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WWW.IRISHMUSICMAGAZINE.COM Issue No. 302 Annual 2021 Follow us on Facebook Price €10 Euro @www.facebook.com/TRADIMM

ONLINE TUITION 2021 WITH OAIM

A NEW ONLINE CELTIC FESTIVAL MARCH 13 –17, 2021

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INSIDE THIS EDITION CONTENTS 3 69 MEET DARREN & SHANNON FARRELL COVER STORY Trad Nua is an Independent Irish dedicated to 38 THE RISING STAR OF MAĊA keeping the Traditional Irish Arts alive by promoting & sustaining Maċa the 3-piece Irish band in conversation with fresh & modern Irish Music. Robert Heuston asks the questions. www.irishmusicmagazine.com Maryann McTeague Keifer for Irish Music Magazine. Issue No. 302 Annual 2021 70 MICK ‘CITERN’ WALSH HAS GONE ONLINE The based balladeer’s latest music is now online. He FOREWORD FEATURES tells Seán Laffey why. 40 NATHAN CARTER : THE 72 JAYNE POMPLAS ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION New York based Jayne Pomplas has not let the strangeness of PLAYING 2020 interfere with her work ethic and output. She has just Nathan Carter has achieved phenomenal success over both finished recording not one but two albums. She spoke his professional recording and performing career, and to animatedly to Anne Marie Kennedy. THROUGH THE celebrate an amazing decade, he releases a new collection PANDEMIC and chats to Lar Flynn for Irish Music Magazine. 74 BONFROST WITH THE NORDIC 42 MEET DAWN BEATON FIDDLERS BLOC his month we report on how Robert Heuston, Publisher of Irish Music Magazine in Philippe Cousin talks to Olav Luksengård Mjelva, of the musicians have responded conversation with the Artistic Director of Celtic Colours Nordic Fiddlers Bloc. Tpositively to the pandemic International Festival, who will celebrate their 25th 76 RANDALL STEPHEN HALL’S YELLOW DOOR Anniversary in 2021. crisis. Joanie Madden’s 2020 was set Early October 2020 and the island was seriously debating to be the most successful of any in the 44 JOANIE MADDEN lockdown, yet as Seán Laffey discovered, Randall Stephen 35 year history of . Joanie Madden was taking a forced break from her usual Hall was on the move. Locked down and undaunted in Miltown exhaustive touring schedule. Seán Laffey put in a distance 78 MISTRESS OF MELODY AND THE Malbay, she has a message of hope for call and found out why. us all in this issue. HIGH KING’S HARPER 46 MÁIRÉAD NESBITT’S CELTIC SPELLS It’s 1am in Utah as Samantha Rose Owings talks to IMM’s Composer Graham Lindsey used the Seán Laffey. lockdown time to create new tunes and Máiréad was home for a Christmas break in , connect digitally with over a dozen Tipperary, Seán Laffey caught up with her. 80 GRAHAM LINDSEY’S THE NEXT BEST THING other collaborators. Musicians became Seán Laffey talks to composer, producer and mandolin player 48 BRIAN KENNEDY Graham Lindsey about a lockdown collaboration. experts at hosting online concerts; read Lar Flynn in conversation with an Irish Music Legend. how I was moved by Seán Keane’s 82 LIVE FROM KILMICHAEL, BY ROBIN show from Carragh Cottage, watched 50 ACID CROFT VOLUME 9 FROM JAMES HURT by thousands of people around the SHOOGLENIFTY Robin James Hurt was in an upbeat frame of mind when I world, the kind of audience artists Seán Laffey connects with Shooglenifty to discuss their new spoke to him recently, just prior to the completion of his solo would normally only get in a festival album and their past thirty years of west Highland mayhem. album Live from Kilmichael, writes Mark Lysaght. setting. Talking of festivals, as we went 51 COSCÁN ARE AS POSITIVE AS EVER 94 RON BLOCK to press The Temple Bar TradFest was set Seán Laffey talks to David Nevin and Harry Long of COSCÁN Multi-talented player of & Union Station, to run in January 2021 in accordance about the challenges and opportunities resulting from the guitarist, , producer, Ron Block in conversation with government guidelines. Covid-19 Pandemic. with Chris Keenan for Irish Music Magazine. Coscán are busy writing new material 96 COLUM SANDS : AN ACCIDENTAL PROPHET and getting ready to perform live on 52 THE TIDE OF WINTER Clive Price zooms into Rostrevor to ask Colum Sands Facebook. Mick ‘Citern’ Walsh has Maryann McTeague Keifer in conversation with Shannon about his new album Song Bridge. created an online folk night, replacing Lambert-Ryan to discuss the new Christmas album from RUNA. 98 ROWAN LESLIE ESCAPING THE DAWN the Monday night ballad session in 54 MUSIC CONNECTS A FAMILY Aidan O’Hara talks to the -based Fiddler. Cleere’s of Kilkenny. Máiréad Nesbitt Frank Greally shares Richard Mulligan’s story with IMM. is embracing the web to offer fiddle 99 REBECCA LOMNICKY & THE FIRE lessons and to promote her range of 56 EIMEAR’S JOURNEY WITH CELTIC LANDS Seán Laffey talks to Rebecca Lomnicky about her music and violins. The business of music continues. Eimear McGeown took time out to tell Gráinne McCool a new album from her Scottish band The Fire. People are playing through the pandemic, about her own work and her musical journey with the 100 LOOKING OUT FOR BETTER WEATHER TV special Celtic Lands. and as we have done now for over WITH THE RESIDUALS 300 issues we will be bringing you 58 THE LEGENDARY VOICE OF ANDY COONEY Seán Laffey learned that 20th Century Irish immigrants to their authentic voices, ensuring the Vocalist, musician, performer, songwriter and christened Saskatchewan brought traditional music in their wake, when he talked to fiddler Jeremy A. Cook of the Prairie Celtic band players, performers and providers of 'Irish America's Favourite Son' by the New York Times, Andy The Residuals. our music will not be the forgotten Cooney takes time out to chat with Robert Heuston for Irish cultural casualties of Covid-19. Music Magazine. 102 TEMPLARS OF DOOM & HOVELS OF THE HOLY Also check out our Front Cover Seán Laffey takes a zoom interview with Michael X Rose and story on the exciting group Maċa and 60 THE MUSIC OF HEALING the clan MacLeod kilted Marty Shane from the Templars of Doom. their new album Spiral. Frank Greally in conversation with Maurice Lennon for Irish Music Magazine. 104 PETER DALDRY Slán Peter Daldry is a based Scotsman, an award-winning Seán L 64 INNES WATSON singer, his life’s trajectories are the makings of a good song or Mark Lysaght finds out about an unusual recording project. ballad, and he shared some of them with Anne Marie Kennedy.

Publisher : Robert Heuston Contributors: Front Cover (Main Image) All material contained in this edition is Editorial : Seán Laffey Aidan O’ Hara, Eileen McCabe, Deirdre Photographer : Kenny Ruttledge copyright of Irish Music Magazine 2020 Design : John Barrett Cronin, Gwen Orel, Grainne McCool, Anne Dresses : Marion Murphy Cooney, and may not be reproduced or electronically Text Editor Marie Kennedy, Clive Price, Reidin O’ Flynn, The Design Atelier Jewellery : Majella stored or transmitted without the permission & Production : Emma Meade John O’ Regan, Edel McLaughlin, Derek Kervick, Mise by Majella of the Publisher. All rights reserved © Copley, Mark Lysaght, Bill Margeson, Helene Distribution: eM News, eMND NI Irish Music Magazine. For Editorial, News, CD Reviews, Dunbar, Seamus Bellamy, John Brophy, Available in Print and Electronic Tours & Advertising Enquiries Contact: Michael Walsh, Philippe Cousin, Alex format by Subscription worldwide Select Media Monaghan, Aoife Granville, Nicky Rossiter, For Print and Electronic Subscription c/o Irish Music Magazine Lar Flynn, Rory Modlinski, Jim O’ Keeffe, Enquiries Contact: 4-5 Burton Hall Road, Sandyford Hamish Burgess, William H.A Williams, Email: [email protected] or 18, Caroline Tatem, Chris Keenan, Don Meade, Tel: 01 6622266 Frank Greally, Maryann McTeague Keifer, www.irishmusicmagazine.com/subscriptions Email. [email protected] Cara Gibney, Fergal Woods. ISSN-1393-211X

INSIDE THIS EDITION CONTENTS 5 106 THE B STREET THEATRE SACRAMENTO Robert Heuston, Publisher of Irish Music Magazine had the pleasure of recently chatting with Producing Artistic Director, Buck Busfield. 108 SING ME THESE SONGS Robert Heuston in conversation with the Florida based, Celtic Conundrum prior to the release of their new album. FESTIVALS 89 KEEPING THE TRADITIONS ALIVE IN FLORIDA Michael Lange, Director of Dunedin Live: Haggis Winter MusicFest in conversation with Robert Heuston, Publisher of Irish Music Magazine. 90 THE WILD ATLANTIC FLEADH 2021 A newcomer to the Irish Festival scene in the US, the Wild Atlantic Fleadh is a virtual festival that will debut on St Patrick’s Week 2021. 92 TradFest TEMPLE BAR 2021 Festival favourites return to TradFest in 2021 to help breathe life into a devastated live . REGULARS 62 WALTONS TUITION Another selection of tutorials brought to you in association with Waltons Music. You can now listen to these online at www.waltons.ie 66 GREAT INFLUENCES ON THE TRADITION Carl Gilbert Hardebeck. Aidan O’Hara examines the contribution of the blind composer, song collector and arranger of Irish songs and airs. 67 LEGENDS OF IRISH MUSIC Seán Ó Riada. An appreciation by Mark Lysaght. 68 GLOBAL SESSION TUNES WITH OAIM STUDENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD Brought to you in association with the Online Academy of Irish Music (OAIM). 130 STORY BEHIND THE SONG Seán Laffey re-awakens the back-story of John O’Dreams. LIVE REVIEWS 112 LIVE AT THE COOPER HALL Co-hosted by Irish Music Magazine Facebook. Fergal Woods reports. 113 AOIFE SCOTT AT THE BALOR ARTS CENTRE September 20th,2020. Grainne McCool reports for Irish Music Magazine. 114 SEÁN KEANE LIVE FROM CARRAGH COTTAGE Presented by Irish Music Magazine Official Facebook www.facebook.com/TRADIMM. Sunday October 25th. Seán Laffey reports. BOOK REVIEWS 116 WHY THE MOON TRAVELS Collection of folk tales by Oein DeBhairduin. Illustrations by Leanne McDonagh. Deirdre Cronin reviews for Irish Music Magazine. 117 ’S BRUISED, NEVER BROKEN Gill Books ISBN9780717184132, hardback, €20.99. Aidan O’Hara reviews for Irish Music Magazine. 118 LEARN IRISH BANJO Enda Scahill’s Irish Banjo Tutor Volume 1. Mark Lysaght reviews for Irish Music Magazine. 120 CD REVIEWS Another selection of CD Reviews from the International World of Folk and Traditional Music. 77 SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Subscribe to Irish Music Magazine and have each issue delivered to your doorstep over the next 12 months. Irish Music Magazine is now available in PDF download format to your Computer, iPhone and iPad. See www.irishmusicshopping.com and www.irishmusicmagazine.com/subscriptions for details. 6 NEWS

NEW SINGLE FROM MAĊA CALL ON YOU FROM THE acclaimed songwriter Mark Cryle. “Like a lot of Australians, my ancestors UPCOMING ALBUM SPIRAL were Irish,” notes Cryle. “They were Scottish and English too. I’m also a www.macaofficial.com real history nut who loves to go looking for the stories that are our insight Maċa are a youthful energetic 3-piece Irish family band from New into the past. Some of these stories become songs.” While Cryle’s songs Ross, Co. , who combine with world are at the core of ’s output, on The Emerald Dream they are . They share a passion for composing and creating their own interpreted and delivered with finesse by a band of highly accomplished music. The group consists of the Carty siblings, Saoirse (lead vocals, musicians. “I just provide the raw material. We take it into rehearsals and acoustic ), Naoise (violin, concertina, vocals) and (bodhrán, it gets built upon and shaped. The bits I like most on the recording are percussion, whistle, flute, vocals). usually the bits I didn’t think up myself.” The debut album The Emerald Winners of TG4’s Réalta agus Gaolta,Ireland’s Most Talented Family Dream has won the plaudits of fans and critics alike in . Now it’s time for the rest of the world to see what the fuss is about. 2018. Rónán Ó Snodaigh of KILA has said, “It is always nice to work with gifted musicians, but these girls are gifted and have a zest for the Learn more at https://www.asleepatthereelband.com/ music. In short, They Rock! I can see them being the next Corrs”. QUIRILL – JOURNEY Maċa performed a residency for 18 months at Disneyworld Resort www.quirill.ch Orlando, Florida USA. Maċa have been a lockdown Facebook lives- With Journey Quirill releases his first solo album. If travelling would tream success, where every Saturday night they put on a livestream have been possible this year he would have spent some time in ’s show from their home to fans from all over the world. pubs with sessions. Instead, he now sat at home and wrote songs about The sisters’ skilled musicianship has led them to appear at such wanderlust and the experiences that had also burned into his memory prestigious events at the Olympia Theatre, Mermaid theatre, Temple Bar from his previous travels. TradFest Dublin, Kilkenny Trad-fest, the Aero Irish festival in Marstal From writing the songs to arranging, recording, mixing, mastering and Copenhagen, Wexford Spiegel Tent, to name just a few. They are booked designing the booklet, everything was done by himself. He taught himself to play at all the major Irish music festivals in the USA for 2021-2022. music and technique. The Swiss singer/songwriter is actually trained as a On November 16th, 2020 Maċa released their debut single Call on designer. He holds a “Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts” from the University You from their upcoming debut album Spiral which was written during of the Arts in Bern and a teaching diploma for visual design for secondary Covid-19 lockdown and will resonate with how people are feeling. schools. He has gained musical experience through the years in various For more www.macaofficial.comEmail : [email protected] bands as singer and guitarist from hiphop to heavy metal. It was not until 2018 that he met young talented musicians playing traditional music in an ASLEEP AT THE Irish pub in Glasgow in the spring. He had never heard such music before https://www.asleepatthereelband.com/ and was immediately fascinated. That same winter he played for the first time Asleep at the Reel tap into a tradition that dates back centuries and runs at a session in Zurich. As a regular session participant he met many of the through , , and among friends who contributed to his recordings with bagpipes, violin etc. many others. Yet Asleep at the Reel are not Irish – nor do they pretend to In winter 2019 he released his debut EP Stones and Waves with some be. They are Australian yet, like so many Australians, is in traditional songs and two original compositions. In spring 2020 a single their DNA. This is not a musical tradition which is fixed in time or place. followed with last ferry home. And now in autumn 2020 the first album. It shifts and evolves as it travels around the globe. The band join the dots This time not only sung songs but also with instrumental pieces. between Celtic music and contemporary Australian song, courtesy of Quirill’s music is like him, a colourful mix of many worlds and emotions. The whole range of Folk, Trad and Pop comes to bear on this album. From a quiet ballad accompanied by harp to danceable with whistles, and a pop song about failed love, everything is there to make you feel a little bit of wanderlust. Find out more at www.quirill.ch

CARBONY CELTIC WINDS www.Carbony.com Carbony Celtic Winds offer musicians innovative musical instruments that blend the advantages of modern carbon fiber technology with the time–tested designs of traditional craftsmen. This unique carbon fiber process has a lay–up perfected to match the fiber structure and density of African Blackwood, proving a warm resonance. The aviation grade material is stable in all temperatures and climates creating an instrument that stays in tune and needs no settling or warmup. Our designs are recreations of some of the best traditional instruments ever made. All the critical geometries are molded not reamed so the repeatability and surface finish are perfected. With derived equations for establishing the frequency relationships in our instruments, as such we offer a full line of whistles and flutes in all 12 keys. Custom work is also a specialty, so if there is a project or an instrument that needs carbon fiber replication, Carbony Celtic Winds can help. The selection of the material also creates flutes, whistles and pipes that are virtually indestructible so all instruments come with a lifetime warranty. Carbony Celtic Winds are used by professional musicians around the globe. Check out the fu ll line of produ cts at www.Carbony.com and shots of our appearances at www.facebook.com/CarbonyCelticWinds

LUCIE PÉRIER – IRISH MUSIC ON THE SILVER FLUTE http://www.lu cieperier.com Flute player Lucie Périer is renowned for her use of the silver boehm flute on Irish traditional music, jazz and . Born to a very musical family steeped in Irish traditional music, Lucie defines Irish music as her ‘native’ language, as she was taught her first tunes by her father,

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8 NEWS fiddle and box player Christian Périer, and her first songs by her mother the mix and you’ll experience something difficult to classify other than Jacqueline Fontanel. simply ‘Mec Lir’. Now based in Le Jura, France, she released Apples In Winter in Livewire features guest appearances from some of Scotland’s finest December 2019 with fiddle player Orwin Hébert and she is busy touring musicians.MG ALBA Scottish Traditional Instrumentalist of the Year 2018, with the husband–and–wife duet ‘Lucie Périer & Her Big (hus)Band’, and Calum Stewart (uilleann pipes/whistles), donates his tune Scottishe Kerlou with bands Flinn (Irish music) and Kongo Yélé (Manding Music). and features on several tracks. Joining him are BBC Young Traditional Lucie has also been making the best of social media during lockdown Musician of the Year 2013 Paddy Callaghan (button accordion), 2019 with her Tunes In The Kitchen series available on her Facebook page, finalist Sarah Markey (flute), Ciaran Ryan (banjo – Dallahan), Adam YouTube channel and Instagram. Regarded as a skilled, sensitive and Brown (bodhrán – Ímar/RURA) and Davie Dunsmuir (electric guitar – versatile musician, she is also a demanded teacher and founded in 2018 /Scott Wood Band/Billy Cobham). her own music school, L’École Anémochore. “The formidable musical If Mec Lir’s sound wasn’t already big enough, Livewire takes it to another talents of Lucie Périer.” – Robert McMillen, The Irish News. “Flute player level! Livewirewill be available for digital pre–order from all the usual online Lucie Périer is exceptionally good and reminds us of Brian Finnegan, one platforms in October, with its full release due on 4th December 2020. of the best flute players in Ireland.” – Ian Friedmann, The Readifolk Radio Find out more at https://www.meclir.com Show. “There is only a few players make the silver flute sound Irish and SHANE Ó FEARGHAIL : BORN FROM TRADITION Lucie Périer is one of them.” – Mulholland. Keep up to date with Lucie at www.facebook.com/LuciePerierFlute, www.shaneofearghail.com https://www.instagram.com/lucieperierflute/ and Shane Ó Fearghail is an Irish Singer Songwriter living in Vienna. Having https://youtube.com/c/LuciePérier made a name for himself along the byways of central , this Dubliner musical style fits neatly into the Irish Indie Folk box. Likened to MEC LIR – LIVEWIRE REM, Neil Finn, Rufus Wainright III and Ron Sexsmith, you’d be forgiven for https://www.meclir.com thinking this is where his loyalties lie. Irish music however, is his first love. Genre–busting quartet Mec Lir exploded onto the scene in 2014 with Born From Tradition, his fourth album to date, is made up of ten songs their debut release Not An EP. Since then they have released two singles, (six original, four traditional). A definite air of wandering and longing have appeared at festivals all around the world and even featured on a permeates these songs. Two are in Irish. New York, Dublin, France, even viral social media video that amassed over 2.5 million views! They Sydney are represented. Anyway, a modern ballad about life on Irish have spent the last three years writing and recording what will be their streets and, labelled his most controversial to date New . Livewire first full album, , due for release in December 2020. This Isle of Self produced, recorded between Dublin and Vienna, Born From Man/Glasgow based band features virtuosic Manx fiddle player Tomás Tradition is a quiet affair and haunting in its simplicities. The traditional Callister (Ímar), alongside fellow Manx musicians Adam Rhodes on tracks are familiar however, it’s their delivery and that bouzouki (Ímar), David Kilgallon on keyboard (Chronicles), and Scotland’s resonate. Placed alongside Shane’s self–penned ballads, they fit. This Greg Barry on drums (Elephant Sessions). “ album is about coming to terms with beautiful ghosts, who I am and Known for their lightning–fast playing and tight sound, Mec Lir’s main intention is let the listener to have fun, with very little meant to be taken where I come from.” too seriously.If you strip back the synths/drums you’ll find at the core of Not being able to get home due to covid, working on these songs these often verging–on outrageous arrangements a set of tunes that would brought Ireland closer. Talking to Shane you get the feeling he’s got his be accepted by the most traditional of players. Add everything back into eyes set firmly on Ireland – The proverbial salmon returning home. Maybe he never left. “Great songwriting meets high musical sense. A fantastic artist!” – Bernd Rossmann. Trasna na Gcianta the first single is out now. Album was released 31.10.2020. For more visit www.shaneofearghail.com

2002 – CELTIC FAIRY DREAM www.2002music.com Originally comprised of husband and wife duo Randy and Pamela Copus, multiple award–winning and Billboard charting phenomenon 2002 debuted on the music scene nearly three decades ago with their album Wings (1992). Progressively evolving over the years to incorporate more lyrical and tangible melodies into their definable ‘neoclassical new age’ sound, more structured songs would eventually become a mainstay when the couple’s then–adolescent daughter Sarah Copus was officially recruited as 2002’s third member and lead singer in 2014 for their landmark album Trail of Dreams. A thematic sequel to Celtic Fairy Lullaby (2016), the band’s latest release, Celtic Fairy Dream, serendipitously parallels the maturing artistry of Sarah Copus, with her angelic lullabies once again shining in the incandescent glow of celestially sailing soundscapes. Comprised of cinematic orchestral arrangements, listeners are treated to the lulling sounds of harp, flute, piano, guitar and additional multi–layered vocals throughout. Included are several renditions of traditional Irish and Welsh songs in signature 2002 fashion, as the musical sojourner is spirited away to another time and place where ancient lore and mythic beauty comes to life. Another stunning offering from 2002, every composition herein magically unfolds like the turning of sparkling pages of a fairytale picture book. Sure to be embraced by adults and children alike, Celtic Fairy Dreamis another must–have album for fans of Celtic, ethereal and fantasy music in the spirit of , and Loreena McKennitt! – Candice Michelle, Journeyscapes. Celtic Fairy Dream has been on the One World Music Radio Album Chart for 6 months in a row. Find out more at www.2002music.com & www.facebook.com/2002music

10 NEWS THE WILDERNESS YET – CHRISTMAS ALBUM online, where she provides educational and inspiring content to her www.thewildernessyet.com audience. She digs deep into sharing Irish traditional music culture, as Following their critically acclaimed debut album of “newly written well as tactical tips on Irish fiddle bowing technique. songs which sound as if they’ve been around for decades” (BBC Radio), This album celebrates the community surrounding Irish music. The The Wilderness Yet released a single in October and is releasing a tracks are a compilation of traditional tunes, self–composed tunes, and Christmas album in December. A carefully crafted mix of old Christmas those created by friends and mentors – much like a refreshing cup of tea songs in rich three part harmony and wistful winter–themed tunes. shared among friends, it is intended to both calm and energize listeners. The Wilderness Yet comprises of folksinger Rosie Hodgson, traditional “I’m struck by the variety of textures from track to track. There are solo fiddler Rowan Piggott, and guitarist–flautist Philippe Barnes. Independently, fiddle tracks where she tears it up, and the vocals on the album are they have earned audiences’ esteem as consummate musicians; together, sublime!” –. they weave an eclectic tapestry of traditional and original songs and tunes; Originally trained in classical violin, Hannah has now converted to Irish from a cappella harmonies to luscious instrumental arrangements. From the traditional music. Her earliest influences include Mairead Nesbitt, Kevin great whales of the deep to the old oaks of the land, the of the natural Burke, Martin Hayes and Liz Carroll – all of whom leave their traces on world is now inextricably bound to that of mankind and many of the her style today. songs chosen or crafted for this “timeless and heady mix of traditions” For further information, visit Instagram (Folk Radio UK) explore the relationship between humanity and nature. https://www.instagram.com/hannahharrisceol/, Facebook All three are clearly steeped in tradition, but also have unique creative https://www.facebook.com/hannahharrisceol/ & Website voices, with original tracks written by each of them. An album with which https://hannahharrisceol.com to explore the world’s stories, seasons, and sorrows – in a time of DENVER–BASED FOLK TRIO AVOURNEEN disconnection from each other and our environment, this collection www.avourneen.com won’t fall on deaf ears. It’s truly a thing of beauty... the instrumental “ Denver–based folk trio Avourneen has spent the past six years building textures are intelligently sparing yet satisfyingly rich... steeped in folklore musical links between Ireland and the Rocky Mountains. The band, and nature... this uplifting and distinctive disc is destined to prove a which recently released its first full–length album Sparrow, specializes in highlight of 2020. – The Living Tradition. ” an approach to traditional Irish folk music that incorporates fresh takes Find out more at www.thewildernessyet.com & and cues pulled from a wide variety of genres. Guitarist/vocalist Adam Facebook/Instagram @thewildernessyet Goldstein, fiddler CL Morden and Kenny Martinez bring a diverse set of backgrounds to their approach to Irish trad, as does sometime HANNAH HARRIS : TEA FOR TUNES contributor Aeryn Parker, who plays , bodhran and flute. https://hannahharrisceol.com The group started in 2014 and released their first EP titled Beloved that Michigan–based traditional Irish fiddler and singer, Hannah Harris, same year. Since then, Avourneen has been a featured act at festivals and events launched her debut album, Tea for Tunes, in August 2020. “Hannah is a across the Western U.S. They’ve played Irish and Celtic festivals in Colorado, true inspiration to any student of Irish music of what can be achieved with Wyoming, New Mexico and Nevada, and they’ve become a go–to band for hard work and a deep passion for the music.” – Andrew Finn Magill. some of the region’s largest folk festivals and contra dance gatherings. Hannah received her Masters Degree in Ethnomusicology from With a repertoire that features favourite traditional ballads and University College in 2018. The research and communication skills instrumentals, as well as original compositions like Eamonn, Banks of the in this field have allowed her to build a thriving culture around her music Liffey, Sparrow and Cork March, the band strives to stay true to the spirit of musical tradition, even as they offer their own spins on the material. It’s an approach that’s won praise from fans and reviewers alike. Colorado’s Celtic Connection calls Avourneen’s approach to the music as “unique in Colorado – and perhaps in the country”. Irish Music Magazine noted about the album Sparrow, “If you enjoy your Irish music with a little bit of an original twist, this is the CD for you”. Find more at www.avourneen.com & www.facebook.com/avourneen

