Waiting for an Echo

Despite being recorded at studios all over the world, lauded contemporary Celtic collective Solas' seventh album is one of the more cohesive releases of their nearly 15-year career. Unlike 2003's more song-oriented Another Day, Waiting for an Echo focuses on the group's impressive instrumental prowess, deftly navigating traditional minefields like "Tom Sullivan's/Mick's Polka/The Newmarket Polka" and the lilting, self-penned "The Ballerina Jig," as well as atmospheric ballads like the magical "Doireann's Waltz." That's not to say that Solas have cashed in their pipes, as Mick McAuley takes a vocal turn on the lovely "Erin," while lead vocalist Deirdre Scanlan croons beautiful renditions of both "Silver Dagger" -- a traditional piece the group picked up from none other than Dolly Parton -- and Richard Shindell's "On a Sea of Fleur de Lis." Other highlights include "The Coconut Dog Morning Dew," featuring Spanish bagpiper Carlos Nunez, and a rousing -- if slightly tropical -- version of the traditional staple "The Ploughman." Waiting for an Echo is another outstanding collection from one of the genre's most enduring -- and adventurous -- acts.