T WITH THE MAGGIES is a collaboration between four of the most important female voices in Irish music: Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill, Clannad’s Moya Brennan, Altan’s Mairead Ni Mhaoinaigh and The Bothy Band’s Triona Ni Dhomhnaill. This lively set of songs is their first recorded collaboration and it is a testimony to the collective 40 years of experience which they bring to bear. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the project is the way in which these three divas have blended their unique voices to create a group sound. Augmented by Triona’s keyboards, Moya’s harp, and Mairead’s fiddle, the performances are brilliantly executed reflecting the ease and professionalism that each woman brings to the project. The album’s 11 tracks include both traditional and contemporary songs with eight sung in Gaelic and three in English. Standout tracks include “Domhnach na Fola” penned as a response to the recent Bloody Sunday enquiries, and “Mothers Song” highlighting mothers’ feelings of loss as Ireland’s youth are leaving their homeland to find better prospects elsewhere.

1. Wedding Dress
2. Domhnach na Fola
3. Thugamar Fhéin an Samhradh Linn
4. Bíodh Orm Anocht
5. Mother Song
6. Ógánaigh Uasail
7. Cuach mo Londubh Buí
8. Ceol an Phíobaire
9. A Stór A Stór A Ghrá
10. Farewell Farewell
11. An Mhaighdean Mhara