John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD

Subject: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Jim Bainbridge
Date: 04 Apr 14 - 03:24 PM

John McKenna (1880-1947)was an ex-miner from the Arigna coalfield on the Roscommon/Leitrim border, who went to the US for work, and recorded a (known) 44 tracks of flute music in New York in the 20s and 30s. His 78 records found their way back to Ireland and had a huge influence on the Leitrim flute tradition to this day. These 78s, his complete known works, will soon be produced as a double CD by the John McKenna Society of nearby Drumkeeran, and launched at the John McKenna festival in Drumkeeran on June 7, 2014.
This man can be compared to the greats of Irish music, such as Morrison and Coleman, and this double CD will be a major event in Irish musical history. There will be further launches at the Willie Clancy week in Clare, the Joe Mooney Festival in Drumshanbo and the
Fleadh Cheoil in Sligo.
   Sean Gilrane of Ballinaglera, himself an excellent Leitrim-style flute player has done research for the 96 page booklet and further details will be found in my item on the subject in the current issue of 'Living Tradition' Issue 101, out this week.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: michaelr
Date: 04 Apr 14 - 06:21 PM

Brilliant! Please let us know when it's available.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 05 Apr 14 - 05:28 AM

Ofcourse most of the material has been made available in the past on Harry Bradshaws VivaVoce label. Good to have it done again though.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Apr 14 - 09:53 AM

16 of the 44 tracks are recent discoveries and are thought to be previously unreleased.
It will be great to hear these new tracks....and to hear them all in remastered format.
Sean Gilrane along with others such as Alan Morris Roe have done great work over the last 2/3 years to make this definitive collection a reality.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 05 Apr 14 - 02:45 PM

This double CD is not just a re- hash of previous issues- these are very old recordings and have been re-mastered to provide the clarity and fidelity expected by 21st century listeners.
It will not be just a source of more tunes for avid 'session players' but will, with the booklet, be an important cultural document, putting the music of a master player in its social context.
The John McKenna Society of Drumkeeran issued a cassette tape of McKenna's music about 30 years ago, but it was by no means comprehensive, and sold all copies very quickly.
   The CDs will be available firstly from the Society (and at the launches of course) at www.johnmckenna.ie in the near future.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 05 Apr 14 - 03:25 PM

It'll be great to have them. Here is a write up by Harry Bradshaw and Jackie Small of the previous collection I was referring to, as a bit of general background as it was put together at the time. Looking forward to the new production.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Apr 14 - 01:20 PM

this sounds like a REAL musician!   keep us in the loop

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: SteveMansfield
Date: 06 Apr 14 - 01:42 PM

Jim I read your piece in LT a few days ago and this sounds like a great release. Do let us know when it's available.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 07 Apr 14 - 08:26 AM

The CD is in current production- it will certainly be ready for the main launch on McKenna's home ground- ie in the Community Hall in Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim on the evening of Saturday June 7, at the annual festival organised in his honour.
After that from www.johnmckenna.ie, from the three other planned launches at The Willie Clancy week in Miltown Malbay, the Joe Mooney weekend in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim, and at the Fleadh Cheoil in Sligo, and probably also in selected shops.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim Bainbridge
Date: 11 Apr 14 - 10:54 AM

details of the launches are-
1... Sat June 7 at 8.30 pm in the Community Centre, Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim as part of the 'John McKenna Traditional Music Weekend'

2... Sunday July 6 at 4.30 pm (doors open at 3pm) at St Joseph's Secondary School, Spanish Point, Co Clare as part of the 'Willie Clancy Summer School' Hosted by Conal O Grada

3... Saturday 25 July at 8.30 pm in the Ramada Hotel, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim as part of the 'Joe Mooney Summer School' Hosted by Harry Bradley

4...Saturday August 16 at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann (All Ireland Fleadh) in Sligo Town- time and venue tbc

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Brendan Murray
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 06:05 AM

Could you please tell us where one can buy this cd or can one order it online.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Jim Bainbridge
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 09:12 AM

The package containing the double CD and 100 page book will be available first at the launches listed above at the introductory price of 20 euro.
After that it will be available from the John McKenna Society at www. johnmckenna.ie. (at same price plus p & p)
It will also be in selected shops at some stage- shop will set the price there.

