Request for Irish music recommendations

Subject: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 20 May 17 - 05:08 PM

I have a fair number of albums of traditional Irish music, to the point where I'm finding it challenging to find new albums with music which is distinctively different from the albums I already have. I'm hoping you lovely people at mudcat can give me recommendations. I'm interested in both instrumental and vocal (sung in both English and Irish) music. The distinctiveness can take a variety of forms. For example, a distinctive voice (for example, Margaret Barry), a distinctive playing style (for example, I want to get the album Joyceful, or Joy ce Ful, by the Hungarian group Édaín), use of unusual instruments (for example, I want to get Unheard by Eddie Clarke - harmonica - and Down the Ivory Stairs by Padraic O'Reilly - piano - but there are no copies of these albums currently available in the price range I want to pay - but please make any recommendations regardless of availability and/or price - I can always note them down for future purchase), songs not commonly performed, etc. Also, I want any albums with all or most tracks featuring lilting (I have Celtic Mouth Music, and The Clare Shout by Bobby Gardiner). And I love comic songs, such as those by Con Ó Drisceoil and those in this playlist at ITMA: Góilín Playlist: Songs of Humour . I'm also interested in finding more performers who are considered among the best players of the instruments they play.

If there are any questions I can answer to help provide recommendations, please ask.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST
Date: 20 May 17 - 05:18 PM

You may well already have this one as it can be regarded as a "classic" but for me and an instrument played at it's best, I'd probably always give Noel Hill - The Irish Concertina a mention. Not everyone enjoys Charlie Lennon's piano accompaniment on it but I think this is expertly done.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 20 May 17 - 05:50 PM

Thank you. I don't have that one. I listened to samples of it on amazon and I like it.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 20 May 17 - 05:53 PM

I want to add that if anyone's interested in listening to Joyceful by Édaín, you can do so here:

Édaín

And this is the only place I've found where one can purchase it:

https://www.antikvarium.hu/konyv/ruth-bauerle-zack-bowen-joyceful-edain-cd-vel-675965

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 20 May 17 - 06:53 PM

I initially hesitated about listing some of the performers I already know about because I didn't want people to say, well, if she likes them, she won't like such and such, but I'll make the list anyway to help avoid wasting your time recommending performers I'm already familiar with. Just don't let it limit your recommendations in any way. I'm open to a wide variety of music, as long as it isn't too similar to what I already have.

Albert Fry, altan, Arty McGlynn, The Bothy Band, Boys of the Lough, Billy Murray, Bridie Gallagher, The Chieftains, The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, Colm O'Donnell, Con Ó Drisceoil, Danú, David Hammond, Dé Danann, Delia Murphy, Dolores Keane, The Dubliners, Elizabeth Cronin, Emily Mitchell, Father Sydney MacEwan, Finbar & Eddie Furey, Frank Harte, Frank Quinn, Gráinne Holland, The Grehan Sisters, The Irish Rovers, The Irish Tenors, James Galway, James Morrison, Joe Heaney, John Doherty, John McCormack, The Johnstons, Josef Locke, Karan Casey, Leo Rowsome, Liam Walsh, Luke Kelly, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Margaret Barry, Mary Bergin, Mary O'Hara, Michael O'Duffy, Michelle Mulcahy, Micho Russell, Mick Moloney, Nioclás Tóibín, Paddy Cronin, Paddy Killoran, Paddy Tunney, Planxty, Róisín Elsafty, Ruby Murray, Séamus Egan, Seamus Ennis, Seamus Kennedy, Seán Ó Sé, Solas, Sorcha Ní Ghuairim, Sweeney's Men, Téada, Tom Ennis, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, We Banjo 3, The Wolfe Tones

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: The Sandman
Date: 20 May 17 - 07:04 PM

Jackie Daly,exponent of a certain regional style Sliabh Luchra.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: The Sandman
Date: 20 May 17 - 07:07 PM

Chris Droney concertina https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URBZ65IZykI">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URBZ65IZykI

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: The Sandman
Date: 20 May 17 - 07:10 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URBZ65IZykI

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 20 May 17 - 07:21 PM

Thank you. I definitely want more albums featuring music specific to particular regions. Music from Sliabh Luachra by Jackie Daly is on my list. Which Chris Droney album do you recommend I start with?

