Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Resurrection...
Friday, 3 August 2012
Time, please...
I think it's time to wrap up the experiment, and say thanks to everyone for the encouraging comments, as well as the stimulating discussions...
This project originated a long time ago with my attempts to follow the transcriptions in David Lyth's excellent book on the bowing styles of the great Munster players recorded between the 1960s and 1980s, which can be ordered here. Following the transcriptions without the recordings was an exercise in futility for someone who stumbles through written notation as I do, so I started to look for the recordings from which the transcriptions were taken. I soon discovered that most of the recordings listed at the front of the volume were long out of print, and I began to beg, borrow and buy copies, copies of copies, copies of copies of copies, anything I could listen to in order to understand the complexity and grace in the bowing of these incredible fiddle players.
I think I only used one or two transcriptions to advance my understanding of the bowing of the Munster players, but listening to the recordings changed my life, and brought about previously unimagined growth in the way that I play. I began to think that it was a terrible shame that this incredible music was so difficult to locate and, being an inveterate collector, and obsessive organiser, I began to collate and publish the material, so that other people could enjoy the beauty and grace that I found in these old recordings.
Many people have found joy in these recordings, and I hope you've enjoyed the music at least half as much as I have. But there are legal changes occurring in the world that I was naive enough to believe would never take place. I had hoped that the potential for personal publication facilitated by the internet would have revolutionised the ways in which digital information was managed from a legal perspective; that institutions of ownership would evolve to embrace the possibilities opened up by the free movement of information on a global scale. I expected to encounter at least a little resistance to this project, and I have been surprised by the absolute lack of legal interest shown in my flagrant disregard for copyright law. But, things no longer look quite so simple, and I no longer wish to take the risk involved in publishing this material, so as of today, it will no longer be available to download.
I apologise for any disappointment...
I'll still be available at pashadragutreis@yahoo.co.uk if anyone has any questions, thoughts, or suggestions.
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Ceol as Sliabh Luachra (1982)
128 kbps
Julia Clifford & Billy Clifford with Manus Lunny - Ceol as Sliabh Luachra
(Gael Linn - CEF 092 - 1982)
An exceptional album, mostly featuring duets played by the Sliabh Luachra fiddle player Julia Clifford, and her son Billy. One of the album's most remarkable charms is the way in which Billy's flute matches exactly the rhythm, phrasing, and ornamentation of his mother's fiddle on the many sets of Sliabh Luachra slides and polkas that they play together. In many respects it is the way in which Billy plays the fiddle on the flute that makes his music here so distinctive and so wonderful to hear, and the closeness of the communication between the two musicians is truly exceptional. Together with The Star Above the Garter, and Denis Doody's Kerry Music, this is one of my all-time favourite recordings of Sliabh Luachra music.
You can watch Julia Clifford play the air 'The O'Rahilly's Grave', followed by two slides, here.
Many thanks to SJ for providing a digital copy of this album, after much searching.
1. The Moving Bog (O'Sullivan's)/The Green Cottage no. 1 [Polkas]
2. The Cat Rambles to the Child's Saucepan (Paddy Cronin's)/The Cullen [Slides]
3. Lomonach Cross/I'm Waiting for You [Reels]
4. Bill the Weaver/Paddy Lyons' [Jigs]
5. King Williamstown [Air]
6. The Sands/Corney Drew's [Hornpipes]
7. Neily Cleere's [Polkas]
8. The Knocknagree/The Kishkeam Lasses [Slides]
9. Johnny Spillane's Favourite/Darby's Cross [Polkas]
10. The Thrashing Reel/The Rabbit's Burrow [Reels]
11. The Killarney Wonder/Walsh's/The Gleanntán [Hornpipes]
12. Cuban Polka/Johnny Leary's [Polkas]
13. The Walls of Liscarroll [Jig]
14. The Heathery Glen [Air]
15. Art O'Keeffe's/Rain a Sup [Slides]
16. Din Tarrant's [Polkas]
17. Charlie Mulvihill's no. 2/Sheehan's [Reels]
18. The Gullane no. 1/The Gullane no. 2 [Polkas]
19. The Cobbler/Five Servants [Polkas]
Julia Clifford & Billy Clifford with Manus Lunny - Ceol as Sliabh Luachra
(Gael Linn - CEF 092 - 1982)
An exceptional album, mostly featuring duets played by the Sliabh Luachra fiddle player Julia Clifford, and her son Billy. One of the album's most remarkable charms is the way in which Billy's flute matches exactly the rhythm, phrasing, and ornamentation of his mother's fiddle on the many sets of Sliabh Luachra slides and polkas that they play together. In many respects it is the way in which Billy plays the fiddle on the flute that makes his music here so distinctive and so wonderful to hear, and the closeness of the communication between the two musicians is truly exceptional. Together with The Star Above the Garter, and Denis Doody's Kerry Music, this is one of my all-time favourite recordings of Sliabh Luachra music.
You can watch Julia Clifford play the air 'The O'Rahilly's Grave', followed by two slides, here.
Many thanks to SJ for providing a digital copy of this album, after much searching.
1. The Moving Bog (O'Sullivan's)/The Green Cottage no. 1 [Polkas]
2. The Cat Rambles to the Child's Saucepan (Paddy Cronin's)/The Cullen [Slides]
3. Lomonach Cross/I'm Waiting for You [Reels]
4. Bill the Weaver/Paddy Lyons' [Jigs]
5. King Williamstown [Air]
6. The Sands/Corney Drew's [Hornpipes]
7. Neily Cleere's [Polkas]
8. The Knocknagree/The Kishkeam Lasses [Slides]
9. Johnny Spillane's Favourite/Darby's Cross [Polkas]
10. The Thrashing Reel/The Rabbit's Burrow [Reels]
11. The Killarney Wonder/Walsh's/The Gleanntán [Hornpipes]
12. Cuban Polka/Johnny Leary's [Polkas]
13. The Walls of Liscarroll [Jig]
14. The Heathery Glen [Air]
15. Art O'Keeffe's/Rain a Sup [Slides]
16. Din Tarrant's [Polkas]
17. Charlie Mulvihill's no. 2/Sheehan's [Reels]
18. The Gullane no. 1/The Gullane no. 2 [Polkas]
19. The Cobbler/Five Servants [Polkas]
Sunday, 15 April 2012
Pádraig O'Keeffe - The Sliabh Luachra Fiddle Master (1993)
131 kbps
Pádraig O'Keeffe - The Sliabh Luachra Fiddle Master (RTÉ - CD174 - 1993)
A deleted recording of the Sliabh Luachra fiddle player and teacher taken from RTÉ archive recordings made by Séamus Ennis between 1947 and 1949. This is absolutely brilliant Sliabh Luachra music, and the final set of tunes - a duet with Denis Murphy - is a classic.
