Cathal McConnell was a founding member of the Boys of the Lough, one the best Celtic groups from the late 1960s and the 1970s. His solo album Long Expectant Comes at Last is an ambitious collection of traditional tunes and original compositions. The music ranges from dance tunes played by a small acoustic group, a cappella ballad singing, folk-rock, and even a flirtation with electronica. But throughout it all McConnell is able to make everything sound unequivocally Celtic. He is joined by a large supporting cast that includes Richard Thompson, Linda Thompson, Andy Statman, Pat Kilbride, and Kenny Kosek. This CD is a textbook example of the correct way to mix modern and ancient sounds. --Michael Simmons