With Top 10 hits on Billboard's world music chart, performing to sold-out crowds worldwide, and stealing the show on Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1999), seven-time All-Ireland button accordion champion John Whelan is one of the Celtic music's bona fide heroes. Whelan takes his trademark innovation to a more personal level by assembling some of the best young players in Irish traditional music for his new album. In a sense, he completes the circle started when he recorded his first record. "Working with young players was a flashback to how I was treated and encouraged by artists like Paddy Taylor, the great flute player from Loughill, Limerick." Whelan, whose impromptu jam sessions with players of all ages in hotel lobbies at music festivals and conferences have become just as popular as the on-stage headliners, has a special interest in featuring these young musicians. "I could have gone to Ireland and worked with up-and-coming musicians there, but it's also important to let people know that there's some really great talent right here in America." With energizing flair and spirit, Whelan and this new generation of musicians show that the fire of the Celtic music tradition burns as bright as ever. | 
Bucks Of Arranmore / 