1. Quinn's/Callaghan's [Reels]
2. Gallagher's [Jigs]
3. The Banks of the Danube [Air]
4. O'Sullivan's/O'Callaghan's [Polkas]
5. Johnny Cope [Hornpipe]
6. I'd Rather be Married than Left/Chase me Charlie/The Kilcummin [Slides]
7. The Old Man Rocking the Cradle [Air]
8. George White's Favourite/Kennedy's/The Road the Newbridge [Reels]
9. Gleanntán Frolics/The Hare in the Corn [Slides]
10. The O'Rahilly's Grave [Air]
11. The Humours of Ennistymon/I Will if I Can [Jigs]
12. John Quinn's [Hornpipe]
13. The Donaghmore [Reel]
14. Caoineadh Uí Dhomhnaill (Lament for O'Donnell) [Air]
15. The Kilcummin/If I Had a Wife [Slides]
16. As I Went Out Upon the Ice/Campdown Races/Tom Billy's/Jimmy Doyle's [Polkas]
Pádraig O'Keeffe - The Sliabh Luachra Fiddle Master (RTÉ - CD174 - 1993)
A deleted recording of the Sliabh Luachra fiddle player and teacher taken from RTÉ archive recordings made by Séamus Ennis between 1947 and 1949. This is absolutely brilliant Sliabh Luachra music, and the final set of tunes - a duet with Denis Murphy - is a classic.
1. Quinn's/Callaghan's [Reels]
2. Gallagher's [Jigs]
3. The Banks of the Danube [Air]
4. O'Sullivan's/O'Callaghan's [Polkas]
5. Johnny Cope [Hornpipe]
6. I'd Rather be Married than Left/Chase me Charlie/The Kilcummin [Slides]
7. The Old Man Rocking the Cradle [Air]
8. George White's Favourite/Kennedy's/The Road the Newbridge [Reels]
9. Gleanntán Frolics/The Hare in the Corn [Slides]
10. The O'Rahilly's Grave [Air]
11. The Humours of Ennistymon/I Will if I Can [Jigs]
12. John Quinn's [Hornpipe]
13. The Donaghmore [Reel]
14. Caoineadh Uí Dhomhnaill (Lament for O'Donnell) [Air]
15. The Kilcummin/If I Had a Wife [Slides]
16. As I Went Out Upon the Ice/Campdown Races/Tom Billy's/Jimmy Doyle's [Polkas]
Friday, 30 December 2011
Michael Dwyer - Traditional Music of Ireland (1975)
320 kbps
Michael Dwyer - Traditional Music of Ireland
(Silver Hill Records - PSH 102 - 1975)
Recorded on his brother Finbarr's Silver Hill label, this is a lovely EP of Irish music played on the simplest of instruments by Michael Dwyer, and accompanied very tastefully by Kevin Taylor on piano. There was considerable wear on the record, so there are some intrusive artefacts here and there, but this is a lovely recording of a great player, and it's well worth a listen. Sadly Michael died tragically a number of years ago, and there is very little of his sweet whistle playing left behind. There is a short clip of Michael's playing which you can watch here.
1. Richard Dwyer's/Seán Sa Cheo [Reels]
2. The Sunshine [Hornpipe]
3. The Flax in Bloom/The Castle [Reels]
4. The Laurel Tree/Speed the Plough [Reels]
5. The Kid on the Mountain [Slip Jig]
6. The Heather Breeze/The Chattering Magpie [Reels]
Michael Dwyer - Traditional Music of Ireland
(Silver Hill Records - PSH 102 - 1975)
Recorded on his brother Finbarr's Silver Hill label, this is a lovely EP of Irish music played on the simplest of instruments by Michael Dwyer, and accompanied very tastefully by Kevin Taylor on piano. There was considerable wear on the record, so there are some intrusive artefacts here and there, but this is a lovely recording of a great player, and it's well worth a listen. Sadly Michael died tragically a number of years ago, and there is very little of his sweet whistle playing left behind. There is a short clip of Michael's playing which you can watch here.
1. Richard Dwyer's/Seán Sa Cheo [Reels]
2. The Sunshine [Hornpipe]
3. The Flax in Bloom/The Castle [Reels]
4. The Laurel Tree/Speed the Plough [Reels]
5. The Kid on the Mountain [Slip Jig]
6. The Heather Breeze/The Chattering Magpie [Reels]
Paddy Cronin - The Rakish Paddy (1975)
320 kbps
Paddy Cronin - The Rakish Paddy (Fiddler Records - FRLP 002 - 1975)
Recorded by Frank H.Ferrel in September 1975, this is an exceptionally rare (and now ridiculously expensive) recording of the famous Sliabh Luachra fiddler and flute player Paddy Cronin. He is joined on the record by Mary Irwin, who provides unexceptional vamped piano accompaniment, in accordance with the standards of the day. Nonetheless, it's a nice record, with solid fiddling from an exceptional player. The highlight of the album for me is probably Paddy Cronin's unique rendition of the Maid Behind the Bar, which he calls the Haymaker Reel. It's closely related to the variant of the Maid commonly played in C major, which is known as Jimmy McBride's. There is a nice clip of Paddy playing the East Kerry reel, The Girls of Farranfore, which you can watch here, and another where he plays The Girl Who Broke my Heart here.
1. Lucy Campbell [Reel]
2. The Humours of Ennistymon [Jig]
3. Eleanor Kane's/The Teetotaller [Reels]
4. Jenny's Welcome to Charlie [Reel]
5. The Glen Allen [Reel]
6. The Ballydesmond/Denis Murphy's [Polkas]
7. The Haymaker [Reel]
8. Drops of Brandy [Slip Jig]
9. The Drunken Sailor [Hornpipe]
10. The Green Fields of America/The Short Grass [Jigs]
11. Killaghbeg House [Reel]
12. The Bunch of Keys/The Steampacket [Reels]
13. Scully Casey's [Jig]
14. The Girls of Farranfore (The Game of Love ) [Reel]
15. The Congress [Reel]
16. Reavey's/The Old Maid at the Spinning Wheel [Jigs]
17. Crabs in the Skillet [Jig]
18. Tobín's Favourite [Jig]
19. Rakish Paddy [Reel]
20. The Gold Ring [Jig]
21. The Braes of Auchtertyre [Reel]
Paddy Cronin - The Rakish Paddy (Fiddler Records - FRLP 002 - 1975)
Recorded by Frank H.Ferrel in September 1975, this is an exceptionally rare (and now ridiculously expensive) recording of the famous Sliabh Luachra fiddler and flute player Paddy Cronin. He is joined on the record by Mary Irwin, who provides unexceptional vamped piano accompaniment, in accordance with the standards of the day. Nonetheless, it's a nice record, with solid fiddling from an exceptional player. The highlight of the album for me is probably Paddy Cronin's unique rendition of the Maid Behind the Bar, which he calls the Haymaker Reel. It's closely related to the variant of the Maid commonly played in C major, which is known as Jimmy McBride's. There is a nice clip of Paddy playing the East Kerry reel, The Girls of Farranfore, which you can watch here, and another where he plays The Girl Who Broke my Heart here.
1. Lucy Campbell [Reel]
2. The Humours of Ennistymon [Jig]
3. Eleanor Kane's/The Teetotaller [Reels]
4. Jenny's Welcome to Charlie [Reel]
5. The Glen Allen [Reel]
6. The Ballydesmond/Denis Murphy's [Polkas]
7. The Haymaker [Reel]
8. Drops of Brandy [Slip Jig]
9. The Drunken Sailor [Hornpipe]
10. The Green Fields of America/The Short Grass [Jigs]
11. Killaghbeg House [Reel]
12. The Bunch of Keys/The Steampacket [Reels]
13. Scully Casey's [Jig]
14. The Girls of Farranfore (The Game of Love ) [Reel]
15. The Congress [Reel]
16. Reavey's/The Old Maid at the Spinning Wheel [Jigs]
17. Crabs in the Skillet [Jig]
18. Tobín's Favourite [Jig]
19. Rakish Paddy [Reel]
20. The Gold Ring [Jig]
21. The Braes of Auchtertyre [Reel]
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Lucy Farr - Heart and Home (1991)
128 kbps
Lucy Farr - Heart and Home (Veteran - VT 123 - 1991)
A very tasteful unaccompanied recording of the brilliant Ballinakill fiddle player Lucy Farr, released to coincide with her 80th birthday. She is joined on several tracks by a concertina player, probably Roly Brown, who recorded the album. He also wrote a long and interesting article describing Lucy Farr's life and musical influences, which you can read here.
