Another Dublin group who impressed the hell out of everyone was Lynched, a vocal quartet who accompany their gorgeous harmonies with uilleann pipes, concertina, fiddle & guitar. Their material is mostly traditional with a deliciously dark humourous slant, all delivered in a subtle, moody performance with lots of light & shade. So many of the so-called 'trad-based' Irish groups I have seen recently play non-stop full-on hectic jigs'n'reels sets with an unremitting, in-your-face bass drum beat which frankly, I find boring & undermines the appeal and gravitas of the music. By comparison, the thoughtful, good humoured arrangements of Lynched were a real breath of fresh air. My good friend, the outstanding traditional traveller singer, Tommy MacCarthy, who accompanied me to Tonder, joined Lynched on stage as their guest to great effect & the delight of the audience. Tommy & myself had a session with the Lynched crew right up 'til the moment (3.30a.m.) when our 'pilot' arrived to take us to the airport! Hated to leave you guys, let's do it again soon.

The good news regarding Tonder is that, as long as the good Lord's willin' & the creek don't rise, it will definitely continue despite any rumours to the contrary. Some of the headliners for 2015 have already been announced & it looks likely to continue to be a wonderful event. Tonder is rated by most musicians I know as one of the two or three finest music parties on the planet - up there with Canada's Edmonton & the New Orleans Jazz Heritage. Long may it run.