Search - Matt Molloy & Sean Keane :: Contentment Is Wealth

Doesn't GET much better than this...

Zachary R. Leger | Atlanta, GA | 01/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I would tend to disagree with both of the last two reviewers.

I've played trad music for years and as a flute player myself I understand the relationship needed between musicians in order to form a very tight duet. Playing solo is very different from playing with other people. Matt and Sean obviously grasp this very important concept. Neither of these musicians are playing on this album the way they might if they were playing solo. They both understood that, in order to create a musical relationship (a conversation, if you will), both needed to put aside some differences and concentrate on their similarities. The result is some of the tightest, note for note flute and fiddle you will ever hear. Sure, in his solo work, Sean shows his amazing virtuousity as a fiddle player. But as a duo, many of the complexities are dropped in order to maintain the melodic flow and tightness (having said that, there are some incredibly tasty variations played out at breakneck speed; that takes work and dedication to arrangement and much time spent playing together) Both players unselfishly work to each other's strengths and they obviously are enjoying the conversation immensely. Sure, you will never be able to play every note or phrase exactly the same way on instruments as extremely different as fiddle and wooden flute. But the fact that they have nearly succeeded is testament to this album's lasting impact. Also, it features some really great and classic tunes;) Arty McGlenn's guitar playing at this time was also revolutionary and has gone on to influence many guitarists playing today. One of the album's (and producer McGlenn's) other great strengths is that many of the tracks were recorded with no backup. We hear the fiddle and flute together with nothing else to distract (although I wouldn't have minded the tapping feet of either player along with the tunes to further effect).

The Molloy, Peoples, Brady album was huge influence on me in my early days of playing Irish music and it is still one of the great recordings, but in finally hearing this album my assessment is exactly the opposite of an earlier reviewer's: Keane and Molloy are actually tighter, both in their rhythmic sensibilities and in their personal musical styles than Molloy and Peoples. This remains one of THE classic duet albums in the Irish trad consciousness."

"Must have" album for a real traditional Irish Music collect

Michael | Placerville, CA USA | 03/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I agree whole heartedly with Zachary. Before there were studios, albums, CD's, MP3's downloads and larger bands there was pub music. You would be lucky to get two or three musicians to rub together let alone a few schillings for a pint of Guinness. The early work of Matt is phenomenal for his fluid speed. He was a real pioneer of Irish flute. I appreciate the opportunity to hear Sean away from the Chieftains and full band playing. Instead of rate one album against another, I would say that this album and the album Matt did with Tommy Peoples and Paul Brady make a nice companionship of classic Irish traditional music in any collection. This is how it was back in the day. Sean recently retired from the Chieftains, and the Cheiftains themselves as a group is close to retirement. That means in real life they will be at their favorite pub playing music with friends and family. I don't want to leave out Arty McGlynn on guitar. His wonderful counter point and chord back up can be heard over decades with various bands, including Patrick Street."