John Doyle
Shadow and Light
Compass Records
A founding member of Solas—one of the
most influential Irish-American ensembles
of the last decade—John Doyle is a leading
force in Celtic acoustic guitar. His
fluid chording, percussive rhythms, and
haunting modal lines merge timeless Irish
sounds with the crisp, ringing tones of
bluegrass flatpicking.
On Shadow and Light, Doyle’s second
solo album, we’re treated to two beautifully
crafted instrumentals (combined, these
intricate medleys total almost 15 minutes)
and a rich collection of original songs that
tell the story of Irish soldiers, immigrants,
lovers, and lost
souls. Whether
he’s playing his
Muiderman,
McConnell, and
Fylde flattops, or
picking mandola,
mandolin, and
8-string bouzouki, Doyle delivers his parts
with supple speed and shimmering clarity.
Often, he’ll layer flattop and bouzouki to
create harmonized lines that evoke a fretted string
ensemble.
Doyle’s songwriting gifts are especially
evident on Shadow and Light. His lyrics
unfold like short stories, with each verse
moving the narrative forward with a level
of detail you just don’t encounter in typical
rock or pop music, and his exquisite rhymes
are as carefully woven as the strands of a
Celtic knot.
His musical compadres—including
Stuart Duncan and John Williams on
fiddle, Tim O’Brien on mandolin, Alison
Brown on banjo, Todd Phillips on bass
and accordion, and the legendary Kenny
Malone on percussion—are all virtuosos
who effortlessly follow the dynamic ebb
and flow of Doyle’s epic songs. If you’re
unfamiliar with this lefty’s unique approach
to flatpicking, seek him out on YouTube
and then explore Shadow and Light. It’s an
inspiring journey.
Must-hear track: “The Arabic”