THE WILD IRISH ROSES : FULL BLOOM (POE 080) https://thewildirishroses.bandcamp.com Full Bloom is the 4th studio album from Irish–American Family band The Wild Irish Roses. It’s original songs, traditional Celtic songs, three bagpipe reels, and Irish takes on classics by The Velvet Underground and The Sweet. The Wild Irish Roses are a true family band comprised of Mom, Dad, and the oldest five of their eight children. Each of their four daughters takes a turn on lead vocals. The entire family sings on A Rogue’s March.All the sisters share vocals on The Velvet Underground’s classic All Tomorrow’s Parties, with bagpipes! Three members play bagpipes on an instrumental version of All Tomorrow’s Parties. Recorded in the group’s home studio in Ulster County, NY preceded by their third album, Fill Your Boots Man which contains popular live favourites such as Margaret Thatcher’s Death Song and Seven Drunken Englishmen. The music of The Wild Irish Roses can be heard on and other streaming services or purchased at Bandcamp. Visit them at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WildIrishRoses1 and https://thewildirishroses.bandcamp.com & Contact Michael X. Rose at [email protected]

THE TEMPLARS OF DOOM : HOVELS OF THE HOLY (POE 079) https://templarsofdoom.bandcamp.com/ Hovels of the Holy is the second album by The Templars of Doom. It’s a mix of Celtic Punk originals, trads, and punk covers. H–Block Escape tells of 1983 when 38 IRA members escaped en masse from Maze prison

1 2 NEWS in under Margaret Thatcher’s nose. Black Friday on My and discussion to an international audience for the Oasis Institute, and they Mind mixes the poverty of the holidays with the good times of the each continue to give classes in their respective instruments – albeit via weekend. Three traditional Irish rebel songs are essential to the album and Zoom – through the Washington Conservatory of Music. the band’s sound. Roddy McCorley, Wrap the Green Flag, and God Save Find their livestreaming concert events on Lilt’s Facebook page: Ireland. God Save is given an acapella treatment while Roddy McCorely https://facebook.com/liltirishmu sic builds up to a fever pitch. Wrap the Green Flag is a republican anthem start to finish. Two cover songs by Slade and The Ramones with bagpipes! SO ENDS THIS DAY Rory Quinn (, vocals), Michael X. Rose (vocals, bass), Falco www.eiliskennedymu sic.com Sparvarious (drums), Marty Shane (Mandolin, vocals), and Josie Rose Twenty years on from the release of her critically acclaimed debut Time (bagpipes, tin whistles, vocals) hail from Ulster County New York. to Sail, this recording marks out West Kerry singer Éilís Kennedy as a The mu sic of The Templars of Doom can be heard on Spotify and songwriter of skill and humanity. Many of these songs hearken to the days other streaming services or purchased at Bandcamp. Visit our of Whaling in the 1800’s based on letters, ship’s logs and journals. Instagram and Facebook accounts. Find more at Petticoat Whalers is the true story of Martha Smith who accompanied her https://www.facebook.com/TemplarsofDoom and husband on a long whaling voyage. The Emily Anna is a ballad based on https://templarsofdoom.bandcamp.com/albu m/hovels-of-the-holy & the life of a young and hopeful greenhand, making his first voyage on a whaleship. When I Sleep is a wife’s tender letter through many seasons of Contact Michael X. Rose at ectoplasm6 6 @gmail.com waiting for her husband William to return. LILT The Catalpa Rescue, 1876 is about a whaling voyage under Captain https://liltirishmu sic.com George Anthony of New Bedford, Mass during which six Irish Fenians Washington DC–based trad duo Lilt recently marked their tenth year were rescued from Fremantle Prison. Love Was True To Me is Éilís’s together by releasing the album, X. The duo consists of Tina Eck on flute musicaladaptation of a poem by John Boyle O’Reilly, who escaped from and tin whistle, and Keith Carr on bouzouki, banjo, and mandolin.Lilt is that same grim Fremantle Establishment on a whaleship called the a mainstay presence in the Eastern U.S. trad scene, and can often be heard Gazelle. Ciumhais Charraig Aonair by her father Caoimhín, with music at sessions, concerts, and ceilis. For their latest album they are joined by by Shaun Davey personifies the Fastnet rock as a witness to history. a host of great American players whose names will be familiar to many Three traditional songs fit in perfectly with the original material making listeners: Billy McComiskey, Donna Long, Josh Dukes, Zan McLeod, “a fascinating project from start to finish” –(). Gerry Seán Heely, Philippe Varlet, and others. As Irish Music Magazine’s review O‘Beirne produced and performs on this album. Captain Anthony would sign off the daily log entry with the phrase So Ends This Day . of X said, “This is a Lilt with real fizz, platinum quality. Well done!!” “ ” (September 2019). The album is available for online streaming through More info at www.eiliskennedymu sic.com standard outlets, and can be purchased at https://lilt.bandcamp.com or at THE 1 9 th STREET BAND : DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH Lilt’s website, https://liltirishmusic.com. (SELF–RELEASED) https://1 9 thstreetband.com/ While the COVID era has curtailed live music opportunities, Lilt Characterized by high energy and strong vocal harmonies, The 19th maintains their presence through periodic livestreaming concert Street Band bridges the musical traditions of Americana roots from Ireland performances and with their online teaching activities. The duo recently to the Appalachia with their eclectic gypsy–rock spirit literally leaping served as the hosts of the hugely popular faculty concert for the annual CCÉ from the stage and igniting every crowd. The charismatic vibe that Musical Arts and Dance (MAD) Week, presented this year as a global online Caolaidhe (pronounced Cally ) Davis, guitar player & vocalist, blends streaming event. In the near future they will be giving an online performance “ ” with fiddle/mandolin player & vocalist (and wife), Meghan Davis, creates a joy–filled chemistry that is addictive. Add to the mix the talented rhythm section, Greg Hardin (bass) & Patty Dougherty (drums), and this band will have every crowd enthralled. The 19th Street Band has entertained crowds at festivals such as, Charm City Bluegrass Festival, Iowa Irish Festival, National Cherry Blossom Festival, The Washington Folk Festival, Maryland Irish Festival and they were accepted to play DelFest 2020. The band does an annual tour of Ireland where they have performed live on BBC Radio Ulster and been featured as a regular artist at the Open House Festival in Bangor, Northern Ireland and the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in Co. Waterford. The band has just released their second album, Diamond in the Rough, in October 2020; alongside their own original body of work, of which the band is super excited to air; the album includes three songs co–written by the late, great Philip Donnelly and John Prine. Donnelly invited the band to record these songs with him at GAF Studios in Tipperary where he produced the tracks and performed as a guest musician on the album. Hard copies available at 1 9 thstreetband.com/shop. For more information and the latest news, please visit: https://1 9 thstreetband.com/, www.facebook.com/1 9 thstreetband.OfficialPage, https://www.youtu be.com/the1 9 thstreetband, Twitter / Instagram : @1 9 thstreetband & email : info@1 9 thstreetband.com

LAVEROCK www.laverockfolkmu sic.com Laverock : Scots for lark. The skylark, symbol of dawn and happiness, sings on the wing as it rises into the morning sky. And as it soars and plummets, the laverock becomes, symbolically, a messenger between heaven and earth. Laverock : a Scots folk group. They sing songs by , Scotland’s universally loved poet, inventing new airs to some of his less familiar verses. Above all, they draw inspiration from Burns’ insight into the unfairness of society, his compassion for the simple man and woman,

14 NEWS and his love of life – and of women. All conveyed through the special gift with some friends in Maine, Nashville, Ohio and Ireland. He even of the Mither Tongue. persuaded his wife to back him up on piano for one of them. Use this link Laverock are : Alex Smith; Alex is a singer–songwriter with a deep– to hear a few selections: https://danpossumato.com/covid-tunes. rooted love of Scottish song. With Laverock, he has discovered a facility for The restrictions in Maine have caused most every session in the state to coming up with new airs to traditional material. He finds special be halted, but about once a week he has been driving up to play with a inspiration in the songs and poems of Robert Burns and their insistence on small group of his friends in aptly named . They play spaced well the essential nobility of simplicity. Joanne O’Donnell: Originally from apart in a large outdoor gazebo near the harbour. Alas, with darkness Lanarkshire, vocalist Joanne O’Donnell grew up steeped in the traditional coming early now, the session has gone into “hibernation,” but will music of her Scottish homeland. A fascination with the Scots tongue of her recommence with the arrival of spring! childhood inspires her passion for Burns’ work and the simple yet beautiful Watch Dan’s remote video duets at melodies so characteristic of the Laverock sound. Andy Upton: Originally https://danpossumato.com/covid-tunes from , Andy has focussed his skills on acoustic guitar and plays NOCTAMBULE PUSH THROUGH THE PANDEMIC with faultless technique and unerring sensitivity. His ear for intricate and www.noctambulemusic.com delicate arrangements give Laverock its unique melodic personality. Like many other musicians, Bruce Victor and Marla Fibish of acoustic Find out more at www.laverockfolkmusic.com and duo Noctambule would usually be playing concerts across America and www.laverock.bandcamp.com Ireland. Amid the pandemic, the couple have launched new projects McNALLY GUITAR’S NEW WORKSHOP including Serenade In Place, online classes, blogs and started work on a www.mcnallyguitars.com new recording. With Serenade–in–Place they delivered 40 concerts Acoustic guitar maker Ciaran McNally, formerly employee of Atkin through Facebook Live. New friends were made, album sales grew – and Guitars, Canterbury and Lowden Guitars, Downpatrick, opens a new orders arrived from the States and Europe. full–time workshop in his native Co. Armagh. Marla launched her first solo album The Bright Hollow Fog just before Ciaran who is also a past student of two guitar making colleges, makes lockdown. Though tours were cancelled, tracks were played on radio approximately 40x boutique guitars per year. They are a blend of Celtic across the USA and Ireland, and reviews were very positive. and traditional American styles and voiced for versatility. McNally She started ZooMando — online classes in Irish mandolin available to Guitars also recently teamed up with virtuoso guitarist Shane Hennessy multiple levels across the time zones. Bruce launched a blog – on a signature model with a focus on stage use, travel, and amplified sound. callthemusician.live – inspired by an event he and Marla led with Irish For more details visit : www.mcnallyguitars.com and singer–songwriters Tommy Sands and Finbar Magee during Iúr Cinn Email : [email protected] Fleadh in in 2019. Drawing from his background as a physician and musician, he looks at music as a force for healing and connection. DAN POSSUMATO Bruce and Marla are working on their fourth Noctambule album, Every https://danpossumato.com/covid-tunes Migrant Is My Fellow. It explores the subject of displacement, including Dan and singer/guitarist Jamie O’Brien have had their tour of southern vagabonds, emigrants and refugees. Many tracks were inspired by a series cancelled due to the pandemic, and plans for any new tours are of poems published 1894–1900, Songs From Vagabondia, by Bliss on hold until venues can again be booked with confidence. In the Carman and Richard Hovey. “It’s been the silver lining of the horror of meantime Dan has been learning many new tunes on his recently Covid,” said the couple. “Lockdown has made us stay put – and focused. acquired box. He’s also done several remote video duets Like many of our colleagues, we’ve had to find new ways of being us.” Keep up–to–date at www.noctambulemusic.com

WELCOME TO THE NYAH PODCAST AGE Co Cavan NYAH on Facebook & [email protected] Check out Cavan’s Martin Donohoe’s New Podcast Martins Rambles on all Platforms. The Co Cavan NYAH Irish Music group held their 2020 September concert of traditional Irish music staged through film & Streaming this year, in an innovative departure by NYAH in response to the public health crisis. Recorded in various locations around Ireland in August & September 2020. Podcasts are becoming a bigger and bigger part of the audio diet. So NYAH group are working with James Clarke Radio Producer from Co Longford to deliver audio highlights from over 60 artists involved in the Half Day in Cavan & Crossing Borders Festivals. There will be four shows highlights to come in this new media format. NYAH provide a regular programme of tuition, music performances and events, with a dedicated focus for traditional music lovers in Ireland and worldwide. Learn a few Tunes Online. We can Zoom straight to you. Classes from €15. Irish Music Distance Learning with Martin Donohoe and NYAH Musicians & Singers. NYAH funding agencies include the Arts Council / An Comhairle Ealaíon, The Department of Culture, Heritage and the , Cavan Co Council Arts Office & Comhaltas. Contact Martin Donohoe by email @ [email protected] or Phone 086 2342270. Find Co Cavan NYAH on Facebook.

ROBIN JAMES HURT : LIVE FROM KILMICHAEL www.robinjameshurt.com When the world went into lockdown in spring 2020, acclaimed Irish/Scots folk singer/guitarist Robin James Hurt saw his livelihood disappear overnight.

16 NEWS He retreated to his small house by the sea in County Wexford, got a dog NEW ALBUM FROM THE NORDIC FIDDLERS BLOC named Dougal, slowed down his life and started performing livestream www.thenordicfiddlersbloc.com sessions on Facebook and YouTube every Sunday night from his living Bonfrost is the much–anticipated new album from the progressive room. Along with regular RJH fans, these Live From Kilmichael sessions and vibrant trio The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc. Comprising of three quickly grew a whole new following, with viewers tuning in regularly master fiddler players from three of the richest fiddling traditions in from as far as Patagonia, Afghanistan and even Kilmuckridge. the world, The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc release their third album in Fans and new watchers suggested songs for Robin to learn and he also October. All hailing from distinct Nordic countries or regions, the wrote several new original instrumental compositions, one of which, fiddle playing powerhouse is made up of Kevin Henderson (Shetland), Croghan To The Sea, was directly inspired by the stunningly beautiful Olav Luksengard Mjelva (Norway) and Anders Hall (Sweden). The countryside around his north Wexford home. Requests were made for an album which would capture the mood of the live sessions, and so Liam trio combine three unique and distinctive fiddle styles to create an Mulvaney, recorder and producer of much of Robin’s solo output, came to unparalleled sound as they expertly weave the varying components Kilmichael for a weekend with microphones at the ready. The album was of their three musical cultures and traditions together in a hugely recorded live with minimal edits and tweaks and Dougal pitched in with impressive and energetic performance. backing vocals on selected tracks. Bonfrost is recorded ‘live’ as they wanted to capture the feel and The album was released in November 2020, by download/streaming energy of a live show. Their passion and collaborative prowess can and also on CD. Robin James Hurt will continue to perform regular be heard throughout, with both their unique arrangements and their livestream sessions from Kilmichael, with Valentine his Martin D–28 on–stage connection. Kevin Henderson: “All three of us come from acoustic guitar, and Dougal by his side. very rich fiddle traditions and therefore we all have very distinct Find Robin on Facebook – @robinjameshurtmusic1 and Spotify & fiddle styles. When we first brought these together in 2009 there Twitter – @robinjameshurt and www.robinjameshurt.com was an instant chemistry and it is that chemistry that continues to WOLF & CLOVER ANNOUNCES MUSIC VIDEO RELEASE drive us.” The jamming sessions that led to the band’s conception http://www.wolfandclover.com/ showed that the trio not only created a unique sound, but it also had Wolf & Clover is nearing completion of production on its debut music a beguiling richness to it that was created by their use of standard video for O’Carolan’s Farewell to Music, to be released on New Years’ Eve fiddles, octave fiddle, viola and Hardanger fiddle. This wide–ranging of 2020. The band’s love for O’Carolan’s music has persevered since its sound has led to them being likened to a string quartet rather than just a inception in 2016, and this new extended rendering of a classic O’Carolan trio. tune pushes the boundaries of the traditional ensemble to new heights. Bonfrost was recorded at Klangsmia Lydstudio in Os, Norway and is The track will appear on the band’s next studio album, slated for release released under their own label NFB Records. in the 2nd quarter of 2021, and includes collaborations with flutist Bryan Available to purchase from Canonigo of the University of Nebraska and clarinetist Dr. Russell Brown www.thenordicfiddlersbloc.bandcamp.com and of Georgia Southern University, both of whom appeared with Wolf & www.thenordicfiddlersbloc.com. Find them on Facebook Clover at the 2020 Savannah Irish Music Festival earlier this year. Farewell www.facebook.com/thenordicfiddlersbloc is also the first completed track with Dr. Michelle DeBruyn, Wolf & Clover’s new singer and pianist, who joined the band in the summer of 2020. ANNA FALKENAU : SEEING–OUT 2020 Watch for the video on the band’s YouTube and Facebook pages on December 31, 2020 or visit http://www.wolfandclover.com/ to learn more. www.annafalkenau.com & www.facebook.com/annafiddlemusic Fiddle player Anna Falkenau is performing Seeing-Out-2020, a series of live-streamed concerts from her home in Co. Galway/Ireland. She explains: “So as to, hopefully, see this extraordinary year out on a good note, reflective of all the loss and hardship endured by people around the globe and also with a hopeful note. I remember imagining what 2020 would look like, back before the turn of the Millennium; it seemed so far off, the distant future then. The title of my solo CD Féileacán na Saoire – The Butterfly of Freedom is all about the beauty and fragility of various freedoms and the luck to live in personal freedom; little did I connect it then with the threat of a health emergency, rather than that of a totalitarian system.” Anna will perform material from Féileacán na Saoirse Can Here You Calling, her two most recent albums, alongside new compositions. These are “beautifully quirky, full of unexpected twists and turns, and … a masterclass in imaginative playing and tune-christening alike,” writes Siobhán Long in the Irish Times. There are two upcoming dates: Sunday, 29 November and Sunday, 20 December, 6.30pm UTC. You can also catch her for an actual in-venue gig on December 15th as part of the Galway Sessions @ Galway 2020, with Dublin five-string banjo player and singer Ben Keogh and Cork- based guitarist Camilla Monroe. Christmas offers on CDs and online fiddle lessons from www.annafalkenau.com. Digital concerts via www.facebook.com/annafiddlemusic and http://www.youtube.com/annafalkenau

NEW FLUTE AND PIANO PIECES FROM PHILIPPE BARNES www.philippebarnes.com Exciting new repertoire for classical flute players looking to add something different to their concerts. Premiered at the National Flute Association Annual Convention in Salt Lake City, USA.

18 NEWS The All–Knowing Salmon/Noogleshifty – inspired by the legend of Acid Croft Vol 9 is notable also as the first album with the new line Fionn mac Cumhaill, and Scottish supergroup Shooglenifty, two up featuring Eilidh Shaw on fiddle. But don’t worry, Angus is in there movements with a fully transcribed jazz solo. Trip to Pontivy – too, as we’ve been able to include Silence of the Trams a tune he written for his Breton grandfather, and his hometown. Jigeria – a was working on shortly before he died. He’s never far away from the celtic–flamenco fusion piece. As well as Irish music, Philippe has a band when we’re together playing tunes so it’s great to include this passion for flamenco flute and has performed with Attab Haddad’s composition and others inspired by the band’s late frontman. Arabic–Flamenco fusion band, supported Tomatito with Brighton More info/buy from: https://www.shooglenifty.com Live album launch: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/acv9launch/ flamenco group Candela, and recorded alongside Jorge Pardo (Paco de Lucia) on Franc O’Shea’s album Alkimia. TRADITIONAL MUSIC DUO POLYTROPOS Philippe has an MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance from https://www.polytroposmusic.com/ the University of Limerick, where he studied Flute with Niall New Zealanders Oscar West and Rennie Pearson are celebrating ten Keegan. His books Irish Music on the Silver Flute & modern chord years of playing and touring together as the traditional music duo progressions for DADGAD guitar are available now. Polytropos. They have just released their first full–length album. “I’ve heard nobody else who can make the Boehm flute sound like Multi–instrumentalists West and Pearson are masterful, passionate the true traditional thing, who can mould tone to the tune so nicely, players of Celtic music arranged in an adventurous, conversational style. the sheer musicality is exceptionally impressive.” – John Brophy, IMM. Their infectious stage presence and musicality has been a hit with For more see www.philippebarnes.com & instagram: audiences since their debut concert at Wellington Folk Festival in 2011 @philippebarnes and in the intervening years they have worked extensively as professional musicians both in New Zealand and internationally. SHOOGLENIFTY : ACID CROFT VOL 9 The name Polytropos – “the thing of many twists and turns” or “the https://www.shooglenifty.com much–wandering thing” – drives the spirit of West and Pearson’s unique Featuring Brand New Band Member, Eilidh Shaw (The Poozies). instrumental arrangements and represents the journey each set creates for Shooglenifty is delighted and excited to let you know their 9th studio the listener. It also acknowledges the music’s own odyssey from the hills of album, cunningly titled Acid Croft Vol 9, is out now. They wanted to call Ireland and Scotland to the rugged, natural landscapes of New Zealand. it Now That’s What I Call Acid Croft Vol 9, but thought that title might come with certain copyright difficulties. Their playing weaves together the tones of the wooden flute, fiddle, guitar, Acid Croft Vol 9 was recorded in November 2019 at Watercolour smallpipes, whistles and voice to produce thoughtful arrangements of Studios in the Scottish Highlands. It’s an incredible spot with unbeatable melodies that are all at once curious, pure and full of storytelling. views of Ben Nevis, and the kind of outdoor peace that’s only interrupted Their self–titled debut album Polytropos is available to download or by the sounds of rutting stags and soaring sea eagles. Produced by Andy be purchased as a CD from Bandcamp: Bell (, , Sam Sweeney) and engineered by https://polytropos.bandcamp.com/album/polytropos Barry ‘Spad’ Reid, the new album is a collection of eight brand new tracks Official website: https://www.polytroposmusic.com/ written and collected by the band. Including tunes and songs by band Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PolytroposMusic members Eilidh Shaw (fiddle), Ewan MacPherson (mandolin), and Kaela SEÁN HEELY CD : EDGE OF THE BOW Rowan (vocals). The album also includes compositions by friends of the www.seanheely.com band Ian Carr and Tia Files (The Poozies). The debut album by Champion Fiddler Seán Heely titled Edge of the Bow was released in June 2018 and has provided a launchpad for Heely’s music throughout the world. Thirteen tracks of tunes that take the listener on a dynamic musical journey through both Ireland and Scotland as well as showcasing several of Seán’s original tunes. Seán Heely is rapidly emerging as one of the most creatively versatile and captivating young artists of his generation. He is a U.S National Scottish Fiddle Champion, an award–winning Irish Fiddler and he holds a degree from University of South Carolina in Classical Violin Performance. “One powerhouse of a fiddler” ~ Liz Carroll. Engineered by renowned guitarist Zan McLeod, the album begins in Scotland and traverses the country, crosses the sea to Donegal and the rest of Ireland. From lively jigs and reels, to mighty strathspeys and ancient airs, Edge of the Bow brings all the magic of traditional music to the forefront. Seán has performed with traditional music icons such as Irish fiddle legend Liz Carroll, Bonnie Rideout, Cathy Jordan, Eamon O’Leary, Scottish fiddler Pete Clark, and cellist virtuoso Natalie Haas. Based in Washington DC, Seán performs locally in venues such as the Kennedy Center and Strathmore Music center and performs regularly for the British Embassy Scottish Affairs Office and the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington. He also travels abroad as a solo performer and is a sought after instructor at summer camps and festivals. To purchase the album and learn more about Seán, visit www.seanheely.com, email for interviews, bookings, queries: [email protected]. Follow Seán on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seanheelyfiddle/ and Instagram Handle: musicsean77

ROWAN LESLIE : ESCAPING THE DAWN www.rowanleslie.co.uk County Antrim fiddle player and composer Rowan Leslie is releasing his latest album Escaping the Dawn on the 1st December. Joined by Graeme Armstrong (Talisk) on guitar, Andrew Waite (Dallahan) on accordion and

20 NEWS David Foley (RURA) on bodhran, this exciting new record is the first full or clarsach, the more so because it works on so many levels.” album since his release of Itchy Fingers in 2010. It is the second release Hilary now has plans to record and release more of her music in the of the year for Rowan, who also brought out the tune book Contemporary future, including a collection of tunes, again poetry inspired, that were Fiddle Tunes from the Northeast of Ireland in March, published by Mel Bay. recorded outside in the landscape during lockdown. Her current album Having graduated from the BMus in folk and traditional music from is available via her website or direct from her Bandcamp page. As Philip Newcastle University in 2014, Rowan has been living and working in the Thomas writes in his review, “I encourage you to check it out”. thriving traditional music scene of Glasgow. Here he performs in multiple Find out more at www.hilarydevries.com and get your own copy of Cherry Blossom After Rain at https://hilarydevries.bandcamp.com line ups, but most notably fronts The Rowan Leslie Band across the UK, Ireland and abroad, as well as travelling to play for Irish dance shows and THE IRISH CULTURAL CENTRE HAMMERSMITH PRESENTS THE competitions. When not performing, Rowan teaches privately and writes CHRISTMAS SPECIAL new music. www.irishculturalcentre.co.uk/digital Escaping the Dawnis a self–penned record comprising of ten tracks. The A show featuring the very best music and clips from our series ‘THE ICC music is a selection of material written by Rowan over the last ten years, SEISIÚNS’. THE ICC SEISIÚNS are a series of concerts filmed at The Irish during his time at home in Ireland, Newcastle, Glasgow, and abroad, Cultural Centre over a period of one week in August 2020, in a Covid– drawing inspiration from all these places as well as from music heard and 19 secure environment. The aim of the project was to give a platform to the people met along the way. While being original material, Rowan based Irish musicians who regularly play at the ICC and have clearly keeps his writing within the idiom of Irish traditional music, and over many years helped to establish it as ‘The Home of Irish Culture.’ The so this album is a musical nod to the past and present. films have been released weekly to great acclaim. Find Rowan atwww.rowanleslie.co.uk, The concerts showcase an incredible line up of talented musicians https://www.facebook.com/rowanlesliefiddle and including: The guitarist and singer Ta d Sargent, with the great fiddle player https://www.instagram.com/rowanlesliemusic Michael Sweeney and the legendary Irish banjo player Mick O Connor; Fiddler James Carty with Flute player Eimear McGeown; Irish Trad band CHERRY BLOSSOM AFTER RAIN – THE ALBUM The Connolly Family; Fiddle and Flute duo Ali and Phil Barnes; Uilleann www.hilarydevries.com Piper Coleman Connolly with Fiddler Fiona Daly; Karen Ryan and The It’s been quite a year for Scottish composer and harpist Hilary de Vries. Quinn Family Band; Irish Singer Peter Coughlan; Piper and Flute player Bringing out a first album was always going to be a daunting experience, Brendan McAuley with singer Mick Sands; Opera singer Carolyn Holt and especially so in a year like this one. Thankfully the response to the with Paul McKenzie; Irish Trad band The Devine Family; Singer, piano and music has made all the effort worthwhile. The music on the album draws flute player Jacquelyn Hynes; and Singer Luke Coughlan; on poetry for its inspiration, and this is something that caught the eye of Sinead Egan; Hannah Jackson and Tim Logue. Irish Music Magazine’s own Anne Marie Kennedy who writes, “The ‘THE ICC SEISIÚNS’ were made possible with funding from The careful listener will hear the influence of poetry, line breaks, couplets and Embassy of Ireland G.B. and The Department for Foreign Affairs, Ireland. poetic rhyming meter”, before going on to describe the album as “a THE ICC SEISIÚNS are available to watch free of charge on ICC comforting break from pandemic headlines and… a perfectly reflective Digital. www.irishculturalcentre.co.uk/digital companion”. MARIGOLD – A NEW ALBUM BY CALIFORNIA BASED SCOTTISH Philip Thomas at Living Tradition Magazine says of the album, “I thoroughly enjoyed this excursion into the world of the wire strung harp MUSIC TRIO, THE FIRE www.thefirescottishband.com The Fire is a high energy traditional music band that combines world class performances of blazing Scottish music with a distinctly Californian flare. The group includes International Scottish Fiddle Champion Rebecca Lomnicky, dynamic bagpiper and multi–instrumentalist David Brewer, and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate Adam Hendey on guitar, bouzouki, and harmonium. On January 1, 2021, The Fire will release their new 11 track album, Marigold. The collection of tunes on Marigold draws from a variety of Scottish fiddle manuscripts, bagpipe music collections, and the pen of all three band members. Marigold showcases every aspect of The Fire’s stylistic expertise, technical prowess, and musical passion, and displays the dynamic interplay of fiddle and bagpipes for which Lomnicky and Brewer have become well known. Hendey’s accompaniment perfectly complements Lomnicky and Brewer’s virtuosic melodies with both sensitive and dramatic guitar lines, layers of contrapuntal bouzouki harmony, and rich harmonium textures. Marigold revels in the legacy of the Scottish tradition through tracks such as the heartfelt slow air Mrs. Jamieson’s Favourite as well as The Robert Burns Medley, a set of lesser known tunes that Burns used as melodies for his songs. The band celebrates their heritage and their home on the Golden Coast through tracks such as Hendey’s original California Highway 1 and Brewer’s epic composition The ‘Scotch Paisano’ Suite. To purchase the album and learn more about The Fire, please visit www.thefirescottishband.com. Follow The Fire on social media : Patreon www.patreon.com/thefirescottishband, Facebook www.facebook.com/thefirescottishband & Instagram @thefirescottishband THE SOFIA INVITES IRELAND TO CALIFORNIA – VIRTUAL CONCERTS AND THE CONCERT STAGE https://bstreettheatre.org/ The Sofia is Sacramento’s premier live entertainment venue. The state–of– the–art music venue hosts local, national and international acts of all

