By George Houde
Irish American Post Chicago Bureau

Just when you thought the Chieftains were getting a little long in the tooth and perhaps a bit too somber, along they come with a couple of wild Canadian boys who have added energy and fun to the legendary group's American tour. 

They've also added a stunning harpist to fill the void left by the death of Derek Bell, whose name still arises often in the group's on-stage performances and off-stage discussions.

Their recent performances have more the feel of a pub session back in the old country, though in Chicago they played in the famous venue of Orchestra Hall, home of the Chicago Symphony. The hall was sold out for the performance. 

"The Chieftains are such a legendary group," said Kevin O'Connor, whose 12-year-old daughter, Jennifer, was in the Dennehy School of Dance troupe that performed as guests of the Chieftains. "Their popularity in Chicago and in the Irish community is well-known and it's always an honor to see them here."

There is an element of wildness to the dancing of Jon and Nathan Pilatzke, brothers who grew up learning step-dance under the encouragement of their Irish mother. The Brothers Pilatzke have adopted what they called the Ottawa Valley style, a fusion of traditional step-dancing, modern tap and their own variations. The result is a sensational burst of energy on stage with even the Chieftains sometimes looking on slightly amazed and amused. Jon also plays fiddle "brilliantly," said Chieftains band leader Paddy Moloney. 

The counterpoint to all of the flying feet and "crazy legs," as the brothers are known, was the soothing, nearly angelic sounds from the harp of Triona Marshall, a young red-head from Co. Laois who doubled on keyboard. 

"It's been amazing for me to play with the Chieftains," said Marshall after the performance. She has performed with many of Ireland's well-known musicians, including the Three Irish Tenors.

All in all, there has been a transfusion of new young blood, as Chieftains band leader Paddy Moloney put it.

"It sparks us, and people like the energy," said Moloney.

Considering the band had some 30 performances scheduled on the tour, the energy is a key element and gives the performances of flautist Matt Molloy, fiddler Sean Keane, and vocalist Kevin Conneff a renewed vigor, not to mention Moloney, whose pipe music, and wisecracking, seemed sharper than ever. 

Always ready to experiment, the band has taken on Jeff White, a bluegrass and country guitarist and vocalist who got the Chieftains revved on such classics as "Wabash Cannonball" and "Cotton-Eyed Joe." This latter tune brought out the famous step-dancers Donny Golden and Cara Butler for the first of their classic evening performances. The band also mixed in hot Latin strains from their "Santiago" album as well as a play on the music of the Rolling Stones as they did "The Rocky Road to Dublin." 

Often considered ambassadors of Ireland and perhaps a bit too rehearsed in their roles as diplomats, the Chieftains seem to have lost some of that formality and are having more fun with the music and the performers. When Jon Pelatzke included a reel called "King George the Fourth" in his second-half fiddle solo, the band unanimously let out some raspberries, but all in good humor. 

Saddened by the unexpected death of Bell in 2002, the band also seemed inspired by his memory and composed a tribute called "Derek's Tune," which began with sad and mournful strains as only Irish music can be sad and mournful, but ended in a happy Irish jig, as only Irish music can be happy. Bell had been with the band since 1972, when he just sort of "drifted in," according to Moloney. 

"The old Ding Dong himself would like that tune," Paddy told the audience, using an affectionate nickname for Bell.

Together now for 42 years, the Chieftains continue to delight and amaze fans as their music ranges far and wide, across continents and nations, taking the spirit of Ireland with them. And this year, they seem more spirited than ever.