Iontach - Half Gate [CD]

'Iontach' - if you consult an Irish dictionary - can mean 'mighty, wonderful', words that could be used to describe the line up of this trio: Siobhán Kennedy, Angelika Berns and Jens Kommnick. They are all well known in the Irish Traditional Music scene and have formed this small, but fine band, playing a wide mixture of instrumental and vocal arrangements. Ranging from merry to melancholic, to spirited, often traditional, sometimes contemporary and others almost classical, providing the listener with Irish Music that has no boundaries - in other words 'Irish Music Unlimited'! IONTACH's CD 'The Half Gate' was nominated as the 'CD of the year' by German's biggest Folk Magazine 'Folker'. Siobhán Kennedy's playing on flute, whistle or fiddle invites people to dance or 'finger tap' (which is no surprise as she grew up in a musical family and has played music for so long that she doesn't even remember learning!). Traditional and contemporary love songs and ballads come to new life through Angelika Berns' voice, clear and full of nuances. Jens Kommnick feels comfortable on many instruments, but his sensitive and powerful guitar playing is outstanding when it comes to accompany a sweet ballad or to back a lively tune. These three musicians complement each other in their skills and their fun and love for the music. They're just mighty - or in Irish words - go h-iontach! REVIEWS "...a very special album..., well worth checking out...you will be impressed" (Irish Music Magazine, IRELAND) "Review German-Irish trio, Iontach have gathered an embarrassment of riches onto their debut. There are no half measures on The Half Gate, laden as it is with Shakespearean preludes, working class heroes and eclectic tune pairings, rounded off by a beautifully layered interpretation of the medieval Latin/Irish hymn, 'Senex Puer'... a considered and accomplished collection." (Irish Times, IRELAND) "Iontach is a trio based in Germany featuring three wonderfully talented singers and musicians...With a diverse trove of instruments at their disposal, the arrangements are as varied as you'd expect, and they're also adept at putting together unusual combinations of tunes and songs...Also particularly nice are their rich harmonies on acappella numbers." (Hot Press, IRELAND) '...there are some marvelous harmonies..There's plenty of variety in the sound of the tune sets here...What really caught my attention were the songs...' (Dirty Linen, USA) '... a work of discreet observation that makes it's moves with a quiet and authoritative subtlety.' (fRoots, ENGLAND)