Solas - The Turning Tide

For over a decade, Solas has not only redefined the concept of "Celtic folk", they've risen to the ranks of the finest purveyors of the genre -- a feat even more remarkable considering that the band hails from the U.S. A large part of the group's enormous appeal -- aside from their jawdropping technical prowess -- is their ability to meld traditional instruments and styles to songs outside of the usual Irish music standards. New album The Turning Tide, arriving February 16 via Compass, expands upon what the L.A.Times calls "a compellingly original, strikingly contemporary view of traditional Celtic sounds" with a collection of songs rich in both musicality and acute social commentary.

Songs such as the swirling "Hugo's Big Reel" spotlight the intricate instrumental play at the heart of the band's Celtic sound but it is Solas' inspired renditions of Bruce Springsteen's "Ghost of Tom Joad", Richard Thompson's "Poor Ditching Boy" and Josh Ritter's "Girl The War" that make The Turning Tide a truly special album and dramatically engage listeners beyond the "Irish music" core. Fronted by extraordinary vocalist Máiréad Phelan, Solas takes these songs to an exquisite new place, reinterpreting them with a fresh and provocative perspective. Highly recommended.

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Solas - "Poor Ditching Boy" (from the album The Turning Tide)

Solas - "Girl The War" (from the album The Turning Tide)