on this album and kick start the proceedings with flair. ‘Amhran Na Leabahr” is a slow air played by Cranitch with great feeling and the accompaniment by Steve Cooney on guitar is also excellent.
Tommy O’Sullivan, the singer and guitarist from Dingle, Co. Kerry covers three songs. ‘The Star of Logy Bay” is a fine song, as is “Sweet King Wiliamstown,” an emigration song written by one Dave Buckey who left Kerry in 1912. The third song “The Grey Funnel Line” was also covered by Bany Dransfleld and also June Tabor but Tommy manages to stamp his own feel to all three.
Although they play from a selection of past musicians’ tunes, Sliabh Notes also continue the tradition by play-ing some new compositions. “The Blackwater Polka” set are three such tunes written by Matt Cranitch, and are as good as anything on the CD.
Lending a hand for this project are Kevin Burke (fiddle), Steve Cooney (guitar), Matt Molloy (flute), Calm Murphy (Bodhran), Liam O'Maonlai (piano), and Brian McGrath. Seanie McPhail

The Irish World 28/6/02
The brand new release from Sliabh Notes, Along Blackwater’s Banks once again contains many gems from the Sliabh Luachra musical tradition.
Along Blackwater’s Banks is the third album from Sliabh Notes, which is comprised of Matt Cranitch on fiddle, Donal Murphy on accordion and Tommy O’Sullivan on guitar and vocals.
Sliabh Luachra is located in the south-west of Ireland incorporating areas of Kerry, Cork and Limerick and is known for its diverse and vibrant music. It was that diversity that inspired the three members of Sliabh Notes to create a collection of 13 traditional and yet divergent tracks.
Along Blackwater’s Banks, named after the river which flows through the Luachra area, features guest artists such as Kevin Burke, Matt Molloy, Colm Murphy and Liam O’Maonlai.
You will find yourself being lulled by the melodious and calm, Sweet Kingwilliam’s Town, the exile song, before being moved from your melancholic mood into a playful and boisterous set of slides. The album ends with three polkas, composed by Matt Cranitch and performed by the core members of the group.
Sliabh Note’s previous two albums received high critical acclaim and it seems as if, Along Blackwater’s Banks is heading in the same direction.
The past year has seen Sliabh Notes perform at the world’s largest Irish festival in Milwaukee, where they received rave reviews.
With their distinct blend of traditional Irish music flowing from jigs to slides to polkas combined with an international feel, this album, is sure to be a winner. Xenia Poole

Taplas The Welsh Folk Magazine Review Aug/ Sept 02
Sliabh Luachra on the Cork – Kerry border, is an area famed for its b ox and fiddle players and their preference for playing polkas and slides.
Sliabh Notes (get it?), focuses on that tradition. The band’s core is the blinding box and fiddle playing of Matt Cranitch and Donal Murphy joined by Tommy O’Sullivan on vocals and guitar.
Guest members, such as Matt Molloy and Kevin Burke, along with other respected Irish recording regulars join them.
There’s a good balance between hard core tradition and entertainment, with arrangements that are subtle and tasteful. The playing, as would expect is faultless.
In addition to all of that, the insert tells the listener where to find the notation for the tunes. If you have any interest in the music of this area, you should listen to this.  Teresa Clark

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