On their debut outing, the members of Athens’ Short Road Home apply their formidable instrumental skills to a variety of music with mostly Celtic origins. The group’s lineup is always subject to expansion, but some of the principal participants of this incarnation include multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Noel Beverley (Calliope Fair), guitarist Daniel Promislow, bassist Rich Mullinax (16 Tons, Blackmon Brothers), fiddler Dale Wechsler, percussionist Andrew Hunt, accordion player Ken Ross and pennywhistle players Paul and Emily Matthews.

Much in the same way of Beverley’s other band, Calliope Fair, Short Road Home covers vast musical terrain with its selection of material. This time, jigs, reels, hornpipes, ballads, waltzes and, yes, even polkas are all fair game.

Whether jigging, reeling or waltzing, the band’s arrangements provide a showcase for each member’s instrumental eclecticism, allowing focus to rest comfortably on the group as a whole or on the individual talents. The mournful “Flowers for Mamie Wylie/ The Secret Wedding” rides on the Matthews’ spirited whistle playing. The grand “Ashokan Farewell” and “Up Slingo” show off Wechsler’s fiddling, while the festive “Ballydesmond Polka” gets almost everyone in on the fun.

On this disc, Short Road Home has captured a capable and enjoyable tread through proud old tunes. Furthermore, with its deference to tradition but acknowledgment of flexibility, Short Road Home could bring tears to even Shane MacGowan’s wee beady eyes.
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