Review of "Close To Home"
By :: Publication :: Rhythms Magazine

The album showcases the superb solo guitar playing of Donal Clancy, with the artist backing himself on bouzouki and bodhran (the one-sided Irish drum) on a dozen traditional pieces of varying vintage. The guitarist also assumed production duties.

Son of the legendary Liam of Clancy Brothers fame, Donal Clancy first came into prominence as founding member of the Irish supergroup Danú. He cemented his reputation as one of the genre’s leading guitar guns as a member of Solas and the Eileen Ivers Band, and through studio and touring work with the likes of The Chieftains and Cherish The Ladies.

Close to Home is his first solo album and one the New York-based Irishman was destined to make. Clancy’s mellow Martin is showcased on a collection of traditional jigs, airs, and reels, re-worked for acoustic guitar. It’s good to hear the harp standard ‘Lord Inchiquin’ and tunes more commonly associated with fiddle, pipes and concertina, played on guitar. The influence of non-Celtic players such as John Renbourn, Stefan Grossman, Duck Baker and Nic Jones is deftly integrated in Clancy’s playing.

Donal Clancy deserves a place in the pantheon of Irish guitarists who play in the Celtic tradition, alongside Arty McGlynn, Chris Newman, Paul Brady and Jim Murray.