GoatsKin Records

Ranagri once again team up with Tony Christie for another selection from the Great Irish Songbook.

A MUTUAL RESPECT

Following up from the collaboration on Vol.I from 2015, that drew from The Great Irish Songbook, Tony Christie and Ranagri continue the Tradition series where the combo delve into, erm, the Irish traditional library of work. At the time, it might have seemed an unusual collaboration, not so much for Ranagri but more for TC with his legacy of chart bothering hits and anthems known and loved by the masses, that took Cropredy by storm (as did Ranagri’s set) in 2023.

Clearly, the TC&R partnership is proving quite an unexpected success with not only has legs but an obvious mutual appreciation for one another and an affinity with the material. The evidence? Just check the moment in the Whiskey In The Jar video when Tony stands back and simply watches – and openly admires – the four Ranagris as they sit atop some rocks and tune away.

SERVE THE SONG

Vol II finds them once again mixing the familiar with the less so. And though the song might not remain the same, the philosophy picks up where Vol. I left off. No-one overplays, due reverence given to serving the song; making the song the focus of attention. It may take a few spins before the ears start to pick out little subtleties as the angelic backing vox on The Galway Shawl and the constant presence of Eliza Marshall adding decorative and sensitive flute…oh and there are the gentlest of sprinkles touch of harp…hey, that patter of percussion…

An easy lilt with touches of a Celtic hue make their way into Paddy’s Green Shamrock Shore. The additional voices join forces and once again the decoration of harp around the edges. A personal favourite, one track that once past the repeated listens, is one that merits the use of the CD scanner – straight to track five. Add a typically dancing Ranagri interlude, it’s a beauty and should anyone need a gateway track to TC&R, look no further. And whilst looking no further, a seasonal alternative to Elton, Wizzard, Slade, et al comes with a lovely The Wexford Carol.

SOUNDSCAPES AND SONGS

Simple guitar, harp and flute make up the ambient soundscape of Roisin Dubh, while notes dripping from the harp accompanies My Lagan Love. Less is more at work and shades of the chart topping Belfast Child when Simple Minds took on a folk song. It’s a hundred miles from the avenues and alleyways of Amarillo and you get the feeling that the places that Ranagri take Tony are his real home. There’s a pleasant contrast between the aching qualities of some of the subtle arrangements and the likes of The Leaving Of Liverpool. The latter is given a jaunty guitar based arrangement and heads right from the pubs and streets yet given a professional polish

Signing off with the sense of community and social singing and message of farewell, you may find yourselves unconsciously singing “leave her Johnny, leave her.” And here’s the good news – there’s still plenty of material still to go at.

Here’s Whiskey In The Jar:

Ranagri online: Website 

Tony Christie online: Website

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