Craobh Rua

Michael Cassidy : Fiddle
Brian Connolly : Banjo & Mandolin
Patrick Davey : Uilleann Pipes, Flutes & Whistles
Aaron Jones : Cittern, Guitar & Vocals
Guest Musician : Ray Gallen : Bodhran on If Ida Been Here, Ida Been There

"The Mighty Northern style of Irish Traditional Music cruises through their veins" FolkRoots.

Craobh Rua, the Belfast based traditional Irish Band, have released their latest and long awaited recording entitled If Ida Been Here, Ida Been There. Showcasing material gathered and finely-honed over a hectic two year touring schedule, If Ida Been Here, Ida Been There is an exciting mix of nine traditional and original tune-sets comprising of reels, jigs and hornpipes, along with two songs from Ireland and two from Scotland. The album kicks of with the fiery Skip Jig Set and later highlights include a haunting and sensitive version of the Gaelic song Cul Tiubh na bPearlai and an excellent arrangement of The Belfast Mountains, a lively song from the band's home town. Never afraid to flip the coin - on the original side - there's some stirring foot-on-the pedal stuff on The Motorbike Set, whilst Hornby-holics and trainspotters will get steamed up by the expressive Narrow Gauge Set. These contrast perfectly with the band's delicate working of the legendary Turlough O'Carolan's Turlough og McDonough.

Underlining their reputation as one of the premier Celtic bands around, Craobh Rua continue to expand their repertoire with the inclusion of two traditional Scottish songs A Man's a Man, written by Robert Burns and the beautiful Loch Tay Boat Song. Above all, there's a wonderfully fresh and different feel here from previous releases by the band. Recorded in Colum Sands studio in Rostrevor, County Down. If Ida Been, Here Ida Been There will appeal to all lovers of Celtic music. On this release Craobh Rua continue to do what they do and do it well. Fine musicians, one and all.