The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #3022 Message #1285081
Posted By: Reiver 2
30-Sep-04 - 02:00 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Mary from Dungloe
Subject: RE: Origins: Mary From Dungloe
Perhaps I was too negative about the notes in these little books. I just looked them over and although my comments are accurate for most of the songs, a few of them are much more informative. Also, I forgot to mention an overall note which the editor/collector, John Loesberg, includes which says:
"Although in no way meant to be comprehensive, the following notes will give, as far as relevant and traceable, some idea of the background of each song.
"Rather than repeating the same at each entry, it must be said from the outset that the three original Irish folk-groups, who nearly single-handedly were responsible for much of the revival, The McPeake Family, The Dubliners and Tommy Makem with the Clancy Brothers, covered many of the songs in this collection with their own inimitable versions. Many of their early recordings are still available and one could do worse than to be guided by these enthusiastic, if at times, stagey performances.
"Only after the revival settled in a bit, were we able to hear the old country singers, the ones who had acted for so long as the true repository for all these wonderful songs. Many of these singers have now been recorded and their voices may be heard again.
"Apart from the recordings, mention must be made of collectors such as Joyce, Colm O'Lochlainn and James N. Healy, who first published the song books and collections that in many ways formed the backbone of the re-found repertoire."
I still would feel much better if Loesberg had been more explicit in tying individual songs to sources and background.
Reiver 2