Welcome Here Again
Artist: Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill 
Label: Compass Records 
Length: 18 tracks / 52:59 min 

Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill built their reputation with live sets that blended songs together without a break and expanded upon Irish music through the rock fusion of their old band Midnight Court.

“Welcome Here Again” seems to be their way of welcoming us back in a new way by stripping away all of the dressing and laying out the bare essence of Irish music.  They are now saying with one note what it used to take them five or ten notes to say.

This is an album to be listened to with purpose, because whether it be a jig, reel, or slow air, Hayes’ fiddles and Cahill’s guitars need very little to create the intended emotional response.  All the listener must do is pay attention.  This might not be one of the most enjoyable Irish albums out there, but it is one of the more rewarding.

Dan Singleton 
February 12, 2008