Never Drift Apart Mairéid Sullivan (Lyrebird Media LBM003) **** Irish songstress and Celtic chronicler Mairéid Sullivan is back after seven years overseas. Possessing a rich, pure voice and a poet’s vision, she has distilled her experiences into an exceptional new CD. Sullivan knows few musical boundaries and the genres on this locally produced record range from contemporary to traditional, from folk and pop to ambient new-age textures (provided by Sullivan’s partner, accomplished American guitarist, Ben Kettlewell). Other key contributors include violinist Matthew Arnold, bassist Joe Creighton, and percussionist Peter Neville. Sullivan’s music soothes and uplifts, particularly the opening title track. Her haunting cover of Ry Cooder’s classic Across the Borderline, Tommy Makem’s beautiful The Curlew Song and a gorgeous rendition of Eric Clapton’s River of Tears are standouts. Never Drift Apart is available at ABC shops and good record stores or online at www.maireid.com Mike Daly The Age, Melbourne, Australia

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