Tir Nan Og: “Jack of Folk” – tradition perfectly matched with enthusiasm and musical craftsmanship

Tir Nan Og who have been around since 2001  and perform with lots of fun and a great feeling for rhythm, are four wannabe Irishmen and one woman from the city of Ingolstadt in southern Germany, who present not only traditional folk songs but also many original compositions. Their style is a mixture of rocking beats, witty lyrics and typical Irish melodies.

Tir Nan Og consists of: Drums, vocals, bodhran – Volker Katzki: bass guitar – Joachim Fink: Fiddle – Matthias Pracht – Guitar, vocals – Robert Meyer and Accordion, percussion, flute, vocals – Carina Lehmeier. The secret star of the band however, is the leprechaun by the name of “Oe”, who charms the audience and is also featured on the cover of the band’s new album “Jack of Folk”.

Irish folk music sounds like you would expect it to sound; lots of pipes and fiddles and a distinctly Irish sound. However, just because you may think you know what Irish music sounds like because you have heard it on a sound track means little until you spin “Jack of Folk”.

Tir Nan Og takes you right into an Irish jig with lots of enthusiastically played and sung tunes. Rather than just fancy production in a studio, the group sounds as though it were sitting in a barn or a bar, playing for a crowd of people. This music is played as music has long been, without electronic trickery and lots of well-honed skill.

Tir Nan Og breaches the wall that exists between Celtic music and the rest of the world, simultaneously preserving and redefining it. From the beautiful tempered opener “Alive” to the rollicking closer “To Hell” this album is spot on, both in instrumentation and in vocal delivery.

The track list is as varied as the lineup. There is something for every fan of this music, here. From slightly slower airs to blasting polkas and reels to sprightly jigs nothing on “Jack of Folk” is dragged down by distracting digression from the tradition or uninteresting arrangements. This is pure music – nothing more, nothing less. If you can listen and remain unmoved, you have no soul.

I don’t know a mood this album fails to convey. From the sprightly “Dicey Riley” and “Jonny Pirat” to the exquisite “House Of Cards” and the exuberant “Raggle Taggle” and “Raise Your Glass”, it’s all here. And the exquisite musicianship and artistry of all of these incredibly blessed performers shines in every note.

The energy and gift of sharing, notable in Tir Nan Og concerts comes through with gusto in these recordings. “Jack of Folk” is as clear as a mountain stream – tradition perfectly matched with enthusiasm and musical craftsmanship.

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