22 NEWS genres. Undoubtedly, The Sofia has a particularly special love for Celtic Having honed his craft performing at pubs and bars in Scotland and music. In the three years since opening The Sofia has hosted Mick California, Peter graduated to performing at Scottish Highland Games McCauley, Hightime Irish Band, John Doyle Duo, Alasdair Fraser & Natalie and Irish Festivals in . In recent years Peter has been Haas, Lúnasa, We Banjo 3 and Irish Christmas in America, among others. sharing and opening shows for the likes of Siobhan Miller and Aaron But the immediate shutdown of California venues in early March of Jones, also Jim Malcolm at the Star Folk Club in Glasgow, Scotland. In 2020, led to The Sofia taking quick action to maintain the overseas California Peter has opened for Scottish folk titans Old Blind Dogs, and connection even though artists could no longer tour safely. The Sofia created Celtic guitar virtuoso Tony McManus. the free web–based concert series Six Feet Apart, which features musicians Under A Leaden Sky is Peter’s most recent album of self–penned and performing full sets from home. Th e Six Feet A partseries invites viewers from traditional songs. Stirring traditional Scottish songs with a modern around the world to tune in on Friday nights at 7pm PST on Facebook Live contemporary , alongside self–penned originals with heartfelt and Zoom. Each concert is a 30–40 minute set from a renowned musician lyrics and impressive guitar work. “His songwriting skills shine and you or band, pre–recorded, and the artist tunes in after the set for a Q&A session. can really feel his passion in them, Peter’s vocals as well as his guitar style Six Feet Apart hosted Nuala Kennedy and her husband AJ Roach as are so enjoyable.” – Cathy Behrens–67Music contributing reviewer. well as Iona Fyfe, garnering viewers in Sacramento, Ireland and Peter’s songwriting is heavily influenced by such luminaries as Dougie Scotland who interacted in the chat during the performances. MacLean and David Francey. With a guitar playing style showing hints When The Sofia reopens, the Celtic Music Series will be restored, of , Richard Thompson and John Doyle and a nod to which had planned to host over a dozen acts in 2020. In 2021, the bluegrass, rock, flamenco and Scottish and Irish traditional music. Celtic Music Series will feature Iona Fyfe, The Byrne Brothers, DÀIMH, Visit www.peterdaldry.com for further information. , Altan and the return of We Banjo 3. BLACK IRISH BAND View the following videos from Six Feet Apart on YouTube : www.blackirish.com Nuala Kennedy and AJ Roach performing Granddaddy : Celebrating 30 years of performance and recording, this band has https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkoyWgSAHEw successfully combined traditional roots music with their own original Iona Fyfe performing Baltic Street (Scots Poem) by Violet Jacob: style. Having recorded twenty–seven CD albums, the Black Irish, like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWWaKYzDIVc their name are anything but your usual suspect Celtic group. For further information visit https://bstreettheatre.org/ The band formed during the filming of the movie Back to the Future 3 PETER DALDRY : UNDER A LEADEN SKY , which featured three of the band members as performers in the blockbuster film. The name Black Irish – was chosen because of their www.peterdaldry.com love for both Spanish and Irish styles of music. With over a hundred Clydebank born traditional folksinger/songwriter and instrumentalist original song ballads recorded, the band weaves countless stories of the Peter Daldry has been plying his trade in North America for the past unknown heroes of history in their music; those that worked the ocean, twenty–five years. Nominated in 2012 in the online Independent Music mountains, railways and mines. The Black Irish Band have created Awards and placing third with the song I Wish I Was In Glasgow by Billy music stories that needed to be told, and they include: The Ballad of Connolly. “I have to say this: Peter Daldry has the voice of a true John Muir, the building of the White Pass & Yukon Railway and the balladeer. He has the type of singing that can tell you a thousand stories Wreck of the Irish Clipper Pomona. with just a phrase. A truly remarkable instrument–his voice.” – Baxter Powerful and exciting Celtic instrumentals infused with strong vocals, Labatos, The Celtic Music Fan. are the landmark style of the Black Irish Band. The band specializes in maritime music that soars with Melodeon, Fiddle, Irish Whistle, and the full–force of a French horn! Their groundbreaking unique albums, Into the Arms of the Sea and Dark Ocean are considered by maritime historians as some of the best new music created on the subject. The band’s music and videos can be seen and heard at www.blackirish.com or the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Black-Irish-Band-Official-Site Black Irish Band on YouTube at: Patrick Karnahan

SÍFIDDLERS ALBUM OF DONEGAL FIDDLE MUSIC https://thesifiddlers.bandcamp.com/releases SíFiddlers are a group of 13 female Donegal Fiddlers featuring Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh, Liz Doherty, Bríd Harper, Tara Connaghan, Clare Friel, Roisin McGrory (Harrigan), Aisling Drost–Byrne, Theresa Kavanagh, Denise Boyle, Claire Gallagher, Melanie Houton, Clodagh Warnock and Eimear McColgan. Since the release of their album in July 2020 they have performed on Fleadh2020 TV and have done several radio and press interviews, and the baker’s dozen look forward to performing live when restrictions allow. The CD and digital download are now available to order on Bandcamp at thesifiddlers.bandcamp.com/releases Further information and updates available from www.sifiddlers.com / https://www.facebook.com/thesifiddlers/ & https://thesifiddlers.bandcamp.com/releases

TIM JANIS CELTIC LANDS https://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Lands-Tim-Janis/dp/B08G38V5HK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Celtic-Lands-Tim- Janis/dp/B08G3GM85X Please enjoy the new TV special Celtic Lands on Amazon Prime. The concert special TIM JANIS CELTIC LANDS takes viewers on a journey through six Celtic regions, weaving images of the beautiful Celtic coast with sweeping, ethereal themes.

2 4 NEWS Composer, conductor and two–time Billboard chart–topper Tim Janis BEHIND THE BLACK IRISH BAND ART CD COVERS performs his soothing new age instrumental music onstage with a www.blackirish.com & www.patrickkarnahan.com stellar cast of musicians, including Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt Artist musician and Black Irish Band songwriter – Patrick Michael of , Camille and Kennerly Kitt of The Harp Twins, flautist Karnahan has been oil painting since the age of eight. In his twenties Eimear McGeown, and singers and Ella Roberts. Patrick embarked on to discover his Irish & Scottish roots Watch it in the USA on Amazon Prime through Celtic landscape painting. Living in Westport–Ireland, the artist https://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Lands-Tim-Janis/dp/B0 8 G3 8 V5 HK explored the Wild Atlantic coastline using Galway & Donegal as his and in the UK on Amazon Prime canvas subject. To–date the artist has created hundreds of portraits of https://www.amazon.co.u k/Celtic-Lands-Tim-Janis/dp/B0 8 G3 GM8 5 X the rugged Irish West. Being also a musician and songwriter, and founding member of the SHASKEEN ARE LIVE AND KICKING Black Irish Band, Patrick was able to achieve combining his creative loves https://www.shaskeen.net/store/ together by painting covers for the band’s albums. The band has recorded Celebrating 50 years of making music, Shaskeen’s Double CD is now twenty–seven CDs, and half of them feature Patrick’s original artwork. available online and to order from their online store. This new album A self–taught oil painter, the artist is known for his bold realism that with 24 tracks of Traditional Irish Music & Song has a varied collection conjures a third dimensional dept, on a flat canvas plane. Besides the of Reels, Jigs, Slow Airs and timeless Ballads which were recorded live Celtic landscape paintings, Patrick is also known for his captivating art at two of their concerts in the recent past. While there is some that details the work of the wild–land firefighter, which he retired from poignancy attached to this release, Shaskeen do it without two colleagues as his lives career. who departed this earth in 2020, so for Pat Broderick and Pat Costello RIP, Today the artist’s work can be enjoyed throu gh his many original Shaskeen will “keep it lit”. Shopping for the perfect Christmas gift? Head oil paintings, art prints, calendars, books, and albu m covers. At: over to https://www.shaskeen.net/store/, buy Live and Kickingfor €20 & buy www.patrickkarnahan.com or the Black Irish Band’s at one other Shaskeen album for only €10. Or buy Live and Kicking plus 3 www.blackirish.com & Facebook at: other albums @ €10 ea. and get the 5th for free! Because of present https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMKarnahan circumstances, all Shaskeen live gigs have been cancelled or postponed but they’ll be back and ready for live music again as soon as THE HAAR : NEW SINGLE THE PARTING GLASS (TRAD. ARR) conditions improve. Available for gigs in 2021, 2022 & beyond. www.thehaar.ie “This is a very strange & difficult year for all in the entertainment The Haar should have been enjoying a year of live gigs, playing business and we in Shaskeen have also suffered especially with the loss together and exploring the extraordinary connection they found of two musicians, friends & colleagues Pat Broderick & Pat Costello who recording their first album. Instead Adam Summerhayes, Murray passed away in March & April. I would like on behalf of the Broderick Grainger and Cormac Byrne found they could not even meet up with & Costello families & Shaskeen members to thank the hundreds of Molly Donnery without either her or them having to spend a month in people that passed on their sympathies & condolences to all members quarantine – not a great time to be an Anglo–Irish band! of the band and by extension to the families of the bereaved. May They Nevertheless they were keen to release something new, and to find a Rest in Peace.”– Tom Cussen. way to make it just flow – improvised and unplanned – as with their Contact Tom Cu ssen by email : tom@tomcu ssen.com, previous tracks. True to form they came up with a mad plan: Molly would Tel +3 5 3 (0 ) 8 7 2 4 8 5 4 0 4 or visit www.shaskeen.net send Cormac a rough vocal track, he’d find a groove that lit up the music and send her his bodhrán track – recorded in one take to video. Molly would then sing over it, leaving space for what she imagined Adam and Murray would do. Over to Murray to add his accordion improvisation. And finally it came to Adam, who listened through a couple of times before adding the final layer. Murray lined up the audios and Adam pulled together the videos. Somehow the connection was as strong as ever and the improvisations meshed perfectly, despite the distance. It’s a Haar track and could not be anything else. The Parting Glass is the first track from their next album which will be released in Autumn 2021. Find ou t more at www.thehaar.ie

SCYTHIAN SET TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM – ROOTS & STONES https://scythianmu sic.com/ Celtic–Americana–Gypsy band Scythian is set to release their long anticipated record Roots & Stones on Saturday, November 28th. It’s been over five years since the band released a full–length studio album and this one promises to be its best. iHeart Radio’s Arroe Collins said Roots & Stones, “Is the type of album that makes well crafted musicians return to class. There’s so many unique new beginnings that I see it as a seed that’ll inspire new growth during an age when storytelling and the preservation of roots is so important.” What promised to be an epic CD–Release Tour was stopped in its tracks due to the Covid–19 shutdown, but Scythian found an alternate way to build buzz and connect with fans: They launched a bi–weekly live–stream dubbed – “The Quaranstream” – which has averaged between 40,000–50,000 viewers per stream. The band has decided to use this momentum to release Roots & Stones during a year where live touring has been decimated. The album features 13 tracks with Galway City as the first single. The song is a perfect incarnation of Scythian’s blend of Americana and Celtic and is a foretaste of what listeners can expect with Roots &

26 NEWS Stones. Roots & Stones is available for pre–order at the Scythian Store Hailing from the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, The Residuals and across all platforms once it drops on November 28th. have been practicing Celtic music for a generation, playing at festivals, For more on Scythian scythianmusic.com pubs, and special events across the province. They are known for deft @ScythianMusic | #AppaloosaFestival | #ScythianIrishTour arrangements of instrumentals, and now for compelling songs. Lovers of trad music everywhere will appreciate their latest musical offering. MICK ‘CITERN’ WALSH : 7 NEW SELF–PENNED RECORDINGS To listen to Looking Out for Better Weather, visit BandCamp https://www.youtube.com/user/mickciternwalsh at https://theresiduals1.bandcamp.com/album/looking-out-for- better-weather. You can also keep up with the band’s doings The first lockdown early this year resulted in me taking a different at https://www.facebook.com/TheResidualsBand and our website approach to my recordings. I mostly sold my recordings at my pub gigs at https://theresiduals.ca and sessions and decided to go ahead and record my new songs and music anyway. So with the help of an old School friend Pat Coughlan RANDALL STEPHEN HALL : THE YELLOW DOOR (A NEW FIVE TRACK EP) we put them up on YouTube with videos. One exception was The www.randallstephenhall.com Tandem Bike tune where I got a friend with a drone to make a video. In early 2010 I sent a few tracks in to The Gerry Anderson Radio It was made on a clear Sunday morning in late September. Show on BBC Radio Foyle/ Radio Ulster. Gerry noticed them, liked Another track was written regarding a journey a visually impaired them and began to play them. Music from an unusual source. From friend took on a tandem bike and the title of it is Ballycallan to the North Deepest East Antrim, celebrating local accents and words. Springing Cape. Two were related to the pandemic The Silent Enemy and the other from the hybrid hotch potch of cultures, found in the North East corner The Universal Health Workers. Pat Coughlan wrote the lyrics to that one of Ireland. and I put the music to it. Also an October song Halloween Night. Gold I produced my first solo album The Wee Wee Man/Songs from the Silver Bronze and Off To Tenerife completed the recordings. Moon Shed in September 2010 performing at a packed gig in The Black Visit my YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/mickciternwalsh Box, Belfast with my band The Moon Shed, Barry Tipping, John and my website http://www.mickciternwalsh.com/buy-album/ if Mckeever, Rohan Young and Michael Sands. We played four times on you wish to purchase any of these or previous recordings. Top–class Gerry’s Radio Show that year, 2010–11. A rare accolade. He helped me musicians and recording studio helped make these. greatly. I remain grateful. Ten years on I have produced four albums. With the creation of The THE RESIDUALS ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF THEIR Yellow Door EP I have been covering new ground. The title track tries 3rd ALBUM, LOOKING OUT FOR BETTER WEATHER to get the listener to see beyond skin colour as it marks the killing of Eric https://theresiduals.ca/ Garner in 2014. A Black African American. I have also had help from For over a hundred years, immigrants from Ireland, Scotland, and the Nick Scott (Van Morrison/Mary Black) on Bass, Liam Bradley (Van Canadian Maritimes have brought their musical seeds and planted Morrison) on Percussion and Christiaan T. Atman on and them in prairie soil. The Residuals have been tending the growing Banjo. It’s been a very worthwhile adventure. There will hopefully be a tradition, and Looking Out for Better Weather is our harvest. The album new album released in early 2021. features favourites from the old country, new jigs and reels, and original For more www.randallstephenhall.com, Tel: +44 (0) 791 0355 songs in the Prairie Celtic style. The music will delight the ears of 794 Plus Sound Cloud, YouTube and Facebook. The Yellow Door traditionalists and innovators alike. https://soundcloud.com/randall-stephen-hall/the-yellow-door

THE KILT LIFTERS ANNOUNCES NEW SOCIAL DISTANCE VIDEO PREMIERE FOR THE LATEST SINGLE www.TheKiltLifters.com Hawaii–based, The Kilt Lifters is taking on quarantine with a social distance video premiere to accompany their new single, MacPherson’s Rant. Catch the worldwide release of their new video on YouTube in December, 2020. About The Kilt Lifters : With rocked out traditional and original tunes, beautiful classic ballads, The Kilt Lifters bring a modern twist to the Celtic folk music that we all love. The Kilt Lifters feature the inspired musical arrangements of frontman Chris Carr on guitar, flute, and lead vocals. Crowd pleaser, Lisa Gomes, lending soul–stirring fiddle to the mix. Jeff O’Casey on Bass and Joe O’Laughlin on drums. Please contact Chris Carr, [email protected] for interviews, bookings or promo discs. Find The Kilt Lifters at : www.TheKiltLifters.com, facebook.com/KiltLifters/, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-3kpgW3UYEBQ1ooqrmaBZg & https://www.reverbnation.com/kiltlifters

SEAMIE O’DOWD www.seamieodowd.net A year that started with a sell–out solo performance in Dublin City Hall by Seamie O’Dowd as part of Temple Bar TradFest will unfortunately end with the cancellation due to COVID 19 restrictions of an end of year tour in December that he was due to do with the legendary . The annual “Irish Christmas Show” which has travelled around every winter for twenty–five years was also to feature Galway trio High Time and Sligo sean nós dancer Karen Tansey. The Sligo music community became extremely active online in the first days of the early lockdown. Seamie, his partner Sally Begg, Hawkswell theatre director Marie O’Byrne, online music advocate John “The Map”

2 8 NEWS Callanan, local music activist Kieran Quinn and others, have been certainly fill the bill.” – John Waltham Living Tradition. Song Bridge : actively involved in this effort. Album of the week, June 2020. Celtic Music Radio Glasgow. Seamie also made a brief mid–year return to live work with two socially For more www.colu msands.bandcamp.com, distanced gigs, one solo in the Hawks Well in Sligo and one as part of the https://www.facebook.com/Colu m-Sands-4 2 7 2 9 4 0 4 3 9 8 6 8 1 7 / & renowned trio with Mairtin O’Connor and Cathal Hayden in Doolin as https://mu sic.you tu be.com/channel/UCZi5 kmN_cZ1 PGKqbRnvbxvg part of a series run by organiser/ musician Conor Byrne. Seamie has also been working remotely on a project headed by US based composer BRÍDÍN Raymond Driver and producer Paul Marsteiller based on the work of WB www.bridinmu sic.com Yeats. The project will also feature John Doyle, Kevin Burke, Cathy Jordan, BRÍDÍN, West Co. Sligo native, carries on the tradition of Irish music Leonard Barry, Fergal Mc Aloon, Stephen O’Dowd and a host of others. into the fourth generation of her family. BRÍDÍN plays harp, flute, piano For more information abou t Seamie visit www.seamieodowd.net and dances sean nós. BRÍDÍN’s musical talent emerged at a very early or contact Seamie via email : [email protected] or age. Over the years she has achieved many accolades for her musical Facebook.com/seamieodowd. ability. Her love of music led her to pursue a musical career, having studied music at achieving a degree and COLUM SANDS NEW ALBUM! SONG BRIDGE masters in music and performance. BRÍDÍN’s performances include www.colu msands.com radio, television and music festivals both home and abroad. “This CD is like an oasis in the Covid desert, a bubble of reassurance Over the past number of years, BRÍDÍN has developed her own style that traditional values still persist. It contains ten new self–penned songs influenced by her natural surroundings and rooted in her background from the widely acclaimed Co. Down singer–songwriter: a collection in traditional Irish music. BRÍDÍN uses her loop and effect pedals to which ‘celebrates music’s unique power to reveal the invisible and to create her musical pieces. Her layered melodies on harp and voice connect people and their stories, many of them inspired by the roots blend beautifully with contrapuntal fiddle, electric guitar, keyboard and and branches of communities taking action to protect our fragile and bass, woven together with pulsating drums. threatened environment.’ Song Bridge is a real gem, one of those Ocean of Stars EP features the tracks Wysteria, Floating, North West, albums that sneaked out quietly and with no fanfare earlier this year, Ocean of Starsand The Salmon’s Tale(feat. Colm Mac Con Iomaire). Ocean and with no touring dates to promote it. But it is an important album, of Stars EP will be available on all streaming platforms December 2020. one that says some very important things while providing hope and Find ou t more onwww.bridinmu sic.com, Bandcamp reassurance – that’s one hell of a feat, and Colum accomplishes it with https://bridin.bandcamp.com/& Facebook apparent effortlessness.” – David Kidman FATEA Magazine. https://www.facebook.com/bridinmu sic/ “Love the album – as always wisdom and wit, good tunes, fine words and the soul is there – the pure drop.” – Mike Harding. “These songs MÁIRÉAD NESBITT JOINS ED KEANE ASSOCIATES ARTIST speak of community, the seasons and appreciation…from a writer who MANAGEMENT AND BOOKING AGENCY is grounded but has the unique ability to raise the mundane to the www.edkeane.com beautiful.” – Peter Grogan, Dublin Bay FM. Ed Keane Associates Artist Management and Booking Agency, based “If you want to get to know one of the more interesting and thought in Boston Massachusetts, is delighted to have Máiréad Nesbitt join their provoking routes taken by , this CD will roster of celebrated artists. Ed Keane Associates Management Division and Booking Division works with some of music’s most gifted artists in the genres of jazz, classical, and world music and also provides consulting services to domestic and international corporate and educational institutions. For more than a decade, Grammy and Emmy nominated artist and composer, Máiréad Nesbitt has enchanted millions of fans around the world as the Celtic violinist and founding member of the globetrotting music phenomenon Celtic Woman. Loyal fans of all ages, across geographical and cultural boundaries far beyond the musical heritage of Ireland, have adored her beguiling stage presence and versatile instrumental talents. As the featured violin soloist on all 11 Celtic Woman albums, each title achieved the coveted #1 slot on the Billboard World Music Chart. Máiréad’s solo albums RAINING UP and HIBERNIA and the Nesbitt Family album DEVIL’S BIT SESSIONS have featured on the Top 10 of the Billboard World Music, Classical, Classical Crossover and Heatseekers Charts. In addition to Máiréad’s solo and trio shows, Máiréad’s new show CELTIC SPELLS will be available for touring in 2021. Go to www.edkeane.com for bookings.