There are also a number of interviews with Lucy Farr which have been preserved in the Sound Archive of the British Library, which you can listen to here.
Reg Hall recorded Lucy Farr playing a number of tunes, which are also preserved in the British Library Sound Archive. They can be downloaded as a single file here. Many thanks to BS for putting this together (and, of course, the hard-working and wonderful people at the Sound Archive itself).
1. Within a Mile of Dublin [Reel]
2. John Naughton's/John Blessing's [Jigs]
3. Sliabh Aughty [March]
4. The Fisherman's Lilt (The Kerryman's Daughter) [Reel]
5. The Regent (The Boys of the Town)/The Killimor [Jigs]
6. Paddy Fahey's [Reel]
7. Packie Byrne's [Jigs]
8. Gan Ainm [Fling]
9. The Kilnamona [Barn Dance]
10. Frank Downey's [Hornpipe]
11. Stepping Stones/McShane's Rambles [Jigs]
12. Lucy Farr's [Reel]
13. Paddy Fahey's [Jig]
14. The Pullet and the Cock (Drag Her Round the Road) [Reel]
15. The Ballinakill [Polka]
16. Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine/Tomgraney Castle [Hornpipes]
17. Andy Davy's [Reel]
18. Pat McMahon's [Jig]
19. The Hunter's Purse/The Hare's Paw [Reels]
20. Sonny Comer's [Fling]
21. Terry Teahan's/Gan Ainm [Polkas]
22. McGovern's [Reel]
23. Martin Kirwan's [March]
24. Pat Burke's [Jig]
25. The Ragged Hank of Yarn/The Maids of Mitchellstown [Reels]
Once again I have used a piece by the wonderful painter Jane Ridout for the album cover. Her paintings of a number of traditional musicians are quite exceptional, and they are available to view here.
Lucy Farr - Heart and Home (Veteran - VT 123 - 1991)
A very tasteful unaccompanied recording of the brilliant Ballinakill fiddle player Lucy Farr, released to coincide with her 80th birthday. She is joined on several tracks by a concertina player, probably Roly Brown, who recorded the album. He also wrote a long and interesting article describing Lucy Farr's life and musical influences, which you can read here.
There are also a number of interviews with Lucy Farr which have been preserved in the Sound Archive of the British Library, which you can listen to here.
Reg Hall recorded Lucy Farr playing a number of tunes, which are also preserved in the British Library Sound Archive. They can be downloaded as a single file here. Many thanks to BS for putting this together (and, of course, the hard-working and wonderful people at the Sound Archive itself).
1. Within a Mile of Dublin [Reel]
2. John Naughton's/John Blessing's [Jigs]
3. Sliabh Aughty [March]
4. The Fisherman's Lilt (The Kerryman's Daughter) [Reel]
5. The Regent (The Boys of the Town)/The Killimor [Jigs]
6. Paddy Fahey's [Reel]
7. Packie Byrne's [Jigs]
8. Gan Ainm [Fling]
9. The Kilnamona [Barn Dance]
10. Frank Downey's [Hornpipe]
11. Stepping Stones/McShane's Rambles [Jigs]
12. Lucy Farr's [Reel]
13. Paddy Fahey's [Jig]
14. The Pullet and the Cock (Drag Her Round the Road) [Reel]
15. The Ballinakill [Polka]
16. Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine/Tomgraney Castle [Hornpipes]
17. Andy Davy's [Reel]
18. Pat McMahon's [Jig]
19. The Hunter's Purse/The Hare's Paw [Reels]
20. Sonny Comer's [Fling]
21. Terry Teahan's/Gan Ainm [Polkas]
22. McGovern's [Reel]
23. Martin Kirwan's [March]
24. Pat Burke's [Jig]
25. The Ragged Hank of Yarn/The Maids of Mitchellstown [Reels]
Once again I have used a piece by the wonderful painter Jane Ridout for the album cover. Her paintings of a number of traditional musicians are quite exceptional, and they are available to view here.
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Fluters of Old Erin (1990)
48 kbps
Various Artists - Fluters of Old Erin: Flute, Piccolo & Whistle Recordings of the 1920s & 30s (Viva Voce - 002 - 1990)
1. John McKenna & Michael Gaffney
2. Gardiners' Sligo Traditional Trio
3. Tom Morrison & John Reynolds
4. Tom Morrison & John Reynolds
5. Stephen Moloney & Tommy Whelan
6. Tom Doyle & Michael Cashin
7. Peter Guinan
8. Dan Sullivan's Shamrock Band
9. The Rosaleen Quartet
10. William Cummins
11. Paddy Finlay & Michael Coleman
12. The Fingal Trio
13. John Sheridan and His Boys
14. John Sheridan and His Boys
15. Tommy Breen
16. Dan Sullivan's Shamrock Band
A series of 78 recordings from the 1920s and 1930s, put together and released on cassette by Harry Bradshaw in 1990. Unfortunately, the bit-rate here is ridiculously low, so modern compression artefacts detract from the already technologically limited sound quality. Nonetheless, it's a valuable recording, and a great source for anybody interested in the sound of traditional Irish music in the United States during this period. There is some lovely playing here, and great techniques that have long-since ceased to be used by most traditional Irish musicians. Be prepared for typical 1930s piano accompaniment...
The cover features an old photograph of John McKenna and Michael Gaffney.
1. The Five Mile Chase/The Duke of Leinster [Reels]
2. The Cork/The Quarrelsome Piper [Hornpipes]
3. The Sweet Flowers of Milltown/The Boys from Knock [Schottisches]
4. The Dunmore Lassies/The Manchester/The Castlebar Traveller [Reels]
5. The Pipe On The Hob [Jig]
6. The Kerry/The Shannon Shores [Reels]
7. Off To California/The Liverpool [Hornpipes]
8. My Darling Asleep/Yesterday Morning [Jigs]
9. The The Newport Lass/The Hag With The Money [Jigs]
10. Dwyer's [Hornpipe]
11. Lord McDonald/Miss McGuiness [Reels]
12. Brian Boru's/The Return From Fingal/Brian the Brave [Marches]
13. Bradley's Favourite [Reel]
14. The Black Rogue [Jig]
15. Eileen [Set Piece]
16. The Blackberry Blossom/Bonnie Kate [Reels]
Various Artists - Fluters of Old Erin: Flute, Piccolo & Whistle Recordings of the 1920s & 30s (Viva Voce - 002 - 1990)
1. John McKenna & Michael Gaffney
2. Gardiners' Sligo Traditional Trio
3. Tom Morrison & John Reynolds
4. Tom Morrison & John Reynolds
5. Stephen Moloney & Tommy Whelan
6. Tom Doyle & Michael Cashin
7. Peter Guinan
8. Dan Sullivan's Shamrock Band
9. The Rosaleen Quartet
10. William Cummins
11. Paddy Finlay & Michael Coleman
12. The Fingal Trio
13. John Sheridan and His Boys
14. John Sheridan and His Boys
15. Tommy Breen
16. Dan Sullivan's Shamrock Band
A series of 78 recordings from the 1920s and 1930s, put together and released on cassette by Harry Bradshaw in 1990. Unfortunately, the bit-rate here is ridiculously low, so modern compression artefacts detract from the already technologically limited sound quality. Nonetheless, it's a valuable recording, and a great source for anybody interested in the sound of traditional Irish music in the United States during this period. There is some lovely playing here, and great techniques that have long-since ceased to be used by most traditional Irish musicians. Be prepared for typical 1930s piano accompaniment...
