Just back from Dunne's Pub in White Plains, New York, a real "home" for traditional Irish music in the suburbs north of NYC, where we had the (first) CD Release Party of Folk-Legacy's "Irish Ballads & Songs of the Sea." It was quite an evening. At one point we had 3 fiddlers, 2 flute players, 1 accordionist, 1 on mandola, 1 on mandolin, a fine harper, 3 on bodhran and another 3 singers and a guitarist in a not-so-terribly-big space. I realize that does not constitute a World Record but the degree of conviviality and ethusiasim just might.

Part of what makes the regular Wednesday night Dunne's session special is the owner, a fellow who actually likes traditional music and who dreamt of how much pleasure it would give him to bring music into his "house" rather than the possible financial reward.

There were many high points to the evening, some lovely air playing on fiddle and harp, plenty of lively dance tunes and songs. Among the pleasures was Rob Paton's rendition of "The Jolly Tinker," a version of "Whiskey in the Jar," plus a very traditional-sounding song he's written named "Down in the Irish Quarter."

Sandy & Caroline have been very hard at work at Folk-Legacy and were unable to attend. Dave, with whom I've sung many times already this year, was minding his (quite extensive) brood. It was a lot a fun to be with Rob and hear him. The Patons continue to make great music!

All the best, Dan Milner