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 20 May 17 - 07:38 PM

Jackie Daly's album Music From Sliabh Luachra Vol. 6 is a classic. Ron Kavana recorded an outrageously eclectic album, though thoroughly rooted in his Irishness, called Galway To Graceland in the 1990s. I got my copy before the album was hurriedly deleted. I treasure it more than any other recording of Irish music other than those early Planxty and Bothies.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 20 May 17 - 07:49 PM

And one of the very finest solo fiddle albums you'll ever hear is MacDara Ó Raghallaígh's "Ego Trip."

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 20 May 17 - 08:01 PM

Are you wanting mainly instrumental or singers as well?
My list would include Danu, Flook, Cara Dillon, Grada, any of the Sands family - Tommy, Ben, Colum, Anne as well as the Sands family offspring who are now touring as a band.
And Paul Brady, Andy irvine, Sean Keane solo.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 20 May 17 - 09:03 PM

The Brady/Irvine album from the 70s is a must. I wonder if anyone else can remember the collection called Bringing It All Back Home, with a wide diversity of artists, that was released alongside the TV series of the same name. It was brilliant. I was listening to it on a long drive home just yesterday.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 20 May 17 - 11:35 PM

Steve, wonderful suggestions. I found one copy of Galway to Graceland available at amazon for $3.70 and ordered it. However, an image of an album titled Colle Der Fomento is featured in my order information. I contacted the seller. We'll see how it turns out.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 20 May 17 - 11:53 PM

Tattie, I want both instrumental and singers. Thanks for the recommendations; I'll be looking into them soon. I'm quite fond of Danú. I find Ciarán Ó Gealbháin's voice particularly compelling. I probably should have included Seán Keane and Andy Irvine in the list of performers I'm familiar with.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 21 May 17 - 01:57 AM

AmyLove - thanks for including me; I'm honoured. Have you heard Tom Sweeney, Gerry Timlin, Bill Craig, Brendan Nolan and on fiddle, Sean Maguire.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 21 May 17 - 04:59 AM

I saw that mysterious listing on Amazon too, Amy! You've probably discovered that you're not going to be expecting "pure drop..."!

A great album with various very accomplished artists, both instrumentalists and singers, is Music At Matt Molloy's, an entirely live recording made at Matt's pub in Westport. Speaking of live recordings, there's Christy Moore's "Live At The Point" and "Live From Patrick Street." I love that one as well as the first three Patrick Street studio albums (Patrick Street, No 2 Patrick Street and Irish Times). Kevin Burke, Andy Irvine and Jackie Daly are fixtures on those four albums, Arty McGlynn is the studio albums guitar man and there are contributions from Ged Foley and Gerry O'Beirne.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 21 May 17 - 05:01 AM

I made that sound as though "Live From Patrick Street" was by Christy Moore. It isn't. It's by Patrick Street!

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 21 May 17 - 09:30 AM

You'll probably want to listen to Eithe ní Uallachain's singing (and watch the utterly moving Eithne - Idir dhá Shaol

Many singers missing from your list, Séan 'ac Donncha should be in there I suppose but it's hard to know where to start though, looking at your list.

Same for musicians, perhaps better not to shoot off a list of people whio come into my head at this point. Perhaps a further pointer as to where you want to look at?

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 21 May 17 - 09:34 AM

Sorry, the youtube link in my post above links to a trailer, not, as I thought, to the entire documentary (which seems to have been taken down).

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST
Date: 21 May 17 - 09:37 AM

I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but one of my all time favourite albums is The Storm by Moving Hearts. Also, Derek Bell playing O' Carolan. Good thread, thanks for starting it.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: gillymor
Date: 21 May 17 - 10:16 AM

So many great musicmakers mentioned here but I didn't see any mention of the Sligo band, Dervish. The bouzouki/mandola interplay alone is worth the ticket but I think they're a great band top to bottom. Maybe some trad folks take them less seriously because of their involvement in Eurovision. I don't know.

The American/Irish band Cherish the Ladies is also worth a mention especially when they're performing traditional tunes and songs. My favorite recordings- "The Girls Won't Leave the Boys Alone" and "Women of the House" both of which are pretty song-heavy. The leader Joannie Madden, flute and whistle, is to me one of the finest musicians on the planet.