FINALLY A STEP–BY–STEP GUIDE TO DADGAD GUITAR WITH AODÁN COYNE https://dadgad.aodancoyne.com/ With the follow up to his 2nd solo album, Gaps Between Stars in 2019, Irish songwriter Aodán Coyne now showcases his latest venture, a comprehensive online guitar course specifically for the DADGAD tuning. Aodán is no stranger to touring life, having played many of the largest festivals in the world with the award winning Irish band Socks in the Frying Pan. This year, while on tour in America everything came to a halt with the introduction of the covid–19 lockdown measures. With the future of the music industry being uncertain, Aodán decided to pivot – “I made a promise to myself that I would use this time to help out other aspiring

30 NEWS DADGAD guitarists to become the best players they can be...” young punks in emptying barrels of stout. The Galway Girl might not be Now, after months recording and editing videos in his studio in West an old classic in the traditional sense – the 2020 version by Fiddler’s Clare, he is proud to launch The DADGAD Jumpstart System on Green is the perfect homage to this piece of musical genius. December 1st. It promises to: See more at www.fiddlers.de, www.facebook.com/speedfolk & ● Introduce the 4 most important pieces of guitar playing advice he www.instagram.com/fiddlersgreen_official knows ● The 5 most crucial backing techniques so you can start strong SNARE carpHED – THE SMART EFFECT GADGET FOR THE SKIN HAND ● How to develop your own ‘fast–track’ practice routine to get you https://www.bodhran-info.de/en/accessories/accessories/snare- playing in no time carphed ● His unique ‘Build Your Chord’ Method so you can stay creative Ever wanted to add some special sounds to your bodhrán playing? with new tones Here is a new device for modern bodhrán players: The Snare CarpHED, ● How to put it all together and become a complete DADGAD a little addition for your skin hand. guitar player Depending on the playing technique as well as pressure, position and And much more... strike point, you can use the SNARE carpHED to reproduce snare– Enrol early to get a 50% discount at:.aodancoyne.com drum–like (cracking) effects. The SNARE carpHED can either be attached to two fingers or to the thumb, depending on your preference. FIDDLER’S GREEN The flexible hook–and–loop straps can be easily and quickly adjusted www.fiddlers.de to any hand size. The inside of the straps is soft for comfortable playing, Since the band formed in 1990, Fiddler’s Green has stood for a unique and the SNARE carpHED can be easily removed and reattached. style of music that is not only art in its own right but would also put them Place the SNARE carpHED on the drum skin (tilting movement) to on the musical map across Germany and beyond. A creative blend of achieve a continuous effect, or to accentuate even complex rhythms. folk, punk, and elements of rock that the six band members dubbed Of course, you can still modulate the pitch using the skin hand! The IRISH SPEEDFOLK – a new music style with a newly coined name that SNARE carpHED always sounds pleasantly subtle and blends in is as catchy as it is original. smoothly with the overall sound. Have fun exploring the countless Now, 30 years after they came together as a band, Fiddler’s Green possibilities of the SNARE carpHED! The SNARE carpHED is a have put together something extraordinary for themselves and their fans joint development by Stevie Moises, Rolf Wagels and Christian – a one–of–a–kind compilation featuring some of the most popular Irish Hedwitschak. folk songs of all time. The ultimate Irish folk collection! And all done in All info at https://www.bodhran- the unique Fiddler’s style of course – a no–frills authentic style that is as info.de/en/accessories/accessories/snare-carphed light–hearted as it is crazy. They’re wild, befogged and befuddled, and always up for a bit of craic. 3 CHEERS FOR 30 Y EARS is the culmination MÁIRÉAD NESBITT & JTV of 30 years of Speedfolk à la Fiddler’s Green. The founding fathers of www.jtv.com Speedfolk are an impressive example of how to give old favourites a Boston Music Management announces that Emmy® and Grammy® modern slant. Even their version of The Wild Rover is taking listeners nominated Celtic violinist, Máiréad Nesbitt, has signed a multi–year straight into a pub in Dublin where bearded seafarers join forever deal with JTV®, one of the largest jewelry retailers in the . Together with JTV’s experienced design team, Ms. Nesbitt will create a fresh, new collection of Celtic inspired jewelry to be sold exclusively through the JTV network. JTV leverages an omni–digital strategy designed to elevate the customer experience through holistic, digitally– driven touch points, including live TV programming, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to 84 million U.S. households, an industry leading mobile optimized e–commerce platform, and a robust and engaging social media presence. Boston Music Management’s Neil Grover states, “With the power of JTV behind her, Máiréad is well positioned to connect with a vast new audience. The exposure to JTV’s robust viewership will not only help to expand her robust fan base, but will also catapult plans we have for her musical activities in 2021 and beyond.” Commencing in March 2021, Ms. Nesbitt will co–host a 2–hour jewelry show that will be regularly aired several times per year on the JTV network. The show is scheduled to launch in advance of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday and is expected to gain a wide viewing audience. For more information go to www.bostonmusicmanagement.com

KITTY KELLY – CATSKILL FEVER www.kittykellyband.com Kitty Kelly is a second generation Irish American noted for her engaging personality on stage and her vocal ability to deliver songs from both Irish and American traditions in a manner that appeals to all ages. The multi talents of her band members, along with Kitty’s beautiful voice and her outstanding ability to connect with her audiences always make for a memorable performance. The highly sought after Kitty Kelly Band, (4–7 pieces), is based in NY and performs throughout the Northeast at Festivals, Concerts, Dances, Weddings, Parties and Pubs. Kitty released her first CD Catskill Fever to critical acclaim. The CD features well–known Irish musicians and has garnered favorable

32 NEWS reviews from all who have heard it. A new CD is planned for release Right now Tapestry is working on two new albums simultaneously, next summer. The Pilgrim and the Poet is a collection of songs about adventure and “Yo u are a wonderful singer, who engages the audience with your travel; Storyteller is exactly that! Jane and Steve want to release a warmth!”“Kitty, YOU make a party!!!!! You give so much of yourself special 10 year Anniversary album, ten songs for ten years, eight with your wonderful personality and gift of song!!”“I know with Kitty completed and two written but not yet recorded due to Covid issues singing you will have the time of your lives!”“Absolutely fabulous night and access to the studio. They hope to release early in 2021, with with Kitty Kelly and her amazing band!”“Fantastic performance Kitty! the title Images & Words. Always love to hear you play!”“Great night, great band. There are no See www.tapestrymusic.net for more. words but great, fantastic, fabulous, the best of the best...thank you Kitty!”“Your music is phenomenal and only topped by your WEST OF EDEN – CABIN SONGS personality! You have a way of including all and making it one happy www.westofeden.com West of Eden is the Swedish folk–rock band that has vitalized the family!”“This CD is a real TREASURE!”“Sitting here listening to Catskill Celtic music scene with their unique sound and brilliant song writing. Fever and the outstanding Kitty Kelly.”“The CD is absolutely Masterful musicianship combined with the extraordinary voice of WONDERFUL. Your voice is magnificent.” You can connect with Kitty Kelly & Catskill Fever on Facebook: singer Jenny Schaub and a deep love for the traditional British and https://www.facebook.com/Kitty-Kelly-Catskill-Fever-58473286643 Irish folk music has earned them a solid reputation amongst critics and fans around the globe. Over the last twenty–plus years West of TAPESTRY Eden have collaborated with musicians such as , Ron Block, Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and many more. The Band www.tapestrymusic.net has toured Ireland, Germany, Benelux, Scandinavia and even China, Tapestry’s music is a unique and exciting blend of imaginative played at the Underneath the Stars Festival in the UK, performed a multi– storytelling, beautiful melodies, stunning vocals, and breathtaking media concert together with members of the Swedish National Orchestra musicianship. Once Upon A String was the first album released by Jane and also for several years hosted their popular annual Celtic Christmas– and Steve. It began life as a soundtrack for a stage musical they were concerts. writing, but the project grew legs as new ideas developed, and the West of Eden’s latest release Cabin Songs is an intimate affair: album became a work of art in its own right, and was released in 2010. Acoustic, warm and stripped down. It was recorded in the guitar The musical was never completed! player Henning’s grandmother’s cabin on the west coast of Sweden, Watercolour Clouds was released in June 2017, a collection of mostly with only a few mics in the room to capture that focused energy that stripped back acoustic cover versions of folk/rock classics requested arises from nailing the takes live, in one go. The album features the by fans, and a couple of Tapestry originals to keep the flavour of band’s brilliant rendition of the Fleetwood Mac–classic Everywhere storytelling. John O’Dreams, released in 2020, is a throwback to Irish alongside some of West of Eden’s finest songs up to this date. Songs Trad roots. Jane and Steve have a collection of part written songs, that were written during a China tour in 2019. As a kind of reaction poems, stories and music all waiting to be worked on. There are at least to the commotion in the noisy cities of China, the tunes that emerged another four albums worth of original material in a box file, not to were simple, acoustic and low–key. For more see www.westofeden.com & mention new ideas that spring from incidents and experiences at the www.facebook.com/westofeden specific moment. FINTAN McHUGH – STARDUST AND BONE www.fintanmchugh.com “A name to watch out for and after you hear him you’ll understand why.”– Alex Gallacher Folk Radio UK. The imagery invoked by Stardust And Bone captured in the form of a love song, opens up a field of tension in which the earthly stands against the cosmic, the human body against the stars as they smoulder and die leaving only their dust trails as evidence of their existence. The path leading up to this title track is paved by many songs that deal with the strenuous search for purpose and meaning in one’s life or songs of deep struggle and overwhelming old wounds. Others are about being bombarded by our modern culture which can smother us and urge us to somehow break free. Being a father of three boys, he also sings about the love for a child and children’s ceaseless creative ability to play, something often sadly lost among us grown–ups. On another side, we have songs encountering the mystical story of us all and others suggesting that this epic human play is an absolute mystery impossible to grasp but offering a sense of belonging no matter how disharmonious it might all seem. “…a take on all things existential…a modern and sensitive man using elegant word–smithery and melody to distract from the sometimes heavy life themes…songs that entice the listener towards self– examination…” Anne Marie Kennedy – Irish Music Magazine. For more visit www.FintanMcHugh.com

BERNADETTE MORRIS www.bernadettemorris.com Following the success of her widely acclaimed debut album, All The Ways You Wander, and subsequent release Where the Heart Is, born singer and musician, Bernadette Morris has launched a series of singles in 2020, The Shores of my Home, The Legion of Mary’s and These Ruins to great acclaim. With a new album release set for 2021, Morris has attracted collaborations from a group of highly accomplished musicians and songwriters,

34 NEWS including co–writes with Eleanor McEvoy, Ríoghnach Connolly and Many fans have already signed up, confident they will be able to go. Arborist’s Mark McCambridge. The co–write with McEvoy will be Stops in , Galway, Cork, and Dublin are on the itinerary, with produced by and Morris is hugely looking forward to many songs and stories and a few pints along the way. Hammond To urs this collaboration. is handling the booking : https://www.hammondtours.com/ Morris was one of 14 people to be awarded an Artist Career Please stay in touch with The Fenians on Facebook, Instagram, Enhancement Scheme funding award by the Arts Council of Northern and their website : www.thefenians.com. Slán. Ireland in autumn 2019. The ACES awards are given in recognition of an emerging or mid–career artist’s talent and to enable them in the BRENDAN MONAGHAN : SINGER SONGWRITER PERFORMER creation of a new body of work. Bernadette has performed at the www.brendanmonaghan.com National Celtic Festival in Australia, , FAI and for the singer songwriter Brendan Monaghan performs his President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtarán. material both at home and in many different countries around the world. Monaghan has shared the same bill as many top international artists and “Her crystalline, confident voice and the well–crafted lyrics, delve into the unfathomable themes of life and death. Morris’ heart may be has written material for several recording artists. He has released six at home, but her innate and unique abilities will take her further albums on Swiss label Brambus Records, look no further, flicker of hope, never too late to come home , lovers always win, today is a good afield.’ – Irish Music Magazine. “An ear for great songs and a fine voice to day and the latest album unbroken which was released in 2018. He has bring them to new generations” – Colum Sands, BBC. “Immediately there received very enthusiastic reviews for his music as he continues to progress are vibes but striking and contemporary’” – Chordblossom. See www.bernadettemorris.com in his art form. In 2021 the singer songwriter will be recording and releasing brand new material and he will be promoting the new songs THE FENIANS WEATHER THE COVID–19 STORM during his live shows throughout the year. www.thefenians.com Belfast singer/songwriter and journalist David Ballantine has praised 2020 has been a trying year for all, not the least of whom have been Monaghan and his music by saying, “Brendan is one of Ireland’s unsung musicians. The Fenians saw their entire St. Patrick’s season evaporate in songmiths who writes straight from the heart. He is also a performer of the face of COVID–19, along with the rest of their public performance electrifying energy and enthusiasm.” Irish journalist and radio presenter John O’Regan says, Monaghan’s music evokes the best elements of schedule. “We stand in solidarity with our fellow musicians and all “ classic , singer songwriter artistry and Irish folk sensibilities in an people around the world,” offers band leader, Terry Casey. The Fenians have worked hard to find an alternative to live attractive, listenable package”. Author, poet and journalist Jackie Hayden performances: livestreaming on the internet. Terry, and Ta rdu Ye gin have says, “Brendan Monaghan’s success proves that sometimes, although not each played weekly shows, while Terry and Rob Williams have played often enough, talent wins in the end”. Irish Music Magazine’s Eileen together monthly. The entire band with Chris Pierce and David Weeks– McCabe has written, “Brendan has a voice that creates appeal and can Wynne recently performed, to the delight of the fans who appreciate enchant with tales of sorrow and joy in a soulful and folk rock setting”. their staying in touch. More shows are planned. For further information visit www.brendanmonaghan.com, email: [email protected] and “We are looking forward to 2021 and a return to our live shows,” says Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000471019752 Casey, optimistically. “While no one can be sure at this time, we will press ahead together with hope for the future and a little luck of the Irish.” DON “ BANJO” SMITH A main goal for the band in 2021 is their 11th biennial Hooley www.donbanjosmith.com Holiday to Ireland, when they take 125+ fans with them for 10 nights. In the spring of 2016, Don “Banjo” Smith set out to make a follow up album to The Rose Sessions that he and Marty “Moonshine” McKernan released the year before, not necessarily of the same vein, but of the same quality. In order to achieve that goal, he again recruited Marty as his Co–Producer/multi–instrumentalist, and song contributor, and Bob Both (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Both), of Twain Recording Studio in New Jersey, as Recording Engineer and Co–Producer. The album is/was to be a , similar to the one Earl Scruggs did in the early 70’s (Earl Scruggs with Family and Friends), whereas Don would be featuring many of the very talented people he has performed with over the years. This has proven to be quite an undertaking with so far up to 14 different musicians, and several have been lost over this time, before they could be brought to the studio to record for this album. There are one or two more Don would like to bring in before this is over. Don features the likes of frequent collaborator Marty McKernan, Gary Oleyar, Mike Griffin, Mike Kobetitsch, Greg Jowaisas, Terry Kane, Jeanie Cassels, et al, playing a variety of instruments on a variety of songs, many of them Irish in origin. It was slated to be finished this past winter, but a break was taken in late Feb. to start playing during the busy season, and then Covid struck, and everything came to a grinding halt. Just as things were beginning to look up,new restrictions were put in place, keeping production stalled. Hopefully we’ll be finished by Christmas, with a February release. Stay Tuned! Find Don at www.donbanjosmith.com MELANIE GRUBEN : THE HARVEST FAIRE www.melaniegruben.bandcamp.com In May Texas singer–songwriter Melanie Gruben released her newest full–length album, The Harvest Faire. Melanie’s sweet alto voice and vivacious rhythm guitar are joined by Irish fiddle, accordion, bodhran, tinwhistle, and piano in this lyrical journey through the country fair of days past. A 15–year performer of festivals and Irish pubs in the United States, Melanie has conducted several tours of Texas and the U.S. West, finally arriving in Ireland for a busking tour in October 2019. Melanie draws her sound from

36 NEWS Irish traditional and American Renaissance festival music, while her THE PILGRIMS PODCAST Celtic songwriting is inspired by Nashville song structures. Her www.blarneypilgrims.com albums, including her 2017 release AFaery Song, boast a balance of The Blarney Pilgrims Podcast started out a little over a year ago in a balladeering and comedy. Melanie also filmed a music video on the small shed in Australia. Since then it has exploded and now has shores of Galway, to accompany a single release of Gordon Bok’s Ways hundreds of thousands of listeners across the globe. The reason for its of Man. Melanie’s Ways of Man is a narrative piece with soaring violin success is the unique approach the show takes in understanding the accompaniment and folk vocal harmonies. It can be found on music and the people behind it. As the title of the podcast suggests, the Melanie’s YouTube channel. The Ways of Man single is available on her Blarney Pilgrims are on a journey of sorts, to try and understand the Bandcamp, along with The Harvest Faire and A Faery Song. heart that lies at the centre of this music. Download Melanie’s discography at: Each week a great musician joins hosts Darren O’Mahony and www.melaniegruben.bandcamp.com, Like Melanie on Facebook: Dominic Black to talk about life, music and the pursuit of the nyah. The www.facebook.com/melaniegrubenmusic and subscribe to her show is about first tunes, Comhaltas classes, pubs sessions, street YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/MelanieGrubenMusic sessions; friends and traveling, mystery and rhythm. It’s about love, learning and work. Leaving, returning, and the idea of home. And it’s RACHEL NEWTON – TO THE AWE about time, and what really happens when the music takes hold, and www.rachelnewtonmusic.com we connect. Listeners that join from episode one, not only go on the A striking, pertinent and entirely enthralling album – Folk Radio. One “ ” “ same pilgrimage as the lads, but they also witness a true friendship grow of the standout musicians of her generation..a really distinctive music between the hosts. This endearing relationship, coupled with their drive maker” – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2. to take the scenic route through each guest’s life, makes for a soulfully To The Awe is the bold new album from acclaimed Scottish Singer, Harpist and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Musician of the Year Rachel Newton. The songs and rewarding listen. As Kevin Crawford of Lúnasa put it, “It’s akin to on the album place women at the centre of their narrative, at various stages having a catch up with a couple of old mates”. And given the year we’ve of life and often marking a coming of age and an acquisition of power. The all had, that’s exactly what we need right now. record is a tribute to the women who have inspired Rachel and is influenced The Blarney Pilgrims Podcast is available on all podcast apps, by her recent work around the representation of women in the music iTunes, Google and Spotify. See www.blarneypilgrims.com & industry. Rachel draws on poems and ballads that are hundreds of years www.facebook.com/BlarneyPilgrimsPodcast old, working them into her contemporary compositional style to create a STRING LOADED rich sound that is ambitious, original and unique. A return to the band line www.stringloaded.com.au up sees Rachel working again with drummer/ co–producer Mattie Foulds, String Loaded burst into the Celtic music scene 10 years ago straight violinist/violist Lauren MacColl, horn player Mikey Owers and Sarah from their loungeroom. Since then, this extremely talented family have Hayes on backing vocals. The album benefits from a strong musical developed into an unstoppable force of musical gifts to surprise and relationship, developed as a result of the group’s live performance work over delight critics and fans alike. The band features the feisty fiddle playing the years since recording her SAY (Scottish Album of the Year) Award sisters, Gabi and Liv, supported by dad, Ray on guitar and mum, Jen on Shortlisted album Here’s My Heart Come Take It. In addition to her bodhran and telling the stories behind the tunes. Hailing from Australia, solo work, Rachel is a skilled collaborator and founder member of this band has performed at Festivals and shows around the world The Shee, The Furrow Collective and The Lost Words: Spell Songs. including the Fringe Festival, Australian Celtic Festival, and the For further information visit www.rachelnewtonmusic.com infamous Woodford Folk Festival. Much of the thrill in experiencing String Loaded’s music is in marveling at the skill and beauty of their fiddle playing, feeling the driving rhythms and enjoying the four-part harmony singing. The band have an enviable reputation for recording memorable albums and have won numerous Celtic Awards including: Celtic Artist of the Year, Celtic Instrumental of the Year and Celtic Album of the Year. After such successes it is with excitement that the band releases their fourth album Continuous Line. Coming from a long line of Scottish and Irish musicians this family celebrates their traditional roots and have produced an album that alternates between heart wrenching beauty and invigorating joy and extreme energy. The sisters’ fiddle playing is unbelievable, the rhythms are vibrant and inspired, the singing is superb and all delivered with a distinctive passion that is hard to resist. Check out String Loaded’s fourth album Continuous Line on iTunes and Spotify. Find out more at www.stringloaded.com.au, www.facebook.com/stringloadedcelticfiddleband or on YouTube String Loaded Fiddle Band.

JOLLY’S www.jollysband.com “We are Irish not because we were born in Ireland, but because Ireland was born in us.” Did you ever know, that there are a lot of Celtic culture fans in a big, but not well-known country called ? Regardless Irish music being so popular, there are quite a few professional bands out here. And there’s a band Jolly’s among them. “It seems to us, that are surprisingly similar to ours. We sing these songs as if they were our native, we live through every single word.” Jolly’s released 2 albums. The last one was recorded in 2020 and is already available on every music platform. This album called Drunk Edition includes one Craic song () that was composed by the band. Jolly’s travels not only around Ukraine, but also all over Europe and even Asian countries. “We want to tell people a lot more about true Irish culture. We are trying to popularize songs, melodies and histories about Ireland that once touched our hearts.”“What we love most about being on NEWS 37 tour is that every country - no matter where you are - has Irish pubs. You can Canadian culture that Canada’s Prime Minister Trudeau (the first one) always play a gig there or find new friends, while having a pint of Guinness. personally asked them to become Canadian citizens so they could Here every guest - French or Dutch, German or Russian – will join you to sing officially represent Canada around the world. They went on to star in three a favourite verse together.”Jolly’s has not yet reached Ireland. So far the green different television series throughout the 70s and 80s, then returned to the land lives only in their imagination...from books, songs and stories. “This screen with three more television specials in the last ten years. is a big dream that someday will surely come true.” Millar says, “It’s been a bit odd, being from both Ireland and Canada. Visit www.jollysband.com and www.facebook.com/band.jollys Some fans have found it confusing as well, asking where we’re from.” He addresses the issue in the song, Band Without A Country. Many songs, KEVIN SYKES VIOLIN MAKER including Band Without A Country and The Banshee’s Cry, Some of www.kevinsykes.com Ireland’s Lovely Sights North East South West and Also A Love Song, Saints Some people may never experience that feeling. I’m sure there is no And Sinners have become music videos on their YouTube channel. word for it, when you pull the bow hair over a fiddle’s strings for the first Visit https://theirishroversmusic.com/ for more. time and it answers back. The response is not the same as just hearing it, without the creative process. It evokes varied reactions in different players, THE WAVY BOW COLLECTION RR015 : JAMES & JOHN CARTY but most will know immediately if it pleases them. I have been witness to www.johncartymusic.net this many times and have experienced it. Although I would always John Carty needs no introduction in Irish traditional music circles. He recommend warming up a violin or trialling an instrument, if smitten. received the TG4 Gradam Ceoil award in 2003 and has released If you’re not feeling that certain ‘magic’ with your violin, it could numerous solo and collaborative albums on fiddle, banjo and tenor guitar. simply be: a change of strings, a bridge and post realignment, a change His son, James since releasing his solo fiddle album Hiding Daylight in Dark in the weather, soundbox opening, stale bow hair. Corners in 2017 has been steadily building a noteworthy reputation within For advice on the above or For Bow Rehairing, Strings and Accessories the genre. John and James have been musical partners since James was by return post. Please call, Text or Whatsapp - 087 9209080. born. They have been playing and listening to music together for a couple For further information visit www.kevinsykes.com, email : of decades during which time James has developed a voice similar to John’s [email protected] or tel: 087 9209080 & 094 9031019. but very much his own. The results of this long-standing partnership has manifested itself in this exciting debut collaboration which explores duet https://theirishroversmusic.com/ fiddle and other instrumental combinations. In March 2019, the Rovers were honoured in N. Ireland and Dublin The material is gathered from various sources from obscure recordings of for promoting Ireland across North America and beyond. EPIC Ireland the Sligo fiddle and flute tabernacle to the music of various influential and Museum Director, Mervyn Greene, considers the Irish Rovers one of creative friends whether it be their own compositions or rekindled time Ireland’s greatest émigrés: “The Irish Rovers are iconic, world class and honoured favourites. The melodies are complimented by carefully chosen with very a long career. They’ve truly taken Ireland with them and shown accompaniment with Shane McGowan, Michael McCague, Jonas the world.” Fromseier, Brian McGrath, Matt Griffin, Michael McGoldrick and James The Irish Rovers 2020 album Saints And Sinners tells the story of the band Blennerhasset all featuring. There is also a guest appearance from John’s from the early days of the Millar family leaving their Ireland home for brother James on flute. Together they have woven this tapestry of different distant shores, through the highs and lows of their 55 years on the road. The styles and instrumentation into a recording with an identity of its own. Rovers were adopted by Canada and even became so much a part of the Further information from www.johncartymusic.net 38 MAĊA

THEMaċa is a youthful RISING energetic 3-piece Irish STARfamily band, who combineOF Irish MA TraditionalĊ musicA with world folk music and who share a passion for composing and creating their own music, writes Maryann McTeague Keifer for Irish Music Magazine.

s there a word that truly describes ultimate enthusiasm? Perhaps I asked them if there were any specific musicians who they looked to zeal, ebullience, or gusto would do it, but none of these seem to be able for motivation and Ciara bounced out with “KILA”! That brought on Ito adequately give a picture or the feel of spirit and energy that washes another of their engaging stories of a trip to a KILA concert as a treat for over you when you are around the emerging stars known as Maċa. Ciara who was in love with Rónán Ó Snodaigh, KILA’s lead vocalist, Comprised of the Carty sisters from New Ross, County Wexford, Maċa bodhran player and percussionist. Turned out that the band was jazzing has put some life and spice into the Covid dreary days we all experience with the audience about whether anyone was good enough to come up from their bedroom home sessions full of upbeat music and hilarious and play with them, and Ciara made herself known. When Rónán craic. Saoirse who is the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Naoise who is asked if she could play fast enough, she asked him if he could keep up the fiddler, concertina master, and vocalist, and Ciara who handles the with her, and proceeded to “blow him away!” Within minutes she bodhran, percussion, whistles, flute, and vocals have a way of laughing, mentioned her sisters who also played and up they went, Naoise telling teasing, and bantering that only sisters can have, and yet, you’ll find me that they were ready to “just die” thinking of going up on stage with yourself immediately being pulled into the joy and mischievousness their idols. This evening turned out to be the beginning of a close enjoying it with great relish! The lasses, while quite young at 22, 20, and relationship with KILA, and especially, with Rónán. 17 possess the talent of those with many more years collectively under It is evident that Saoirse’s, Naoise’s, and Ciara’s stage presence is going their belts. Their desire to achieve, to play together, and to bring themselves to be tremendously successful; they enchant you as they tell their to the audience have created a work ethic that is impressive to experience. stories. You can see and enjoy all as if you were there. They truly have I had the fortune to have a video visit with them a few weeks back and been blessed with the gift of the scéalaí! was able to witness their spirit and energy that one quickly realizes is Being noticed more and asked to open for other bands, led the girls a natural part of them. They speak as a group, interjecting, embellishing, to decide to form a more formal band, and they wanted a noticeable and laughing at each other’s stories and explanations. name that had meaning. They chose Maċa naming themselves after Asking them about their background, they all agreed that they initially Irish goddesses known as the three Morrigna who have images of were more into sports, and music wasn’t on the horizon. Saoirse and strong, fierce and independent, self-governing women. Noticed is Naoise then both talked about their beginning interest in playing. definitely what happened, and they found themselves signed to a Though their parents were not musicians, they were very supportive residency at Raglan Road in Disney World. Naoise tells of how she was and carted them to lessons and sessions. Ciara was onto the flute first to be taking her Leaving Cert, and hadn’t decided what her next steps and while putting great time into it, the bodhran ended up calling to her. were going to be. She hadn’t a clue what she really wanted to do other Saoirse told of how they were playing at sessions with the iconic Sean than music, and miraculously, the contract was presented. Again, the Keane for 6 weeks and were fortunate to be noticed, and asked to open sisters credited their parents with providing full support to giving this a and play with other musicians like Sharon Shannon and . try, and off they went to what was first to be just three weeks at St. In 2018, still known as The Carty Sisters, they decided to enter TG4’s Patrick’s Day, but ended up being a year and a half. They talked of all Réalta agus Gaolta, and ended up being named Ireland’s Most Talented they had to learn and absorb that was so different than playing in their Family. Saoirse, wide eyed, related how they had to go home after local pubs. Multiple daily performances, language and cultural nuances, advancing each week and write a new piece, because they didn’t have playing for dancers, meeting and working with other musicians, wanting a repertoire built up at that point. to be recognized for who they were, having to be so independent and MAĊA 39 far from home were all part of a learning curve that could have been, The lasses emphasized that it is very important to them that their at times, discouraging but instead fanned the flames of realization that audiences feel that they know who Maċa is after seeing them. From they could accomplish whatever they set out to do, and becoming a specially designed outfits to their music and stories, they want give to successful band was what they wanted. their listeners a piece of themselves that they will take and remember While they had recorded an EP previously, they knew they needed to them by; that what they see on stage is who they really are and will be have their first album set as a priority and began working on it. They known and appreciated for. Music, and telling their story through it, is collected and worked on songs and tunes and then excitedly and who they are, and our lives are about to be mightily enriched by them. nervously took it to their mentor, Rónán, who popped their balloon and For more on this exciting trio and to pre-order the new album told them it was okay, but “You’re so lazy! Go write them yourself…”They SPIRAL http://www.macaofficial.com said they, at first, weren’t sure they were able, but he didn’t give them quarter, and soon they were back at the drawing board writing their own songs and tunes. What resulted is a ten track album of half songs and half tunes, appropriately titled SPIRAL, which is their logo which showcases the fluidity and changes of their lives, music, and rising career. They wouldn’t have ever attempted it without his push and belief in them. “They chose Maċa naming themselves after Irish goddesses known as the three Morrigna” Saoirse, Naoise, and Ciara decided to launch a :fund:it campaign to generate the monies to produce the album. Fueling the campaign with frequent online house sessions, many were able to be exposed to their music and personalities falling in love with them, and in the process, fully funding the campaign. They got busy at Poppyhill Studios feverishly working to record what they had put their all into, and it promises to be magnificent. As Rónán Ó Snodaigh has said, “It is always nice to work with gifted musicians, but these girls are gifted and have a zest for the music. In short, They Rock!”Tommy Byrne of The Byrne Brothers said to me when I asked if he had seen them in Orlando, One thing I’ll say about Ma a, “ ċ Photographer : Kenny Ruttledge I think they’ll be good for the Irish scene. Saoirse is an excellent singer Dresses : Marion Murphy Cooney, and they do a lively show. I can see them being the next Corrs.” The Design Atelier Jewellery : Majella Kervick, Mise by Majella Definitely high praise already coming for them. 40 NATHAN CARTER NATHAN CARTER THE ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION Nathan Carter has achieved phenomenal success over both his professional recording and performing career, and to celebrate an amazing decade, he releases a new collection and chats to Lar Flynn for Irish Music Magazine about it and much more.

in the 60’s. My co-writer, John Farry was telling me about the good nights out that he had during those times, and a few of my previous band personnel also get a name check on some of the lyrics! Wings to Fly is a very personal song to me. It’s a song that myself and John Farry wrote shortly after the death of my best friend, Nicky James. It’s really poignant, and it’s a fitting tribute to a wonderful friend who sadly passed from this world earlier this year. I hope that others will find solace in the lyrics of this song also.

