Dennis Cahill and Martin Hayes (Photo: Derek Speirs, Report Ltd) 

For a musician who has come to personify open-mindedness in twenty-first century Irish traditional music, it is probably a paradox to say that it is Martin Hayes’ single-mindedness that is most impressive. Many traditional Irish musicians have released an outstanding recording or two, the kind that overflows with high points and musical questions that compel you to return. However, to release five such recordings consecutively, as Hayes has done since 1993, culminating with Welcome Here Again with guitarist Dennis Cahill in February of this year, is a feat possibly unmatched in this genre. Certainly for this reason...