Andy Irvine's received mention here but it's worth reiterating that everything he's been involved with, including Sweeny's Men, Planxty, Paul Brady, De Dannan (briefly), Patrick Steet and Mozaik has been world-class.
I see that he and Brady are performing at Vicar Street today as part of a 40th anniversary of their landmark album tour with Donal Lunny and Kevin Burke who played on the original recording.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 21 May 17 - 03:15 PM

Some which I have bought in Ireland in the past 2 years or so :

"Now" - Ciaran Somers [ flute ] with Nicolas Quemener [ guitar ]
"Rarities & Old Favourites - 1949-1993" - double-CD - Micho Russell - tin whistle, flute & songs from North Clare & Beyond"
"Planxty - Between the Jigs And The Reels-a retrospective"-CD+DVD
"Where The Bog Is" - Brian O'Leary [ accordion ] & Colm Guilfoyle
                                                         [ flute ]
"Bluebells Are Blooming" - Brid O'Gorman [ flute ] & Eoin O'Neill
                                                    [ bouzouki ]
"White Island" - Laurence Nugent [ flute, whistle ]
"Home Away From Home" - "NicGaviskey" - [ 2010 ] best CD of Irish traditional music played by a group I've heard in the last 20 years - fiddle, flute, concertina, accordion - no accompaniment at all, and absolutely no need for it.
Anything by the Mulcahy family - Mick, Louise & Michelle
1 - "Notes From The Heart" [ 2005 ]
2 - "The Reel Note" [ 2016 ]
3 - "Tuning The Road" - Louise Mulcahy [ flute, uilleann pipes, whistle [ 2014 ]
"The Green Branch" - Oisin MacDiarmada [ fiddle ] & Samantha Harvey [ piano ]
"Music From The Lost Continent" - Sean Gavin [ flute ], Jesse Smith [ fiddle ], John Blake [ piano ]
I will recommend 1 album of songs - "Hearts Broken, Heads Turned" by Jarlath Henderson which came out last year. Jarlath is best known as a uilleann piper, and only turned to singing fairly recently. It's a unique album of songs, mainly from Northern Ireland, in terms of arrangement in that he uses "non-traditional" instruments. To give you some idea, here's the list of players on "Fare Thee Well, Lovely Nancy" :
Jarlath [ vocals ]
Duncan Lyall[ double bass, Moog Sub Phatty, sampling, sequencing ]
Hamish Napier [ piano ]
Innes Watson [ guitar ]
Andrea Gobbi [ sampling, sequencing ]
Other tracks have "beatbox", baritone sax, flugelhorn, trombone and "birdsong".
It's one of my favourite albums ever. You asked about recordings which were "distinctly different" - this one is absolutely unique.
Hope this is of some interest. Best of luck, Kenny

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 21 May 17 - 04:26 PM

Every week on on www.liveireland.com/radio Copperplate Time 191.
Two hours of Irish trad/folk music from www.copperplatemailorder.com

Alan runs the Tuesday night session at the Kilkenny Tavern in Soth Wimbledon London

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 22 May 17 - 06:49 PM

Thank you all for your recommendations. I'm making my way through them. I hope more people will add to this thread as well.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 22 May 17 - 06:51 PM

Don't know how I missed Dervish off my list: Absolutely must have! And brilliant as a live band: Cathy Jordan has that amazing spark.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 22 May 17 - 06:57 PM

Seamus Kennedy,

And I thank you for your delightful music. How did you end up choosing to sing La Vie en Rose? I believe I can trace my love for that song back to the movie Bull Durham, which I also love.

In case you're interested in getting it fixed, a number of the tracks on the mp3 listing of your album Favorite Selections are off — the audio samples don't match the song titles:

a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Favorite-Selections-Seamus-Kennedy/dp/B00120J8MS/">https://smile.amazon.com/Favorite-Selections-Seamus-Kennedy/dp/B00120J8MS/

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 22 May 17 - 06:59 PM

That was supposed to be a link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Favorite-Selections-Seamus-Kennedy/dp/B00120J8MS/

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: The Sandman
Date: 22 May 17 - 07:31 PM

Seamus Kennedy is a sound man

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 23 May 17 - 02:50 AM

Again, I don't want to place any limits on anyone's recommendations, but here are some videos to give you an idea of what I consider distinctive in one way or another:

