An Seinnteoir.(sound recording reviews)

As Indian summer sets in, Irish music continues to heat up, drawing listeners from both sides of the Atlantic.

Cran Black Black Black (Claddagh Records)

Cran is an innovative and fresh-sounding trio, comprised of Uilleann piper Ronan Browne, well-known for his work with the Afro Celt Sound System and Riverdance; bouzouki player and singer Sean Corcoran, who has already released two albums on his own; and flutist Desi Wilkinson, who has collaborated with De Dannan and has also released his own solo work. In concert, and indeed on this album, Cran is joined by the legendary Triona ni Dhomhnaill on clavinet and harmonium.

The album kicks off with "Abbey Reel," a spirited reel which, with its almost Cajun feel, sets the tone for the remaining tracks. The next song of the CD is the boisterous "Staimpi," followed by a beautiful slow air, the haunting "Farewell to Nigg." "The Dunmore Lasses" and "The Dublin Reel" set a rather stark mood, played as they are on just bansari and bamboo flute, both wind instruments, but of very different timbre and pitch. "Coleraine Town" is a salutary lesson in how a ballad should be sung, and although these three men are exceptional musicians, it becomes apparent the more one hears them sing that their real strength is in the songs. "Brendan Tonra's Jig" and "The Banks of Lough Gowna" are spirited jigs driven by Ronan Browne's fine pipe playing. This is followed by the album's title track, "Black Black Black (is the Colour of My True Love's Hair)."

"Black Black …