Joel McDermott

'As much traditional and trad-inspired music as there is on Joel McDermott's debut album Wire Work, this is about as far from a pub session thrash as you could get. Subtlety is the word of the moment: exquisitely rendered slow airs and a staunch resistance to any temptation to speed through the faster sets. McDermott allows the great sensitivity of his touch, playful and inventive arrangements and an obvious delight in the beautiful tone of his mandolin and guitar to come to the fore.
A mesmerising double mandolin arrangement of Carolan's Concerto competes for favourite track with a cheekily arranged opening set of reels. Indeed humour lurks never too far below the surface and culminates with a last track that catches the listener completely unaware. But this never intrudes on the beautiful collection of tunes and truly inspired playing.'
Simon Mayor