The cover features an old photograph of John McKenna and Michael Gaffney.
1. The Five Mile Chase/The Duke of Leinster [Reels]
2. The Cork/The Quarrelsome Piper [Hornpipes]
3. The Sweet Flowers of Milltown/The Boys from Knock [Schottisches]
4. The Dunmore Lassies/The Manchester/The Castlebar Traveller [Reels]
5. The Pipe On The Hob [Jig]
6. The Kerry/The Shannon Shores [Reels]
7. Off To California/The Liverpool [Hornpipes]
8. My Darling Asleep/Yesterday Morning [Jigs]
9. The The Newport Lass/The Hag With The Money [Jigs]
10. Dwyer's [Hornpipe]
11. Lord McDonald/Miss McGuiness [Reels]
12. Brian Boru's/The Return From Fingal/Brian the Brave [Marches]
13. Bradley's Favourite [Reel]
14. The Black Rogue [Jig]
15. Eileen [Set Piece]
16. The Blackberry Blossom/Bonnie Kate [Reels]
Friday, 8 July 2011
Joe Heaney & Gabriel O'Sullivan -Joe & the Gabe (1979)
320 kbps
Joe Heaney & Gabriel O'Sullivan - Joe & the Gabe: Songs and Music of Galway
(Green Linnet - SIF 1018 - 1979)
Recorded by Peter Bellamy in 1979, this raw, unaccompanied album features songs by Joe Heaney (Seosamh Ó hÉanaí) and tunes by Gabriel O'Sullivan, known affectionately as the Gabe, on whistle, flute and fiddle. The Gabe was from Headford in East Galway, and he first learned his music from Tommy Coen, a fellow East Galway musician, when he went to work in Galway City. He later became interested in the Ballinakill style of flute playing, listening to 78s of the Ballinakill Céilí Band, and the flute playing of Tommy Whelan ('the greatest flute player of all from Ballinakill') and Stephen Maloney in particular. Gabe's flute playing, with its punchy, breathy attack, contrasts dramatically with the unbroken flow of the music of Paddy Carty, who might be considered the most famous exponent of the East Galway style of flute playing. The Gabe's personal style seems to have come from the old Ballinakill players:
Joe Heaney, or Seosamh Ó hÉanaí, came from Carna in West Connemara, a place where few could afford musical instruments, and where music was more often expressed in song. Heaney learned many of his English songs from his father, also a fine singer, and his Gaelic songs from his cousin Colm Keane, from whom Séamus Ennis is said to have collected no less than 280 songs.
You can watch a short video of Heaney singing the comic song Cúnla here.
1. Jack Coughlin's Favourite [Reel]
2. The Gabe's Miss McLeod [Reel]
3. The Widow from Mayo [Song]
4. The Duke of Leinster/The Kylebrack Rambler [Reels]
5. My Blessing on the Big Jug and it Full [Air]
6. Amhrán Muiginse (The Song of Mynish) [Song]
7. Whelan's [Jig]
8. The Lady on the Island [Reel]
9. The Banks of the Sweet Dundee [Reel]
10. Mama's Pet [Reel]
11. The Pipe on the Hob [Jig]
12. Martin Wynne's 2 [Reel]
13. Skibbereen [Song]
14. The Shaskeen [Reel]
15. Dónal Óg [Air]
16. Badoinn Tir Niad (The Teer Nee Boatman) [Song]
17. The Carraroe [Reel]
18. The Belles of Tipperary (The New Policeman) [Reel]
19. The Bogs of Shanaheever [Song]
20. The Green Blanket [Jig]
Joe Heaney & Gabriel O'Sullivan - Joe & the Gabe: Songs and Music of Galway
(Green Linnet - SIF 1018 - 1979)
Recorded by Peter Bellamy in 1979, this raw, unaccompanied album features songs by Joe Heaney (Seosamh Ó hÉanaí) and tunes by Gabriel O'Sullivan, known affectionately as the Gabe, on whistle, flute and fiddle. The Gabe was from Headford in East Galway, and he first learned his music from Tommy Coen, a fellow East Galway musician, when he went to work in Galway City. He later became interested in the Ballinakill style of flute playing, listening to 78s of the Ballinakill Céilí Band, and the flute playing of Tommy Whelan ('the greatest flute player of all from Ballinakill') and Stephen Maloney in particular. Gabe's flute playing, with its punchy, breathy attack, contrasts dramatically with the unbroken flow of the music of Paddy Carty, who might be considered the most famous exponent of the East Galway style of flute playing. The Gabe's personal style seems to have come from the old Ballinakill players:
Indeed it was the flutes that made them so special. Their breath control, their fingering, their timing, but above all they employed a very hard way of blowing, which, honest to God, the modern players now haven't a clue about. They always blew a very, very hard low D and went up to their tune from that, and the living echo of that hard D was right through their music. There's very few people outside of East Galway I've heard able to do this, and indeed nobody these days even tries. So that's it - the music shaped my being. It's my whole reason for existing.
Joe Heaney, or Seosamh Ó hÉanaí, came from Carna in West Connemara, a place where few could afford musical instruments, and where music was more often expressed in song. Heaney learned many of his English songs from his father, also a fine singer, and his Gaelic songs from his cousin Colm Keane, from whom Séamus Ennis is said to have collected no less than 280 songs.
You can watch a short video of Heaney singing the comic song Cúnla here.
1. Jack Coughlin's Favourite [Reel]
2. The Gabe's Miss McLeod [Reel]
3. The Widow from Mayo [Song]
4. The Duke of Leinster/The Kylebrack Rambler [Reels]
5. My Blessing on the Big Jug and it Full [Air]
6. Amhrán Muiginse (The Song of Mynish) [Song]
7. Whelan's [Jig]
8. The Lady on the Island [Reel]
9. The Banks of the Sweet Dundee [Reel]
10. Mama's Pet [Reel]
11. The Pipe on the Hob [Jig]
12. Martin Wynne's 2 [Reel]
13. Skibbereen [Song]
14. The Shaskeen [Reel]
15. Dónal Óg [Air]
16. Badoinn Tir Niad (The Teer Nee Boatman) [Song]
17. The Carraroe [Reel]
18. The Belles of Tipperary (The New Policeman) [Reel]
19. The Bogs of Shanaheever [Song]
20. The Green Blanket [Jig]
Paddy Cronin - Kerry's Own (1977)
256 kbps
Paddy Cronin - Kerry's Own (Outlet - OAS 3002 - 1977)
Paddy Cronin: Fiddle
Shea Walker: Guitar
Gogey McCullough: Bodhrán
A classic recording from the Outlet Records stable, featuring Gneevegullia native and Boston immigrant Paddy Cronin, brother of Johnny Cronin. The bodhrán accompaniment is a little wild and obtrusive but, thankfully, it was recorded on a separate channel, so it has been possible to remove it from the mix. Therefore both the original recording, and a version without the bodhrán accompaniment, are available for download. The latter is a few cents lower in pitch than the original recording.
