Barley Bree (the group)

Subject: RE: Barley Bree (the group)
From:
Date: 11 May 99 - 07:22 AM

How come Liam got left out of this?

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: Barley Bree (the group)
From: Jack Hickman - Kingston, ON
Date: 10 May 99 - 11:50 PM

I first met Tommy Sweeney about 20 years ago when he was playing with an Irish group called Chaff, originating in Derry. Their female vocalist was Fran St. Clair, and another member of the group was Roy Arbuckle. When this group broke up, Tommy and his brother Jimmy ( who thge hell came upt with the name Roscoe)teamed up with P.V. O'Donnell to form the group Barley Bree. Our local Comhaltas branch brought them to Kingston for about three years in a row, and after that a group near Smiths Falls, ON, brought them to that area for concerts.
It was about five years ago that they broke up.
I last spoke to Tommy during March 1998, when he played in West Palm Beach Florida at the Irish Festival. I understand he played there again this year. Following the WPB performance he was on his way to Washington to play at the White House. His song, Anthem for the Children, especially appealed to President Clinton, and he requested that Tommy perform it at the White House St. Patrick's celebration with all the politicians from both traditions in Ireland.
Tommy now lives in Omagh, Northern Ireland, most of the year. His brother Jimmy, lives in Halifax, NS, and I thing he is a teacher. As previously reported, PV O'Donnell lives in Connecticut.
It was a pity they broke up, but I guess 20 years is a good run for an Irish band. Anyone interested in Irish music of the finest quality would be well-advised to keep Tommy Sweeney's name in mind, and catch him when you can.
Jack Hickman

Subject: RE: Barley Bree (the group)
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 May 99 - 11:38 PM

Would that be Dan, as in Liam's Brother?

Subject: RE: Barley Bree (the group)
From:
Date: 10 May 99 - 11:24 PM

Hi!

I spent last Saturday night with P.V. He was in good spirits and we had a few songs and tunes together.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: Barley Bree (the group)
From: Frank Maher
Date: 10 May 99 - 09:48 PM

Another one of the Original Group was Brian Doherty of the Halifax Duo Evans and Doherty.. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Barley Bree (the group)
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 10 May 99 - 09:23 PM

I've been told that the rest of the Bree went home to Ireland to raise their kids.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Barley Bree (the group)
From: SingsIrish Songs
Date: 10 May 99 - 07:50 PM

Tom played in SYRACUSE!!! That's where I'm originally from!

Thanks everyone for the additional info...now I know names to look out for!

Mary Kate

Subject: RE: Barley Bree (the group)
From: Don Meixner
Date: 10 May 99 - 04:55 PM

Hello SingsIrish(Mary Kate, is that right/)

Barley Bree is a group that was originally members related to Tommy Makem, Nephews I believe. They've recorded for 20 years or so in one form or an other until most recently they were PV O'Donnell and The Sweeny Brothers, Tom and Roscoe(?). The brothers were the primary vocalists and they did some fine work. Very nice tight singing and they did a nice range of traditional styles not just Irish. Tom plays guitar and very nice whistle, Roscoe(?) plays guitar and banjo and both sing equally well. P. V. O'Donnell is an excellent fiddler. They aren't together any more unfortunately. Tom is actively touring and recently played in Syracuse, NY. Did an excellent show. I have many of their recordings and I'm not disappointed with any of them. Ofcourse Colin may disagree but I think theyare a good mix in the tape file.

Don

Subject: RE: Barley Bree (the group)
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 10 May 99 - 04:48 PM

P. V., the superb fiddler, is still playing quite regularly in the central Connecticut area, with various other musicians. My son, David, was playing with him frequently until his commitment to his present group ("All Hands Around") began to demand too much of his time.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Barley Bree (the group)
From: Gordon Dougherty in the Great White North
Date: 10 May 99 - 02:43 PM

The Barley Bree used to play every Canada Day (July 1st) in a town nearby where I live. The last time I saw them perform together was the evening of our wedding when, as part of the International Gathering of the Irish (that was held in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada in July of 1992) we reserved a large table for all of our wedding guests. It was certainly a night to remember for Cindy and I; it was also, regretably, the very last time they ever performed hereabouts. They were great.

Gordon

Subject: RE: Barley Bree (the group)
From: SingsIrish Songs
Date: 10 May 99 - 02:23 PM

Thanks bunches katlaughing.

SingsIrish

Subject: RE: Barley Bree (the group)
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 May 99 - 12:58 PM

Hi. A quick search on Yahoo turned up the floowing. Looks as though they aren't together anymore. Sorry, Katlaughing

"Patrick V. O'Donnell, P.O. Box 8207, Manchester, CT 06040. An Inishowen, Donegal, born musician, "P.V." is a fiddler from the former music group called Barley Bree. Call 860-645-8404 or fax [phone] for information on bookings and performance schedule."

Subject: Barley Bree (the group)
From: SingsIrish Songs
Date: 10 May 99 - 12:45 PM

I saw them on a Tommy Makem special a few years ago and them purchased their only cd...everything else is just cassette tapes...

I think them a really good group with a nice sound.

Anyone else familiar with them? Know from where they originate? Are they still around (ie performing anywhere?)

SingsIrish