The Chieftains 1

For decades, the Chieftains have been Ireland’s most prodigious and effective musical ambassadors, producing both a long string of very traditional recordings and an equally impressive discography of collaborations with artists both closely connected to Ireland (Van Morrison, The Dubliners, Natalie McMaster, etc.) and, shall we say, less so (The Decemberists, Mike Oldfield, Pink Martini). The best introduction to their work is still their first album, a very straight-ahead collection of jigs, reels, hornpipes and airs that beautifully showcases not only the artistry of the group’s individual members but also their remarkable ensemble sound.