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Sharon Shannon & Friends The Diamond Mountain Sessions 2001, Compass Records/The Grapevine Label Ltd. With The Diamond Mountain Sessions, Sharon Shannon proves she’s not afraid to try almost anything, especially if the end result is great music. She’s gathered some of her friends, many of whom are not usually associated with Celtic music, in order to create something truly unique. Of course, Shannon has already proven that the accordion is not just for Lawrence Welk and polkas anymore. If it’s not too much of a stretch, one can say Shannon really rocks on that thing. It doesn’t seem at all out of place to hear Steve Earle sing his “The Galway Girl” here, since there’s always been a little Irish in his music. In the liner notes, he explains the origins of this song by saying, “I was back in Ireland surrounded by women who play like angels.” Such words can also be used to describe Shannon, an angelic musician if there ever was one. The best instrumental cut here is called “The Diamond Mountain.” Written by Ian Carr, it has an instantly memorable and moving melody. Shannon simply shines on it, as she plays crisply descending notes, like the trickling water of a waterfall. An ode to Van Morrison called “Slan Le Van,” which features John Hoban on vocals, is a sweet gesture, but one can only imagine what a pairing of Van The Man and Shannon might have sounded like. Other notable "friends" include Jackson Browne on “A Man of Constant Sorrow” and an unobtrusive (for him) appearance by John Prine with “Love Love Love.” After hearing Shannon’s playing, it’s not surprising that she has gathered such an eclectic group of friends. This delightful recording may also become like a good friend to you, if you give it a listen or two. — Dan MacIntosh