Although Tobermore, founded in 2014, is a new branch of the folk branch, the musicians bring a lot of experience with them. Herco Schuchard (flutes, vocals) already played trumpet as a child in the Dixieland band of his father, Vincent Pompe van Meerdervoort (diatonic accordion, bodhrán, vocals) left Harmony Glen last year to focus all his attention on this project, Rolf Groeneveld (violin, vocals) we know in particular from Madlot and Gerard Braun (guitar, vocals) did the Brabant Conservatory on classical guitar , roamed around in jazz and fusion, but he feels equally at home in folk music, he played with Gerard van Maasakkers, Tjane and Privet and is now also known as an organizer of both Irish sessions and concerts. Only Angus McGalligan (half Irish, half Belgian, uillean pipes, whistles, bodhrán, vocals) only started playing the uillean pipes five years ago. On their debut album Kisses, these men put their heart and soul into traditional Irish tunes with a touch of American folk here and there.

If you think you’ve just ended up in a cozy Irish session, Tobermore will serve you a cover by bluegrass master Tim O’Brien (On The Outside Looking In). The flute does provide a Celtic feeling here, but the tone for the album Kisses is set, the largely Irish repertoire is interspersed with American influences. Another cover, the quietly melancholy Home Sweet Home in which guitar and accordion play the leading role, is by Matt Andersen, a strong Canadian singer-songwriter who will ring a bell with Americana fans in particular. On both pieces, Herco Schuchard takes care of the lead vocals, with a pleasant voice that is easy to hear. A bit rawer are the vocals of Angus McGalligan on the traditionals Tippin’ It Up to Nancy and the largely a cappella sung closer Oró Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile, with only a bodhrán at the end. Between the traditionals and covers we find a self-penned piece, O’Carolan’s Nightmare (Pompe van Meerdervoort), which sounds like a variation on a tune by Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738), who wrote mainly for harp, although it fits arrangement with guitar and drawstring bag fine overall.

While listening to Kisses, I imagine a regular table in a bar, surrounded by Tobermore musicians who share a common passion for Irish music, but also like to take a trip to American folk. The atmosphere is casual, if you play an instrument yourself, feel free to join us, but of course you can also just keep listening.

Mirjam Adrian

Founded in 2014 and now the debut CD with traditional Irish folk of this Dutch group. It consists of Gerard Braun (guitar, vocals), Rolf Groeneveld (violin, vocals), Herco Schuchard (flute, vocals), the Irish Belgian Angus McGalligan (uilleann pipes, flute, bodhran, vocals) and Vincent Pompe van Meerdervoort (accordion, bodhran, song). An optimal line-up, it seems, to play Irish folk. Especially if you also have the luxury of uilleann pipes in your instruments, in the hands of someone who can also show the original language and accent. Traditional music in other words, with traditional instruments and also a traditional structure of the album. The well-known mix of tune sets and songs. Neatly arranged by the gentlemen and performed in a conventional, but certainly convincing way. Two songs are (a little) outside that Irish repertoire. Home sweet home of the Canadian folk/blues singer/guitarist Matt Anderson and On the outside looking in of the well-known American with Irish roots Tim O’Brien. Excellent solo vocals, solid and tight interplay, sufficient variety. In other words, nothing innovative or innovative, but certainly an album worth listening to.