Volume 1: Sound Magic

"As unlikely as it may appear on paper, this cross-cultural folk fusion is truly magical. Celts Ronan Browne and James McNally handle a dozen traditional instruments between them, and with Davy Spillane they join RealWorld's afro-posse: Kenyan nyatiti player Ayub Ogada, Kaunding Cissokho, Massamba Diop, with a cast of support musos including percussionist Manu Katene and the mysterious Myrdhin on Celtic harp.

The early sounds of African talking drums and the rustic stringed kora are tempered with the eerie atmospheres of the Uillean pipe, low whistle, button accordion, wood flutes and alios instruments of Celtic origin. A state of the art production job that includes the occasional jungle/dance mixdown really puts this project out on a limb: you've never heard anything quite like this!

Initial airplay on National Radio created an immediate and strong response, indicating that this most innovative of RealWorld projects may also be one of it's most popular."
- JUG (1996)

Post script (2004)
"Well predicted, Jug! The Afro Celt Sound System are now one of the most successful acts in RealWorld's history. Blending massive dance grooves with incredible, exciting African rhythms and soul-searing Celtic harmonies, they have sold over half a million albums worldwide.

Other musicians involved in this project include traditional Irish vocalist Iarla O'Lionard, uillean piper Ronan Browne, whistle player James McNally (The Pogues), and Baaba Maal band members Kauwding Cissakho and Massamba Diop. Jo Bruce, the son of the legendary British bassist / vocalist Jack Bruce (formerly of Cream), contributes keyboards and electronic programming. Sadly this was to be the only ACSS album Jo Bruce would appear on, as he died before Volume 2 was recorded. (The second album was dedicated to the memory of Jo).

Grammy-nominated producer Simon Emmerson was responsible for the excellent production of this Afro Celt Sound System debut album, which also features members of Shoonglenifty on mandolin, bongos, banjo, guitar, and fiddle.

Afro Celt Sound System's 'Volume 1: Sound Magic' is an enduring classic that perfectly melds modern electronica with traditional world music in a very fun way."
- GEOFF