NB first launch is tomorrow 7 June at the Community Hall, Drumkeeran.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 06 Jun 14 - 04:30 PM

I have the original cassette which the McKenna Society issued about 20 years ago (I think). It has 18 tracks on it. Without dragging it out, I'd guess the sound quality is pretty typical of commercial cassette 78 reissues, which means it is going to be some way behind that of the CD. That, plus the extra 22 tracks, plus the 100 page book, means that it represents one hell of a bargain. I shall certainly be buying a copy.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Jim Bainbridge
Date: 07 Jun 14 - 05:41 AM

Think you'll find this issue is a bit special, Fred....quality is amazing, even of his earliest pre-electric recording (1922) which was found in an attic in Texas. Acquiring a badly damaged record involved a trip from New Jersey and $800 to buy it- Harry Bradshaw has made it extremely listenable (is that a word?) and the launch is this evening in Drumkeeran.
Am down in West Cork next weekend at Fastnet festival so anyone going there can get a copy from me..in Ballydehob but only IF I know in advance (ie by Thursday night)- cost 20 euro

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 07 Jun 14 - 05:44 AM

That's quite possible. I well remember the awful sound quality of the Johnny Doran recordings when they were first issued on cassette, and how stunning they sounded when the same tracks were re-issued on CD.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 12 Jun 14 - 01:48 PM

The festival and the first launch is over- the CD (x2 plus 100 page booklet) is an amazing production, for which main researcher Sean Gilrane deserves immense credit.
It is available on www.johnmckenna.ie NOW

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 21 Jun 14 - 08:58 AM

Price for the double CD (with incorporated 100 page booklet) is 19.99 euro plus postage- 5 euro within Ireland
                   5.50 everywhere else

from the John McKenna Traditional Society at www.johnmckenna.ie or at launches- see 11 April post above- or at its only other point of sale at the moment (no potage of course) - Breffni Stores in Drumkeeran village.

It will be in the usual outlets at some stage, of course

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jun 14 - 05:06 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 10 Aug 14 - 02:43 PM

The last of the four official Irish launches will be on Saturday 16 August at the Southern Hotel in Sligo, during the all-Ireland fleadh..

I won't be there as I'll be doing a short introduction to the CD (with some for sale at £16) at Whitby Festival

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 12:05 PM

here's the URL for a youtube video where you can hear him playing and see a picture of his flute:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNa5vKwbJC0

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 12:54 PM

Perhaps it should be pointed out the recording in the video hasn't undergone the extensive cleaning and enhancing the tracks on the CD have gone through.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 03:28 PM

The quality of the original 78s (and that of the cassette) has been seriously improved by the re-mastering done by Harry Bradshaw with Jackie Small acting as moderator. There has been no attempt to change anything and even where technical errors were made in a few of the original tracks, no attempt was made to change them. There is some mediocre piano- playing and the same applies. Changing such aspects is a dangerous course, and these two CDs represent the music heard by listeners at the time, but using 21st century techniques. Cleaning yes, Peter, but no enhancing- it would be hard to enhance the man's music.
Whitby- West Cliff School Class2- 1pm Monday August 18

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 03:49 PM

'Cleaning yes, Peter, but no enhancing- it would be hard to enhance the man's music'

I was ofcourse referring to the quality of sound, not the music it self. And cleaning-enhancing, that's really a matter of semantics isn't it?

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 01:06 PM

We won't fall out about semantics Peter, you know what I mean, and I was really just clarifying that the mistakes of the past have NOT been repeated here. I once bought a cassette of Margaret Barry, only to find her wonderful distinctive banjo playing drowned out by someone's totally tasteless addition of 'backing' music- that was 'enhancement' but not as we know it Peter. Hope that's clear...

I will have with me at Whitby (Saturday to Tuesday inclusive) some copies of another CD produced by the John McKenna Society- not generally available, but a little gem. Recorded by Seamus Ennis in 1947 for RTE radio, 'THE LEITRIM CAKE' by 'Lacky' (Malachy) Gallagher, fiddle player of DRumkeeran, Co Leitrim

Price £10 sterling- just ask me!