Mailí Na Gcuach Ní Chuilleanáin by Albert Fry

The Orange and the Green by The Grehan Sisters

Haste to the Wedding by Bridie Gallagher

The Bodhran (song) by Colm O'Donnell

The Outlandish Knight by Danú

Seven Drunken Nights by The Dubliners

Still I Love Him by Margaret Barry and Michael Gorman

Peter Byrne's Fancy Medley by Arty McGlynn

Medley: Garraí Na Bhfeileoig/Miss Galvin by Mary Bergin

The Ten-Penny Bit (Jig) by Micho Russell and Gussie Russell

Lock the Door/Get Up Old Woman/Shake Yourself, What Ails You? by Séamus Egan

If We Hadn't Any Women in the World / the New Irish Barn Dance by We Banjo 3

The Wee Lass on the Brae by Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 23 May 17 - 08:20 AM

That's certainly an eclectic collection. Not sure Ican read a particular direction or taste from it though.

I'll try give yo ua few pointers, ones I like.

The fiddleplaying of Bobby Casey, Tommy Potts, Tommy Peoples, Patrickk Kelly. And the new recording by Liam O'Connor, the Loom, must get a mention, I suppose.

As recordings go, PJ Crotty, Carol and James Cullinan's Happy To meet, Mick O'Brien and Caiomhin O'Raghallaigh's Kitty Lie over must get a mention as a modern classic. An Triur, peadar O Riada with martin Hayes and Caoimhin O Raghallaigh, especially their first recording. Maeve Donnelly and Peter O'Loughilin, The thing itself. Jack Taltry and Cormac Begley, Fir Bolg. Cormac Begley's new CD. And for anothe classic look at Noel Hill & Tony Linnane's 1978 recording. Claire Keville John Weir and Eithene ni Dhonalie's An Tri is a Rian. Breda Keville's Hop down. Anything by Iarla o Lionaird.

I'll mention Eithne ni Uallaichain again, especially her posthumous 'Bilingua' but La Lugh's Senex Puer still ticks all boxes after all those years and her singing remains unsurpassed.

If you want to go explicitly modern perhaps The Gloaming may work for you, or ensemble Eiriu.

it could be a never ending list but for now, this will get you started.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 23 May 17 - 08:33 AM

Kevin Crehan's An Bhábóg sa Bhádóg should have been in that list.

And I should have proof read. Sorry about the typos in the previous post.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: David Carter (UK)
Date: 23 May 17 - 08:52 AM

John McSherry has been involved in a variety of projects over the years, ranging from traditional to avant-garde. Worth looking up.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 23 May 17 - 09:40 AM

With regards to your request for lilters, you will probably want to check out Séamus Fay, The Cavan lilter.

And, perhaps, a few pipers Jimmy O'Brien-Moran's Take me tender, any of the three by Ronan Browne and Peter O'Loughlin.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 23 May 17 - 12:09 PM

And I meant to put Claire Egan into the fiddle line up, to include another more recent recording.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Alex S
Date: 23 May 17 - 07:36 PM

Deanta

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 23 May 17 - 10:57 PM

I just remembered Cran. I don't own any albums by them yet, but I've come across their music from time to time. I just listened to samples from their album Music from the Edge of the World, and I quite like it. It definitely qualifies as distinctive.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 23 May 17 - 11:01 PM

Daniel o'Donnell, Val Doonican...

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 24 May 17 - 12:12 AM

Coming across other performers as I go through all your recommendations. I'm getting a number of ideas from this:

Claddagh's Choice: An Anthology of Traditional Irish Music, Vols. 1-2

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 May 17 - 02:50 AM

Tommy Potts.
I find his playing unusual, it always sounds as if he is playing out of time when in fact he is not, I am not sure whether his playing would work for dancers.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST
Date: 24 May 17 - 03:09 AM

Yes Dick, we know what you think. No need to keep telling us each time the man gets a mention.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 26 May 17 - 07:26 PM

I just came across Kíla. They seem quite promising.

Does anyone here know about recordings by pianist Dan Sullivan, of Dan Sullivan's Shamrock Band? I'm interested most in listening to him play solo, as in track 20 here:

Nano's Favorites

And how about recordings featuring Tom Morrison and John Reynolds, such as this:

Tom Morrrison with John Reynolds (Co Leitrim)- Dunmore Lassies

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 26 May 17 - 08:41 PM

As Peter Laban suggested, it's not easy to see the focus here! It's certainly unusual to see Arty McGlynn and, say, Ruby Murray, in the same list....

