Altan

Altan formed in 1987, started by brothers Ciarán and Frankie McLaughlin from County Donegal. They took their name from the Irish word for 'little fire,' which fits the warmth in their playing. The group includes Ciarán on fiddle and lead vocals, Frankie on bouzouki and guitar, Dermot Byrne on accordion, Paul O'Driscoll on whistle and flute, Mark Kelly on bodhrán, and Dáithí Sproule on piano. Their sound stays close to traditional Irish folk, with arrangements that feel lived-in rather than overly polished.

Their early albums like 'Horse with a Heart' from 1989 and 'The Red Crow' in 1991 set a tone of straightforward, melodic folk. 'The Wind and Rain' came out in 1993, and its title track became a staple for fans. Songs like 'A Stor A Stor A Ghra' and 'I Wish My Love Was A Red Red Rose' show their knack for turning old tunes into something immediate and unadorned.

Altan's music doesn't chase trends or big statements. It's more about the interplay between fiddle, accordion, and bouzouki, keeping the focus on melody and rhythm. They've kept at it without much fuss, letting the songs speak for themselves.