Top 10 Irish Music Starter CDs

1. The Chieftains - 'Water From the Well'

The Chieftains are perhaps the best-known Irish group in the U.S., having been around the longest, played the most places and sold the most records. They often collaborate on their albums with superstars like Van Morrison, but Water From the Well is them at their best: playing straight-up Irish tunes, from reels to jigs to ballads.

2. Solas - 'The Hour Before Dawn'

This is a particularly good CD for those just starting in on Celtic music. While the band does break out into a few really old-school Irish tunes, many of the tunes are more on the folky edge of things, making it extremely accessible a new listener. Notable on this album is the song "I Will Remember You", which Solas member Seamus Egan co-wrote with Sarah McLachlan, who made a hit out of it in 1995. It's pretty Solas-ified here, though, and incredibly beautiful.

3. Altan - 'Harvest Storm'

This is a classic album from favorite group Altan, whose members hail primarily from Northern Ireland, which, to the advanced listener, will be clear from their deeply-rooted sound. Again, this album is a nice combination of fiery upbeat tunes and mournful but beautiful ballads.

4. Lunasa - 'Redwood'

Lunasa is something of an Irish supergroup.... or at least a really talented Irish music boy band. These hip young guys have made several albums, all instrumental, all a little bit "jammy", meaning the songs last for quite awhile. Lunasa is a personal favorite of mine, and I really enjoy the relaxed (but not lazy) feel of this record.

5. Seamus Egan - 'Traditional Music of Ireland'

Irish flute player Seamus (pronounced SHAY-mus) Egan is perhaps best known for his work with the band Solas, but this album is a particularly powerful representation of his tremendous skill on the flute. It's upbeat and exciting, and a must-have for Irish music lovers.

6. Cherish The Ladies - 'Woman of the House'

This is the latest offering by all-female Irish-American group Cherish The Ladies, and it is a great representation of their intense harmonies, both instrumental and vocal. Particularly notable on this album is their version of "Fair and Tender Ladies", an ancient song that long ago found its way to Appalachia from Ireland and England and therefore has roots on both sides of the ocean.

7. Liz Carroll and John Doyle - 'In Play'

American born Irish fiddle champion Liz Carroll and Irish born guitar master John Doyle have ganged up a few times now to create some of the most impressive and surprising Irish music on this side of the Atlantic. Part of the great charm of this album is that it's fiddle and guitar only... no frills, just straight-up Irish music.

8. The Bothy Band - '1975: The First Album'

This pioneering album from this forward-thinking 1970's Irish band brought a great deal of attention to Irish music during that era. It opens with a bang, the favorite "Kesh Jig", one of the first Irish tunes that fiddlers just discovering the music learned during that era. Also of note is the lovely ballad "Do You Love an Apple".

9. Kevin Burke - 'Sweeney's Dream'

Burke is a true musician's musician, or fiddler's fiddler to be exact. Virtuosic without being overly fussy, he all but burns up the strings on a huge variety of County Sligo-style songs. Several of the songs feature other musicians, including members of the Bothy band, of which Burke was a member. However, the truly noteworthy tunes are simply Burke and his fiddle.

10. Tommy Peoples - 'High Part of the Road'

I confess that this album isn't my pick per se; instead, I asked the real fiddle player in my house what his number one Irish fiddle pick would be. He immediately chose this one, and I have to agree with him. Peoples is a true legend. While this music is a bit more rough and ready than the offerings by newer bands, it is exciting, dynamic, and best of all, the real deal. Images of perfectly pulled pints and crowded pubs will dance through your head as you listen to this gem.