David Munnelly - By Heck

David Munnelly is an acclaimed accordion player, affectionately known as the new Bullet from Belmullet. Since the release of his first album in 2001 he has toured extensively throughout Ireland, the UK and continental Europe to as far afield as Japan with such artists as The Chieftains, Niamh Parsons, Sharon Shannon, Matt Molloy, Arty McGlynn and more, and as a member of De Danann. On BY HECK, recorded autumn 2003, he is joined by his brother Kieran Munnelly (flute, bodhran), Daire Bracken (fiddle) and Gavin Ralston (guitar). It is an energetic album, remembering the heydays of the 1920s Irish music scene, combining the swing of the twenties with such influences as gypsy jazz and klezmer. But there is also room for contemplation, especially in the songs which are sung by Helen Flaherty (a member of Shantalla) and Andrew Murray.