Anyone looking for a cut-price, top-quality introduction to Irish music would do far better to buy this than one of those 'Rough Guide' type compilations. Unlike them, it has the sense of spontaneity, sociability and polished amateurism characteristic of the music at its best. Some of the contributors are well-known recording artists, others are not, but for all the key tenet is observed: no-one is bigger than the music.
It seems those involved went to great lengths to capture that 'session' feel, and they've succeeded as far as anyone is ever likely to succeed - not the wild intensity of the 'after dark' session, but the mellow joy of a few afternoon tunes over a pint of porter. Top notch.