Matt Molloy: Shadows on Stone (Caroline)
Followers of the Chieftains who feel that too much time has elapsed between the group’s albums, or that the lads may have strayed too far afield lately will want to find this beautiful collection of flute music by Matt Molloy. Although other instruments are heard throughout Molloy’s fourth solo album–his first in eight years–it is the flute that dominates the proceedings, reminding us of what a rare pleasure this ancient instrument can provide. The artist admits to being inspired here by the writings of Robert Gibbings, David Thomson and Rowena Farre, and their descriptions of nature inform such songs as “The Babbling Brook,” “The Morning Thrush” and the centerpiece “Music of the Seals.” Simple, direct and lovely.