In the new-age-high-tech-everyone understands it except me category, I recommend "O'Neill's Music of Ireland and Allan's Irish Fiddle" on CD for PC computers. Vince Brennan, the famed "Mindless Mandolinist" of So's Your Mom, has painstakingly transcribed the thousands of tunes from these two seminal collections into a form that can be read or listened to. O'Neill's is the unofficial bible for Irish-American traditional musicians, sort of a Rise Up Singing without words. Allan's is a much smaller selection but, in my opinion, has the more vibrant melodies. This is a wonderful tool for jig junkies and hornpipe hounds. (Dare I call it the reel deal?). You can get your hands on a copy by contacting Vince at vince@sosyourmom.com

--- Michael Miller
--- musicmic@earthlink.net