Reviewed by Andrew Wallace

'Celticana' is the fourth release from husband and wife duo whose blending of Americana and Celtic elements mean that they are close to inventing a new genre. Veteran Irish singer/songwriter Sammy Horner and his Australian wife Kylie recorded this live at their home studio in Wexford, Ireland and brought in long-time friend and collaborator Phil Madeira to produce the album. The result is a vibrant fusion of Celtic/folk and rootsy, country grooves while other musical elements also get a nod as they go from upbeat foot-stompers to gentle ballads. "When Anger Burns A Bridge" is one of a number of world-weary, wistful, love songs about relationship difficulties. "Wexford In The Morning" is a gentle/lilting, Celtic folk song inspired by the Wexford landscape. "Heartbreaking Beautiful", inspired by an Australian friend, is a straight-up, old-fashioned country song. The closer "Each Man's Labour" is a particular gem, written during a time of illness. It's a bright, breezy piece of old-time gospel backed by a pulsating bed of pipes and fiddle as Horner sings about the most important things in life. A fine release.

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