This is a stunning performance — well played and well sung. Note the use of condenser mics on all the instruments. Nary a pickup to be found.

A few words on mandolin technique: Andy Irvine’s left hand technique is a bit unorthodox, and causes him to work harder than would otherwise be necessary. While one can’t fault his playing — it’s excellent — the angle of his left hand causes his fingers to come way off the fretboard with each note. One can usually play faster and cleaner keeping the left hand more or less parallel with the fretboard, and keeping the fingers close to the strings ready for the next note.