Social media sensation Ally the Piper released her album, “The Session,” on February 8, 2025. The album features eight tracks, some of which are covers, but most are originals. This is Ally’s second solo album.
The album features Allyson Crowley-Duncan on bagpipes,
whistle, smallpipes, and vocals. Dominic Marraffa provides vocals, drum kit,
and bass for the album. Additional percussion for the album was provided by Benny
Grotto. The album was mixed by Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studios in Boston, MA,
and mastered by Jeff Lipton, asst. Costanza Tinti at Peerless Mastering in Boston,
MA.
Those who follow Ally on social media may be surprised at
her singing voice and talent at playing whistles. She mainly posts videos of
her playing bagpipes, not so much of her singing. Her voice is absolutely beautiful,
and she is equally as talented on the whistle. While most of the songs are
instrumental and focus on her playing bagpipes, hearing her excel at singing
and whistles as well proves her talent as a well-rounded musician.
Most of the songs are originals, but “High on a Hill” and “The
Pumpkin’s Fancy” are covers of Irish songs. Although the original songs are
new, they sound like traditional Celtic songs. The songs perfectly encompass traditional
Celtic music with a rock flair, which will appeal to those who may be newer to
Celtic music.
“The Pumpkin’s Fancy” is the only song on the album that has
the traditional opening note on the bagpipe. Listeners who are familiar with
Celtic music will recognize “Kesh Jig” as a part of this set. This is the
closest to a traditional bagpipe song on the album, though it still has a huge
rock flair to it.
When “Recalling the Green” first started playing, it sounded
just like being at a Celtic festival. The opening notes resemble a whole group
of bagpipes playing together at a festival. For listeners who love that sort of
thing, it will evoke a happy memory and transport listeners to a different
place.
Overall, this album is great and is so much fun to
listen to. There is a wide variety of songs on the album. The originals written
by Ally are incredible, and the covers give the songs a new life with Ally’s “voice”
stamped on them. This album is perfect for those who may be new to Celtic music
and recognize Ally from social media.
Track Listing:
- North
to Palmer
- Hoping
Hearts
- The
Session
- Recalling
the Green
- High
on a Hill
- A
Story of Old Echoes
- The
Pumpkin's Fancy
- Follow
Through
-Album Review: "The Acoustic Sessions" by Thin Lizzy: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/05/album-review-acoustic-sessions-thin-lizzy.html