Connemara, a Newfoundland Celtic group performs selections of contemporary material. The River (1993) includes songs from Stan Rogers, Sean McCarthy, Tommy Sands, Andy Stewart, and Bill Staines. Their middle-of-the-road approach to the material does not break any new ground, but the album provides an enjoyable listen. Connemara is Tom Nemec, Glenn Hiscock, and Jason Whelan.

Connemara's pleasant delivery and excellent playing continues on Near & Distant Shores (1995). Starting off with Lennie Gallant's classic "Nellie J. Banks" the band follows up with a fine contemporary interpretation of "Black is the Colour" interwoven with airy instrumental work. The band has a deft touch for freshening up traditional songs, such as "The Pride of Springfield Road," "The Bonny Ship the Diamond," and "Jolly Beggarman." A good selection of Celtic/East Coast material.

The River
1993 Piper Stock (PM 001)

The Hills of Connemara; The Field Behind the Plow; Farewell to the Rhonda; Tickle Cove Pond; Quarry Road Jigs; Sam Hall; I Dream of You; When the Boys Come Rollin' Home; The Queen of Argyll; Sweet Sixteen; Alesis Reels; Sweet Forget Me Not; Trip to Jerusalem/Reel/The Wise Maid; The River 53:07

Near & Distant Shores
1995 Connemara (02-50355)

The Nellie J. Banks; Black is the Colour; Dianes Happiness/O'Reilly's Reel/The Musical Priest; The Pride of Springfield Road; Now I'm Sixty-Four; Dawn Run; The Bonny Ship the Diamond; Shadow of O'Casey; Jolly Beggarman; Newfoundland Spring/Second Pond Jig/Cliffs of Moher; Bound Down for Newfoundland; The Tortoise & the Hare 43:17