My wife and I have been to Ireland twice and have fallen in love with the country. Of course this enhances our appreciation for the music.

I had a nice talk with Tommy Makem recently and we agreed that the instrumental music has taken over the songs in popularity at folk festivals and coffeehouses these days. Tommy is one of the great bards of Ireland and knows so many songs that need to be recorded. His repitiore is incredible.

I believe that it's impossible to separate the instrumental music from a culture from it songs. Irish lyrics are monumental. The gift of language runs deep in the culture and informs the music. The gift of melody is obvious as well. Much of it is inpired by the lore.

I think there is too much emphasis on technical instrumental playing now. The playing level has never been more skilled but this is what the public is clamoring for IMHO. The tradition of the Sean Nos and the affect of Irish balladry on American folk music is much more profound than scholars have given it credit for.

Frank Hamilton