LF: Even though you have been performing since you were a young lad in Liverpool, the past ten years have been a real whirlwind of success for you. Does it seem or feel like ten years or has it gone by quickly, and what have been a couple of outstanding highlights for you in that decade? NC: The first 10 years have indeed gone by in a flash. It’s really hard to believe the number of miles that we have travelled by land, sea, and air during that period. I guess the outstanding highlights for me were playing my first ever show in the 3 Arena Dublin to a packed- out house, and a close second would be performing for the Pope in Croke Park for his Irish visit last year. There are many others also, but I guess those two really stand out.

LF: Like most performers, this past year has been devastating for live performers, so how have you dealt with that and were you a fan of doing some online performances or just keeping in touch with your fans through your social media pages? “It’s a song about two young buskers who fall in love while performing on Grafton Street in Dublin” NC: It’s been a very tough 6 to 7 months so far since all of the shows LF: Firstly, many congratulations on the new CD Nathan Carter – have stopped due to the pandemic – I’ve tried my best to keep in Anniversary Collection - The Best Of The First Ten Years. It’s a lovely touch by doing some online shows and keeping in touch via social collection. How difficult is it to pick the tracks to include and do you media, we’re all hoping and praying that this will come to an end get help choosing? soon. NC: I chose the tracks for this album pretty much myself, and I’m honestly delighted with the choice of songs on this new collection LF: When we spoke earlier this year we were all hopeful that maybe – in a way many of the songs chose themselves in terms of by the end of this year things may have changed regarding Covid- popularity and in some cases they marked special occasions 19 but unfortunately it remains with us. Are you able to plan for next throughout the 10 years that I’ve been on the road, it was a lot of fun year and if so, what is 2021 looking like for you? picking the songs. I think it is a pretty good showcase of my first 10 NC: I guess like everyone else, I am hoping that 2021 will bring years of my career on the road. some level of normality back to the music scene as we know it, however I do believe that it will be sometime before we can get LF: The new collection includes four brand new tracks; can you tell back to playing to full capacity crowds again. We all hope and pray us a bit about them? that there will be a vaccine for the virus soon and that would be a NC: Gypsy Queen is a song that I stumbled on earlier this year, it’s game changer. Personally I see a gradual return to normality a fantastic song written by Chris Norman from the ever popular hopefully over the summer months of 2021 and perhaps that will Smokie group, and I fell in love the song the moment I heard it and evolve to indoor concerts with almost full capacity perhaps in the just had to record it. Sarah Jane is a brand-new song that I wrote Autumn/ Winter of 2021. along with my manager John Farry; it’s a song about two young buskers who fall in love while performing on Grafton Street in For more information on Nathan, please visit Dublin. Break for the Border is a fun song about life on the border www.nathancartermusic.com

42 DAWN BEATON

MEETRobert Heuston, Publisher ofDAWN Irish Music Magazine in conversation BEATON with the Artistic Director of Celtic Colours International Festival, who will celebrate their 25th Anniversary in 2021. happening both locally and abroad. We had a bit of time to reflect on what we were to bring to October from my early months of planning, watching how the pandemic progressed, planning for what we knew in March and April, adapting to the positive household and Atlantic Bubbles as they developed in the summer, to create the online experience we unleashed. As a team, we have a long-standing history with the festival, so comfort within our responsibilities meant great adaptability to the current situation. We also have incredible partners such as NovaStream that has provided our live streaming for the last six years, so all of us pulling on the same set of oars if you will, led to the strong online festival we produced.

Robert: The pre-show presented by yourself and sister, Margie was one of the Festival highlights for viewers. How was the experience for you both? Robert: Can you tell our readers a little about who is Dawn Beaton and Dawn: We (Margie and I) are still in disbelief on the lovely comments we your musical background and influences growing up? have come across on the reception of the pre-show. Full credit to Darcy Dawn: Hello Irish Music Magazine! Thanks for the opportunity to chat at NovaStream for his belief behind this concept, and the entire about a festival near and dear to my heart. I’ve been so fortunate to grow NovaStream team for making it happen. We had lots of fun with it, but up in the cultural community of Mabou, Cape Breton. From an early age certainly lots of nerves each and every night. I think that comes from I was exposed to the very best of Gaelic language, violin music and step wanting to make it the absolute best it could be and taking a little bit of dance that informed my early outlook on life. I’ve been a part of our Cape Breton humour and injecting it here and there. Sometimes, little community parish concerts since I was 5, so I quickly saw how a gifts were placed in our lap, so when an untimely fiddle string broke right community can come together, celebrate one’s ancestry, take pride in it, before show time, it meant we got the signal to stretch out the show. We and fundraise for community groups in the process. I also have some took that cue and made a funny little moment happen, waking dear Phil pretty hip musical cousins that made family gatherings pretty Cunningham up from his slumber via facetime! We’ll never forget that memorable, so a proper Cape Breton house party was equally a part of memorable moment, and hope he won’t either! my upbringing, and that informs much of the Gaelic culture that I try to represent through my music and dance. Robert: While we all are facing into the unknown what are your plans for the 25th Anniversary of Celtic Colours International Festival? Robert: How important is the preservation of Cape Breton Music to Dawn: Much like the lead up to the 20th anniversary, we have been Dawn Beaton? chatting as a staff on what we’d like to achieve for such a milestone. We Dawn: I’m sure anyone that looks back on the positive associations in were having discussions on just such a topic when the pandemic shut their life, whatever they may be, would want to foster that in the next down our office, like so many. Going into October, we knew the fall generation and create those shared jubilant experiences for others. I, like sparked a typical flu season for much of the world, and we’re seeing many have those cherished experiences with our music from a very early waves two and three of the pandemic in some parts, so all of these factors age. I can speak first hand to the richness it has created in my life, and certainly gives us pause as to what the future may yield. Again, watching “Keeping our language, music and dance alive is vital”

I know how very valued it was to my parents, my grandparents and our festival friends these last few months, and awaiting to see what others ancestors, so it’s this precious jewel that every generation carries and will do will undoubtedly inform how we’ll proceed too. I have had my feels that weight to continue, knowing all it’s overcome to be present in heart set on tributes and special projects for both 2020 and 2021. If I can our day. Thus, keeping our language, music and dance alive is vital. do them justice, I will certainly pursue it, but I also want to create meaningful and memorable experiences not just for our audience but Robert: How has Celtic Colours evolved over the past 24 years to become importantly, our festival artists, but planning for the 25th will always one of the most respected Celtic Music Festivals around the world? carry the priority of safety first and foremost. Regardless, we have shown Dawn: I feel we have stayed very true to the value set put forward by co- we have an incredible group of artists from many parts of the world, and founders Joella Foulds and Max MacDonald who are very much still part an online community that care greatly, so I know the 25th will be one of my life and valued mentors to this day. Any evolutions have come of memories; memories from the past and memories to be created. while they were still at the helm, i.e. introducing the 300+ Community For more on Celtic Colours International Festival Cultural Experiences (i.e. community meals, learning opportunities, https://celtic-colours.com etc). The formation of the festival was so well informed and thought out that it hasn’t needed to evolve greatly. We take our cue from the cultural examples, be it community festivals and events that have set the example many decades ago. I still keep an eye on how the industry is moving, paying attention to social shifts, technology, etc but the value set put forward is a strong beacon that continues to shine brightly.

Robert: You have recently delivered as Artistic Director, Celtic Colours International Festival at Home over 9 Days. What level of planning was involved to create an undertaking of this magnitude? Dawn: I’m a big proponent of listening. Personally, I gain much from finding quiet time to reflect, slowing down and listening to what’s

44 JOANIE MADDEN JOANIE MADDEN Joanie Madden was taking a forced break from her usual exhaustive touring schedule. Seán Laffey put in a distance call and found out why.

Joanie: “With Cherish the Ladies, we have recorded three Christmas albums to date and our Christmas tour has become extremely successful and our busiest touring season. In December, we always tour as a 12-piece ensemble with musicians, singers, dancers, and brass. All of us love our Christmas tour playing to sold out houses nightly in America. Because of the virus, this is the first Christmas in 20 years where we find ourselves in lockdown, but it is also the first time that we are all together in Ireland. With that in mind, I’m hard at work trying to organize getting the group together in the coming weeks to record a Christmas concert for streaming while adhering to all the strict guidelines set in place by the government regarding the performance space, maintaining socially distancing and sanitizing protocols. It’s a daunting task but I’m confident we will make it happen!”

Seán: “Many artists have embraced working remotely, creating their new albums at a distance.” Joanie: “Recently Mirella Murray and myself taught online classes as part of the virtual O’Flaherty Retreat. I have done a lot of remote recording and with Cherish, we have done numerous zoom recordings for virtual festivals and making zoom concerts for our Facebook friends. We are posting to Facebook frequently, so be sure to check in with us there.” began by asking Joanie if she was taking that break in Miltown Seán: “Have you any exciting new music projects for 2021?” Malbay? Joanie: “I think the first half of 2021 is going to be a quiet year for I performing. I rebooked my Mediterranean cruise for September 5th - Joanie: Yes, I am currently at my home in Miltown Malbay. It’s always “ 12th, 2021 with the hope that the vaccine will be in place and people great to be back in beautiful west Clare, but unfortunately I had just would feel more safe and comfortable in travelling. I think people are finished my mandatory two-week quarantine when the lockdown was going to be biting at the bullet to get out and experience live music initiated, so I’m missing spending time with all my friends and family again.” in the area.” “Because of the virus, this is the first Christmas in 20 years we are all together in Ireland” Seán: How has the pandemic impacted on your music? “ ” Seán: “What would you say to your fans as we approach the New Year?” Joanie: Well Seán, Covid-19 has single-handedly decimated the entire “ Joanie: “Hang in there everyone. I know we are all fed up and missing music industry. I totally sympathize with all my fellow artists on the the simple things in life like a hug, a handshake or sharing a laugh with performance and technical side who have seen their careers and their friends, but we will get through this and we will have brighter days worlds turned upside down by this virus as no one saw this coming. In ahead!” my personal situation, 2020 was to be the best year of my career with a 35th Anniversary celebration tour with Cherish the Ladies, a sold out Watch Joanie and the girls from Cherish at: bus tour of Ireland and my first Mediterranean Cruise with 900 www.facebook.com/cherishtheladies and keep up to date with passengers booked so far with seven months to go. All of this was wiped them at www.cherishtheladies.com out. I have to say with over three decades as a bandleader, whenever we have encountered pot holes in the road, I have always been able to turn and pivot and drive the band in another direction, but with the Coronavirus, there is just nowhere to turn.”

Seán: “I’m sure you have taken to social media to keep in touch with your fans.” Joanie: “All musicians have been forced to get more tech savvy and we have all been forced to work virtually, but nothing can replace the music of what happens when musicians play together. I know as performers we are all desperately missing our dear friends in the band and life on the road, especially the high of performing in front of a live audience. Thankfully we have had these outlets to connect with our fans.”

Seán: “This must be a very strange Christmas for you and Cherish the

Ladies.” Photo Alistair : Cassidy

46 MÁIRÉAD NESBITT

MÁIRÉADMáiréad was home for aNESBITT’S Christmas break in Loughmore, CELTIC Tipperary, Seán SPELLS Laffey caught up with her. on all platforms called Máiréad Mondays Chats Choons and Craic. I had a special guest artist from different genres every week. We had the chats, played the choons and had the craic too with the Celtic Spells stories. So popular were the stories that my new podcast is called Celtic Spells, like my show, with a different story weekly for the winter nights.”

Seán: “I see you are offering video lessons online.” Máiréad: “I teach all levels, children and adults on violin and viola, other instruments too. Students can purchase bundles of lessons to get great deals and can schedule their lessons to suit their day and time on my website calendar. It’s always great meeting new people and every lesson is always so different! Anyone who purchases a violin from me also gets a free lesson.”

Seán: “And you have a new jewellery collection.” Máiréad: “I created my first collection Solstice, which was inspired by Newgrange and the Solstices. I am creating a new thirty-piece jewellery collection and TV program with the premiere jewellery channel in the USA called JTV. I am really looking forward to co-hosting my own TV show and also writing the theme music too! The first show and the full collection of incredible designs will launch in January / February in time for Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.”

Seán: “What’s it like to be back in Ireland?” Seán: “How is your range of signature violins selling at the moment?” Máiréad: “Being home in Ireland is really food for the soul for me and Máiréad: “The collection of violins is doing well. With my custom bows I’ve been playing a lot of music with my family. It’s amazing too to be from Samuel Kolsteins in NYC, Thomastik Strings from Vienna, custom at home for Christmas especially at this time.” rosin from Magic Rosin NYC and the included accessories, everyone is extremely happy. They love the tone of the violins, the way they are set Seán: “How has being a resident in the USA impacted on your music?” up and the level of customer support they have. I’m really happy when Máiréad: “I’m based in the New Hampshire area which has not been a customer is happy as all the hard work is worth it then!” badly hit by the pandemic. For the first time in 5 years I will not be playing at Carnegie Hall for Christmas this year. Broadway is also closed Seán: “Have you a personal message for your fans for 2021?” until after May 2021. My solo concerts were postponed from 2020 to Máiréad: “Stay safe, stay well. Keep going and know that I have lots of “I call my fans my Fan-ily, as they are like a family to me!”

2021 including my concert with the Irish Tenors at Lynn Auditorium in exciting things ahead that you will all enjoy. I call my fans my Fan-ily Boston, which will now happen on March 17th 2022. as they are like a family to me! Have an amazing Christmas, Holidays “It has made a big impact musically and of course, financially to artists and a very Happy New Year to you and yours!” like myself and all the people who we work with from crews to venues. On the plus side, it has given me time to plan 2021 with my manager Máiréad says join the fan-ily at www.maireadnesbittviolin.com and agent for 3 massive projects coming up.”

Seán: “Have you become even more online savvy over the past seven months?” Máiréad: “I really have! I have learned a lot. I do a lot of my work from my website anyway with lessons. My biggest learning curve has been doing all my recording remotely. This has been very important in creating my own new show Celtic Spells. I am also one of the soloists in a crossover show of Rock and Classical music called Rock Me Amadeus. Ahead of the show going on tour in 2021 we are releasing a video every month of a spectacular mash up. Everything is done remotely. “One of my contributions was filmed from a 12th Century Abbey ruin in Tipperary. It was filmed on my Go Pro and iPhone by my brother Noel and my Mam Kathleen Nesbitt. “I always think of people who support me, my fan-ily, and for them I did a summer series of twenty YouTube shows and podcast episodes

48 BRIAN KENNEDY

BRIANLar Flynn in conversation withKENNEDY an Irish Music Legend. BK: I can honestly say that the Seaview Sessions have been a real lifeline for me and they came about because I had previously performed a few times at a venue in Dublin called The Punchbowl in Booterstown and they were under the creative umbrella “The Seaview Sessions” hosted and organised by a fella called Lar Flynn and Richard Meehan did the sound and lights. When all the gigs stopped, they suggested we do a Facebook version of the show and it’s been such a huge hit for us. I think I’m right in saying over 120,000 people have tuned in and we’ve had Mary Coughlan, Kathrine Lynch and Hazel O’Connor as guests. Sadly, the recent restrictions intensified, and we couldn’t do the past few shows but fingers crossed we’ll be back soon.

LF: You are one of the most positive and inspiring people I’ve met and I know many people and your fans feel the same. Why is it still so important for you to keep spreading your story and message? BK: Positivity is a healing attitude I believe. Also, I wanted other men to really benefit from my experience of having caught my cancer diagnosis early and therefore it was treatable and ultimately the stoma surgery has saved my life. I honestly feel very very lucky to be alive and I know that men can be very reluctant to seek help, especially if it has anything to do with their private parts, so I wanted to encourage men to be brave and the sooner they get checked the better, especially if there are symptoms. It really can be a matter of life or death in some cases. A cab driver recently referred to me as “The bag ambassador” referring to my colostomy and ileostomy bags so I was thrilled about that.

LF: And finally, looking forward to 2021, are you planning anything rian Kennedy has been at the forefront of not only Irish music, new or do you feel able to plan, and I’m sure that positivity you have but also, internationally since the early 90’s having previously will help hugely. Bshared vocals and stages around the world with the great Van BK: I’m certainly looking forward to leaving 2020 behind. I hope that Morrison, including appearances on five of his hit albums. He has been 2021 brings back the gigs for all kinds of reasons and I’m working on involved in everything from Riverdance on Broadway to Eurovision and new songs now as well as even some more story writing. I’ve published sung with some of the world’s biggest talents including Stevie Wonder, two fiction Novels as you know and some short stories. I’m itching to Joni Mitchell, and even U.S. President, Bill Clinton. get back on the road to tour and to travel widely again. I miss it so much. There’s nothing quite like that instant visceral reaction from an LF: Always great to talk to you, Brian, and I know everywhere you go, audience. Music is the best medicine after all. people are always asking about your health. How are you doing in this For more information about Brian, and to visit his new online store, unusual 2020? please visit www.briankennedy.co.uk

“I can honestly say that the Seaview Sessions have been a real lifeline for me” BK: Gladly I can report that I’m doing very well health wise. I had a scan again recently even though it was delayed because of Covid-19 and it was all clear. It was actually the second anniversary of my stoma surgery on October 29th so that’s a real milestone.

LF: Like most performers, you had a series of gigs lined up for Christmas and beyond, one of your busiest times. How does it feel to literally have it all taken away? BK: Yes, I ALWAYS look forward to the busiest time of the year for gigs at Christmas so it’s incredibly sad and weird to suddenly have Covid- 19 wipe my diary out. I’ve only done three gigs in front of an audience in seven months. The thing about Christmas is also the churches that get added to the venue list and they can be so beautiful to sing in. Bring back the gigs!!

LF: You are busy in other ways though as we see you on TV regularly and doing charity events or joining webinars online, but also, since early summer you have been setting very high standards with your Facebook live Seaview Sessions. Can you tell us how these sessions came to be and what it means to you?

50 SHOOGLENIFTY ACID CROFT VOLUME 9

FROMSeán Laffey connects with SHOOGLENIFTY Garry Finlayson, Kaela Rowan, Malcolm Crosbie, Quee MacArthur and Ewan MacPherson of Shooglenifty to discuss their new album and their past thirty years of west Highland mayhem. but mainly the impetus to keep going came from the fact that we enjoyed playing together and our live gigs were so lively and joyous.”

Seán: “What actually is Acid Croft music?” Malcolm: “Essentially Acid Croft is a music, which started with traditional roots but which has been allowed to evolve in a very free way, that is, each of the players can express themselves creatively in whichever way they think of and we see what develops.” Kaela: “So mostly it’s a state of mind: one part anarchy to two parts free dancing.”

Seán: “The late Angus R Grant still looms large in the personality of Shooglenifty.” Malcolm: “There was a period when Angus was a teenager when he felt that playing the fiddle was uncool. It was when being a punk was the cool thing to be and so he got his folks to get him an electric guitar. He was so cool that he scrubbed off the ‘Fender’ logo from the headstock because it was too corporate. I think it could be said that, at that time, was at low ebb particularly amongst youngsters. A bit later his attitude changed of course and he played a significant part, along with the band, in helping to make fiddle playing and folk-based music cool again for young people.” Ewan: “He gave everybody in the room a licence to drop everything, stop hen the ersatz bluegrass combo Swamptrash broke up, back worrying and let their hair down. We aim to carry on sending out that in 1990, three of its members Angus R Grant, James message.” WMacKintosh and Malcolm Crosbie went busking in Madrid where they met an hombre who ran a nightclub; he invited them to play Seán: “You recruited new fiddler Eilidh Shaw in 2018, what has she the venue the next night. He needed a band name for a poster, so brought to the band?” Malcolm decided on the spot that they’d call themselves Shooglenifty. It Quee: “Angus and Eilidh were great friends and played many a session stuck. together so they shared a lot of music.” Back in Edinburgh, Garry Finlayson and Conrad Molleson joined in and Malcolm: “Eilidh brings joyous exuberance and beautiful lyrical 5/6ths of Swamptrash became Shooglenifty. They added mandolinist Iain precision to the stage and studio.” “Acid Croft is a state of mind: one part anarchy to two parts free dancing”

Macleod and played regular sessions in bars and clubs around the Kaela: “She has introduced us to some bizarre pre-gig cocktails, an Scottish capital until snagging a record deal a few years later. There have impressive array of spangly boots. Eilidh has attitude, a wonderful sense been a few line-up changes over the years but the dynamic interplay of of fun, and pens some seriously kick-ass tunes.” fiddle and mandolin at the front is an indelible hallmark of the Shoogle sound. Seán: “The vocals, spoken word pieces and Ghàidhlig songs are a central element in many of the tracks on Acid Croft 9.” Seán: “The watershed came with your 1994 Venus in Tweeds studio Kaela: “Our Gaelic songs are one strand of the strong umbilical chord that album.” pulls us to our Highland roots. We are all into words and poetry, it’s always Garry: “It certainly was a game changer, the effect on our lives was been a big part of our culture and the Gaelic language has poetry coming immediate. The opening track was very quickly included in a cover out of its ears.” CD of Folk Roots magazine and the offers of gigs began to flow, both in the UK and abroad, including to the Hong Kong Festival along Seán: “What message have you for your followers in these tough with a few gigs in Kuala Lumpur. Up to that point all our playing lockdown times?” together was in public and when we started to plan the album we Ewan: “Stay cool, get your beer delivered instead of going to the pub, had to sit down and try and work out what it was we actually did enjoy our new album and watch our “live” video.” with the music. Working with producer Jim Sutherland introduced Malcom: “We look forward to the day when we can all get together in a us to ideas of deconstruction and rebuilding and introduced the big room and have musical fun with no Internet involved. We will be back!” concept of subtlety to our musical palette.” Malcolm: “Venus in Tweeds received a ‘folk album of the year Start your own west Highland party with a visit to: award’ from BBC Radio Scotland, which helped our confidence, www.shooglenifty.com COSCÁN 51

COSCÁNSeán Laffey talks to David ARE Nevin AS and Harry POSITIVE Long of COSCÁN about AS the EVER challenges and opportunities resulting from the Covid-19 Pandemic.

lane based COSCÁN are Gerry Doggett on fiddle, accordion and is a landscape rich in myth and historic sites, a wonderful place. For tin whistle, David Nevin on bodhrán, percussion, keyboards and years now I’ve been teaching at Walton’s New School of Music, with Svocals, and Harry Long who plays low whistle, tin whistle and two Walton’s tutor books and two books on the history of Irish music vocals and John Shankey from Nobber who plays guitar and vocals. already to my name. We’ve gone online with our lessons now.” It’s always a pleasure to interview David and Harry; they are always David tells me the band too, has been social distancing. “We’ve positive, eager to talk about their music, always in good humour. This barely met in person since March, but we haven’t been idle, we interview happened on the day in October when the country went into are writing new material and keeping up with practice. Being Level 3 lockdown. That word always still applies, for David and Harry connected via zoom for instance has stopped us from getting stale. the glass is always half full. We did meet up for a rehearsal and it was amazing to see that we David tells me, “Like the rest of the music business things have been hadn’t got rusty at all. We were still tight, we still had that uncanny sense really quiet for us since March. We were very lucky back then, we had of where a tune was going, when the whistle or fiddle would take off on a choice of two gigs, one in France the other in Dublin. We decided a riff. We would follow it seamlessly and we’d know instinctively when we’d do the home concert which worked out brilliantly for us.” to come back to the main theme and close out a number. I suppose that It must have been a very strange year for COSCÁN. David says it was comes from playing together for twenty years.” so different from their normal schedule. “For over twenty years we’ve been at the summer Solstice festival on the Hill of Tara. It’s been a “Since the pandemic we’ve concentrated highlight of ours and the community’s summer; this year of course the on refining our videos and have hill was silent on the longest day. Our other long term residence at Taylor’s Three Rock was also mothballed as pubs were forced to close.” embraced digital technology” Harry Long’s personal experience of the pandemic went further than COSCÁN’s hiatus. “I’ve been teaching tin whistle to school children for What of the new material? Harry tells me about a new tune they have years, but when the schools closed that work dried up. Even though the composed called Johnny Shankey. “One of the famous musical schools are back, tin whistle is considered a high risk so it’s very difficult families from Nobber, the veteran accordion player Johnny made to get back teaching it in primary schools. I’m setting up a new website, charity CDs of his own songs with all the profits going to the Cancer unit Harry Long Culture, which combines teaching music with other aspects at Crumlin Children’s Hospital. We thought he deserved a tune for all of Irish history, archaeology and culture in general. I have a PhD in the terrific work he’d done.” History and Archaeology, so it is interesting and great fun to explore David tells me that COSCÁN have embraced digital technology to areas where different aspects of our culture intersect. The Boyne Valley bring their music to their fans and supporters. “Before the lockdown we were getting lots of notice around the world, our albums were getting airtime on radio stations and we have an active online following. Since the pandemic we’ve concentrated on refining our videos; for example we have a new one called COSCÁN Live which features us playing at our beloved Tara and the 2019 All Ireland Fleadh in Drogheda. We are now working on live streaming and will be online on the Irish Music Magazine Official pages on Facebook in December. That’s been a great challenge for us. We want to make the live stream like sitting in the front row of the audience, and there will be loads of chat, original music and lots of craic too!” Lockdown or no, the lads from COSCÁN are determined to keep the fun to the fore. Find out more at: www.coscan.net 52 RUNA

