Tom Harrison (alt); Michael Buckley (sop/ten); Billy Adamson (gtr); Tom West (bs); Mike Clowes (dms).
Dagda is the leader of the Tuatha-De-Danann. He is the god of life, death, war, banquets, and magic. He carries a club so big it has to be carried on a cart.
This was what I discovered when I Googled the band name - and there was me thinking it was some form of contemporary five string banjo tuning!
Not that there were any banjos on this gig! Having heard the band live only a couple of days ago and been suitably impressed I looked forward to hearing the CD and I wasn't disappointed.
Although Tenor Titan Toussaint is replaced by the Dynamic Dublin Doubler Buckley the quality level is undiminished. Not only did the Irishman blow powerful solos on soprano and tenor he also mixed, mastered and produced the whole shebang!
However, this is primarily Harrison's baby. Tom composed the Suite For RLH which was dedicated to his grandfather who may or may not have been the leader of the Tuatha-De-Danann - if he wasn't he should have been. Anyone who can inspire such an impressive work as this must have been quite a guy!
As it was at Sunday's concert, Harrison's alto playing is superb, at times lyrical and melodic, other times forceful and aggressive. Currently in his final year at Trinity he is a musical sandwich board for that seat of learning!
Guitarist Adamson composed and was featured on Song in C - a delicate probing piece with a slightly folky feel to it that built to a logical climax - Mike Clowes drums helping to increase the tension before the horns brought it gently back down.
NLTD showcased Buckley who, driven along by Clowes and West, impressed.
The only non original - Strayhorn's A Flower is a Lovesome Thing - featured Tom West on double bass and Harrison, at his most lyrical - I look forward to hearing much more of him and of Dagda!.
Dagda Quartet, 'Dagda' (LR009) - further details..
Lance.
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