Sacred Earth

SharonShannon (Celtic Connections) HHHHH

Sharon Shannon’s tenth album displays her fondness for fusing Irish reels with music from all over the globe. Justin Adams, Robert Plant’s regular guitarist, co-produces the record, and brings with him some African and Middle Eastern melodies and rhythms. The best is the southern African-inflected Rusheen Bay, and there are also some smart guest vocal interjections, including a star turn by Mexican singer Alrya Rose on The Machine. Sharon shows yet again that she never rests on her laurels.