ALBUM REVIEW: The Chieftains 9: Boil The Breakfast Early

Claddagh Records Limited, 1979
CBS Records (Columbia), 1979 | CK 36401

By Sarah Adams

Chieftains 9: Boil the Breakfast Early is the first album to feature Matt Molloy on flute. On this album it is clear to see the effect that Matt was going to have on the flute. Molloy's style of playing the flute complements the fiery fiddle playing of Sean Keane and that energy is evident.

This is an overly strong album and all the tracks are beautifully mixed and arranged. A number of tracks stand out in my mind for obvious strength. "Boil the Breakfast Early" is a collection of reels and jigs woven together to reflect each musician's strengths and leads off with some phenomenal bodhran playing by Kevin Conneff. "Mrs. Judge", according to the liner notes was an O'Carolan tune that Beethoven attempted to arrange. It is a beautiful piece and complements the energy on the album. The track that really captures my attention was "Carolan's Welcome". It is a hauntingly beautiful air played for the Pope's visit to Ireland. It is a beautiful piece the really gets under your skin and is masterfully played by Matt Molloy.

"Up Against the Buachlawns" reflects the energy that Molloy and Keane have in playing in this tune. One cannot help but to feel the energy radiating from this track. "Chase Around the Windmill" is a collection of tunes that showcase the talents of each musician accompanied by the bodhran playing of Kevin Conneff.

Overall this is a very strong album and signals a new and exciting direction for the Chieftians. I really like the energy in this album. Chieftians 9: Boil the Breakfast Early was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1980 in the Ethnic Music category.