Led by instrumental wizard Seamus Egan and violinist Winifred Horan, Solas has become, in less than a decade, one of the finest Irish music ensembles in the world. “Waiting On an Echo” opens with a trio of reels, displaying Solas’ formidable instrumental firepower. Such traditional tunes as “The Silver Dagger” are prominently featured—and make note of Horan’s remarkable arrangement of this folk standard, as well as Deirdre Scanlan’s lovely vocal. As usual, Solas also reaches out to contemporary songwriters on the new disc. The group delivers an excellent version of Richard Shindell’s “On a Sea of Fleur de Lis” as well as a fine rendition of Antje Duvekot’s gentle tune “Erin,” sung by Mick McAuley. The sustained virtuosity the band members exhibit as an ensemble on this disc is not only wondrous, but, even better, a typical day at work.—PVV
