Ceoltoiri Laighean - Cnuas

'Cnuas' is a new double CD release of recordings by �amon de Buitl�ar�s group Ceolt�ir� Laighean. Originally released as two LPs in the 1970s, the recordings feature a host of quality musicians. The sean n�s singing of Diarmuid � S�illeabh�in and Se�n � Liath�in of C�il Aodha is a particular feature.The first CD (The Crooked Road) is a live recording of a 1973 concert held in UCD to support Scoil Dh�n Chaoin, the Gaeltacht school then threatened with closure. In that year also, Paddy Glackin became All-Ireland fiddle champion at the Fleadh Cheoil.The second CD (Star of Munster) was recorded two years later and shows the develop-ment of the group�s ensemble-playing. The famous Munster and Jacobite anthem �Mo Ghile Mear� is sung here by Diarmuid � S�illeabh�in.Two of the players, �amon de Buitl�ar and John Kelly, had been in Se�n � Riada�s Ceolt�ir� Chualann and de Buitl�ar�s group had a similar style of instrumentation and also used lead singers. The full line-up was as follows: �amon de Buitl�ar John Kelly, James Kelly, Mary Bergin, Paddy Glackin, Paddy O�Brien, Michael Crehan, Michael Gavin, Miche�l � hAlmhain, Peter Phelan, and Aibhl�n McCrann. Diarmuid � S�illeabh�in and Se�n � Liath�in were the singers.Members of Ceolt�ir� Laighean went on to have solo careers and to play with other groups. Ceolt�ir� Laighean was itself an important part in the evolution of Irish traditional playing which spanned Ceolt�ir� Chualann, The Chieftains, Na Fil�, Bothy Band and other groups. �amon de Buitl�ar is famous as an Irish writer and film-maker.Digitally remastered, the recordings are newly released in CD format. The double CD has extensive liner notes