Last Friday 11th December, saw the re-launch of 'Early Ballads in Ireland 1968-1985', which was first issued as a cassette, compiled by Tom Munnelly and Hugh Shields, in 1985.
This double CD ranks high among the most important and enjoyable albums of traditional ballads from source singers ever issued, in my opinion.
The two CDs (vol 1 – The North, vol 2 – The South) comprise 20 superb Child ballads, among which are several rarities, including Johnny Scott, (Ch 99), Knight William (Ch 74), The Sweet Viledee (Ch 14), Lord Abore/Obore (Ch 87) and The Holland Handkerchief (Ch 272).
Also included are some excellent versions of old favourites, such as Joe Holmes's Dark Eyed Gypsy (Ch 200), Corney McDaid's False Lover John (Ch 4), Tom Lenihan's Lord Levett (Ch 75), Elizabeth Jeffrey's Rosemary Lane (Child 2) and the delightful There Was a Shepherd Boy (Ch 122) from John Campbell of County Cavan.
Several of the items are the only Irish versions of Child Ballads ever to have been discovered.
The set, which is handsomely presented in a library-sized case with a 40 page booklet of texts, information on performers and some photographs, can be ordered from An Góilin Singers Club www.goilin.com in Dublin, who are to be congratulated for their excellent work in putting this long-unavailable and important album back into circulation
Jim Carroll