'It was just lovely to have the flute in our music again.' - Mairead on Harry Bradley featuring on Altan's new album
BY SEÁN P. FEENY
Following the success of their album 25th Anniversary Celebration with the RTÉ Symphony Orchestra Altan are back with a brand new release.
Gleann Nimhe (The Poison Glen) was recorded right here in Donegal at The Steeples Studios in Ramelton by renowned musician and producer Billy Robinson and additional recordings by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh’s long time collaborator, Manus Lunny at Stúideo na Mara, An Bhráid.
The new album features a collection a brand new slip jigs, reels, both newly arranged and originals, and plenty of brand new songs from the Irish trad supergroup.
“We started pre-production in January 2011, but it took us a while to get everyone together at the same time to record the whole album.
“I recorded some of the songs with Manus in May and then we completed all of the recording in Billy’s studio in Ramelton and some tracks in Dublin,” said Mairéad.
The new album sees Altan going for a more pure and raw sound for their music, Mairéad said: “Billy doesn’t like messing around too much with the sound of your voice or the instruments and that’s exactly what we wanted for this new album.
“The production is a bit rawer and the voice is more upfront with less echo or reverb and I think it gives the whole album a more honest sound,” she said.
This ‘new’ sound has been very well received within the media Stateside as the band prepares to go on US tour next month taking in seven states in eight days.
Altan's new album Gleann Nimhe (The Poison Glen) will be available in Ireland on March 9.