Many thanks to BS for providing the manipulated version of the recording.
1. The Girl Who Broke My Heart/Tom Steele [Reels]
2. The Frieze Breeches [Jig]
3. Biddy Mickey's/The Drunken Sailor [Hornpipes]
4. Apples in Winter/The Trip to Galway [Jigs]
5. Jenny's Welcome to Charlie [Reel]
6. This is My Love, Do You Like Her? [Single Jig]/The Pipe on the Hob [Jig]
7. Tom Billy's (The Ballydesmond)/Din Tarrant's [Polkas]
8. The Boys of Cunnamore/Billy McCormick's [Jigs]
9. The Bashful Batchelor/Reavy's [Hornpipes]
10. Dowd's 9/Kennaw's [Reels]
11. Farewell to Ballinahulla/The Kilkenny [Jigs]
12. The Mullingar Races/The Humours of Newcastle [Reels]
13. The Maids of Mount Cisco [Reel]
14. The Kid on the Mountain [Slip Jig]
Paddy Cronin - Kerry's Own (Outlet - OAS 3002 - 1977)
Paddy Cronin: Fiddle
Shea Walker: Guitar
Gogey McCullough: Bodhrán
A classic recording from the Outlet Records stable, featuring Gneevegullia native and Boston immigrant Paddy Cronin, brother of Johnny Cronin. The bodhrán accompaniment is a little wild and obtrusive but, thankfully, it was recorded on a separate channel, so it has been possible to remove it from the mix. Therefore both the original recording, and a version without the bodhrán accompaniment, are available for download. The latter is a few cents lower in pitch than the original recording.
Many thanks to BS for providing the manipulated version of the recording.
1. The Girl Who Broke My Heart/Tom Steele [Reels]
2. The Frieze Breeches [Jig]
3. Biddy Mickey's/The Drunken Sailor [Hornpipes]
4. Apples in Winter/The Trip to Galway [Jigs]
5. Jenny's Welcome to Charlie [Reel]
6. This is My Love, Do You Like Her? [Single Jig]/The Pipe on the Hob [Jig]
7. Tom Billy's (The Ballydesmond)/Din Tarrant's [Polkas]
8. The Boys of Cunnamore/Billy McCormick's [Jigs]
9. The Bashful Batchelor/Reavy's [Hornpipes]
10. Dowd's 9/Kennaw's [Reels]
11. Farewell to Ballinahulla/The Kilkenny [Jigs]
12. The Mullingar Races/The Humours of Newcastle [Reels]
13. The Maids of Mount Cisco [Reel]
14. The Kid on the Mountain [Slip Jig]
Saturday, 2 July 2011
Youtube Channel
The blog now has a related Youtube channel, where I'm uploading some video clips of traditional Irish music which haven't been posted previously. I'm also replacing a few of my favourite Youtube clips with slightly better quality versions than those already posted. The videos found in the Artist Index & Video Vault will also be featured in the channel's Favourites section.
Clips just added include:
Donncha Ó Brian: Ní ar Chnoc nó ar Ísleacht [Air]/Finbarr Dwyer's [Reel]
Conal Ó Gráda: The Eavesdropper/Strop the Razor [Jigs]
Tommy Peoples: The Laird of Drumblair [Strathspey]
Michael Gallagher: The Jug of Punch/The Blockers [Reels]
Con Curtin: Off in the Morning [Reel]
Arty McGlynn: Peter Byrne's Fancy/Creeping Docken [Jigs]
Conor Tully, Seán Casey & Frank Hogan: The Pigeon on the Gate/The Drogheda Lasses [Reels]
Francie & Mickey Byrne - Ceol na dTéad (1992)
320 kbps
Francie 'Dearg' & Mickey 'Bán' Byrne - Ceol na dTéad: Traditional Irish Music Played on the Fiddle from Donegal (Cló Iar-Chonnacht - CIC078 - 1992)
A raw blast of fiddle music from the Byrne brothers of Kilcar, County Donegal, probably recorded some time in the late 1970's, shortly before Mickey passed away. There are hardly any sets here, only individual tunes, and the sound quality is that of a field recording, not a studio album. A little gem of pure Donegal fiddle music from an earlier age.
You can watch Francie Dearg playing Dinky Dorrian's Reel with Peter Carr here.
Some of the names are a little suspect, and any help in identifying those that have gone astray would be appreciated.
1. Franc a'Phoill [Jig]
2. Donegal Castle [Hornpipe]
3. Seán Ó Laidin (Danny Meehan's) [Reel]
4. Ríl Sheáin Parnell/An Cailín Rua [Reels]
5. Dúlamán na Binne Buí [Highland]
6. Jenny Rocking the Cradle [Reel]
7. Máire Mhaitiú [Air]
8. Gan Ainm [Hornpipe]
9. Gan Ainm [Reel]
10. The Scolding Wife [Reel]
11. Toss the Feathers [Reel]
12. O'Rourke's [Reel]
13. Clúine Meallta [Air]
14. Lough Isle Castle [Reel]
15. The Gravel Walks [Reel
16. Ríl Phadaí 'n Atharaigh [Reel]
17. The Oak Tree [Reel]
18. Nell's [Hornpipe]
19. The Dublin [Reel]
20. Limerick House [Reel]
21. Master Crowley's (Miss Patterson's Slipper) [Reel]
22. Stirling Castle [Strathspey]
23. Agnes Campbell [Strathspey]
24. Dinky Dorrian's [Reel]
25. The Glory [Reel]
26. An Bunnán Buí [Air]
27. Hudi Gallagher's [March]
Download
Francie 'Dearg' & Mickey 'Bán' Byrne - Ceol na dTéad: Traditional Irish Music Played on the Fiddle from Donegal (Cló Iar-Chonnacht - CIC078 - 1992)
A raw blast of fiddle music from the Byrne brothers of Kilcar, County Donegal, probably recorded some time in the late 1970's, shortly before Mickey passed away. There are hardly any sets here, only individual tunes, and the sound quality is that of a field recording, not a studio album. A little gem of pure Donegal fiddle music from an earlier age.
You can watch Francie Dearg playing Dinky Dorrian's Reel with Peter Carr here.
Some of the names are a little suspect, and any help in identifying those that have gone astray would be appreciated.
1. Franc a'Phoill [Jig]
2. Donegal Castle [Hornpipe]
3. Seán Ó Laidin (Danny Meehan's) [Reel]
4. Ríl Sheáin Parnell/An Cailín Rua [Reels]
5. Dúlamán na Binne Buí [Highland]
6. Jenny Rocking the Cradle [Reel]
7. Máire Mhaitiú [Air]
8. Gan Ainm [Hornpipe]
9. Gan Ainm [Reel]
10. The Scolding Wife [Reel]
11. Toss the Feathers [Reel]
12. O'Rourke's [Reel]
13. Clúine Meallta [Air]
14. Lough Isle Castle [Reel]
15. The Gravel Walks [Reel
16. Ríl Phadaí 'n Atharaigh [Reel]
17. The Oak Tree [Reel]
18. Nell's [Hornpipe]
19. The Dublin [Reel]
20. Limerick House [Reel]
21. Master Crowley's (Miss Patterson's Slipper) [Reel]
22. Stirling Castle [Strathspey]
23. Agnes Campbell [Strathspey]
24. Dinky Dorrian's [Reel]
25. The Glory [Reel]
26. An Bunnán Buí [Air]
27. Hudi Gallagher's [March]
Download
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Riches of Clare (2009)
320 kbps
Riches of Clare (Clare Arts Office - 2009)
Recordings from the 2009 Riches of Clare free lunchtime concerts, put together for a free CD which was handed out at the Riches of Clare concerts, and in libraries throughout County Clare earlier this year. It features brilliant playing, predominantly from Clare musicians, as well as a number of musicians from further afield. Hopefully recordings from the equally brilliant 2010 series will be available next year.