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 01:12 PM

Excellent. I'll look forward to buying a copy of that from you at Whitby, as well as the John McKenna.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 25 Aug 14 - 12:16 PM

Jim. Just wanted to say thanks for bringing the McKenna and Gallagher CDs to Whitby with you. They are absolutely brilliant, the pair of them.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 28 Aug 14 - 03:05 PM

OK Fred- no bother- glad you enjoyed them- the real thing, eh? If anyone else wants The McKenna CD it is still available at 25 euro (inc P&P from www.johnmckenna.ie as is the Lacky Gallagher. As Seamus Ennis is reported to have said when radio Eireann gave him the job of collecting music in the 40s........

'They told me to get out there to Connemara and collect what was left of the music before the next wave from America came & washed it all away for good'

He stopped off in Leitrim on his way west and recorded the 'Lacky' Gallagher CD & the result is this CD!

Am over in SE England on Oct 10-18 and can bring McKenna CDs at £16 and 'Lacky'
Gallagher CDs at £10 - just tell me beforehand

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Aug 14 - 02:35 PM

are they available in the shops yet?

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Trevor Sheridan
Date: 29 Aug 14 - 05:56 PM

Just to echo what other people have said ......the CD's are superb and everyone should be congratulated on the produdction.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,Fred McCormick
Date: 30 Aug 14 - 06:14 AM

Yes. The production standards are as good as anything I can remember seeing anywhere. Apart from the fact that someone has obviously put a hell of a lot of effort into the remastering, I was delighted to see that the discographical data of the McKenna discs is of the standard we've come to expect from Document and quite a few other blues/old time country reissuers. EG., recording dates, personnel and catalogue numbers.

And of course, the playing is wonderful.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 31 Aug 14 - 05:44 AM

To answer 'Guest' the best way to buy this double CD/booklet is from www.johnmckenna.ie - priced at (incl P&P) 24.99 euro (£20) within Ireland and 25.49 euro everywhere else. It IS available in a few specialist outlets in Ireland and maybe in England. What is certain is that buying in the shops won't be as cheap as direct from the source.
It will probably be more widely available in the usual outlets eventually, but again it will probably be more expensive. Also please remember that this is a limited issue by a private source, and is selling well!

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 01:30 PM

Anyone in NW Ireland might be interested to know that, as part of nation 'Culture night' (where's my gun?) there will be a celebration of the life and music of The great Leitrim flute player on Friday September 19 at the Community Hall in Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim at 8.30- NO ADMISSION CHARGE. The acclaimed double CD/book will be on sale at the promotional price of 19.99 euro, and will be going into the shops soon in Ireland and elsewhere.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Sep 14 - 12:03 PM

re

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 21 Dec 14 - 12:53 PM

The John McKenna society have organised a session of music on Dec 29 at the Cosy Corner pub in Drumkeeran village

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 28 May 15 - 08:19 AM

The annual John McKenna Traditional Weekend, in honour of the great man, will be held in his home village of Drumkeeran in Co. Leitrim from 6-9 June.
There is a concert on the Friday night featuring Connemara flute player Marcus Hernon, with his family and excellent sean nos singer Rita Gallagher from Donegal.
Rita will be guest at the singing session in Davitts pub at 2pm on the Saturday, and there will be music in all four village pubs most of the weekend.
Full details and brochure on www.johnmckenna.ie

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 08:46 AM

refresh this

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Jun 15 - 10:20 AM

Is there a camp site?

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 05 Jun 15 - 11:39 AM

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ")!% FESTIVAL HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

This is because of the sudden and untimely death of a local man 'Packie' McPartlan who has been a mainstay of the festival for many years. R.I.P. Packie

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 06 Jun 15 - 04:50 AM

re

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 12 Nov 15 - 09:31 AM

Festival committee still shocked by loss of our chairperson in June

However, one of the events scheduled for that festival & cancelled then, will take place in the Community Hall in Drumkeeran at 8pm on Saturday November 14th.

Members of the Mulligan family will attend to celebrate the centenary of T P Mulligan uilleann piper of Bornacoola in Co Leitrim. Local musicians will be in attendance at what should be a very special occasion.

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST,mohill man
Date: 13 Nov 15 - 04:57 AM

Is this the Mulligans from Bornacoola? Neilidh Mulligan is currently one of Ireland's finest pipers

Subject: RE: John McKenna-Leitrim flute player- CD
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Nov 21 - 10:28 AM

Yes and the Mulligan family areat the front of the fight to save the Cobblestone pub in Smithfield, Dublin