The Chieftains--Live Over Ireland: Water From the Well

Behind the driving force of leader Paddy Maloney, the Irish sextet The Chieftains--world famous ambassadors of Celtic music--have collaborated with everyone from Sinead O'Connor to Tom Jones over the past forty-plus years. In this documentary built around last year's release of their CD Water From the Well, the upper middle-aged lads return to their roots, roaming the sylvan countryside and stopping in at churches, pubs and music schools to share violins, bagpipes, tin whistles, harps, and bodhrán with the locals. Special guests include Altan, Van Morrison, Los Lobos and Ashley Mac Isaac on the 13 song set, which features "The May Morning Dew," "Dusty Miller" and "The Star of the County Down." While the interview clips, led by Maloney, tend to get both a little repetitive and somewhat self-serving as time goes on, the joie de vivre during the sets is palpable (and your foot will be tappin') and the Irish landscape is lovely, indeed. Recommended, overall. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)