Rather surprisingly (unless I overlooked it) Peter has not yet mentioned Willie Clancy, a hugely celebrated piper and whistler from Clare.

Seamus Kennedy, no less, has nominated Sean McGuire and I cannot endorse that too strongly. Two reasons: he played in an exceptionally distinctive style, admittedly not to every traditionalist's taste, and he was regionally rooted, specifically in Belfast. Also inextricably associated with Belfast, and worthy of consideration: the McPeake family, of which there is quite a lot on vinyl.

And from Co Wicklow, but by no means rooted since he and his family were travellers, there is johnny Doran, who before being incapacitated by a freak accident in the late 1940s was rated by some as the finest piper in Ireland. You might enjoy trying to track down the one LP he ever made. It's rare, and I've never found it. (His brother Felix, also a piper - as their father was too - is to be heard on a Nigel Denver LP from around 1965 - Rebellion? - and possibly elsewhere.)

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 26 May 17 - 09:18 PM

I understand the confusion as to understanding my musical tastes, but what can I say? I like most of the Irish music I've heard.

I will say this. I don't generally like gloomy music. I listened to samples of a number of Christy Moore's albums and found most of them overall too gloomy for me. The Iron Behind the Velvet seems the most likely purchase for me. Possibly Folk Tale. I've only heard the title track from Paddy on the Road and quite liked it. If it's indicative of the overall tone of the album, I'll definitely get it. (His Me & Rose is quite fun.)

I want to make a distinction regarding the above. Consider The Outlandish Knight by Danú which I linked to in a previous post. It's definitely not cheerful, but I wouldn't describe it as gloomy, either. Poignant, perhaps. I hope that distinction makes sense. Another example of a poignant song I like is Grace. Perhaps gloomy music is emotionally greyish while poignant music has passion, though possibly buried, muted somewhat. Maybe that's not fair, but all I know is that music I'd describe as gloomy I find depressing while music I'd describe as poignant resonates with me, "plucks at my heartstrings."

Another point. I have a couple of Tempest albums, which I don't listen to. I'm not sure if Tempest is considered straight up rock or tending toward metal a bit. The latter would make more sense to me because I'm not a metal fan in general while I quite like some rock, especially classic rock from the 70s. I listened to samples from the album The Storm by Moving Hearts, as recommended above, as well as at least one other album by them, and it just didn't do it for me (but I still appreciate the recommendation — thank you, "guest."), perhaps in a similar way to my not liking Tempest. Now, I'm not sure how to describe Insulated Man by The Drovers, as featured in the movie Blink. Perhaps straight up rock. Anyway, I like it:

Insulated Man (feat. Chantal Wentworth)

And actually The Drovers are another band whose songs I generally consider gloomy, if I remember correctly.

Hope this helps a bit.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 27 May 17 - 03:18 AM

'Peter has not yet mentioned Willie Clancy'

I didn't, perhaps some names are so obvious that I assume them to be basic knowledge I don't feel they don't really need mention. I also didn't want to start reeling off names of too many pipers, not everybody finds piping very accessible. I did start my list with a number of core traditional fiddlers but steered away from that line of thinking a bit in favour of, perhaps, somewhat 'easier' listening. As I said, it's hard to know where to start and Amy's lists perhaps only increase the confusion.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 27 May 17 - 03:30 AM

By the way, Johnny Doran never 'made an lp',. He was recorded for the Folklore commission on archival acetate discs during the late 1940s, shortly before his accidentin.

For years only tapes made from a radio broadcast of some of that material circulated among pipers until a cassette was released during the eighties but more recently Na Piobairi Uilleann released a CD of the complete recordings, all cleaned up. That should still be available, At claddagh Custy's and places like that, I would assume, and certainly at pipers.ie.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 27 May 17 - 04:03 AM

Dan Sullivan made plenty of 78 rpms, I am not completely sure about re-issues, they do come up on compilations of old recordings. Their version of The Blackbird, with piano introduction by Sullivan, before the band joins in, is a must hear, for a number of reasons.

Tom Morrison didn't record all that extensively, his few sides of 78 rpms do tend to appear on those old compilations. (Not much use to you there, in my time kind people supplied me with endless tapes of dubbed 78s so the re-issues passed me by a bit).

If you're into that sort of things though, the extensive re-issues of John McKenna's flute 78s are a must hear/have, especially the most recent collection from the John McKenna people in Leitrim.

