Expanded Solas Ensemble Modernizes Its Celtic Sound

Solas has been a virtual all-star ensemble since the Irish band was formed in the mid-’90s. With multi-instrumentalist Seamus Egan at the helm, the group has released a series of recordings offering an increasingly expanded view of traditional Celtic music.

On Thursday at the El Rey Theatre a new edition of Solas arrived, with the basic ensemble of Egan, violinist Winifred Horan and accordionist Mick McAuley supplemented by singer Deirdre Scanlon (replacing Karen Casey) and guitarist Donal Clancy (son of Liam Clancy of the veteran Clancy Brothers). For this tour, Solas has also added bassist Chico Huff and percussionist Steve Holloway.

The result was a further move in the direction of adding pop elements to the band’s unquestioned traditional skills. The high-spirited jigs and reels were as exciting as ever, enhanced by grouping material together to allow for the exhilarating impact of sudden shifts of key and rhythm.

The most noticeable change in Solas came through Scanlon, whose rich, focused contralto differed noticeably from the more traditionally oriented work of Casey. Although Scanlon’s sound and style bring an added pop component to the mix, one missed the lovely ornamentation, the twists and turns around the melody that are typical of Casey’s style.

But there’s no questioning Solas’ role in bringing Celtic music into the mainstream in a fashion that is broadly accessible--even, one suspects, with the potential to produce a dance track or two. And in that sense, the group is simply following the music’s long history of adaptation. As long as there are groups such as Solas, Celtic music will continue to draw new, young audiences.

Solas plays tonight at Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 8 p.m. $26 and $30. (949) 854-4646.