The first time I played through all the tracks in "Earl's Chair," I was brought back to a trip I took the West of Irelanda number of years ago: in my mind, I stepped through the doors of a pub in Doolin, where everyone sat together, pints in hand, playing or listening to the traditions of their  beautiful homeland.  Though I was certainly a foreigner, in the time that I was there, I was given a home in that lovely pub, with their bright, energetic music.  Michael Albert and Henry Lebedinsky gave me this same feeling of coming home, of thriving in their energy, the joy this music creates.  Clearly Albert and Lebedinsky have played together for a long time: their energy and ability match beautifully: they play off each other with such ease -- their sounds coming together and moving apart with the same kind of dance this music was meant to accompany.  I am grateful for these musicians' work:  this is a beautiful album, worth every penny for the happiness it promises.
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