Felix Doran had his own lp, 'Last of the Traveling pipers' but other bits and bobs appeared here and there.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 27 May 17 - 05:01 AM

I find questions like this incredibly difficult to begin to approach - it is so dependent on personal taste which is, by its very nature - very personal.
To someone who was looking for an overview of Irish music, I would have little hesitation in recommending Gael Linnn's 'Seoltí Séidte' (Setting Sail) - forty three historic recordings made between 1957-1961.
I don't like them all, but there's enough there to whet anybody's appetite
Some of my own personal favourites remain locked in the vaults somewhere - Folkways' delicious Willie Clancy, Michael Gorman Album somewhat innocuously titled, "Irish Dance Music' - Collector Records' Seamus Ennis e.p 'The Ace and Deuce of Piping'.... a few minutes of magic!
Irish music has never been more readily available, but I do wish that the produces would become conscious of the beauty of sound the solo instrument and stop converting it into muzak with (at best) unnecessary accompaniment.
One of these days somebody is going to gather together and issue the unnacompanied recordings of one of Ireland's finest fiddle players, Máirtín Byrnes - without the piano-driver (if they exist)!
That we should all live so long!!
'Bout time you made your own solo album Peter (unless I've missed something)
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 27 May 17 - 05:07 AM

'Bout time you made your own solo album Peter (unless I've missed something)'

Let's not go there Jim. Ever.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: The Sandman
Date: 27 May 17 - 05:17 AM

denis murphy, julia clifford.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 27 May 17 - 05:36 AM

Surely Padraig O'Keeffe as well, Dick?

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: The Sandman
Date: 27 May 17 - 06:09 AM

absolutely, and Paddy Cronin, and TOM BILLY AND NEILDH BYLE

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 27 May 17 - 06:26 AM

"Surely Padraig O'Keeffe as well, Dick?"
I thought that too Peter
Our dear late friend, Tom McCarthy, used to tell the story of Denis Murphy's efforts to obtain an unnamed tune from Padraig, without a great deal of success.
Finally, Denis cornered him in the pub and, on the offer of a pint, Padraig promied he would let him have the tune if he would meet him in the bog the following day.
He arrived to find the tune neatly finger-written into the wall of wet bog - Padraig named it, "The Bank of Turf".
O'Keefe used to play regularly in a pub in Kilarney - the landlord made a point of recording him whenever he did.
The tapes were carefully placed into round metal spool boxes and put into a large cupboards in the bar
On O'Keefe's death, at a get-together to celebrate his memory they were taken out and put on a tape recorder, where the horrified onlookers watched as the film covering of the tapes fell off and ended as a pile on the floor
Nobody had noticed the hot water pipe running through the cupboard.
Sadly, I was assured that that was not an urban or rural legend
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 27 May 17 - 07:56 AM

The mention of Tom Billy is interesting, I am unware of any recordings made of his playing. Any links, Dick?

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 27 May 17 - 07:58 AM

Three eminent names not mentioned so far;

Frankie Gavin, Cathal Hayden and Sharron Shannon

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 27 May 17 - 02:20 PM

Thank you again to each of you who are taking the time to help me with recommendations.

Seriously, as I said before, I like most Irish music I've heard, so please allow the recommendations to flow freely. As many as any of you are willing to take the time to post, I will check out. I guarantee you that I will like the majority of the performers you share with me. Also, I like to think that others in the future will come across this thread and find it useful.

Peter Laban,
I love piping music. Reel off as many names as you like. A couple of the albums I already have: The Humours of Piping, featuring Claire Byrne, Darragh Murphy, Barry Kerr, Patrick Davey. The Best of Irish Piping, featuring Seamus Ennis.

Jim,
Yes, I actually have 'Seoltí Séidte' (Setting Sail). It's wonderful. And thanks for sharing those stories.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 27 May 17 - 02:43 PM

I also quite like harp music. Some of the albums I have:

Irish Harp Songs: Emily Mitchell

Suaimhneas: Michelle Mulcahy

Dear Harp Of My Country: The Melodies Of Thomas Moore: James W. Flannery, Janet Harbison

Erin's Harp: Melissa Morgan

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 27 May 17 - 03:44 PM

For harp Paul Dooley for the wire-strung. Also Laoise Kelly, Grainne Hambly, Deirdre Granville, Máire Ní Chathasaigh, Kathleen Loughnane

