The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #142518   Message #3285839
Posted By: maeve
06-Jan-12 - 08:36 AM
Thread Name: witch of westmoreland - ID lead singer
Subject: RE: witch of westmoreland
If you are referring to the link Will provided, it's a vigorous rendition but not particularly objectionable to my ears. It is, as stated on that video, the Makem and Spain Brothers' take on Stan Rogers' version so would be upbeat with a sprinkle of rowdy. I especially appreciate that these are the sons of Archie's old friends performing his song.

The title, however, is "The Witch of the Westmerelands". Here's Archie's singing of it: Archie Fisher- "The Witch of the Westmerelands" YouTube

In partial answer to the OP's question, here are the names of the group members, from their website- perhaps that will help:

"Makem Brothers, Shane, Conor and Rory, were born in Drogheda, County Louth, about an hour north of Dublin. They continue the lineage of one of Irish music's dynasties, begun by their grandmother Sarah Makem, who was sought after by song collectors for her store of traditional Irish songs. Their father is Tommy Makem, the modern day Bard of Armagh. Now considered an icon, he helped to bring Irish music out of the corner and into the international spotlight, where it has remained ever since.

The Spain Brothers, too, learned Irish songs at their father's knee. Mickey's rich, baritone voice and Liam's mastery of stringed instruments quickly found a home when the Makems met the Spains and the brothers realized the power of their combined talents."
From http://www.makem.com/bio/