Matt Molloy
Flautist Matt Molloy has had a charmed career. One of the founding members of the legendary traditional Irish group theBothy Band, he went on to join the equally acclaimedPlanxty. After recording a couple of albums with them, he was asked to join the most respected Irish group of them all, theChieftains. His self-titled solo debut shows why he is so sought after. Here he plays with a passion that is astounding, taking the quick dance tunes at such breakneck tempos you wonder how he can keep from hyperventilating. There is a saying in Ireland: "There's many that can play the jigs and reels, but it's the slow airs that will sort them out." Just listen to the haunting "Lament for Staker Wallace" and you will know that when the sorting is done, Matt Molloy will stand alone.--Michael Simmons