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 27 May 17 - 04:01 PM

Hi Amy - some recordings of the best traditional Irish musicians playing in the 1970s were made by the Belfast "Outlet" label. By means not known to me, several of what were LP records at the time, and can only usually be found on "eBay" these days, usually at inflated prices, can now be downloaded through "iTunes" for £3.99 sterling. Certainly some of the Outlet recordings by Seamus Tansey [ flute ], Finbarr Dwyer [ accordion ], Tom McHaile [ whistle ], Sean Ryan Trio [ fiddle, accordion, piano ], "Na Fili" [ fiddle, whistle, uilleann pipes and songs ], Sean McGuire [ fiddle ], Ted Furey [ fiddle ], Kevin Loughlin [ accordion ] and several more are available.
My favourite flute album ever was one of the last Outlet recordings. "Bad Turns And Horseshoe Bends", by Harry Bradley from Belfast is £3.99. If you ever only own 1 flute album of Irish music, this has to be it. Give it a listen, please.
Best of luck. Kenny

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 29 May 17 - 11:18 AM

A couple more approaches to recommendations:

Consider some commonly played songs and tell me your favorite performers (instrumental and/or vocal) of them.

What do you listen to when you're in not the best of moods to help you feel better? A few examples of my own: I find Albert Fry soothing. I love the energy of Celtic Mouth Music. And for a song in Irish that is decidedly not traditional, I sometimes listen to An Dreoilín by Seán Monaghan and The Maimín Cajun Band on repeat.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 29 May 17 - 03:39 PM

I'm thinking it'll help to provides some contrasts between what I like and what I don't. Though first let me reiterate that I appreciate all recommendations.

gillymor mentioned Dé Danann, Dónal Lunny, Kevin Burke, and Dervish, all of whom I like. I have At Home by Cherish the Ladies, which I find okay — I like their fast-paced instrumental pieces and the rest of the album I find rather dull. I listened to samples of The Girls Won't Leave the Boys Alone and Woman of the House, and I didn't find much there to interest me, either. And gillymor's mention of CTL's leader Joannie Madden got me to check her out, too. Song of the Irish Whistle didn't interest me, except for these two tracks:

Joanie MADDEN / The Otter's Nest-Richie Dwyers

Joanie MADDEN // The Legacy Jig -Tar Road to Sligo

I also listened to samples from Mozaik's Changing Trains and Live From the Powerhouse. The former didn't have enough tracks I liked but the latter did.

And I hope this proves my previous point that anyone who's willing to take the time to make recommendations can do so knowing that I'll almost certainly like some if not most or all of them.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 29 May 17 - 04:02 PM

"And thanks for sharing those stories."
One of the most touching stories I ever heard about the music was told by veteran broadcaster/collector, Cairán MacMathúnna, not long before he died coincidentally at the hall dedicated to Padraig O'Keefe in Scartaglen, in Kerry
He described recording a very elderly fiddle player giving him a number of tunes for his radio programme
When the session finished, Cairán said to the old man, "there is a little matter of the recording fee".
The old man thought fora second and replied, "Well, I have no money in the house at present, but I'm taking a bullock to the market in the morning if you don't mind waiting until then".
You really can't beat the generosity and humility of the older generosity of musicians and singers.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: gillymor
Date: 30 May 17 - 09:30 AM

Amy, your enthusiasm is infectious and it's cool to find out what everyone's listening to.

Here's a young group, Ce doing Spirit Of The Dance / Dans Loudieg / The Bulga from their album Between the Words.

American player John Williams, formerly of Solas, doing Earl's Chair, John of the Bog (Sean se Cheo) and MacArthur Road.
His all-instrumental recording "Steam" is one of my favorites in the genre.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 30 May 17 - 09:55 AM

Seán sa Ceo : Ceo=Fog/Mist

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Stewie
Date: 30 May 17 - 10:48 AM

I didn't see these mentioned: Al O'Donnell, Arcady, Niamh Parsons, Heartstrings Quartet, Len Graham, John Campbell, Any Old Time, Jimmy Crowley.

I second the mention of The Gloaming - wonderful stuff!

