Absolutely Irish

Filmed at the Irish Arts Center in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, this public-television-aired concert film features a handful of performers—most of Irish descent and many from the old country itself—who gather to play traditional Celtic music. As New York University musicologist Mick Moloney puts it, “[They're] an all-star cast of people who've really played this music all their lives because they love it.” Moloney, who arranged the show, doubles on banjo and vocals in this high-spirited program that incorporates jigs, reels, and airs, along with rehearsal footage and brief interviews. Players hail from groups like Immigrant Soul (fiddler player Eileen Ivers), Riverdance (fiddle player Athena Tergis), and Solas (flute and banjo player Seamus Egan), while their repertoire includes “King's Shilling” (sung by Karan Casey), “Fair London Town” (Susan McKeown), “The Flower of Kilkenny” (Robbie O'Connell), and “The Leaving of Liverpool” (featuring the entire ensemble). Dancers, such as Niall O'Leary, occasionally add their talents to the mix, most notably during a sand dance that provides a subtle percussive element. The performers span generations, and 80-year-old flute player Mike “The Mighty Raff” Rafferty and 85-year-old dancer Jo McNamara have no trouble keeping up with the younger participants. Filmed by JoJo Pennebaker and Nick Doob (of Down from the Mountain fame), Absolutely Irish bows on DVD with extras including eight bonus performances. Recommended. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)