There’s always a sense of anticipation when you hear news that one of your favourite musicians has just released a new album and of course, I just had to obtain a copy of this latest offering from Michael McGoldrick. Also, it is highly unlikely that you will be disappointed as proves the case from the opening track “Freefalling Reels��. Building nicely from the groovy rhythm and keyboard stabs (not dissimilar to early Moving Hearts) to the pipes/flute led melody onto Manus Lunny’s bouzouki and Neil Yates trumpet this really is attention-grabbing stuff! Talking of Moving Hearts, founder member Donal Lunny makes a rare guest appearance contributing his trademark bouzouki/guitar/bodhran to the equation on “Late Nights At The Central�� and of course, the phenomenal guest list doesn’t stop there including Brendan Power, Dezi Donnolly, Ed Boyd and John McCusker to name but a few. Now, if that doesn’t make the eyes water of any self-respecting Celtic music enthusiast then I don’t know what will. Then there’s the surprise track…Dirk Powell’s “Waterbound�� where Mike is joined for a vocal duet along with Heidi Talbot on a country ballad that is well suited to his laid back style of singing. So, a recording full of riches guided by the assured hand of producer/keyboard player Donald Shaw and one that will undoubtedly become established as a firm favourite in any ‘folk’ music lovers collection. www.verticalrecords.co.uk