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 30 May 17 - 11:14 AM

I searched Heartstrings Quartet and ended up on the website of a string quartet catering for weddings in Ohio. Only when I saw the [i]Heartstring Quartet[/i] things made sense ;-)

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 30 May 17 - 05:46 PM

So much help you all are giving me. My Irish music collection is going to be vastly improved.

gillymor, thanks! Great links. I've added Between Words to my list. For anyone who's interested, you can listen to the full album here:

Between Words

Stewie, that's so funny. I was exploring Len Graham earlier today. I downloaded the songs of his available at The Song Collectors Collective:

Len Graham talks about and sings the songs of Joe Holmes

And there are downloadable songs from a number of performers at that site:

Tradition Bearers

I mentioned my interest in the use of unusual instruments. This includes the banjo. I found a lovely playlist at ITMA:

'With a Banjo on my Knee': Early Recordings of Banjo in Irish Traditional Music

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Stewie
Date: 30 May 17 - 09:10 PM

My apologies for the superfluous 's' on Heartstring that sent Peter to Ohio!

A few more that do not appear to be mentioned above: Voice Squad, Packie Byrne, Phil Callery, Skylark, Pecker Dunne.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 02 Jun 17 - 01:32 AM

Kenny,

I am starting to make my way through your many recommendations and I'm loving them.

For anyone who's interested, you can listen to the full album of one of Kenny's recommendations — Where The Bog Is by Bryan O'Leary & Colm Guilfoyle — as well as purchase it here:

Where The Bog Is | Bryan O'Leary & Colm Guilfoyle

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Dick Miles
Date: 02 Jun 17 - 04:15 PM

Michael Gorman, Sarah Makem.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 04 Jun 17 - 03:27 AM

A matter of wood and trees. I should have mentioned the resources at Clare library:

Singers and songs

Traditional music of Clare : field recordings

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 04 Jun 17 - 03:31 AM

And go on, while we're there, a bit of self indulgence:

Collection of Photos of Traditional Music in Clare

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Jun 17 - 12:17 PM

Hf you liked Mozaik, then you may also like Andy Irvine's latest group, Usher's Island.

Their CD came out in March this year.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: The Sandman
Date: 04 Jun 17 - 03:52 PM

Andy Irvine
https://www.fastnetmaritime.com

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: The Sandman
Date: 04 Jun 17 - 03:54 PM

https://www.fastnetmaritime.com

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 10 Jun 17 - 06:18 PM

Steve Shaw,

I received the correct cd - Galway to Graceland. What a delight! Thanks again for the recommendation.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 10 Jun 17 - 07:03 PM

Gosh, I'm relieved you like it! There aren't many of us who possess that album I'll have you know! Dunno whether it was copyright issues but very few copies were ever pressed. Didn't the world lose out!

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 10 Jun 17 - 07:16 PM

Incidentally, and this isn't for the purists, but Ron Kavana recorded another album in the mid-1990s under the band name The Bucks, called Dancin' To The Ceili Band. His chief collaborator on that one was Terry Woods but Paddy Keenan is on there too among others.   If you like Galway To Graceland you'll love that one too. The final track is a killer. I'll say no more for now!

Another amazing album is Bothy Band Live In Concert. It's a BBC recording. It's Kevin Burke rather than Tommy Peoples on fiddle and it's post-Paddy Keenan, but none the worse for either.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: AmyLove
Date: 11 Jun 17 - 04:18 PM

Proud to be one of the few who possess it. :-) That same seller on amazon had a copy of Dancin' To The Ceili Band and I decided to go for it once again. I listened to some of the songs on youtube:

What a Time by The Bucks

The Bucks - Gra Geal Mo Chroi (Ron Kavana and Terry Woods)

Tony Hustler My Dad & The Bucks Rashers 'n' Eggs... X :-)

The Bucks Courtin in the Kitchen

The Bucks An Poc ar Buille

In my search for those songs, I came across the Irish Folk/Punk band Neck. I'm not sure at this point whether or not I find them too jarring (I haven't listened to The Pogues recently, but I think Neck is more jarring than they are), but if anyone wants to give one of their albums a listen:

Sod 'Em & Begorrah

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 12 Jun 17 - 06:35 AM

I think this thread is testament to what a broad church 'Irish music' really is, and how many things it means to different people.

And also that making recommendations based on a simple request for 'Irish music' can be a bit of a wild goose chase.

Subject: RE: Request for Irish music recommendations
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 12 Jun 17 - 07:06 AM

Two Irish musicians with classical leanings;

Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin - starting with Casadh

Shaun Davey - The Brendan Voyage - Soloist Liam O'Flynn