Mozaik "Changing Trains" (domestic / US import / UK import) The official site Mozaik http://www.mozaik.ie/ previous works  "Live from the Powerhouse" (US Import / UK Import / domestic) check the albums?  mag files : Mozaik CD review : Changing Trains : (08/04/02) : review by seanphoto report : (05/04/09 @ Kichijoji Star Pine's Cafe) : photos by hanasanphoto report : (05/04/08 @ Shibuya Duo Music Exchange) : photos by hanasanこの美しさは… : (05/04/05 @ Shinsaibashi Club Quattro) : review and photos by kenphoto report : (05/04/03 @ Kyoto Takutaku) : photos by hanasan |
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This second album from Mozaik has a very distinct Planxty tone to it at times, although this is perhaps the inevitable outcome when three Planxty members Andy Irving, Donal Lunny, and piper Liam O'Flynn get together. Recreating the sounds of that traditional Irish power house is no bad thing of course, but there is much more to "Changing Trains" than that, and this time round Irvine has made ample use of the European and Balkan rhythms he first picked up during his busking years in the late ‘60s. There are also liberal sprinklings of old time Guthryesque American tunes, so all in all this is pretty much the eclectic mix you'd expect from a massively talented multinational outfit such as Mozaik. A couple of the more Irish tunes seem to find Andy Irvine in happy reminiscent mood, with the epic "O'Donoghues" in particular containing references to probably every musician who ever passed through the doors of that veritable Mecca of the Irish traditional music scene in Dublin. It's a fun song, and I imagine all mentioned in it will feel honoured. Having made the obvious Planxty connection, it has to be said that at other times there is a very strong European flavour, and again, about what you'd expect given the impressive array of traditional instruments wielded, many of which (kaval, gaida, gadulka, nickelharpa) I've never heard of, with Bruce Molsky's distinctive fiddle playing and singing being used to great effect on tunes such as "Sail Away Ladies", "Reuben's Transatlantic Express" and "Train on the Island". Musically there's a lot going on in this album, but it's held together by the excellent musicianship of the entire band, and if you like your trad. music with a bit of a twist, this is highly recommended. I hope to be catching them live in Tokyo in a few days, and on the basis of this I'm in for a pretty special evening. Mozaik Tour Japan 08 4th Apr. (Fri) Kyoto TakuTaku 6th Apr. (Sun) Nagoya Tokuzo 7th Apr. (Mon) Yokohama Thumbs Up 8th Apr. (Tue) Shibuya duo Music Exchange 9th Apr. (Wed) Kichijoji Star Pine's Cafe The details of the tour can be checked here. reviewed by sean
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