I went to see Rira live the other day and found it to be an incredible experience. I saw them when they played outside of a local restaurant. I already knew Stuart was a great tenor, but I never heard him with Rira. When the music started I was not disappointed.  It was an absolutely great evening and I would highly recommend seeing them.

Larry

Rira
Mischievous Merriment and Other Noble Sentiment
Brian Witt, Irish American Post

The quartet Rira has followed their debut album with one that is even better. 
The center of the group is fiddler Ed Paloucek and pianist Kathleen Congleton, with Jack Congleton on percussion and Stuart Mitchell on vocals. The work spends a lot of time looking back in old recordings and song and tune books to deliver a piece that sounds in part barn dance and other part parlour presentation.

Paloucek takes the lead on “Lucy Campbells/Ballinisloe Fair”, pieces he got from Michael Coleman.  On “Broken Pledge/Hand Me Down the Tackle/The Limestone Rock”, the Flanagan Brothers were the sources of the last two tunes in this marvelously played set of reels. “Christmas Eve/Sweeney’s Buttermilk/Huey Lewis Reels” are a rollicking affair.

Kathleen Congleton comes to the fore in grand style on “Lord Inchiquin”, played in an understated, yet stately manner. She and Paloucek combine in a nice duet on “Lament for Limerick”. Kathleen’s backing of Mitchell’s singing is the perfect musical marriage.

Stuart Mitchell hearkens back to the drawing room days, with his singing, in what is a very good thing. He shines on “Believe Me If All Those Enduring Young Charms” and “Red is The Rose”. The wedding song, “Gift Of Love”, is a nice addition.  Jack Congleton provided the backing percussion across the album, but he allows the others to shine above him, never intrusive, always giving in his playing.  Mischievous Merriment brings a smile to the face.

Witt

Rirá is well known in the Milwaukee Irish music scene and has played at Milwaukee's Irish Fest for many years. They are known for distinctive instrumental arrangements of traditional Irish and other Celtic music on fiddle, keyboard and bodhran. Their passion is to share their  love of traditional dance tunes designed to get your toes tapping! They also demonstrate an  appreciation for airs, waltzes, and O'Carolan compositions. Rirá's album includes the singing of  a young operatic tenor whose renditions of Irish songs often bring standing ovations!  "Milwaukee Irish music veterans Rira, Ed Paloucek on fiddle, Kathleen Congleton on  keyboards, and Jack Congleton on percussion, are joined by tenor Stuart Mitchell on this live,  and debut, album. The playing is almost flawless. Paloucek’s fiddling crosses from the  extremely dynamic to the poignantly nuanced, the latter best shown on “Askeaton Abbey”.  Kathleen’s skillfully backs and enhances Ed’s fiddle with her playing, or on the reprise of  “Kathleen’s Waltz”, her taking the lead with elan. Stuart Mitchell’s singing adds a new edge to  the band, and he performs well on “Carrickfergus.” Jack Congleton keeps the beat well  syncopated. A very small but appreciative crowd provided background."

 Irish American Post