The revival of Celtic music over the last three decades or so has seen the music go from very traditional to creative and eclectic fusion blends, acoustic and electric. Over the last 25 or so years, the Irish-American band Solas has been leading the way with virtuosic musicianship and a taste for mixing influences, in a mainly acoustic context. There have also been some groups that have combined Celtic influence with electronic and techno, like the late Martyn Bennett, and some of the work of American fiddler Eileen Ivers. Recently, we reviewed an album by the group Notify who combines traditional Celtic influence in an electric jazz-influenced context, and the band House of Hamill, who draw on more rock influence.

This week, we have a new recording by a Boston area duo who also mix influences, but stay a little closer to the traditional sound. They call themselves Rakish, and their new, second album is called Now, O Now.

Rakish are fiddler and banjo player Maura Shawn Scanlin, who grew up in Appalachia with its fiddling tradition, and Conor Hearn, originally from the Washington, DC, area, who came to be part of the Irish and Celtic scene there. They became musical friends and blend their traditions into a mixture of American folk and Irish influence. Rather than doing traditional tunes, they pen their own material, which reflects their stylistic blend, though they also borrow some words from James Joyce to use as lyrics on a couple of their tunes. They perform most of the instruments themselves on their new album, using overdubbing, but are occasionally joined by drummer-percussionist Dylan McKinstry. About half of the album is instrumental music, often in the rhythmic structure of Irish reels, but sometimes with some non-traditional twists. While most of the album is acoustic, Hearn does play some electric guitar, and the album has one track that gets into some electronics, which they handle well, but it’s definitely not the album’s focus.

Non, O Now leads off with one of the electric tracks, Lonely Hotel Room, a song about being on the road, with the vocal by Ms. Scanlin. The track’s Irish influence is more subtle. <<>>

The title piece Now, O Now is a musical setting of words by James Joyce. Hearn does the vocal, with Ms. Scanlin heard on both banjo and fiddle. <<>>

Rakish’s one venture into electronica on the album is the instrumental piece called 765, with Jamie Oshima providing the keyboards and electronic percussion. It’s also a nice showcase for Ms. Scanlin’s fiddle work. <<>>

On the more melancholy side is another instrumental called The Morning Glory which has a few interesting touches like the subtle electric guitar parts and some unexpected harmonic shifts. <<>>

Rakish also put the words of James Joyce to music on the track called Lightly Come, Lightly Go, which is one of the more Irish-sounding tracks on the album, with Ms. Scanlin doubling up on the fiddles. <<>>

The tune called Time Check is also a showcase for Ms. Scanlin’s fiddle work, with again some overdubbing of multiple parts. <<>>

One of the most melodically appealing songs is Lightly as the Rain Came Down, which lyrically is a sad breakup song, with Ms. Scanlin’s banjo being prominent. <<>>

The album closes with about the most traditional-sounding of the original tunes, a medley of Fool’s Spring and The Touroise. It’s basically just the duo with some nice playing in both halves of the piece. <<>>

Now, O Now, the new album from the Boston area duo Rakish is a very enjoyable recording of eclectic Celtic influence along with American folk and even a little electronica. Maura Shawn Scanlin and Conor Hearn create original music that embodies traditional influences but is not restricted to them. Vocally, they might not be at quite the level of people like Solas’ founders Karan Casey or John Doyle, but they do well, and know that their strength is in their instrumental performance, with their well-crafted arrangements that make effective use of their minimal instrumentation, although they do take advantage of the studio and do a fair amount of overdubbing. But it’s all tastefully done.

Our grade for audio quality is close to an “A” for decent clarity, respect for the acoustic instruments and judicious use of studio effects.

Celtic fusion can cover a rather wide range. Rakish on their new album, hit a sweet spot with their tasteful blend.

(c) Copyright 2024 George D. Graham. All rights reserved.
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<<>> indicates audio excerpt played in produced radio review

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