The music on this recording is drawn primarily from the realm loosely termed "traditional Irish music" (with a few Scots and Shetland tunes thrown in for spice). Traditional Irish music can only be a rough term because it encompasses the sum of centuries of Ireland's cultural experience rather than a single style or period of history. The ":tradition" ranges from the heritage of the ancient harpers to the dance music genre that spans the last three centuries, give or take a decade or two. As it is played today, Irish music incorporates all the different strands of the tradition, but remains a highly ornamented repertoire in which melody is the key. Inappropriate application of harmony to a tune, and a misguided attempt to "refine" this music and make it more like "art music" only muddies the melody, detracting from it and leaving the ear with an impression of over-arranged mush. The power and beauty of traditional Irish music lies "in the tune itself," the pure melody, and the performer's skill, wit, soulfulness and sense of oneness with the heart of the music.