Promenade

Released in 1979 on Mulligan Records, Promenade is the definitive duo recording by fiddler Kevin Burke and guitarist/vocalist Mícheál Ó Domhnaill. Recorded shortly after the dissolution of the influential Bothy Band, the album signaled a shift away from that group's 'propulsive power' toward a more nuanced, 'soulful finesse.' The album is celebrated for its 'rhythmic glide,' a term critics used to describe Burke's effortless Sligo-style ornamentation and Ó Domhnaill’s innovative DADGAD guitar backing. The centerpiece, 'Lord Franklin,' became a signature track for Ó Domhnaill, showcasing his ability to infuse traditional ballads with a modern, sensitive phrasing. The recording was co-produced by Ó Domhnaill and Gerry O'Beirne, emphasizing a dry, intimate sonic profile that has allowed the album to age with a timeless, hi-fi clarity. It is widely regarded by historians of Irish music as one of the most perfect examples of the fiddle-guitar duet format.