1. Maeve Donnelly, Geraldine Cotter, Charlie Harris & Conal Ó Gráda -
The New Mown Meadow/The Dublin/The Steampacket [Reels]
2. Chris Droney, Michael Kelleher, Francis Droney and Aine McGrath -
The Little Stack of Wheat/The Flowing Tide [Hornpipes]
3. Colm Healy, Eric Healy, Kieran Hehir and Seánie McGrath -
Martin Wynne's/Tom Ward's Downfall/The Silver Spear [Reels]
4. Kevin Griffin, Eoin O'Neill & Quentin Cooper -
The Green Mountain/The Humours of Westport/The Bucks of Oranmore [Reels]
5. Paul Madden, Maria O'Donnell, Sinéad Heagney & Eimear Howley -
Fergal O'Gara's/The Duke of Leinster/The Cameronian [Reels]
6. John Moloney, Elaine Hogan, Sheila Garry & John Kelly -
Kiss me Kate/Mayor Harrison's Fedora/Liz Carroll's [Jigs]
7. Shane Mulvey, Siobhán Peoples, Murty Ryan & Martin Dermody -
Pat Mahon's/I Was Born for Sport/The Miller's Maggot [Jigs]
8. Tony Linnane, Jim O'Connor, Mick Conneely & Johnny McDonagh -
The Wind that Shakes the Barley/The Reel with the Beryl [Reels]
9. Eimear Arkins, Damien O'Reilly, Brian O'Loughlin & Keith O'Loughlin -
The Enchanted Lady/The Shaskeen/The Sailor's Bonnet [Reels]
10. Seán Vaughan, David sanders, Eddie Moloney & Ian Lambe -
Lucy Campbell/The Green Gates/The Duke of Leinster's Wife [Reels]
11. Éamonn Cotter, Conor McCarthy, Oisín MacDiarmada & Padraic O'Reilly -
The Yellow Tinker/Tim Moloney's [Reels]
12. Kieran Kissane, Edel Vaughan, Brian Mooney & Liam O'Flanagan -
Jim Donoghue's/The Ashplant [Reels]
13. The Kilfenora Céilí Band - Ward's [Marches]
14. Pádraig Rynne, Noel O'Donoghue, Brian Mooney & Liam Murphy -
Connolly's/The Chattering Magpie/Martin Ainsboro's [Reels]
15. Karol Lynch, Cyril O'Donoghue, Samantha Morris & Mickey Dunne -
The Limerick Lasses/Kiss the Maid Behind the Barrel [Reels]
Download
Riches of Clare (Clare Arts Office - 2009)
Recordings from the 2009 Riches of Clare free lunchtime concerts, put together for a free CD which was handed out at the Riches of Clare concerts, and in libraries throughout County Clare earlier this year. It features brilliant playing, predominantly from Clare musicians, as well as a number of musicians from further afield. Hopefully recordings from the equally brilliant 2010 series will be available next year.
1. Maeve Donnelly, Geraldine Cotter, Charlie Harris & Conal Ó Gráda -
The New Mown Meadow/The Dublin/The Steampacket [Reels]
2. Chris Droney, Michael Kelleher, Francis Droney and Aine McGrath -
The Little Stack of Wheat/The Flowing Tide [Hornpipes]
3. Colm Healy, Eric Healy, Kieran Hehir and Seánie McGrath -
Martin Wynne's/Tom Ward's Downfall/The Silver Spear [Reels]
4. Kevin Griffin, Eoin O'Neill & Quentin Cooper -
The Green Mountain/The Humours of Westport/The Bucks of Oranmore [Reels]
5. Paul Madden, Maria O'Donnell, Sinéad Heagney & Eimear Howley -
Fergal O'Gara's/The Duke of Leinster/The Cameronian [Reels]
6. John Moloney, Elaine Hogan, Sheila Garry & John Kelly -
Kiss me Kate/Mayor Harrison's Fedora/Liz Carroll's [Jigs]
7. Shane Mulvey, Siobhán Peoples, Murty Ryan & Martin Dermody -
Pat Mahon's/I Was Born for Sport/The Miller's Maggot [Jigs]
8. Tony Linnane, Jim O'Connor, Mick Conneely & Johnny McDonagh -
The Wind that Shakes the Barley/The Reel with the Beryl [Reels]
9. Eimear Arkins, Damien O'Reilly, Brian O'Loughlin & Keith O'Loughlin -
The Enchanted Lady/The Shaskeen/The Sailor's Bonnet [Reels]
10. Seán Vaughan, David sanders, Eddie Moloney & Ian Lambe -
Lucy Campbell/The Green Gates/The Duke of Leinster's Wife [Reels]
11. Éamonn Cotter, Conor McCarthy, Oisín MacDiarmada & Padraic O'Reilly -
The Yellow Tinker/Tim Moloney's [Reels]
12. Kieran Kissane, Edel Vaughan, Brian Mooney & Liam O'Flanagan -
Jim Donoghue's/The Ashplant [Reels]
13. The Kilfenora Céilí Band - Ward's [Marches]
14. Pádraig Rynne, Noel O'Donoghue, Brian Mooney & Liam Murphy -
Connolly's/The Chattering Magpie/Martin Ainsboro's [Reels]
15. Karol Lynch, Cyril O'Donoghue, Samantha Morris & Mickey Dunne -
The Limerick Lasses/Kiss the Maid Behind the Barrel [Reels]
Download
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
False Alarm...
Every day since I received my first takedown notice, I sent an email to IFPI requesting that they specify exactly which link generated the Copyright Complaint Notice so I didn't re-post it in ignorance and receive yet another blast of fiery denunciation from the upright folks at Blogger (the takedown notice is actually very polite). I received the following response:
'Dear Sir/Madam
Thank you for your emails. We have now investigated the matter internally and it appears that, despite our earlier good faith belief, the video does not infringe our members rights. We have informed Google accordingly.
Apologies for any inconvenience.
Yours Faithfully
IFPI Notices'
Apology accepted gratefully. Thank you, nice IFPI people. It really is appreciated...
DR
(I did wonder why, of all the material I've posted, a link to a Youtube video should incur the wrath of those most legitimate opponents of the dubious right to copy...)
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
First Takedown Notice
I received my first takedown notice today - informing me that one of the posts featured in the 'P' section of the Artist Index & Video Vault constituted an infringement of copyright. Helpfully, the specific post wasn't actually indicated...
If the employee of IFPI who sent the Copyright Complaint Notice to Google would like to be a bit more specific, I could probably save you future time and effort by removing anything else that infringes the copyright of the record companies your organisation represents, and by making sure that when I post the 'P' section of the Artist Index & Video Vault again, the offending link has been removed.
Best wishes,
DR
(By the way, anybody who has a legitimate commercial, legal, or artistic interest in either the copyright or moral ownership of any of the recordings or videos posted on this blog, can contact me directly at pashadragutreis@yahoo.co.uk to arrange for the offending items to be removed.)
