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In the Autumn of 1997, Keith Donald was being driven at speed through Welsh countryside in an attempt to make the ferry to Ireland after a recording session in Sain Studios. Perhaps it was the need for some peace and quiet after working to deadlines and being driven at high speed; maybe the company, the conversation and the dramatic Welsh countryside contributed; by the time he was on board the ship, Keith was determined to make an album of traditional slow airs played on sax.

   The Calm After the Storm  
  Shortly thereafter, Maire Breatnach was playing violin and viola on music written by Keith for the BAFTA award-winning BBC drama, 'United'. Two weeks later, Keith was playing soprano sax on music written by Maire Breatnach for the RTE series 'Voyage'. Keith's idea was discussed and a process of research, experiment and recording started. The decision was made to show complete respect for the melodies while using late twentieth century arrangements and instruments.

After seventeen months, three recording studios, several mixes of everything and two mastering sessions, the result is The Calm After The Storm, a unique collection of Irish slow airs which has been described as "the musical equivalent of the Little Book of Calm".

Neither pure traditional, nor classical nor jazz music, there are elements of all three genres in the album, reflecting the training, experience and interests of these two virtuoso players.

Listen to some sound samples from the CD in RealAudio.

1. Baby don't cry 3'33"

Reputed to have soothed the babies of Ireland in its time, this traditional air has been arranged by Maire and Keith for soprano saxophone, strings, keyboards and wind-chimes.

2. My dark-haired beauty 3'20"

The poet is in love. He wants his beautiful raven-haired lover to travel with him to Leitrim. She refuses, but, by the passion and strength of his poetic promises, he finally persuades her. Played on soprano sax, viola and synthesiser, this track is dedicated to the late Caitlin Maude from whose recording I learned the air - K.D.

3. I lie beside your grave 3'44"

The poet cannot come to terms with the untimely death of his beloved, and in his grief he has taken to spending the nights by her graveside in all weathers, unbeknownst to his family. All he wants is to be reunited with her in the afterlife. Alto sax, lead viola, synthesiser and string section.

4. Lament for Donough of Ballea 3'37"

A great leader and chieftain has been killed. Not only a man of fierce determination, physical strength and endurance, but also a generous, affectionate and sensitive friend. Played on baritone and soprano saxes, viola, piano and synthesiser. This track is dedicated to Marius Schoon who gave so much of his life for the anti-apartheid struggle.

5. The Castle of Dromore 2'12"

The chilly wind howls outside the castle, but all is calm within as the baby sleeps on, happily unaware, for now, of the harsh realities of life. Solo clarinet.

6. Young Donal 3'02"

A young woman has been rejected in love. She feels bereft of direction now that he has gone - He has taken my North, South, East and West, he has taken my yesterday and tomorrow, maybe he has even taken my spirit. Soprano sax and piano.

7. The soft deal board 4'42"

Separated from the love of his life, the poet wanders Ireland alone. He dwells on the depth of his passion and his fantasies of being with her, forsaking every comfort and sleeping together on a hard wooden bed. Soprano sax, viola, piano and synthesiser.

8. The bright mountain of Cua 4'40"

Sorely missing the surroundings and people of his rural home, the exile praises them eloquently - all the time protesting his inability to do them justice! He says he has gone into a decline since his departure across the sea, but, since God has chosen to call him away, the best he can do is to send his blessings homeward with a full heart. Clarinet, soprano sax, viola, piano, synthesiser and string section.

9. The green fields of autumn 3'40"

The poet met his beloved on the green autumn fields, when the corn had just been harvested; but she has been sent far away while he is left behind to dream about her and to rail against the injustice that separates them. Viola, soprano sax, synthesiser and string quartet.

10. At the edge of the white rock 4'04"

A poor man's love dwells beside a white rock - he calls her the sunshine of the white rock. His is an unrequited love - her parents have forbidden her to see this pauper, but he says he would rather have her than all the wealth in Ireland. Soprano sax and piano.

11. Bright Vision 5'36"

This air is generally associated with Ballyvourney and the Irish speaking area of West Cork. The poet has a dream-like vision of a beautiful woman whom he cannot be with. (Some interpret this as a vision of Ireland.) Soprano sax,viola, piano, synthesiser and string section.

12. Darkest Midnight 2'57"

Also known as On Christ's Nativity, this complex melody, with its unique beauty, is traditionally sung on Christmas Eve as part of the Kilmore Carols. Clarinet, viola, church organ, clarinet section with bass clarinet.

13. Mairin de Barra 5'18"

He is bewitched, bothered and poor. Her parents want her to marry into a rich family. He says they should elope and he is prepared to leave family and friends and even come back from death to be with her. Soprano sax and piano.