Promo

The following is a collection of reviews concerning Martins debut album with Luke Ward entitled, Clan Ranald.

Geoff Wallis – Songlines Magazine, and irishmusicreview.com

“If one of the names seems familiar to followers of Irish music, indeed accordionist Martín Tourish is related to Altan’s Ciarán of that ilk and, like his better known uncle, also hails from Donegal, though in this case it’s the town of Ballybofey. Though himself born in Cavan, bouzouki player Luke Ward’s father also came from Ballybofey, and unsurprisingly this sparkling debut album draws many of its influences from the northwest of Ireland, not least in the shape of the Donegal fiddle tradition.

Effervescent and musically adroit musicianship thoroughly characterizes Clan Ranald and Martín’s playing of the piano accordion, as opposed to the more commonly occurring button variety, will provide one in the eye for those who feel the instrument is unsuited to traditional music. Luke too offers a distinctive subtlety in his accompaniment, while the judicious employment of Stiofán Ó Brion’s bodhrán and Terry McGinty’s bass on selected tracks adds further depth.

Then there’s uncle Ciarán himself who appears for an inspiring set of tunes aptly entitled The Tourish Se’, particularly as one of the melodies derives from another family member, Francie, and the others derive from the pens of Ciarán and Martín. Guitarist Steve Cooney also pops up for the breezy Ardara Sessions, while Martín’s compositional skills are further to the fore on the delightful ‘The Fortune Teller’ and there’s even time for a couple of step dancers to strut their stuff on Skitatoes.

All told, Clan Ranald is enjoyment personified and marks Messrs. Tourish and Ward as two of Ireland’s brightest musical talents.”
 

Noel Slevin, Your Local Sunday, 23rd Oct 2005.

“There are thirteen tracks on this C.D and it is a ‘must’ for anyone who likes to hear Irish traditional music.”

Siobhan Long, The Irish Times, 16th Dec 2005.

 “ Bouzouki and accordion are the chosen instruments, and it’s a pairing that works well.”

Earle Hitchner, The Irish Echo.
"What a pleasant surprise this CD was when it arrived unannounced. Tourish on accordion and Ward on bouzouki bring youthful vigor, joyful virtuosity, and bracing boldness to the musical tradition in and around Ardara, Donegal. The influence of Buncrana-born Dermot Byrne, Clare's Sharon Shannon, and Boston native Joe Derrane can be detected in the box playing of Tourish, a relative of Altan fiddler Ciaran Tourish, who guests on the rousing, aptly named "Tourish Set. If you're wondering what to stuff into those Christmas stockings hung by the chimney with care, consider this new album from Ireland. Recorded in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, "Clan Ranald" is a new album from button accordionist Mairtin Tourish and bouzouki player Luke Ward. Mairtin is related to Altan fiddler Ciaran Tourish, who guests on one track, and has clearly been influenced in style by Altan box player Dermot Byrne.”

John Lee, Agri News, Autumn 2005.

“Martin who is just out of his teens is a gifted and stylish player and his music and exuberance is totally encompassed in this C.D. His wizardry finger work is breath taking”“…wonderful bouzouki playing by Luke Ward…A fantastic album.”

The Anglo Celt, 6th Oct 2005
“Luke’s bouzouki playing is inspirational…a unique  balance between bouzouki and accordion. These two instruments seem to compliment each other to the highest level.”

Colm O Hara – Irish Music Magazine, March 2006.

“Through their music and personalities the members leave one with the impression that they have a strong sense of place and a pride in their musical heritage… a genuine pleasure to listen to, and an excellent debut album from this instrumental group. The playing is confident and fluid, even playful at times.”

Alex Monaghan, Irish Music Magazine, April 2005 Edition.

“You may as well take your socks off before you listen to this, 'cause they ain't gonna be on by the time it's over. Mine were blown off by Trippin', a pair of splendid reels taken to the cleaners by Martin's piano box and Luke's bouzouki. These boys step smartly from the Ulster sound of The GreenFields of Antrim and Dinny McLoughlin's Fairies of Ballymagan to a set of jigs with an Asturian feel, to slow airs, and back again. The Fortune Teller is a powerful set, a pair of Highlands from Martin's Pen. Bushfire Dreaming is more delicate, a lovely Highland learnt from box-player Martin Wilson, followed by three intricate wee reels. The slow air Caonadh ár Cultúir is a tour de force, a lament by Martin to mark the clamp down on underage musicians in pubs, obviously a terrible loss, Evocative and chilling on full-power accordion. Piper in the Cave and Cavan Cowboys are equally accomplished, tasty tunes and a steady beat for the step-dancers who add 

Dave Walmsley, Fair Oaks Entertainment Online
“Full of boundless energy and youthful enthusiasm, this collection of tunes performed by Martin & Luke fair takes your breath away. Both lads are masters of their chosen instruments and with the addition of various equally gifted guest musicians, this album adds up to a real treat for all fans of Irish traditional music. I think I’m correct in assuming this is Martin & Luke’s recording debut ~ if so, goodness knows what they’ll produce a few years and a couple of albums down the line. After all, they can only improve as both musicians and as a duo ~ what a frightening thought! Martin’s compositional abilities are well honed, as is his accordion playing which is highly inventive. Luke too is no slouch on the bouzouki as tracks like “Leanbh mo Chroi” with out a doubt prove. What impresses me most is the control that both musicians exert over their playing abilities. It would be so easy to just play faster and endlessly improvise for the shear hell of it ~ a path that would’ve led the duo to fall headlong into self-indulgence. Thankfully, this approach is avoided, the result is an album of quality that all fans of melodic Irish music can enjoy.”  Star Ratings: ****