Origins: Up the Winding River? / Innisvaddie Annie

Subject: Origins: 'Up a Winding River' by Padraigin Ni Ual
From: JWB
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 04:07 PM

I've found just one mention each of this song and its composer here in the Forum. "Up a Winding River" is a stunning song, and I wonder what's behind it. I'm also curious to know if Padraigin Ni Uallaichain has written others.

What do you know about this song, the composer and his/her music?

And, finally, how does one pronounce Padraigin Ni Uallaichain?

Thanks,

Jerry

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Up a Winding River' by Padraigin Ni Ual
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Mar 04 - 06:21 PM

I know nothing of the song

Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin is mostly known for singing in Irish and researching Irish language songs from south east Ulster. Her husband Len Graham is also a well-known traditional singer. I know Pádraigín has arranged and composed music for several songs, I don't know think she's written many lyrics

pronunciation is approximately Pa-dra-geen
Ní rhymes with we
ool-a-caun (the ch is as in 'loch', not as in 'charm', so I don't know how to represent it in English. 'Chanukah' has a similar sound I think)(the ool is more like a quick oo-al)

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Up a Winding River' by Padraigin Ni Ual
From: JWB
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 08:41 AM

Thank you very much, Guest. I think I can get my Yankee tongue around the syllables you spell out.

I have this song on a tape of a group called The Poor Claires, with Padraigin given credit, though there's no breakout of lyricist and composer. Both the tune and words are lovely. The lyrics aren't written down in the notes, so I'm not sure of the spelling of the single place name in the song: Inish "Faddy". I know inish means island, and I'm curious if there really is an inish "faddy". Do you have any idea?

Thanks again,

Jerry

Subject: RE: 'Up a Winding River' , Padraigin Ni Uallachain
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 09:47 AM

you could try contacting the Poor Clares directly. I found the following details on a couple of websites, so I don't feel any compunction about publishing them:

Contact: Betsy McGovern
Irish Bayou Music
PO BOX 29569
NEW ORLEANS LA 70189-0569
USA
Phone: [phone]
betsymcg @ hotmail.com [close the gaps]

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Up a Winding River' by Padraigin Ni Ual
From: MartinRyan
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 02:20 AM

Padraigín did not write the song. Title is "Inishvaddy's Annie". Details are around her somewhere - I don't have time to search just now. Len may have set the tunte.

Regards

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Up a Winding River' by Padraigin Ni Ual
From: MartinRyan
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 02:23 AM

Here you go!

Regards

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Up a Winding River' by Padraigin Ni
From: JWB
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 03:11 PM

Thanks, Martin, very helpful.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Origins: 'Up a Winding River' by Padraigin Ni Ual
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 04:05 PM

She has recorded a CD called Irish Lullabies which has several songs where she has composed both words and music.