Following a hiatus for a number of years, the trio of Aidan O’Donnell, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, and Damien McGeehan have reunited to produce an album that showcases Fidil’s enduring and dynamic artistic curiosity, personality, and individuality. Once again drawing on the rich Donegal fiddle tradition as a springboard for exploring new pathways for ensemble fiddle performance, Decade, signals an exciting creative development for the trio that combines original composition and less familiar Donegal repertoire with the inimitable Fidil sound. Using a range of fiddles exclusively, Decade showcases a myriad of creative possibilities that emerge when masters of tradition merge personal artistic curiosity with a deep-rooted and immersive appreciation of the musicality and musicians that have shaped the music of their region.
"Nothing short of breathtaking...remarkable ensemble playing from this exceptional trio of fiddlers"
★★★★★ Siobhán Long, The Irish Times
"There’s variety, invention and a daring in their approach that celebrates their shared Donegal heritage in the most interesting of ways. For folks who enjoy top-tier traditional music that embraces innovation, “Decade” is an album not to be missed"
Daniel Neely, The Irish Echo
"Once again the three Donegal gentlemen of Fidil have gathered a bewitching collection of tunes and delivered them with wit, warmth and a profound understanding of the music of their homeplace. The arrangements are thoughtful and compelling, and balance the stillness of the slow airs with an impish and energetic canter through the dance tunes. As always, a total delight to listen to anything this trio comes up with"
Ellen Cranitch, RTÉ Lyric FM
"The inventiveness of these fiddle virtuosos never fails throughout this album, which is full of reels, slip jigs, highlands, waltzes and mazurkas in a beautiful musical whirlwind....A beautiful album where brilliance and originality are the most appropriate words"
Philippe Cousin, 5 Planetes
The ensemble playing is instinctive and spellbinding, and even well-known tunes and airs are delivered with a new and refreshing perspective. . . An album full of gems, highly recommended"
Mark Lysaght, Irish Music Magazine
"This recording highlights the strength of Fidil’s arrangements. Each player breathes new life into the tunes, creating something uniquely ‘Donegal’, a drive which captured my attention from the first track. Fidil possess all the characteristics to be considered representatives and guardians of the Donegal style, but they also create a setting that enhances the traditional tunes, bringing them into an evolving wider music scene"
The Journal of Music
"This new effort from the Irish string trio sees them return with an impressive display of fiddle music based around the Donegal tradition...Highlights are plentiful, but James Byrne’s air, ‘When the Ship Leaves the Harbour’, is heartbreaking and beautifully played"
Glen Kimpton, Songlines
"Fidil's Decade is a welcome return from the Donegal fiddle trio and an exceptional album stacked high with spellbinding playing. It represents another artistic triumph for the honourable Raelach Records imprint"
David Kidman, Folk Radio UK
"What a remarkable piece of work it is. There is
maturity without complacency, expertise without flashiness, and above all, an instinctive feeling
for the music"
John Waltham, The Living Tradition