Album Review - Enda Seery / The Winding Clock - TradConnect

Enda Seery's Musicianship Shines Through

The debut album The Winding Clock by Enda Seery from Streamstown, Co. Westmeath, is a lively testament to his musical prowess. With a flurry of precise and clear whistle music, Seery draws listeners into a world where tradition meets contemporary expression. His compositions, which include a delightful balance of new and known tunes, showcase his stature as a noteworthy composer in Irish traditional music.

Track-by-Track Analysis

The Winding Clock opens with a set that perfectly blends familiarity and freshness. As Seery intersperses his own 'April Sunshine' between the iconic 'Roscommon Reel' and 'Castle Kelly', he solidifies his composition's place as if it were a time-honored standard.

Distinctive Whistle Sounds

Seery's impressive collection of whistles in various keys adds a unique sonic depth to each track, whether it be the Sindt D, Susato C, or the William Simmons D wooden whistle. This variety ensures a rich listening experience across the album's 13 engaging tracks.

Refreshing Ornamentation and Arrangements

The album captivates with its tasteful ornamentation and rhythmic precision, never over-complicating the melodies. The understated arrangements, particularly on the title track accompanied solely by John Byrne's guitar, let Seery's whistling talent take center stage.

Album Highlights

Joyous Jigs and Reflective Airs

The contagious joy in Seery's delivery is evident in tracks like 'The Ferbane Legend/Only for Barney/The Roaring Calves'. The album also offers moments of solemnity and grace, particularly in the soul-stirring slow airs.

Looking Ahead

Enthusiasts of traditional Irish music have much to look forward to with Enda Seery's promise as both a musician and a composer. While this debut album already stands as a hallmark in the genre, the potential for future recordings, perhaps featuring collaborations, further excites the imagination.