press & reviews

Review in Flutewise Magazine - Dec 2008

Sounds of Home – Gareth Mclearnon

From the opening virtuosic whistle performance (Belfast Hornpipe), Gareth & Michael McHale establish the crisp and refreshing tonality of this album. The recording is bright and sparkling from both flute & piano with stunning playing from both artists. The material could be in danger of over-sentimentality in the wrong hands but this is avoided here. Gareth produces a beautifully rich tone throughout the instrument and the writing gives him ample opportunity to explore all registers with a full scope of dynamic ranges. Gareth's clean, crisp articulation and the fluidity of his technique, combining traditional "folk" methods with modern flute capabilities make this cd exciting listening.

There is the addition of two extra musicians, Satoko Fukuda (Violin) and Phuong Nguyen (Accordian), on track 6 (Ashokan Farewell), which adds even further colour to the mix.

The arrangements (nearly all by Gareth) will hopefully be welcomed by performers looking to include new material in recital programmes.

Review in Pan - The Flute Magazine - Dec 2008

Sounds of Home - Gareth McLearnon

Gareth McLearnon has produced a delicious collection of (mostly) traditional Irish music, played with great style, verve and virtuosity. His contemporary arrangements are quite brilliant, and he clearly loves the music of his homeland. (the sheet music for many of the works on his CD is available as "Round Ireland with a Flute" published by Theodore Presser) The CD includes Philippe Barnes's "The All Knowing Salmon" and a performance of Hamilton Harty's In Ireland, played at a breathtaking speed. Highly recommended.

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