The Sea Of Dreams

There's something to be said for specialization in any field--and that includes the music biz. Davy Spillane plays Uilleann pipes, which isn't exactly like playing the bass. You don't get calls to every session. But if you're a world-class Uilleann pipe player of Spillane's rank, the likes of Van Morrison, Sinead O'Connor, and Elvis Costello come calling when a particle of piping is required. The Sea of Dreams finds the veteran woodwind player continuing to explore his muse as a leader. Unwaveringly cinematic in scope, Spillane's music conjures images of rolling hills and crashing waves. O'Connor, who employed Spillane on her 1987 Gospel Oak EP, returns the favor here, singing "The Dreaming of the Bones" and "Danny Boy." That latter warhorse is particularly striking; say what you will about Sinead, she's always been a commanding interpreter. Her presence brings this Irishman's ethereal music down to earth, where at least a portion of it belongs. --Steven Stolder