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Artist Index & Video Vault
Artist Index & Video Vault
I've added an alphabetic artist index to the blog, allowing for easy browsing among the albums that I've uploaded. It can be found on the right hand side of the screen under the Navigation heading.
The Artist Index also features a growing number of links to Youtube videos of performances by traditional Irish musicians. I've tried to include only those videos which are of a high quality - both in terms of musicianship and sound reproduction - but the sound quality of a number of videos which have both musical and historical significance can be less than perfect.
Any suggestions regarding videos of traditional Irish musicians you think worthy of inclusion will be gratefully received...
Monday, 6 September 2010
Father Charles Coen - Father Charlie (1979)
128 kbps
Father Charles Coen - Father Charlie (Green Linnet - CSIF 1021 -1979)
A slightly strange album in that it features two songs in Irish sung by a childrens' choir and directed by Father Charles Coen. Apart from that the music is sparse and unaccompanied, with the exception of the final tune, an unusual and particularly pretty 6/8 march on which Father Coen's concertina is joined by Mick Moloney on guitar. Father Charles also plays whistle and flute on several tracks. It's not in the same league as the brilliant album 'The Branch Line' recorded two years previously by brothers Jack and Father Charles Coen, but it features some lovely playing and some interesting tunes nonetheless.
'The Branch Line', featuring Father Charles Coen on concertina and Jack Coen on flute, can be purchased in CD form from Compass Records, and downloaded via Topic Records from Thinkindie. You will have to enter it into the search function to locate it. You can also download it from EMusic, Amazon and iTunes.
1. Tommy Meara's/Swinging on the Gate [Reels]
2. Gallagher's Frolics/The Templehouse [Jigs]
3. The Echoo/The Wonder [Hornpipes]
4. Ag Seoladh Na Gamhna [Air]
5. Paddy Fahey's/The Tynagh [Jigs]
6. An Londubh is an Chéirseach (The Blackbird and the Thrush) [Song]
7. Mike Coen's/Mike Coen's 2/The Flour Bag [Polkas]
8. Kitty Jones/Castlekelly [Reels]
9. Madeline's Frolics/The Foxhunter's [Slip Jigs]
10. Feach a Phádraig [Song]
11. Ambrose Maloney's/Richard Dwyer's [Reels
12. Tim Kelly's/John McMahon's [Reels]
13. An Cailín Rua [Song]
14. Parnell's [March]
Download
Father Charles Coen - Father Charlie (Green Linnet - CSIF 1021 -1979)
A slightly strange album in that it features two songs in Irish sung by a childrens' choir and directed by Father Charles Coen. Apart from that the music is sparse and unaccompanied, with the exception of the final tune, an unusual and particularly pretty 6/8 march on which Father Coen's concertina is joined by Mick Moloney on guitar. Father Charles also plays whistle and flute on several tracks. It's not in the same league as the brilliant album 'The Branch Line' recorded two years previously by brothers Jack and Father Charles Coen, but it features some lovely playing and some interesting tunes nonetheless.
'The Branch Line', featuring Father Charles Coen on concertina and Jack Coen on flute, can be purchased in CD form from Compass Records, and downloaded via Topic Records from Thinkindie. You will have to enter it into the search function to locate it. You can also download it from EMusic, Amazon and iTunes.
1. Tommy Meara's/Swinging on the Gate [Reels]
2. Gallagher's Frolics/The Templehouse [Jigs]
3. The Echoo/The Wonder [Hornpipes]
4. Ag Seoladh Na Gamhna [Air]
5. Paddy Fahey's/The Tynagh [Jigs]
6. An Londubh is an Chéirseach (The Blackbird and the Thrush) [Song]
7. Mike Coen's/Mike Coen's 2/The Flour Bag [Polkas]
8. Kitty Jones/Castlekelly [Reels]
9. Madeline's Frolics/The Foxhunter's [Slip Jigs]
10. Feach a Phádraig [Song]
11. Ambrose Maloney's/Richard Dwyer's [Reels
12. Tim Kelly's/John McMahon's [Reels]
13. An Cailín Rua [Song]
14. Parnell's [March]
Download
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Johnny Doherty - Fiddler on the Road (1972)
Fiddler on the Road (UTV - 1972)
A lovely documentary made by Ulster Television in 1972 about the legendary fiddler and tinsmith from Ardara in County Donegal, Johnny Doherty.
The film is a real gem, describing the lives of the traveling families of Donegal in the early part of the century, their trade, their music, and particularly the Doherty family's place in the musical traditions of the countryside. It describes Doherty's life as a young man earning money playing traditional Irish music and American jazz until forced to return to his occupation of tinsmith as the music of the big bands grew in popularity. Not only does the film shine a welcome spotlight on a great fiddler and fascinating character, but offers a glimpse into a world that has all but disappeared in the four decades since it was made, and shows aspects of Donegal life that are all but memories. We see Doherty at his trade, working a sheet of tin as he talks of his occupation and his music; there are great schttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifenes of old-style dancing - even by Doherty as he plays - and of course, there is an abundance of priceless footage of the great man's brilliant playing, which has made him such a legendary figure in the world of Irish music.
Watch
The full-length version of this film is provided by Donegal Daily.
You can read about Johnny Doherty and other Donegal fiddlers, and listen to sound files, at the Donegal Fiddle Music website, which is well worth a visit.
You can also see some great footage of Johnny Doherty playing for Pete Seeger and Peter Kennedy following an impromptu visit on their field recording tour back in 1964. Despite the poor quality of the film and the variable quality of the sound recording, the playing is exceptional and it really does make for great viewing.
Part 1
Part 2
Friday, 3 September 2010
Bobby Casey - Casey in the Cowhouse (1992)
320 kbps
Bobby Casey - Casey in the Cowhouse: The Unique Music of Bobby Casey (Bellbridge - 001 - 1992)
Recorded on a Grundig reel-to-reel tape recorder in a converted shed behind Junior Crehan's house in 1959, this is in my opinion the finest example of Bobby Casey's playing to be made available commercially. Four of the tracks were recorded by Bill Leader in 1971, and they will be familiar to anyone who owns the wonderful Bow Hand Records album 'The Spirit of West Clare', but the greater part of the album was made when Casey was in his early-thirties, playing for friends in a relaxed, informal setting. 'Taking Flight' is surely one of the finest unaccompanied fiddle albums recorded, but the spontaneity, freedom, and immediacy in Casey's playing makes 'Casey in the Cowhouse' stand out from every other recording of this great fiddler that I have heard.
Ciarán Carson writes wonderfully of Casey's playing, and particularly of the music which can be heard on this unpretentious and deeply personal recording: "There is a lonesome note in Bobby’s music, but also devilment and wit, a razor-sharp awareness of the possibilities of a tune, of how a subtle twist to a conventional run of notes can transform what until then seemed mournful into something wry and funny. The humour is deadpan and sometimes wicked." Carson's evocative description of the personality which pours out in Casey's playing is taken from a short essay which can be read here.
Casey is joined by Tommy McCarthy on concertina for two tracks, and by his son Seán Casey, who plays mandolin on the final track of the recording. 'Casey in the Cowhouse' was only released on cassette, and although the recording offered here is a composite of the best parts of two separate copies, there are still a number of artefacts which severely affect the quality of the sound reproduction.
