The Chieftains explore roots

Further Down the Old Plank Road

Like its successful predecessor, this album matches Irish musical masters The Chieftains with American friends from country-related musical styles on songs and tunes which have at least some vague cross-Atlantic connections. But this time out, the net is cast in a slightly direction, so aside from Patty Loveless, who delivers a luminous "Three Little Babes," there are no mainstream country stars of today present. That's not a criticism - the new guests, from John Prine to Allison Moorer (who ...

Down The Old Plank Road: The Nashville Sessions

Irish celebres The Chieftains branch out from their native isle and take a drive through Nashville on their latest outing, marking the band's 40th anniversary. The results find The Chieftains taking a page from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's series of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" discs, which match up a core combo of master musicians with a bevy of local heroes. Some songs are classic collaborations (Martina McBride's take on "I'll Be All Smiles Tonight" or Buddy and Julie Miller on "Country Blues"). ...