THEMaryann McTeague TIDE Keifer in conversation OF with Shannon WINTER Lambert-Ryan to discuss the new Christmas album from RUNA.

had the pleasure of chatting with Shannon Lambert-Ryan, founding recorded and then sent to Fionán who, as Shannon said, “worked his member, vocalist, dancer, and bodhran player for the well known magic putting everything together to make it sound like we were all Iand established Celtic roots band RUNA. Shannon was busy together when we were playing it!” working with husband and fellow band member Fionán DeBarra on I asked Shannon about the variety of songs and tunes on the album. final tweaks to their ready to release Christmas album, The Tide of She indicated that they had wanted a mix of traditional and not as well Winter, working to get it produced, planning a release event, and giving known tunes, but all were from the band’s backgrounds. An example is the important time to their two and a half year old son, Liam. Soul Cake which was from a cherished tradition at Shannon’s I asked Shannon how they had decided to create a Christmas album elementary school and also well known to Cheryl from Peter, Paul, and when many bands shy away from them as too seasonal, and perhaps Mary. A favorite of Shannon’s is O Come O Come Emmanuel which you forgettable. She told me that they had been discussing a Christmas will well recognize, and will enjoy the way they arranged it and added album for over twelve years, and had filed away ideas for that ‘someday a jazzy, bluesy kick to it giving it new life. it will happen collection.’ Shannon had been raised participating in Giving new life to these carols and hymns was how I told Shannon I school and community holiday productions, so the music of the season felt listening to the album. Shannon’s range allows her to sing these was close to her heart. songs with such beauty and clarity. The instrumentation that accompanies

“They wanted to embrace what each member could bring to the songs and tunes” They hadn’t seriously put time to it since the band never toured during her is so fascinating and complex, that you want to keep hitting replay the holidays with several of them playing in other bands at that time of to hear it all. She explained that it was the willingness to listen to each the year. This year, with the elimination of concerts and gigs, time was other’s ideas that created these arrangements. afforded them to be able to work on this project. She indicated that they The band is excited about the cover of The Tide of Winter which is from also wanted to produce an album with all the present members of the a Northern Lights woodcarving of Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian born band involved. RUNA now consists of Shannon, Fionán, Cheryl in Scotland, who went on several expeditions to the North Pole. “When Prashker, Jake James, and Caleb Edwards who bring backgrounds in they saw it, we all agreed it was perfect!” Irish Traditional, classical, Canadian, Jewish, jazz, bluegrass, rhythm & Planning an early December release, with a digital and preorder blues, and soul with a few others tossed in there. opportunity prior, RUNA is excited to share with all of us their musical Asking Shannon if working together with such diverse backgrounds Christmas tradition. May you find it special and make it part of yours. was difficult, she explained that they started with the list of possible For more http://www.runamusic.com carols and hymns, some of Fionán’s accompaniment ideas, and the luxury of a weekend in Newtown, PA, this summer where they were able to spend creative time together and get the ball rolling. She told of each sharing specific memories and how they were attached to the holidays and music in their own special ways. They wanted to embrace what each member could bring to the songs and tunes. She said they wanted to “…be a part of a tradition that passes it to someone else who maybe would then hear it, find it special, and make it part of their tradition and keep it.” Working together, they listened to the others’ ideas. Some worked, others may not have, or would find themselves used in a different song or tune. She believed that due to their limited time, it gave them a better structure and productive sessions. Because they all live in different cities and tossing in the restrictions of Covid, most of the album was done remotely at each of their homes allowing them to stay safe and save the expense of having to go to studios to record. Fionán has a studio set up in their house and sent each band member a studio microphone so that they could record from their homes. Their individual parts were

54 RICHARD MULLIGAN

MUSICFrank Greally shares the CONNECTS story for Irish Music Magazine. A FAMILY

It was in that convent that Richard was born on April 19th, 1961, but because she would not sign papers to allow her son to be adopted by a wealthy American family who would pay the nuns for the privilege, his mother was only allowed very brief bonding with her new-born son and would not see him again until he came to visit her at her home in as a full-grown man and a father himself. His mother was held against her will for four years in Sean Ross Abbey, until her sister eventually came to her rescue and took her back home to Connemara. That story had a happy ending as Richard and his family enjoyed more than a couple of decades of close contact with his birth mother Mary O’Flaherty. She also got to meet Mary, who with her husband John Mulligan, who fostered and later adopted Richard when he was just three and raised him with great love in their home in (L to R) Mick Conneely, Carrintubber, . For the three years while he was in Bernie Conneely, Sean Ross, Richard’s mother was never allowed access to her child Richard Mulligan, Pauline Conneely, Front Row and all because she would not sign the papers to clear the way for him Mick Conneely Sr to be taken to America. t was a while after my mother, who I had had the great joy of Richard did, however, make it to the USA, when his special running meeting after years of searching, died six years ago, that I talent earned him a four-year athletic scholarship to Providence Idecided to put another big effort into connecting with the College in Rhode Island where running and music became the twin “family of my father, whom I never got to meet” - singer/songwriter, drivers of his young life. Richard Mulligan. “One of my most vivid childhood memories still is of coming down Richard’s search for his birth father’s family also had a heart- the stairs for breakfast in my foster parents’ home and hearing a song warming result too when he was welcomed with open arms by his on the old Pilot radio,” Richard said. “I was suddenly struck by a half-brother and fiddle player Mick Conneely at his home in Clifden. magic voice and some brilliant music. I turned up the volume to listen Richard had never met his father, but he had found his grave and more intently and it was there and then that my lifelong love affair dedicated his first album and the poignantly beautiful song I Never with music began. Met You to his natural father Mairtin Conneely, who Richard “The singer was and the song was Wooden Heart. That discovered had also played the fiddle. morning the voice of The King brought new excitement into my young “A bit like when I first went to meet my mother, I arrived life and sparked a passion that would endure and introduce me to unannounced at Mick Conneely’s door and just said ‘I hear you’re a countless singers and musical styles. It also prompted me to visit fiddle player’, and he immediately invited me to come in and share Memphis and Nashville during the four years I attended Providence a few tunes with him,” Richard said. “It was only after we had shared College in Rhode Island on an athletic scholarship. It seemed from an those few tunes that I told him the real reason why I had made the visit early age that the music was always close to me.” and related the story involving his father and my birth mother. There During the time when he was making efforts to find his mother, was no hesitation on his part; I was immediately given a firm and Richard discovered that his father had been a musician and that he warm handshake - no further questions asked - just immediate had also been a member of The Irish Guards at Windsor during a time acceptance and welcome. It felt like I was in some way coming home when he lived as an Irish immigrant in London before coming home to Connemara. I knew that the music that was within me had to have and within a short time I was introduced to other members of the “ exceptionally talented musical Conneely family in Ireland and America.” Back in 1961 Richard Mulligan, today a well-established singer/songwriter, whose latest album Forgiveness has been played on radio stations in over thirty countries, was born in the infamous Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea. I have written before in the pages of Irish Music Magazine of how Richard’s mother Mary, whose estranged husband was away in England, became pregnant during a relationship with a married man from a village close to her family home in Bunowen on Connemara’s Slyne Head. The end result of that brief relationship remained for years shrouded in mystery and silence until Richard searched for and eventually found his birth mother. This was the Ireland of the early sixties and the day before Richard was born, a trio or perhaps what might better described as a posse, made up of the local Priest, Garda Sergeant and Doctor arrived at Richard’s mother’s home and forcibly took her away to Sean Ross Convent in the far distant town of Roscrea in Tipperary. (L to R) Mick Conneely, Mary Bergin, Richard Mulligan, Seamus Gaughan RICHARD MULLIGAN 55 come from somewhere and I became even more curious when I learned that my half-brother was also a well-known fiddle player. I just had to make that visit to meet him. I knew there was a risk that I might be rejected and sent away, but the opposite was the case; immediate welcome and sharing of music and family ties.” Richard was soon to meet Mick Conneely’s son also named Mick - one of the most acclaimed and respected fiddle players in the Irish tradition. “We got on terrifically well from our first meeting and our family is very proud of what Richard has achieved and continues to achieve through his music,” Mick Conneely said. Mick Jr and his three sisters Bernie, Kathleen and Pauline were born in Bedford, England to parents who hailed from Connemara and Longford. They attended Brendan Mulkere’s music classes and their vast repertoire of tunes came from their father, Brendan’s lessons and the many musicians who would visit the family home. (L to R) Kathleen Conneely, Richard Mulligan and Margaret Mulligan, Richards Wife “It's like the music has brought us all me,” Richard said. “I will always remember with great fondness an together in a special way evening spent as a guest of Pauline in Chief O’Neill’s pub in Chicago ” and Kathleen travelled a long way to pay a special visit to me when There was an immediate and warm bond established between Mick I was staying on Rhode Island.” and Richard Mulligan and on first meeting Richard, Mick, like his The story has in many ways come full circle for Richard as he has father, was in no doubt the close family connection that stretched come to meet all members of his father’s family, as well as the back to his grandfather and Richard’s mother. “When I related my members of the present generation. story to Mick Conneely Senior, he told me that he sensed that as soon “It’s like the music has brought us all together in a special way,” as I came in his door there was some family connection,” Richard Richard said. “There’s already a great bond established between my Mulligan said. ‘You have the same hands as myself,’ he told me. ‘I family and my father’s family and it’s a good news story to warm the knew from the look of you there was some family link there’.” heart - especially coming up to Christmas. I may never have met my These days, Mick Conneely and Richard Mulligan stay in regular father, but his spirit lives on strong through his family and now contact and Richard has also met Mick’s three sisters; Bernie who through myself and my family. It feels like we have all come full circle plays banjo, Kathleen who plays tin whistle and Pauline who also and music is our common denominator. Who knows, maybe plays banjo. someday soon we may all get together and record a double album; “I was over in America a few years ago and my nieces Kathleen and one-part Irish and one-part country. That would certainly complete Pauline were most generous with the time and hospitality they gave the circle.” 56 CELTIC LANDS EIMEAR’S JOURNEY WITH CELTIC LANDS Eimear McGeown took time out to tell Gráinne McCool about her own work and her musical journey with the Amazon TV special Celtic Lands.

Kennerly, Lynn and Ella.”Tim Janis told me that, “Eimear is an incredible musician and performer. It was an honour to work with her.” A perfect musician to be part of the Celtic Lands concert indeed. Had Eimear played with her co-musicians before? “No, it was the first time”, she says. “I had heard of Lynn and Máiréad previously because I had heard of Celtic Woman and Riverdance. The New TV special on Amazon, Celtic Lands takes us on a musical and visual journey to the Celtic regions. Those six regions, widely considered Celtic nations, are Brittany (Breizh), Cornwall (Kernow), Wales (Cymru), Scotland (Alba), Ireland (Éire) and the Isle of Man (Mannin or Ellan Vannin).” Just how important are projects like this one in keeping the Celtic music and song alive in the modern day? Eimear considers that Celtic Lands is available to watch online and therefore capable of reaching a very wide audience. She said, “I think it is really important to keep Celtic music alive and I really admire Tim for his arrangements that bring Irish music to different types of audiences that might not have heard these songs before. I organise Irish music sessions in pubs in London where I live because it’s important to me to share Irish Traditional music and also to pass it on to the next generation.” Celtic Lands is a continuation of this passing on. As we continue to experience unprecedented times, has music helped during this pandemic for Eimear? “I’ve had nearly all of my concerts cancelled. I was supposed to be on tour in Japan this month, Cork last week and America before that and I am finding it extremely difficult not being able to perform to live audiences. Although I have he concert TV special, Tim Janis’ Celtic Lands takes viewers on a done some concerts and recordings online, which have helped but it journey, weaving images of beautiful Celtic coasts with just isn’t the same. It is difficult to connect with an audience that aren’t Tsweeping, ethereal themes. Composer, conductor and two-time present, but I know that at least people have the chance to watch online Billboard chart-topper Tim Janis performs his soothing new age and hopefully feel more connected so I’m grateful that this is possible.” instrumental music onstage with a stellar cast of musicians, including Eimear McGeown has received an award from the Arts Council to do Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt of Celtic Woman, Camille and Kennerly an online music collaboration with a Classical Chinese pianist and she “The New TV special on Amazon, Celtic Lands takes us on a musical and visual journey to the Celtic regions” Kitt of The Harp Twins, flautist Eimear McGeown, and singers Lynn plans to record an album with her Irish fiddle duo partner James Carty. Hilary and Ella Roberts. But for now, she can be seen as part of the Celtic Lands concert, which is available on Amazon Prime. McGeown tells me about starting out on the flute. “When I was 7 years old I heard the flute on the radio and I asked my parents could I Tim Janis’s Celtic Lands special takes us on a musical and visual learn it; then a few nights later my mum came to my bed and brought journey to the Celtic regions. Tim Janis is also known for his direction and producing Buttons a Christmas Tale starring Dick Van Dyke and me up to see who was on the TV. I said it was definitely Angela Lansbury, also available on Amazon. the instrument I wanted to learn, so I gave my parents the money I received from my relatives for making my Holy Communion to pay towards my very first flute! Then when I was 8 years old, I learnt the Irish tin whistle and then went on to learn the Irish traditional flute from the legendary Séamus Tansey!” Eimear explained the main differences between the flutes she plays on Celtic Lands. “My classical flute is made from a mixture of silver & gold and my Irish flute is made from wood. They sound different too: the Irish flute has a warm and mellow sound because of the wood; the classical flute is maybe a brighter crisper sound. Also, the key system is different and the way you blow into each flute also.” How did Eimear become involved with this Tim Janis project? Eimear tells me, “Tim contacted me after he had seen some of my videos online. Then I found myself playing alongside Tim, Máiréad, Camille,

58 ANDY COONEY THE LEGENDARY VOICE OF ANDY COONEY Vocalist, musician, performer, songwriter and christened 'Irish America's Favourite Son' by the New York Times, Andy Cooney takes time out to chat with Robert Heuston for Irish Music Magazine. Robert: How significant was the role of the late Paddy Noonan who sadly passed away earlier this year in your career? Andy: Paddy Noonan was my mentor. I started out with him in 1986. I was 19 at the time and very wet behind the ears! Paddy owned a record label, Rego Records which was the largest distributor of Irish music in the US. Paddy and I did 4 albums together and toured together for almost 8 years. It was a very happy time in my life with incredible memories. Paddy Noonan gave me the platform and exposure to pave the way to where I am today.

Robert: Can you tell us a little about your current work with the New York Tenors? Andy: One of my strengths and gifts I’ve been blessed with is gathering talented people together. How the New York Tenors came to happen was a bit of a journey in itself. I have always been a vocalist that could sing a variety of music. The one type of singing that I never attempted was ne of nine children born into a deep-rooted Irish American classical or opera. About 14 years ago I was coerced by friends of mine family from Massapequa, Long Island, NY, Andy Cooney has to join with them in this choir in the tenor section that was doing a Obeen singing Irish songs literally all his life, beginning at an performance at Carnegie Hall. Anthony Kearns was the main tenor on the early age directed by his Dublin-born grandfather, Andy Feehan. His performance. As I watched Anthony perform, I was truly moved and I outstanding voice and dynamic stage presence make him a favourite said to myself, “I’m going to learn how to do that...” I went out and got with audiences as he renders songs ranging from all-time classics an opera coach and after about 2 years of intense training I was ready. I like Galway Bay and Danny Boy to his hit songs, On The Eighth Day, then performed my first concert at Carnegie Hall as the headliner with a My Rose of Ballinrobe & The Irish Wedding Song. full Symphony Orchestra and Choir and hit the high C on Adeste Fideles. I then came up with the idea of putting together the New York Latino tenor, Robert: You have been associated with The Cruise of Irish Stars since Daniel Rodriguez, the New York Italian tenor, Christopher Macchio with 1998. How has this wonderful gathering evolved over the years and myself to form the “newly self acclaimed” New York Irish Tenors as a what can we expect on your return in early 2022? group thus calling ourselves The New York Tenors. We have sang several Andy: Back then in the mid 1990s, I would do cruises with just myself times at Carnegie Hall, a sellout at Lincoln Center and many appearances and band and bring 300-400 people. I had a vision that if I was to singing our National Anthem at major sports events. Come on connect with other Irish performers that were regularly touring in the Ireland! Bring in The New York Tenors!!! US that we could bring 1000 people. By January 2005, we had a great roster of bands and performers including Ronan Tynan and we went to Robert: As we head into the unknown in 2021 with Covid-19 still part over 1000 people and by the year 2008 we topped out at 1500. You of our world what are your hopes and aspirations for the future?

“One of my strengths and gifts I've been blessed with is gathering talented people together” may remember the economy took a turn at the end of 2008 so we had Andy: Let’s hope and pray that the vaccines that are in the works get their a few down years but we worked our way back. We unfortunately had proper approvals and be distributed. If all of this can begin to happen in to cancel The Cruise of Irish Stars 2021 due to the pandemic but most the coming weeks, perhaps we’ll turn the corner by the end of the summer of our people have rebooked for 2022. and start to get back to normal. As challenging as it’s been, maybe we’ll all be better for it and continue to mind ourselves and each other. Robert: You have “9” Carnegie Hall sell outs and worked with Andy Cooney’s The Cruise of Irish Stars returns in 2022 from January acclaimed artists including amongst others Phil Coulter, Joanie 29-February 5. To order from Andy’s extensive catalogue of albums Madden, Seamus Egan, Larry Gatlin and Crystal Gayle. What are the www.andycooney.com/store/product-category/full-album/cd standout moments for you during an illustrious career? The New York Tenors (L-R) Andy: All of these people you mention and others have been a part of Daniel Rodriguez, Andy Cooney & Christopher Macchio my journey and we are all still the best of friends. I’d have to say one of my favourite standout moments was performing with Phil Coulter at The National Concert Hall in Dublin and Cork Opera House back in December 2013. Imagine a guy like me from New York performing all of my career in the Irish American music scene, been able to come to Ireland, the land of my grandparents, and perform at two iconic Irish venues with the one and only Phil Coulter. My career had come full circle. From that experience, Phil Coulter and I performed 2 tours in the US including the great Carnegie Hall. Since then, I have released an album in Ireland in the Country music scene called Irish Country Skyline which included a few hit singles on Country & Irish radio. I have been over to perform in Ireland several times since the success of the album.

60 MAURICE LENNON

THEFrank Greally in MUSICconversation with Maurice OF Lennon forHEALING Irish Music Magazine. who was hurting badly; it was the mother of Natasha McShane, a young woman who was brutally assaulted and permanently damaged on the streets of Chicago. Natasha’s parents were visiting to say thanks to the Irish community who had been so kind to their daughter in her time of need and I picked up on her mother’s pain and decided to play If Ever You Were Mine for her. I got lost in the music and that performance is still the most popular download from my YouTube channel.” Maurice had not long returned to France before the year took an upsetting turn in March with the death of his beloved father and renowned fiddle player, Ben Lennon. Deeply upset and unable to make it home for his father’s funeral, Maurice still managed to play an amazing personal musical tribute - Nil na La- to his father while sitting in a medieval garden in France. It was a poignant but deeply moving performance of a tune that Maurice and his father often played together. “I feel blessed that I was able to spend a few years at home with my father in Rossinver after my mother’s passing. I had come home from America when my mother was dying and the time I was able to spend with my father during those two years will always be precious. What I miss most now is the laughter and the tunes we shared. My father had a quirky sense of humour and he was a man who had great wisdom, knowledge and empathy for others. I miss him every day.” Since linking up with Ciara Brennan and Chris Dawson, Maurice has found wonderful support and encouragement from his two friends, as well as a great musical connection. “Ciara and myself have been friends Photo : Tomas Greally Tomas Photo : for a long time and herself and Chris have been amazingly supportive t’s been an especially challenging year for Maurice Lennon; one of of me all through my challenging times over the past several months,” the most talented fiddlers of his generation and a brilliant composer Maurice said. “My dear friends Paul Roche and Mike Hanrahan from Itoo. As this Irish Music Annual goes to press, Maurice is still in my Stockton’s Wing days have also been very supportive - as well as my hospital in France awaiting further surgery for a condition that has, after four children, my brothers and extended family. “There were also those 18 difficult years, that has finally been identified as undiagnosed severe who supported me in the music world, and one of those was certainly Crohn's Disease. But the Master of the Bow and Rossinver, County Leitrim . When my cancer was first discovered, I had eight native is feeling upbeat, grateful and resilient and still composing great tunes. surgeries on my face and I was four months in hospital. I literally looked “It’s taken all those years for my condition to be properly diagnosed,” like Elephant Man and I was at my lowest ebb when Finbar came to visit Maurice said. “It was only when I came to live for a while here in France me in St James’s Hospital in Dublin. I thought I could never walk on a that I finally found the answers to this health problem that has stalked stage again, because looks and appearance can matter on a stage. me for close to two decades. “For a long time, I had been performing “When I was still recovering in April that year, Finbar told me he was through levels of pain that I had to disguise yet come across as joyful on doing a tour of the UK in November and he said he’d like me to come stage. It was a living nightmare and I also had the additional problem with him on the tour. Musically, he knew it would give me the will to of skin cancer that is again beginning to haunt me here in France. There fight back. I said, ‘No, Finbar, there’s no way I can walk on stage with is at least some relief now that my Crohn’s disease has been diagnosed you with a face like this’. He looked at me and said: ‘Ah listen, I don’t and a treatment plan put in place.” want you for your effing face, I just want you for your heart and your The year 2020 started on a high note for Maurice when he came home music’. That gave me the will to walk back on stage again and I did the to perform at TradFest in Dublin and with the launch of the album -Two tour. We’ve always been more like brothers than work colleagues. He’s “The inspiration for composition comes from beyond me” 3 Four -a rare gem featuring Maurice, Ciara Brennan (fiddle) and Chris the one person I’ll be indebted to forever for those comments and Dawson, a bouzouki player from the North of England. The trio fidelity with me at exactly the time when I needed it most.” delighted a sell-out audience at TradFest and Maurice held another Even in these past months of ongoing health challenges, Maurice audience spellbound the same week when he was welcomed on stage as Lennon has managed to keep composing tunes. “The inspiration for a special guest by his former Stockton’s Wing bandmates Paul Roche and composition comes from beyond me,” he said. “I’m a firm believer that Mike Hanrahan. when it comes to composing music, I’m just taking a message that is out Maurice’s performance of his hauntingly beautiful composition If Ever You there in the ether and coming to me and just passing it on. That could be a Were Mine was purely magical and prompted sustained applause as the joyfulness. It could be a sadness. But it will always be a hopefulness. audience rose to their feet in deep appreciation of his soulful and heart “I have written over a hundred and fifty new tunes in the past three rending playing. “I was only 18 when I composed If Ever You Were Mine,” years. For me the music is deeply personal. It’s as though I don’t own the Maurice said. “I remember it was composed at No. 8 Cartron Hill in Sligo music anymore. I let it go - it’s everybody’s and I don’t mind sharing my Town.” Another performance of the same tune prompts a special memory music. The only thing I don’t like is when someone uses a tune they for Maurice - a night in the Galway Arms in Chicago when joined by Denis know is mine and doesn’t pay me the courtesy of saying - ‘this is one Cahill, Ian King, , Aisling Gagliardi, Pat Quinn and Katie of Maurice Lennon’s tunes’. “Even when that happens, I’ve found Grennan, who has since joined the band Gaelic Storm in the USA. Maurice forgiveness is everything. I can’t hold grudges against people, no matter held a small but hugely appreciative audience in deep rapture. what I do, because if I do, I will suffer. The music I write comes from life “That was a very special night in many ways,” Maurice said. experiences. It comes from the joy, the suffering, the anger, the pain. My “Something happened that night that transcended me and the other best music comes from all those places. For now, it’s onwards and people in the room. I sensed there was also someone else in the room upwards, perhaps my best is yet to come!”

62 WALTONS TUITION The Dance - The Levey Collections

This month, we have three jigs from The Levey Collections – The Dance Music of Ireland, a one-volume edition of R. M. Levey’s two famous collections. Comprising over 200 tunes with simple piano accompaniments, the collections

are landmarks in the history of Irish music. These jigs, reels, and other dances, transcribed just as they were performed, provide an invaluable reference for anyone interested in Irish music and a fascinating window into a bygone age. R. M. Levey, whose true name was Richard Michael O’Shaughnessy, was born in Dublin in 1811 and died there in 1899. As a violinist of unusual gifts, he was well known at the Crystal Palace Handel Festivals and other musical events in London, and the event that led to his change of name occurred during his first visit there. According to Francis O’Neill, when O’Shaughnessy was asked his name by the official in charge, he replied, ‘Richard Michael O’Shaughnessy.’ ‘Richard Michael O’Whatnessy?’ echoed the astonished official. ‘My friend, you can never hope to make a success in professional life with an unpronounceable name like that. What was your mother’s maiden name?’ When told it was Leavy he wrote down Levey and announced, ‘Hereafter you will be known as R. M. Levey in this establishment.’ ‘The Humours of Mullin-a-Fauna’ is also known as ‘Humours of Ballinafauna’, and both it and ‘Moloney’s ’ were recorded in a set by Cherish the Ladies for their recent Heart of the Home album (2018).