Many thanks to JS and JC for providing the two copies from which this has been put together.
Those who would like to hear Bobby Casey's playing free from the artefacts associated with low-quality reproduction can buy the excellently-restored and professionally-mastered Bow Hand Records album 'The Spirit of West Clare' from a number of retailers including Copperplate Distribution, Celtic Grooves and, oddly-enough, Asda...
There is also a nice clip of Bobby Casey playing with uilleann piper Tommy Keane which you can view here.
1. The Glen of Aherlow/Rolling in the Barrel [Reels]
2. Jenny's Welcome to Charlie [Reel]
3. My Love is Fair and Handsome [Reel]
4. The Musical Priest [Reel]
5. The Shores of Lough Rea/Clancy's Dream/Scully Casey's/The Banks of Lough Gowna/Brian O'Lynn [Jigs]
6. Paddy Ryan's Dream [Reel]
7. Toss the Feathers [Reel]
8. Poll Ha'penny/Murphy's [Hornpipes]
9. The Yellow Tinker/The Bunch of Keys [Reels]
10. The College Groves/Toss the Feathers [Reels]
11. Hurry the Jug [Set Dance]
12. Gerry Daly's/Scully Casey's/The Cuckoo/The Western [Hornpipes]
13. Banish Misfortune/Kitty's Rambles [Jigs]
14. The Old Wheels of the World/The Green Fields of America [Reels]
15. Connemara Stockings/The Ships are Sailing [Reels]
16. The Gallowglass/The Legacy [Jigs]
17. Miss McDonald [Reel]
18/ Farewell to Miltown/The Star of Munster [Reels]
Download
Bobby Casey - Casey in the Cowhouse: The Unique Music of Bobby Casey (Bellbridge - 001 - 1992)
Recorded on a Grundig reel-to-reel tape recorder in a converted shed behind Junior Crehan's house in 1959, this is in my opinion the finest example of Bobby Casey's playing to be made available commercially. Four of the tracks were recorded by Bill Leader in 1971, and they will be familiar to anyone who owns the wonderful Bow Hand Records album 'The Spirit of West Clare', but the greater part of the album was made when Casey was in his early-thirties, playing for friends in a relaxed, informal setting. 'Taking Flight' is surely one of the finest unaccompanied fiddle albums recorded, but the spontaneity, freedom, and immediacy in Casey's playing makes 'Casey in the Cowhouse' stand out from every other recording of this great fiddler that I have heard.
Ciarán Carson writes wonderfully of Casey's playing, and particularly of the music which can be heard on this unpretentious and deeply personal recording: "There is a lonesome note in Bobby’s music, but also devilment and wit, a razor-sharp awareness of the possibilities of a tune, of how a subtle twist to a conventional run of notes can transform what until then seemed mournful into something wry and funny. The humour is deadpan and sometimes wicked." Carson's evocative description of the personality which pours out in Casey's playing is taken from a short essay which can be read here.
Casey is joined by Tommy McCarthy on concertina for two tracks, and by his son Seán Casey, who plays mandolin on the final track of the recording. 'Casey in the Cowhouse' was only released on cassette, and although the recording offered here is a composite of the best parts of two separate copies, there are still a number of artefacts which severely affect the quality of the sound reproduction.
Many thanks to JS and JC for providing the two copies from which this has been put together.
Those who would like to hear Bobby Casey's playing free from the artefacts associated with low-quality reproduction can buy the excellently-restored and professionally-mastered Bow Hand Records album 'The Spirit of West Clare' from a number of retailers including Copperplate Distribution, Celtic Grooves and, oddly-enough, Asda...
There is also a nice clip of Bobby Casey playing with uilleann piper Tommy Keane which you can view here.
1. The Glen of Aherlow/Rolling in the Barrel [Reels]
2. Jenny's Welcome to Charlie [Reel]
3. My Love is Fair and Handsome [Reel]
4. The Musical Priest [Reel]
5. The Shores of Lough Rea/Clancy's Dream/Scully Casey's/The Banks of Lough Gowna/Brian O'Lynn [Jigs]
6. Paddy Ryan's Dream [Reel]
7. Toss the Feathers [Reel]
8. Poll Ha'penny/Murphy's [Hornpipes]
9. The Yellow Tinker/The Bunch of Keys [Reels]
10. The College Groves/Toss the Feathers [Reels]
11. Hurry the Jug [Set Dance]
12. Gerry Daly's/Scully Casey's/The Cuckoo/The Western [Hornpipes]
13. Banish Misfortune/Kitty's Rambles [Jigs]
14. The Old Wheels of the World/The Green Fields of America [Reels]
15. Connemara Stockings/The Ships are Sailing [Reels]
16. The Gallowglass/The Legacy [Jigs]
17. Miss McDonald [Reel]
18/ Farewell to Miltown/The Star of Munster [Reels]
Download
Friday, 9 July 2010
Paddy Taylor - The Boy in the Gap (1970)
320 kbps
Paddy Taylor - The Boy in the Gap: Traditional Music from Limerick and Clare (Claddagh Records - CC8 - 1970)
A number of people have requested this album, and as there is no sign of it being made available from Claddagh Records in the near future I will post it here for the time being...
Lovely playing from the West Limerick flute player and composer of a number of well-known tunes. I believe this is the first album of Irish traditional music recorded exclusively on the flute...
1. Paddy Taylor's 1/Paddy Taylor's 2 [Jigs]
2. An Páistín Fionn [Air]
3. The Banks Of The Illen [Reel]
4. The Tailor's Twist/The Loughill [Hornpipes]
5. Morrison's/The West Limerick/Hanley's Delight [Polkas]
6. Raghadsa is mo Cheatai [Air]
7. The Hag With the Money/Fasten the Legging [Jigs]
8. Rocking The Cradle [Air]/The Priest in his Boots [Jig]
9.The Bunch of Keys/The Sandmount [Reels]
10. Hinchey's Delight [Jig]
11. The Boy in the Gap [Jig]
12.Taylor's Fancy/The Limerick [Single Jigs]
13. Tiarna Mhuigheo [Air]
14. The Fairy Queen [Hornpipe]
15. The Fermoy Lasses/The Five Mile Chase [Reels]
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Paddy Taylor - The Boy in the Gap: Traditional Music from Limerick and Clare (Claddagh Records - CC8 - 1970)
A number of people have requested this album, and as there is no sign of it being made available from Claddagh Records in the near future I will post it here for the time being...
Lovely playing from the West Limerick flute player and composer of a number of well-known tunes. I believe this is the first album of Irish traditional music recorded exclusively on the flute...
1. Paddy Taylor's 1/Paddy Taylor's 2 [Jigs]
2. An Páistín Fionn [Air]
3. The Banks Of The Illen [Reel]
4. The Tailor's Twist/The Loughill [Hornpipes]
5. Morrison's/The West Limerick/Hanley's Delight [Polkas]
6. Raghadsa is mo Cheatai [Air]
7. The Hag With the Money/Fasten the Legging [Jigs]
8. Rocking The Cradle [Air]/The Priest in his Boots [Jig]
9.The Bunch of Keys/The Sandmount [Reels]
10. Hinchey's Delight [Jig]
11. The Boy in the Gap [Jig]
12.Taylor's Fancy/The Limerick [Single Jigs]
13. Tiarna Mhuigheo [Air]
14. The Fairy Queen [Hornpipe]
15. The Fermoy Lasses/The Five Mile Chase [Reels]
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