by James Christopher Monger

Despite being recorded at studios all over the world, lauded contemporary Celtic collective Solas' seventh album is one of the more cohesive releases of their nearly 15-year career. Unlike 2003's more song-oriented Another Day, Waiting for an Echo focuses on the group's impressive instrumental prowess, deftly navigating traditional minefields like "Tom Sullivan's/Mick's Polka/The Newmarket Polka" and the lilting, self-penned "The Ballerina Jig," as well as atmospheric ballads like the magical "Doireann's Waltz." That's not to say that Solas have cashed in their pipes, as Mick McAuley takes a vocal turn on the lovely "Erin," while lead vocalist Deirdre Scanlan croons beautiful renditions of both "Silver Dagger" -- a traditional piece the group picked up from none other than Dolly Parton -- and Richard Shindell's "On a Sea of Fleur de Lis." Other highlights include "The Coconut Dog Morning Dew," featuring Spanish bagpiper Carlos Nunez, and a rousing -- if slightly tropical -- version of the traditional staple "The Ploughman." Waiting for an Echo is another outstanding collection from one of the genre's most enduring -- and adventurous -- acts.