The Humours of Mullin-a-Faunia

Moloney’s Jig

Copyright © 2021 Waltons Music Ltd WALTONS TUITION 63

WALTONS MUSIC, UNIT 426, BLANCHARDSTOWN RETAIL PARK 3, DUBLIN 15. TEL (01) 960 3232 WALTONS NEW SCHOOL OF MUSIC, 69 SOUTH GEORGE’S ST, DUBLIN 2. TEL: (01) 478 1884. WWW.NEWSCHOOL.IE Moloney’s Jig cont/d

The Black Rogue

Copyright © 2021 Waltons Music Ltd 64 INNES WATSON

INNESMark Lysaght finds out about an unusual WATSON recording project.

uring much of 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has created The end result is a hugely enjoyable album, which engages you from major challenges for musicians, and for Scottish multi- the start, with the opener Don’t Go To Work Today (written by his Dad, Dinstrumentalist Innes Watson. He was visiting the island of Sandy Watson), no doubt striking a chord with many listeners. The Skye when travel restrictions were imposed. But armed with his guitar, material is a mixture of instrumentals and songs, full of surprises and some violins and a viola, he decided to record an album using his musical twists and turns, with gorgeous and innovative layered harmonies. iPhone and laptop as his studio. The results have been released as the Destination is composed of three separate pieces, all completely different aptly titled Shhh i’m on the Phone, a wonderful mixture of the diverse but illustrating his versatility in his approach to tunes. influences, which have shaped his musical journey over many years of Many of the tracks are self-composed, allowing him to amalgamate performing, recording, teaching and producing. I spoke to him by many strands together in a dazzling display of creativity, all the more phone to discuss the new recording, and the various experiences, remarkable when you consider that the audio was recorded on an which contributed to his musical development. iPhone. The Unicorns has a spoken vocal and is an experimental piece He was born in Glasgow in the mid-1980s but grew up in the Scottish designed to challenge the listener with references to three distinct Borders, learning classical violin by the Suzuki method. “Then I characters. Innes wrote the lyrics for Words Are Feathers, a beautiful discovered the guitar, my Dad already played it and encouraged me,” song about the mother-son relationship. “I started writing songs around he told me. “I was listening to Dire Straits, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and ten years ago but I began writing poetry more actively after the death of a range of contemporary music, as well as getting classical guitar a close friend, Fraser Shaw, in 2015,” Innes recalled. “I found I could play a range of genres using DADGAD tuning”

lessons.” Following in the footsteps of his older sister Lori, he studied Innes released his first solo album Guitar Colloquium in late 2018, Scottish music at the Royal Conservatoire, but a parallel education was and has recently recorded and performed with uilleann piper Jarlath provided at informal traditional sessions in Glasgow where he decided Henderson. Almost a year ago, they released an album together to permanently switch to DAGAD guitar tuning. “My college tutor was called A Moment In Time, which was actually recorded in a single day fine with my choice,” said Innes. “This allowed me to develop my style (hence the title) with very little planning. The album was extremely to the stage where I could play a range of genres using DADGAD well received, but they’ve had little opportunity to perform together tuning, which made perfect sense to me.” this year. On the recording Innes played a Fylde baritone guitar along Since graduating in 2006, he has pursued a successful career as a with Jarlath’s pipes, which were tuned to B. He’s a huge fan of Fylde performer, recording artist (appearing on over 40 albums!), composer guitars and has used them since his late teens. and teacher, and was voted Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2011 Scottish Looking to the future, Innes feels that he will be recording more Trad Music Awards. But from being extremely busy on a number of different albums from home, having proved the concept with his latest offering, fronts, the COVID-19 situation has prompted a complete re-evaluation of and you get the impression that he may be only scratching the surface his situation. “I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings and of his potential in this area. He hopes that next year there may be a value the important things in my life,” he told me. It was in this context that return to live performance, enabling him to revitalise some of his major Innes set about creating material on his iPhone, transcribing the audio to his collaborations, which have proved to be so inspirational to date. laptop for further processing. He was also able to enlist the services of top Innes has also been shortlisted for Album of studio engineer Andrea Gobbi, who provided remote technical expertise the Year 2020. on the processing and mixing of each track. Check out Innes’ projects at www.inneswatson.co.uk

66 GREAT INFLUENCES ON THE TRADITION CARL GILBERT HARDEBECK (1869-1945) Aidan O’Hara examines the contribution of the blind composer, song collector and arranger of Irish songs and airs.

t began for me when I was studying music under Carl Hardebeck learned that in 19th century Ireland, the National Hardebeck, the Irish composer. He was the first man who School curriculum placed a lot of emphasis on the teaching of Ireally realised the importance of the in the music. The English text, Wilhelm’s Method of Teaching Singing was actual“ structure of Irish music and song and he was the first one, I widely used, but there was a complete absence of any reference to think, who ever wrote down both the Irish words and the music things Irish or Gaelic. One of the verses in the book had the line, together. Now, it was he who really inspired me with a love of this “And make me in these Christian days / A happy English child.” Not Gaelic music.” surprisingly, this didn’t sit well with Hardebeck’s new friends, nor That’s what the noted song collector, Seán O’Boyle (1908-79), told with those who promoted the Irish language and folklore, including me about Carl Hardebeck when I spoke with him at his home in music and song, of course. The study of songs in the Irish language Armagh City in the summer of 1977. Sadly, although Hardebeck prompted him to join the Gaelic League where he learned the was one of the instigators in the revival of Irish music, he has been language. largely forgotten. He was awarded eleven first prizes for his compositions at the Feis Hardebeck, whose father was German and his mother Welsh, was Ceoil in Dublin between 1897 and 1908. He went to Donegal to born in Clerkenwell, London, and lost his sight when he was a baby. take down the songs of the native speakers, and devised a Braille “Hardebeck was the first to bring ‘Irish traditional airs into the concert hall, the school, and the home” He attended the Royal Normal School for the Blind in London alphabet for this purpose, which was later adopted by the National where in 1892 he gained a diploma as an organist, pianist and Institute for the Blind. music teacher. A year later he left London for Belfast where he The air to the is from the tradition and was collected established a music store that sadly failed and he began teaching by Carl Hardebeck who arranged it for what is one of the most music. His interest in Irish music began after he attended the Dublin popular of Irish patriotic songs. The 1916 Easter Rising radicalized Feis Cheoil in 1897. He befriended people working for the New him, turning him into an Irish nationalist. He was quoted as saying: Ireland and through them, made contact with traditional singers “I believe in God, Beethoven and .” In 1919, he and musicians. became headmaster of the Cork Municipal School of Music and was appointed Chair of Irish Music in University College Cork in 1922. In the 1930s he worked for An Gúm, the Irish government publisher, as arranger of Irish traditional songs for piano and choirs, many of which became teaching material in schools. Professor Aloys Fleischmann of UCC, recalled that it was Hardebeck “who first brought Irish traditional airs into the concert hall, the school, and the home, with their natural freshness and spontaneity unspoiled in their new environment.” Gregory Allen wrote of Hardebeck in History Ireland: “His admiration for the Irish speaking ‘peasant of Donegal, Cork or Mayo’ knew no bounds; the humble cottier had ‘a far higher sense of true poetry than even the average university graduate’ and a ‘more natural refinement than three-quarters of the aristocracy’.” Hardebeck added that “Their poems voiced the feelings of the people and their history. The melodies are so beautiful, that they alone, if every other proof were wanting, show that the people who produced them must have been a highly artistic, cultured and civilised nation.” Carl Hardebeck died on Saturday 10 February 1945, mourned as a man of ‘shy disposition and amazing steadfastness of character, who refused to turn his attention away from the unprofitable task he had set himself’. He is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin.

REFERENCE Seán O’Boyle, The Irish Song Tradition, (Gilbert Dalton, 1976). Reflects Hardebeck’s views on Irish music and gives a good summary of the great man’s work. Irish language biography: https://www.ainm.ie/Bio.aspx?ID=258 LEGENDS OF IRISH MUSIC 67

SEÁNAn appreciation by MarkÓ Lysaght. RIADA (1931-1971)

eán Ó Riada’s early life provided little indication of the path popularity on a global basis. Countless musicians have been his career would eventually take. He was born in 1931 as inspired and enriched by his ground-breaking innovations and the SJohn Reidy (the English version of his name), in Cork, but the sheer elegance of his compositions, which are still as fresh and family had moved to Adare, Co. Limerick by his teens. His parents exciting as when they were first introduced. The whole concept of both played the fiddle, and he was exposed to traditional music a traditional ensemble designed primarily for performance and not from an early age, but his formal musical training took place at St. as a céilí band for dancers was introduced by him. Finbarr’s College in Limerick where he studied violin, piano and Peadar Ó Riada, his eldest son and a noted composer and organ as well as receiving a classical education in Greek and Latin. musician himself, observes that his late father supported the This led him to enrol at University College Cork (UCC) to study concept of Náisiúin Gaelach (Irish Nation), embracing a re-birth of classics, but he soon switched to music, and graduated in 1952. He Irish culture in all its dimensions, including adoption of the was appointed as assistant music director at Radio Éireann, but ancient Brehon Law. became restless, so he headed to Paris for a time where he He was one of seven children, and away from the public gaze, immersed himself in avant-garde classical music, performing and they had a very happy upbringing up until their father’s untimely broadcasting on a freelance basis. death at the age of 40 from liver failure. This is often reported as “Ó Riada’s work has had a profound effect on the development of Irish traditional music” On his return to Ireland, he composed classical pieces but also cirrhosis, but in fact Ó Riada’s liver had a congenital weakness and arranged traditional Irish songs and airs which were quite had suffered damage in his early years from a number of bouts of successful, and he began to delve deeper into all aspects of Irish jaundice. culture, and it was around this time that he adopted the Irish version Who knows what Seán Ó Riada could have achieved if he had of his name, and set about developing new ways of presenting lived longer? Peadar feels that his father would have revelled ancient music, which had never been formally written down or in the availability of computers, synthesisers and other technological scored for ensemble performance. In 1957, he got an opportunity developments to innovate even further. Sadly, we will never to present these ideas in public when he was appointed as musical know. director at the Abbey Theatre. By now he had married his wife Ruth, and they settled in Dublin. The role at the Abbey allowed him a platform, which he used to develop his ideas and get feedback from the public. He combined classical and traditional music for a number of productions, and wrote music for films as well. He was also in touch with the burgeoning pub music scene, which was in part encouraged by a more widespread acceptance of Irish music in the general community, which he helped to promote. In 1959, he achieved national prominence for his “Mise Éire” score, for a documentary on the founding of the Irish Republic, and he made a series of broadcasts introducing listeners to traditional music and song. Ó Riada founded Ceoltóirí Chualann in 1961, recruiting some of the most outstanding traditional musicians active at the time, including Paddy Moloney (pipes), Michael Tubridy (flute), Seán Keane and Martin Fay (fiddles), who would go on to form and adapt Ó Riada’s ideas to become international celebrities. The ancient bodhrán was re-introduced as a percussive instrument (replacing the drum kits favoured by the céilí bands), and because of the scarcity of wire-strung harps, Ó Riada used the harpsichord. They dressed in formal wear, performing in a quasi- classical manner, and became very popular, further raising the profile of traditional music in the public domain. In 1964, Ó Riada was appointed as a lecturer in Irish music at UCC and he relished the opportunity to relocate, settling in Ballyvourney and establishing a male voice choir in the nearby community. He composed a seminal work, Ceol an Aifrinn which is still widely performed, just one of a number of Masses and pieces of Church choral music. Ó Riada’s work has had a profound effect on the development of Irish traditional music, both in its national acceptance and its 68 ONLINE ACADEMY OF IRISH MUSIC GLOBAL SESSION TUNES WITH OAIM

STUDENTSBrought to you in association FROM with the AROUNDOnline Academy of THEIrish Music WORLD (OAIM). ormally, OAIM courses and their tutors are featured in this HOW TO GET INVOLVED section, but for this annual edition it was decided to focus on the The only prerequisite for getting involved is to be a student of OAIM. NOAIM students. And what better way to feature these trad-in-the- After that, the work is up to you to learn the tune of the week and be able making musicians than to share with you the, so far, seven-month story to play it at 75% - using OAIM’s Backing Track feature for timing. Video of The Global Session. guidelines and submission details are emailed out to students. As OAIM offers a 14-day free trial, if you timed it well, you too could be part of THE BACKSTORY history in the making, without it costing you a cent! Back in February of this year an article was written for the March edition Watch the OAIM Global Session Tune Reel here: of Irish Music Magazine. It was an article featuring and launching OAIM’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7s1wsgf6MA&list=PLKIuLCXpS- 50 Irish Session Tunes Challenge Course, slated to begin on St Patrick’s wselZEWJEn_dCarIvGkkOdb Day. Then the pandemic hit, and lockdown ensued. In an endeavour to continue supporting and promoting community in a novel way, while also bolstering the individual learning effort, an idea was touted to invite students to video-record themselves playing the tune of the week and to send it in for inclusion in a community mash-up. And so what is now known as The Global Session was born. The first tune to launch the Global Session idea was actually the second tune in the 50 Tune course, the much-loved The Rattlin’ Bog. 40 submissions rolled in from 10 different countries. The video was a tremendous hit, with RTÉ picking up on it and creating their own docu-video about it and using it in their #InThisTogether social media campaign. It managed to lift spirits and fill a void that was created by all the fear circulating at that time. You see the original idea of the #OAIM50 Tune Challenge was to encourage a culture of practice so as to contribute to making steady progress with one’s learning. Strange as it may seem, the whole project had nothing to do with quarantine at all, it was about upping your game, increasing your repertoire and connecting with community. “Strange as it may seem, the whole project had nothing to do with quarantine at all, it was about upping your game, increasing your repertoire and connecting with community”

THE HIGHLIGHT REEL It was hard to beat being featured on RTÉ with the first video, but OAIM students still managed to raise creative stakes with their videos as the weeks wore on. There was a new tune and a new video for the first 12 weeks, an incredible achievement for both students and the OAIM team; in particular the video editor—whose computer and psyche no doubt laboured at times executing the task. In the seventh video, The Connacht Man’s Rambles, the biggest viewership to date was clocked at around 15,000 views. We’re not sure why this was, but it did coincide with a beautiful Irish dancing / tin whistle combo that really thrilled YouTube viewers. Then we had the stand-out cutest moment of all the videos, with tune number 11, Na Ceannabhain Bhána, brought to us by a wonderful young bodhrán player called Naoise. His smile and rhythm taught us all it is never too early to play music and join in the fun. Changing up the game in the fourteenth video was Grogar the goat with his human buddy Morganna from Canada. The two have become a mainstay in the videos since then, with an eclectic array of matching costumes for each video! For the tune Harvest Home, Paul and his wife Carolyn dressed up as the famous characters from the American Gothic painting, while Kate Underwood and her 6 children played from the back of a van! Track number ten, The Butterfly, had the most participants, a whopping 76 musicians from no less than 17 different countries. Many students return week after week participating in the fun from all over the world: everywhere from Europe, the States, Japan and Mexico, to as far away as Australia and Zimbabwe! At the date of writing, OAIM are up to tune 23 in the 50 tune list, so there are still plenty of exciting tunes to go & thus an opportunity to join in the craic. TRAD NUA 69 MEET DARREN & SHANNON FARRELL Trad Nua is an Independent Irish Record label dedicated to keeping the Traditional Irish Arts alive by promoting & sustaining fresh & modern Irish Music. Robert Heuston asks the questions for Irish Music Magazine. Darren Farrell, CEO Trad Nua Darren: With the current restrictions in place and the insecurity of localised to national lockdowns it has been rather hard to plan. We recently completed an album with Bill Shanley and Colin Farrell remotely which turned out fantastic, however not all musicians have access to recording equipment from home. As Shannon has mentioned too with Nationwide tours been cancelled the physical copy sales avenue has been closed.

Robert: What advice would you give to the sitting Irish government and cultural related organisations to support the development of new releases for independent labels and artists? Shannon: I can’t say I’m as up to date with politics as I should be, so I won’t pretend like I know what they should or shouldn’t be doing. All I can hope for is that the relevant government departments allocate the €50 million they set Robert: Can you tell us about the origins of the Label Trad Nua, your mission aside in the budget to support live entertainment well. There are many statement and how you have evolved over the years in terms of releases? people in the entertainment industry whose livelihoods depend on the Darren: One evening, a good few years back, I was working on a government getting them back to work. If there isn’t already a plan in place project with a dear friend and colleague. As both of us worked within that gets us back to live gigs it will be detrimental to the industry as a whole. the music scene and tourism industry, we had seen a rise in tourists Darren: Support for postage and sending products abroad would be purchasing music from musicians that they had seen playing in pubs. a great help for new releases and independent labels, along with more We wanted to look at a platform that made it possible for these artists airplay on national radio stations. It would be good to see more to record high quality products, while still keeping the Irish tradition assistance given to local theatres and community centres to put on alive. A couple of hours later Trad Nua was born. shows for the local communities. “We believe in true talent. We connect with artists that want to make a difference” We believe in true talent and we connect with artists that want to Robert: What are your thoughts on the distribution avenues available make a difference. Keeping the more traditional aspects of our culture to musicians and how can they be improved? alive while adapting them to the contemporary theme of today is what Shannon:There are tips and tricks that musicians can use to push their Trad Nua stands for. Trad Nua is the only operational independent Irish music across the streaming platforms but unless the song is getting record Label, we are still recording artists and looking to expand out to hundreds of thousands of listens and/or views there is very little monetary Irish crafts and support our local Irish arts industry. I am delighted to gain from the amount of work that has to be done. There is a very large have my daughter on board and part of the future of Trad Nua. disproportion in the release of funds to the artists and unless you’re a Shannon: As a person who grew up listening to trad sessions at home, mainstream artist, you very likely won’t see much for your efforts. If your I have an appreciation for our culture and its music. However, what I music is in the mainstream media you will be searched for on streaming adore most about Trad Nua is not that we aim to invigorate old platforms, it’s definitely time for the algorithm to favour smaller artists. traditions, it’s that we seek to create new ones as well. Robert: You are currently working on a series of new releases with Robert: What challenges do you currently face as an Independent Traditional arrangements produced by Bill Shanley. Can you tell us a Record Label as a result of Covid 19 and going into 2021? little what we can expect? Shannon: Unfortunately we started to push our online platform a little Shannon: I’ve only heard brief snippets of the project so far. If you bit too late, we didn’t have a firmly established online presence before enjoy fusion, then you will love these arrangements. From what I’ve the pandemic hit. The last 7 months or so we’ve been focusing on listened to you’re in for something special. getting our social media on track, it’s been tough going. Especially with Darren: Bill has done yet another outstanding job with what has it being harder to create anything new due to the restrictions. The been recorded to date and we have some exciting tunes coming majority of our physical copy sales happen during Nationwide tours, soon. The idea was to unearth old traditional tunes that are as we had to cancel the remaining dates for the year we missed out on exceedingly rare and produce them in a fresh contemporary style. those sales. It’s definitely unchartered territory but we’re adapting the To order from & support the Trad Nua Label best we can and hopefully we can figure something out that works. https://www.tradnua.com/shop

Darren & Shannon Farrell as part of the 10Central team who produced Concert4Cancer in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation earlier this year. Photo : Kathrin Baumbach 70 MICK 'CITERN' WALSH MICK ‘CITERN’ WALSH HAS GONE ONLINE The Kilkenny based balladeer’s latest music is now online. He tells Seán Laffey why.

Mick’s songs are often based on characters and events from his home place of Lismore or his adopted Kilkenny. “The rhythm of The Tandem Bike Tune is based on the cadence you get when cycling. The tune is for Tommy Kennedy who became visually impaired after an accident.” Mick is an accomplished distance runner. Now officially a veteran, he still fits in 30 miles each week, a pair of Asics lasts him a year, he jokes. His new song Gold Silver Bronze is about the famous black power salute at the 200 metres medal ceremony during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. “All three athletes took part, the bearded and bare footed Tommie Smith and John Carlos giving the salute with a pair of shared black gloves, and the silver medallist Peter Norman wearing an OPHR badge in solidarity. In these days of Black Lives Matter it’s sobering to think that we’ve seen protests on our media for 50 years, with very little progress being made.” Mick’s new songs are certainly socially aware. Tapping into the zeitgeist, The Universal Health Care Workers song, written by his old school friend Pat Coughlan to a new tune by Mick, looks at those dirty and dangerous jobs carried out in the health service. The Silent Enemy, was inspired by seeing a blackbird singing on a lamp post at 6:30 in the morning. “During the early lockdown wildlife had the city to itself.” Its chorus is relevant to the whole island:

Photo : Seamus Costelloe We will fight it together or years Mick Walsh was a regular at Cleere’s, the popular music United we stand isolate to the call, bar in Kilkenny’s Irishtown. It was a Monday night musical haven Cause we’ll not fall cause we’re Irish, Ffor locals and tourists alike, and Mick did a nice trade in souvenir Our island has been through it all. CDs for the visitors. Lockdown of course has knocked that on the head. “My new songs and tunes: Halloween Night, Gold Silver Bronze, The For those who are missing their nights at Cleere’s, Mick is on Facebook Tandem Bike Tune, The Universal Health Care Worker, The Silent Enemy, Live after the 9 o’clock news each Monday. “I’ll be singing my new Off To Tenerife are all on my YouTube channel: Mickciternwalsh. songs, some from my old albums and lots of the famous Irish ballads “I’ve around 5000 followers on Facebook and a regular group of you’d hear in the pub during normal times.” people who watch my videos on YouTube. Recently I’ve set up a dedicated Facebook music page, mickciternwalshmusic, where I can Follow Mick’s Facebook pages at: www.facebook.com/mick.walsh.357 showcase my songs and sell them through Paypal.” See Mick performing his songs at www.youtube.com/user/mickciternwalsh “The Silent Enemy is about the early lockdown, when wildlife had the city to itself”

How does his new way of making music actually work? “I get an idea for a song and work on it, when the song is session ready I upload it to YouTube. That gives people time to send back any comments. When I am really happy with the songs I go into the recording studio and work them up into their final form. I’m not making CDs from the recordings right now. The tracks are saved as high quality WAVs for radio airplay as it’s the preferred format for RTÉ.” Mick records at Joseph Ó Faolain’s studio in Freshford where he collaborates with a number of musicians. “Joseph, Lotta Virkkunen, and Alan Hughes have gigged with me back through the years and my daughter Bronagh also sings backing vocals on two of the new songs. Joseph’s studio has come on over the past couple of years and he’s invested in some pretty amazing software. I wrote Tandem Bike Tune for guitar and Joseph did an arrangement of it. I play cittern on the recording and Lotta and Joseph play the rest. It’s an instrumental with a continental swing. Initially it was recorded with fretted instruments. We sat back and thought maybe this sounds just a bit too Greek; when Lotta added her violin, it changed the whole mood of the piece.” Lotta is based in Finland; she submitted her music digitally and the final tracks were stitched together at Freshford. Another remote contribution came from the bass guitar of James Blennerhasset. “There were also some backing tracks recorded in Graham Sweeney’s studio in Achill,” Mick tells me.

72 JAYNE POMPLAS JAYNE POMPLAS IS MORE

THANNew York based Jayne LOST Pomplas has not AND let the strangeness FOUND of 2020 interfere with her work ethic and output. She has just finished recording not one but two albums. She spoke animatedly to Anne Marie Kennedy about growing up in New York, and her influences and accomplishments in the genre. incorporate music from all around the world to keep other traditions alive. “As for the other album, John Byrne’s Disco, recorded by Alex Borwick, Avenue Road Studios, Dublin, this was a pure joy to make. Eoghan Scott and Conor Lyons offered wonderful musical experience, technique and knowledge, making our collaboration here truly effortless. Conor and myself arranged the track Imigraden/Merrily Kiss the Quaker together, the first one is an African folk tune from Nigeria, the second a traditional Irish one, fitting perfectly, side by side. “For the songs, I have Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, a great traditional singer; he comes from a long line of Irish language singers, his unique voice and interpretation of the songs is incredible. We chose to arrange The Green Fields of Canada together and see it as a showcase not just of the incredible singing but the way it developed into an almost orchestral string sound. Joey Doyle is a robust

Photo : Chris O'Reilly Instagram @chrisoreilly.photography Photo : Chris O'Reilly Instagram @chrisoreilly.photography musician, not just in traditional music (he also releases music under Jayne: “From about age three, I was fascinated with traditional the name Dizmation), here he gives new life and vibrancy to The Irish music, the Chieftains in particular. I was lucky to have parents Rambling Boys of Pleasure. He also adds layers of vocals to the who supported me and sent me for Suzuki violin lessons. My Jackson C. Frank song Blues Run The Game, so making these two instructor, Joy Grimes also happened to play folk music among albums was an incredibly satisfying episode in my creative and others, which was incredibly encouraging. I studied fiddle with musical life.” Brian Conway and Tony DeMarco, two of the most respected New York based Sligo style fiddle players in North America. Other AMK: “Like many other artists will you find alternative marketing influences would be Sean Keane, Frankie Gavin and Tommy Peoples. avenues, spreading the word to fans old and new?” “The tradition is still very much alive in America and I feel blessed to have been part of it from such a young age” “Also, I attended the Catskills Irish Arts week for many years, a Jayne: “How to market these two albums will be challenging, truly remarkable festival, meeting young musicians from all over the giving what we’re living through, and not just for me but for states and Ireland, playing tunes all night was a very formative musicians worldwide. I feel like our arts communities universally experience for me as a musician. Thankfully the tradition is still very have been decimated. I will continue to teach fiddle lessons on much alive in America and I feel blessed to have been part of it from Skype and zoom for all levels, proficiencies and ages and I will such a young age. Also, as a teacher I’ve had the pleasure and continue to create and record music. I am thinking of doing an honour to pass it on to adults and children, delighted to involve online concert series, inviting special guests and being as creative myself in the legacy of Irish traditional music. I love all sorts of as I possibly can. Cognisant that music gets people through tough music! I am inspired by all kinds of folk music, especially African times, I intend to make mine a good, solid contribution. My albums music, the blues, jazz, rock, but have always gravitated back to are all available for download on Bandcamp and I look forward traditional Irish, there’s a magic to it that continually amazes me.” with positivity and optimism to making many more. Contact me at [email protected].” AMK: “And you have been incredibly prolific despite the challenges of the pandemic.” Jayne: “Yes, I’ve made two albums, Lost and Found recorded by Johnny Brannigan at Sun Studios, Dublin, with Jos Kelly and Darren Roche from Moxie, two guys I met in Ireland. We had an instant connection and I loved playing with them immediately. On this album, their energy is just class, innovative and invigorating. We had great fun arranging the sets and recording the album. One of the tracks is a Hungarian polka that I came across accidentally and the two lads went for it straightaway. I think it’s very important to Photo : Chris O'Reilly Instagram @chrisoreilly.photography

74 NORDIC FIDDLERS BLOC BONFROST WITH THE NORDIC FIDDLERS BLOC Philippe Cousin talks to Olav Luksengård Mjelva, of the Nordic Fiddlers Bloc. the sound of the trio and the range of the instruments in mind. “Our Nordic fiddle music is both traditional and contemporary in terms of arrangements and presentation. We try to be innovative and we’re very conscious that we don’t use the same formula when arranging each tune to keep it varied and interesting. We draw a lot of inspiration just from playing together, and it’s becoming easier to compose music with our setting in mind.”

