Planxty Live 2004 – DVD By Alice Farrell in New York

When I first heard earlier this year that Planxty were reforming and doing a stretch of shows in Ireland, I wanted to stop everything and rush over there to get a chance to see this momentous reunion in person, alas that wasn't in the cards for me. So, much was my joy when just a few weeks ago I discovered that a DVD and companion CD of the concerts was now available for sale. As quickly as I could get my hands on a copy, I did, and I've just spent an evening basking in the brilliance of these great performers all together again.

At the time when the trad supergroup Planxty was first on the scene, I was listening to the likes of The Steve Miller Band, New Riders of the Purple Sage and the Allman Brothers, but had I been exposed to the likes of these gentlemen during that time, I'm sure I would be as impressed and enthralled as I am now. I've seen them all separately over the years, even crediting the amazing music of Liam O'Flynn with having played a part in my daughter's conception, so it is wonderful to see them all bringing their talents together in a trad symphony as it were.

The DVD is shot live at one of the gigs that they did in Vicar Street in Dublin , and Christy credits Leagues O'Toole (O'Tuathail) who produced the great documentary about the band which is also included on the DVD, for having kicked them into gear on performing together again. As Christy put it, it was a chance for a whole new generation, including some of their own families, to hear the music, and a formal continuation of the bi-yearly jams that they've continued to have over the years.

The show is peppered with a great selection of the songs which they have become synonymous with, including the classic Cliffs of Dooneen , and The Raggle Taggle Gypsy complete which sums up the uniqueness of their style.

A lively waltz on the pipes by Liam Si Bheag, Si Mhor shows the bonds between the players beautifully as he is backed incredibly with intertwined harmonies on 3 guitars by Andy, Christy and Donal. To hear this selection one would think they've continued to play together for years, and in many ways they have, as all of their solo careers have been rich with the legacy of the music that they grew into playing together.

There's a wonderful song of forbidden love Little Musgrave for which I would like to thank Christy for rescuing the lyrics of the floor of an auction house. It gives a whole new twist to the happily ever after songs, with both lovers being united only in death. And so many songs which bring me back to the amazing vistas and music of West Clare such as My Heart is Tonight in Ireland and The West Coast of Clare both of which bring my right back to the enveloping beauty of the music and the landscape that I can't wait to get back to this August.

The extra features of the DVD include the documentary about the band as well as extended interviews with each of the artists and 3 bonus tracks. True fun, seeing how all four of these amazing musicians came together and how they look on the experience influencing their lives, music and their audience.

Overall this DVD serves as a great appetizer to make me wish that they will bring on the main course on these shores soon, and until then, this will have to satisfy my appetite for great tunes and songs done in the best of style. For those in America a NTSC video or DVD copy can be obtained by www.irishmusicmail.com which delivered mine within a week of ordering.