IN DUBLIN [AKA: LIVE IN DUBLIN]

I didn't know that Alan Stivell was on PA as I always thought he was just Folk, not properly prog. However this album has some prog moments, in particular "Delivrance" that's my favourite track here.

It's has been my first Stivell's vinyl and it's still the one that I prefer. I was lucky in chosing this one because my second (and last) purchase was Tremain In'Is that's only harp and voice. Too much also for me.

"Spered Hollvedel" is an impressive slow instrumental based on organ and a sort of trumpet. Electric guitar follows. Very folky but progressive enough. It fades into the mentioned "Delivrance" on which Alan speaks "Et sons venue les temps de delivrance" (The time of freedom is come). A song about wars and people's freedom with a reference to Palestine.

"Ha Konpren't Vin Erfin" may be kobaian. I think it's Breton and I have no idea of what he says. A song with no drums and bass. Just keyboards, harp and voice. It's possible that what I perceive as keyboard is some traditional instrument.

It's followed by another Breton song but with a country-blues rhythm played on acoustic guitar: "Tenwal Eo'r Bed". After some, it's joined by a wooden flute on unison with Alan's voice.

"Digor Eo An Hent " starts with harp and voice, even if harp sounds very similar to an acoustic guitar. the only accompainment is provided by keyboards (this time they are keyboards for sure). A slow, maybe romantic, song.

I have to say that I really like Alan's voice that fits perfectly in this kind of music.

Now it's time for a celtic traditional (I think it is) initially lead by violin first then by flute and harp alternatively. Welcome to the 13th century. I don't know what proggers may think but I like this genre.

"Pachpi Kozh Pachpi New" Is another celtic instrumental. Traditional? I don't think but I'm not sure. It sounds traditional but some passages make me think to something modern.

"Laridenn" is a surprise. It's a fusion between celtic and funky. The band sings in choir and reminds in some way to the Renaissance's debut. Celtic melody and funky rhythm. I also have the impression that the only word that they say is "Funky", but it could mean everything in Breton, who knows? After two minutes there's a violin solo and the rest of the song is pure celtic. Unusual.

Harp is back as leading instrument on "Ton-Bale Pourled" until Drums, keyboard and guitar turn it into rock. Half rock song, then celtic again.

"Bal Ha Dans Plinn" is progressive. Long notes of electric guitar, odd tempo sudden changes in rhythm and melody, drum interludes, this is an instgrumental that proggers can love and also the longest track. (5 minutes...).

This live is closed by "An Droiou". A medieval-like instrumental. The rhythm is given by people's claps which support a dou of wind instruments. Good to close a live. Unfortunately the production decided to fade it out privating us of the possibility to enjoy the final. I hate tracks fading out, and this is unacceptable on a live.

I don't know if this is the best album of Alan Stivell as I have only two. It's a good album for lovers of the genre, so it fits into 3 stars.