Philippe: “Could you tell me some details about your new album Bonfrost?” Olav: “We are taking a slightly different direction with our third release. We have included a solo track from each musician as well as our normal collaboration. The focus for the group has traditionally been to make trio arrangements of the different material we each bring to the table, but in response to regularly being asked if it is possible for people to hear the three individual styles, we decided to include a solo track from each of us as a taste of our different styles in contrast to the collaborative tracks elsewhere on the album. As we have done with our

Photo : Paul Jennings Photo : Paul two previous albums, we will also release a tune book for Bonfrost in Philippe: “Could you introduce your band to our readers?” a few months. And for the first time, we have also this album available Olav: “We have myself on Hardanger and octave fiddle, on viola and on vinyl!” fiddle we have Anders Hall, and on fiddle we have Kevin Henderson. I’m from Norway, Anders from Sweden and Kevin is from Shetland. Philippe: “Where do you usually play or tour?” “We met in 2009 and after our first jam session we all felt that we had Olav: “We have been touring a lot in the UK and the US the past years, found something unique, and since then it has been the main gig for all and we’ve also played many of the major festivals and venues around

“We experimented a lot with using a wide range of instruments in the fiddle family”

of us. Our music is grounded in the fiddle traditions of Shetland, Europe. Scotland has been a regular destination on our touring Norway and Sweden. Growing up with the folk music all around us, the schedule. We’ve played a couple of times in Ireland and we were due fiddle was the obvious choice. It is a very common instrument in all our to play at the Baltimore Fiddle Fair this year, but because of the Covid traditions.” situation it was cancelled. We hope to come next year and we would love to play more in Ireland! At the moment it’s very difficult to plan Philippe: “When and where did you begin to play music together?” anything. All our tours have been postponed. It’s hard to know when Olav: “Anders and myself already played together in the band Sver, and touring will resume to its normal form. So this year we are mostly Anders had the idea about forming a fiddle trio. In 2009 we met Kevin playing in Norway. “ at several festivals and decided to meet up for some drinks and music in Norway. We quickly realized we had a shared vision of the direction Head virtually north and find out more we liked to take the music in. Our focus at the start was mainly the at www.thenordicfiddlersbloc.com traditional music of Norway, Sweden and Shetland. As we developed our repertoire, we began to write more of our own music and dipped into some tunes from different places.”

Philippe: “How do you use instruments such as the Hardanger fiddle to create authentic Nordic music?” Olav: “The Hardanger fiddle is the national instrument of Norway, but for us it was natural to use it because it’s one of my main instruments and the sound brings another dimension and possibilities to the music. We experimented a lot with using a wide range of instruments in the fiddle family, from the low range of the octave fiddle and viola up to the high range of the Hardanger fiddle. This wide-ranging sound has led us being likened to a string quartet rather than just a trio.”

Philippe: “How do you make new music from those traditional roots?” Olav: “When it comes to traditional tunes, it’s not all of them that work

naturally in our setting, but when we are writing new material we have Jennings Photo : Paul

76 RANDALL STEPHEN HALL RANDALL STEPHEN HALL’S YELLOW DOOR Early October 2020 and the island was seriously debating lockdown, yet as Seán Laffey discovered, Randall Stephen Hall was on the move.

That word generally, is pivotal to Stephen’s EP, The Yellow Door, and its title song. “The narrative was stimulated by the killing of Eric Garner in 2014 in America by local Police. A Black man, a father of six and only forty- three. They weighed him down. He said he couldn’t breathe eleven times. When I was confronted by this incident while watching part of a documentary, it stopped me in my tracks. I decided that I would write a song to mark this moment and not let it pass until I responded accordingly. I am not a Black African American, but I feel qualified to comment on a human level. Are we not all equally human? I found it very hard to deliberately write a song inspired by the incident, and it took 7 or 8 attempts to hone into shape. This song combines a shift in perception, beyond skin colour and likens this change to a Yellow Door through which anyone can pass. You will never find this door in the same place twice!” Stephen has been a long time devotee of American music. “I love blues yet watching that documentary about the modern reality of black lives was challenging me. I play a National Duolian steel guitar on the track. The instrument was gifted to me by friend Hector Nelson, who knew very little about the guitar or the previous owners. Now dated 1938. Who knows, it may have come into the North of Ireland with American troops during the Second World War. Passing from hand to hand down the years. Vincent McCusker from Maghera (of 1970s Irish group Frupp) set it up with a re-fret and new machine heads; it gave me the right sound for the song. From the right place and so timely too.” Stephen has family history in North America, which he considers in Dancing on the Red Road. “The song was inspired by two journeys to Canada to look at my great grandfather’s birth there and what it means to me now. His father Richard was from Killucan, near Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath, joined the in 1848 at the height of the Irish famine. Years later and during the outbreak of the fter 30 years in one house, Whitehead, Co. Antrim based American Civil war he was posted with his wife Isabella Wade to songwriter, poet and illustrator Stephen Hall was preparing to Canada. They stayed there for 9 years before returning to Ireland with Ashift into a brand new home. My question was, what would a large family. The song also represents, crisis, destruction and re-birth become of the Moon Shed? with the leaving of some things behind and new things coming.” The Moon Shed was the attic art studio where Stephen created his Ancestry is our personal perspective into history; it often shapes our CDs and where his EP The Yellow Door came to life. “Actually,” says identities, something, which Stephen is deeply aware of. His family “We step through a series of gates and fields into a bigger sense of who we are”

Stephen, “the Moon Shed is in my head, it’s the place in my imagination were based in Kilkenny and moved to the north of Ireland in the where creative things happen. twentieth century. Brought up in a Unionist community, it was when “These days the germs of song writing are captured on my smart he went to study art in Belfast that his complex Irish identity began to phone. I often record words and tunes straight into my phone. I used evolve. Working as a bus conductor in the summers in Torquay Devon to drive around with a laptop in the car, when I got an idea I’d pull over he also encountered a gentle perception of Irishness due to the and get it onto the hard drive before the thought evaporated. Also, I natural sound of his voice. “As soon as they heard my accent that was love walking, and I’ve found that walking trousers have many extra it, I was Irish.”That understanding is at the heart of his poem The Gate pockets, there’s always space for a small notebook in them or a few in The Field. “It looks at the different layers of identity that we all carry sheets of folded paper. If the muse visits me, I can jot down the basics with us. We step through a series of gates and fields into a bigger sense before working on them later. You are lucky if an idea comes to you. of who we are.” I just work with the inspiration I experience. I see that. The music and Hear what’s behind Stephen’s Yellow Door at: the words.” www.soundcloud.com/randall-stephen-hall SUBSCRIPTION PAGE 77 RANDALL STEPHEN HALL’S

rish Traditional Music is at the heart of the Irish culture and YELLOW DOOR history, never as a static antiquity, the tradition is alive and vital, Iopen to change yet conservative of its core values.The essence of Irish Music Magazine is to reflect what is happening in Irish music in contemporary society. From the commercial recordings of traditional tunes, to experimentation with other musical cultures, Irish Music Magazine keeps readers informed about upcoming tours, events and festivals from the diverse world of Irish and Celtic acoustic music. Irish Music Magazine, strives to inform readers and musicians alike, keeping you abreast of all major developments in the Irish Traditional Music community. It is this vital human contact which is at the heart of the music experience and is the reason why Irish Music Magazine is the leading independent voice on Irish music in the world.

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THEIt’s 1am in Utah HIGH as Samantha Rose KING’S Owings talks to IMM’s HARPER Seán Laffey. as much work as I can and this year with the Covid-19 restrictions it has been challenging.” The High King’s Harper CD was the first she has recorded in a “proper studio”, her self-produced debut was achieved with, “a $200 microphone and my laptop”. Her latest work features originals: The Blind Man and the Monk, Marigold and Whiskey named for her father who she says, “always has a great summer display of orange marigolds and purple petunias, although he doesn’t drink!” There’s a botanical connection on the track Forsythia, after the famous yellow shrub, which was named for the influential 18th century Scottish botanist William Forsyth. “The shrub is all over the BYU Campus and is a joy to see in spring.” She tells me Polksa Fran Andersen, “was the very first tune I learned on the harp. I’ve played it ever since and I just couldn’t leave it off the album.” What about Captain O’Kane? “It’s one of my favourite Carolan pieces. I arranged it as my entrance piece for the BYU Composing course. The sheet music was quite intricate, with arpeggiated passages and a complex chordal structure. I also included Irish harp trebles, which was a surprise to teachers who don’t use the technique on the Classical pedal harp. On the CD I play Captain O’Kane as I had arranged it, which was a technical challenge in itself. “In contrast the final track on the CD Castlebay Scrap is freer, more arpist Samantha Rose Owings’ latest CD The High King’s jazzy in its interpretation. I learned it from a CD of the Scottish harp Harper was released under the name of Mistress of duo Sileas and I love it. At the end of my recording, I had 10 tracks Melody; it’s a mixture of well-known Irish tunes and some completed and still had 30 minutes left in the studio. I asked the H Castelbay Scrap of her own compositions. engineer could I have a go at playing and we just Samantha is used to performing under alter egos, as she explains, went for it. It’s a bit rough around the edges, yet it has life. It reflects “I am an actor/performer at Evermore Park in Utah. It’s an interactive where I am with my live playing these days. theme park set in Victorian England where I play the role of “Before BYU I had a regular gig at Salem Oregon’s Enchanted Caoimhe O’Hara, an Irish harpist, and we recreate musical Forest theme park, playing with Possibly Irish, the house band, three tableaux for the visitors.” shows a day for six days a week helped me become more Samantha’s first encounter with the Celtic harp was as a teenager spontaneous. This year I’ve started playing the bouzouki. I tune it to at a Renaissance Faire in Oregon. “I went along with my Dad and F in fifths, it’s great for singing and is far more stable as summer when we sat in on a concert by Elizabeth Nicholson, I fell in love changes in humidity here can play havoc with harp tuning.” with the harp. After the show my Dad asked her how much a harp Discover far more about this Mistress of Melody at: was. The high price came as a shock, but she told him her harp was www.mistressofmelody.com “On the CD I play Captain O’Kane as I had arranged it, which was a technical challenge in itself” made by a woodshop teacher. My Dad was also a woodshop teacher; so unbeknown to me, he built me a harp as a surprise for my next Christmas. I had some lessons from Elizabeth, concentrating on hand techniques as I was already a good sight- reader having played piano from age five. Once I became proficient on the harp I was asked to work at The Enchanted Forest Theme Park in Salem, Oregon.” Samantha now plays a Dusty Strings instrument. “They are in Seattle about 4 hours drive from home, relatively nearby if the harp needs adjusting. My first harp has such a lovely warm and mellow tone; but it’s a precious heirloom. I decided I’d no longer risk it by bringing it to concerts and performances.” Moving to Utah to study composition at Brigham Young University, opened up another role-playing opportunity when she was invited to work at Evermore Park. “Paying my way through College I take on

80 GRAHAM LINDSEY GRAHAM LINDSEY’S

THESeán Laffey talks toNEXT composer, producer BEST and mandolin player THING Graham Lindsey about a lockdown collaboration. His own compositions appeared on his debut TradHead album, it was launched in October 2019. “It’s an indescribable feeling to hear one of my tunes being played in a session, and releasing two albums with so many new tunes on each, there are plenty of fresh tunes for trad players to learn.” ‘Recorded in Isolation “With” a Whole Bunch of Friends’ is printed on The Next Best Thing’s disc face. “I had 24 guests on the TradHead CD, and 15 on The Next Best Thing. Guests bring variety to the tunes, expanding melodies with a richer palette than would be possible if it were just me playing a solo instrument.” Graham’s new compositions are surely getting noticed. “TradHead was nominated for the 2020 Canadian Folk Awards, to be held in early April in Prince Edward Island. On March 12th the decision was made to have it become the first major Canadian event to go virtual.” Graham serves on the board for the CFMAs and as their resident video expert, he created and streamed the virtual event. “Assuming my calendar would be open, I decided to record an album. I’d written enough tunes since my first album, and was excited to release some new tunes for trad players to learn during the pandemic. I’m proud of how it was completely produced remotely, from homes and physically isolated studios.” There’s a strong Scandinavian element in the tracks with Simon Nyberg, Markus Räsänen and Carole Bestvater featuring on three tracks including the very pandemic titled Shack Wacky. “The closing jam at a festival in Sweden in January lasted to 4am, breaking into different sessions of different styles. Eventually the groups merged and began playing tunes of mine, closing the festival with a ‘Graham tune jam’.” Graham describes his tunes as Canadian Folk, and with guests including April Verch, Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen, he’s certainly got the pick of collaborators on board. “My tunes aren’t specifically Celtic, Cape Breton, Scots or Irish; I wasn’t trying to write genre tunes.” Intrigued by one of the titles Pass The Remote I asked Graham to tell us something about it. uring this interview Ottawa based Graham Lindsey was in “I created much of my first album by sharing audio files across the his basement studio, he’d just finished an exhausting country or around the world, and since March, everyone has been Dproduction job. “I was up until 4:30 am. Since the forced in this same direction. I wanted to find a way to record other pandemic hit, I’ve never been so busy,” he told me. people while not actually being in the same room, house, or even A technical wizard, he even talked me through a glitch in our city. I wrote the tune Pass The Remote after I’d worked out a system zoom call. With the shift to online concerts and video, his where two laptops could be connected using video and screen Wavelength Media services have been in demand. Graham came to sharing software, allowing me to be a remote recording engineer. “This album of new tunes is a marker for what we achieved despite the difficulties facing performance culture” traditional music late, but his involvement in it has been feverish. Two young musicians whose album I am now producing recorded “My background was in concert and brass band music, then in 2007 into that laptop and I monitored the audio in real time.” I was asked to play finger cymbals for a Celtic band and I knew For all his technical wizardry Graham is holding out for physical immediately I’d found something special, in Celtic music, not the music making again. “I really miss the three-dimensional musical finger cymbals!” world, playing in a physical space, being near people, seeing real Canada is a big place; a music session in the next village isn’t the people playing, smiling and laughing. There’s nothing like live default option. “I’d travel hours to find a session, with visits to urban music, and just imagine the fun when we can all get back to it! centres such as Toronto, Halifax, Charlottetown and on to St. John’s Before we all go Shack Wacky!” in Newfoundland. It was how I learned new tunes, but I only began Connect with Graham for sheet music and resources to learn his composing in 2014.” new tunes at [email protected]. Website: grahamlindsey.com GRAHAM LINDSEY’S THE NEXT BEST THING 82 ROBIN JAMES HURT LIVE FROM KILMICHAEL, BY ROBIN JAMES HURT Robin James Hurt was in an upbeat frame of mind when I spoke to him recently, just prior to the completion of his solo album Live from Kilmichael, writes Mark Lysaght. different line-ups including Gael Slí, a band that he toured the world with. He also worked with the late and Sinead O’Connor amongst many others. More recently, he has established a long-term collaboration with singer/multi-instrumentalist Mick Morris under the banner of The Band of Moonlight Love, with the duo augmented by various traditional musicians. He’s released a number of solo EPs and a solo album using The Band of Moonlight Love as the house band, as well as a critically acclaimed album with the concertina player Ailbhe Nolan called The Magpie’s Nest. But Live from Kilmichael is a totally solo effort, in response to multiple requests from those who have enjoyed his livestream gigs this year. Having said that, he is occasionally accompanied by the aforementioned Dougal, who contributes occasional barks to proceedings! The album is a compilation of personal favourites and fan requests, just voice and guitar with a sprinkling of mandolin, with an appealing authenticity and sense of genuine craft apparent throughout. Robin puts his own stamp on standards such as The Rambling Irishman and Salonika; he has a strong singing voice and his inventive use of alternative tunings allows him to create appropriate accompaniment, which is always in keeping with the arrangement. There’s great energy in his delivery of the uptempo songs, with deep sincerity in his interpretation of more modern material such as ’s Between The Wars. Robin has taken some traditional Wexford lyrics for At Monaseed On he album was recorded at his home on the beautiful north A Summer’s Morning and put his own music to them; he also includes Wexford coast where he has lived for the past four years. The two reflective self-penned instrumentals, which showcase his fine Tcoronavirus pandemic has taken its toll on so many artists and musicianship. While the basic tracks were recorded at his Co Wexford musicians during 2020, but what has been remarkable is the people home, the recordings were expertly mixed by Liam Mulvaney at Sonic who have found positivity in adversity, and Robin is definitely in this Studios in Dublin, ensuring a top-class production with a lovely vocal category. and guitar sound. “I moved to county Wexford four years ago but was so busy with gigs, The album is available digitally for download and streaming, and also mainly in Dublin, that I didn’t have much time to enjoy the area,” he on CD available directly via the website (see below). Robin will told me. “But the restrictions have allowed me to explore it much more continue to perform regular livestream sessions from his house at thoroughly, and I’ve also got a puppy called Dougal, who’s become a Kilmichael for the foreseeable future, with Dougal by his side. constant partner in crime.” Robin has used the time to rediscover songs Find out more at www.robinjameshurt.com “Robin has used the time to rediscover songs from his large repertoire” from his large repertoire amassed over the years, and has obviously enjoyed the experience, which coincided with the acquisition of a Martin D-28 guitar, which has become his default instrument. Like many others, Robin’s regular live gigs were all cancelled from mid-March, so he started a series of livestream performances direct from his home, which have been incredibly successful and introduced him to a much wider audience on a worldwide basis. New admirers emerged from diverse locations, including Australia, Afghanistan and Patagonia, as well as a healthy representation from his existing fan base, who really valued the opportunity to tune into his weekly gigs as a substitute for the real thing. He even managed to perform from home for a wedding in Malibu, livestreaming on a large screen at the California location, where he received an enthusiastic reception. Robin was born in Belfast but grew up in Scotland near Edinburgh, where he learned the fiddle as a child before discovering the guitar in his teens. While he was aware of folk music from the area, he became interested in a wide variety of genres, which gave him a broader palette. He linked up with Martin Furey (son of Finbar) who was studying in Edinburgh, and they formed a band performing a mixture of folk, indie and rock music. This led to a move to Dublin in 1993, and Robin has been based in Ireland since then, working solo and in a variety of

COMMERCIAL FEATURE 87 TAKING MORE THAN A PANDEMIC TO ERADICATE 4000 YEARS OF FUN : THE ANCIENT GAELIC FEIS – EVOLVING TO THE MODERN FESTIVAL We are a full outlier in Europe – in that most other countries allow for public prayer in congregated (Covid Restrictions settings) at Church, Synagogue and Mosque during the variation of lockdowns, writes Colm Croffy, Executive Director, AOIFE.

he media enjoyed seizing on the more The accessibility of the new middle class in the 1890s to bicycle colourful and abrasive outbursts from ownership and Douglas Hyde’s Gaelic League wrapped the Celtic the facebook draped pulpits where the madness of unbridled festivity in a complete Irish blanket of T respectability. Welcoming back into vogue with the early Government and NPHET were deemed to be worse than the Crown Forces during the War and Feiseanna of the first 4 decades of the 20th century and as part of the possibly did more armed with focloir, fainne, and dancing of Independence or the Redcoats during the classes than 7 centuries of steel previously. Penal Times. It was not until the late 60s before the Church got around to decrying It got me wondering again during the more Douglas’s Gaelic idea of a Fleadh Cheol in the debris of bottles and contemplative elements of a house arrest undergarments of a Westmeath Capital but by then the State had already Samhain, as to where the urge or right of us let the genie out of the bottle in supporting the first Toastal in 1953. Irish came from to - Festival. There was a long dark stretch from the late We had two Gatherings – one in 2014 and the other that started in ‘53 Norman times to the 1950s where our cross roads, village greens, as a Government plan to get as many of the diaspora back to spend their taverns, churches and squares were not awash to the boisterous business money during the holidays- if only the local communities organised of hosting a festival. The ancient Gaelic Feis – was the traditional summer events and festivals to welcome them – it’s still continued in DISPLAY or Exhibition of Culture, Music and Art from Queen Maeve’s Drumshambo to this day! time; its lofty high artistic ideals of the hosting chieftains well swamped A great deal of the Classic and Megga Ballrooms were built on the with Mead, Mutton and general debauchery that probably made Feile in proceeds of Carnival Tent dances for whole weeks of summer and Thurles in the early 90s look like a Montessori gathering! harvest time. These Feiseanna but not quite Feile tended to follow the four great Gaelic Feasts of the Pagan year – Imbolc, Bealtaine, Lug and Samhain. Todd Andrew’s Bord Failte of 1952 aggressively funded, promoted any St. Patrick and the early Celtic Christian Church layered the Latin psalms Town with a Hotel to create a Festival and was grant aided by the state onto the pagan rituals and wells, mountains and forest gatherings which from 1953 – 1959. The oldest of our modern calendar owe their origins involved strong drink, dancing and music - morphed into pattern day or to this period – Cork Jazz, Cork Film, Dublin Theatre, Dublin Film, St. Saints Days locally. Typically after some early morning trekking barefoot Patrick’s Day, Galway Oyster, Waterford Light Opera, Wexford Opera, or chanting of special prayers around a well or fairy bush mound; an Rose of Tralee International. afternoon or indeed a few days of mayhem and merriment ensued. The Tourism interests, Chambers of Commerce and clever far reaching big Feast days of mother church all had gathering or mumming traditions local authorities combined for the next 40 years back and supported by associated with them. the might of the Brewers and Distillers marketing budget to develop a The Flight of the Earls and the dispossession of Catholics under the cultural and regional festival programme. Elizabethan and subsequent conquests removed the patronage of families Bord Failte stopped sponsoring, promoting festivals from the early to the poet, piper, the harpist, the minstrels of the gallery and for the first time 70s to 1995 over some blighted policy. In the early 90s a desire of the in 3,000 years the Irish spirit of congregated hospitality, culture, music, art Arts Council and the creative world to make state subsidised arts and welcome to local and stranger evaporated somewhat. programming available to the peasants outside of the Capital used Its DNA was cultivated in the hedge school, in the bardic nomadic Arts events and Festivals to act as a counter balance to the capital tradition and in the continual development of large market towns and consuming 80% of the available budget which was always paltry. the hosting of Fairs. For most of the 17th, 18th, 19 and a great deal of the Wheel forward to modern times and our festival and community 20th century no Festival per se existed to platform heritage, culture, event scene would be about 750 annually – possibly too many, being music or celebrate community. The ancient Fairs of Lammas, Ballinasloe run on shoestrings by a regulatory hassled volunteer yeomanry and and Puck somehow did not go the way of Donnybrook. Emigration more sophisticated audience demands and an indifferent State. provided other laboratories for our music and song to evolve and enrich. Cobbling from one year to the next the fundraising, the chasing of grants, The Social Media for most of these centuries for preserving so much of programming and the production of it all and wondering possibly where the lore that Seamus Ennis, Ciaran Mac Mathuna and Sean Mc Reamoin eventually harvested with the Folklore Commission and the RTE outdoor the fun has gone. recording unit – was the street balladeer or musician; which evolved into And then COVID hit. sheet music. The long view is that our desire to come together, commemorate, sing, The 19th century saw Cardinal Cullen’s influential ROMAN church dance, engage, enthuse, partake having long outlasted, domination first stamp out all Celtic antics of the Pattern day and anything else connected of Norman, English and then Roman overlords and indifferent meddling with fun, seeing it as a natural collusion of Church and State culminating by elements of the states ruling classes will long outlive this temporary in the infamous dance hall act of 1935, which only authorised public blip of a pandemic. But be under no illusion we will not be rebooting, dancing with the support of Mc Quaid’s Trinity of Church, Gardai and we will be rebuilding. Looking forward to the challenge and new year Judiciary. ahead for us all. Ath Bhlian Nua Agaibhse Go Leir. 88 FESTIVALS CELTIC CONNECTIONS 2021 IS GOING ONLINE TRADFEST TEMPLE BAR ANNOUNCES NEW TELEVISION SHOW JANUARY 15 - FEBRUARY 2 https://www.celticconnections.com CELEBRATING IRELAND AND ITS MUSIC www.tradfest.ie Internationally renowned as Europe’s largest winter music festival, TradFest Temple Bar has created a unique TV program which will be annually welcoming over 2000 artists to take part in over 300 events, televised on RTE 1 this December. Ireland in Music celebrates our natural Celtic Connections was set to celebrate its 28th incarnation in 2021. beauty, attractions, song, tunes and dance. Produced by the Temple Bar However, as with the rest of the world, plans have been turned on their Company and Born Optimistic Productions it is supported by RTE, the head as the global pandemic continues to take hold. Government of Ireland, Tourism Agencies and local authorities across the The Celtic Connections team, along with their funding supporters country. Ireland In Music sees Irish artists perform unplugged, as they Glasgow Life, Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government, have put commune with their locations in this celebration of the beauties and together a digital-first festival in response to the current situation and the wonders of Ireland. This is in sync with the national mood of not taking effect this has on the way music fans must now consume live music and things for granted anymore as we marvel at the beauty around us. This entertainment. Their planning has also taken into account the impact the project will also provide artists with much-needed income stream as the pandemic has had on the livelihoods of musicians, technical crews, tv show will also be distributed internationally. Artists include Delush & venue staff and indeed the whole creative supply chain and they plan to Tolu Makay, , Jealous of The Bird, Rosie Carney, Saint work with as wide a pool of industry specialists as possible to support the Sister, Ailbhe Reddy, Wallis Bird, Denise Chalia & Sharon Shannon, sector in any way they can. Hothouse Flowers & Mark Redmond. It was made by Born Optimistic Celtic Connections 2021, in its digital format, will present concerts using Productions & The Temple Bar Company and is financially supported by an online platform every night between Friday 15th January - Tuesday 2nd The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Tourism Ireland, February 2021. Top quality performances will be available to view online Failte Ireland, Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, Meath across the 19 days with some of the biggest names on the Scottish music scene County Council, Donegal County Council, Westmeath County Council and beyond appearing on screens across the world as part of the festival. and Clare County Council. Organisers have ensured that, although the majority of the line-up For full details go to www.tradfest.ie predominantly showcases homegrown talent, a number of international acts remotely filmed are also included in the line-up so that the essence DUNEDIN LIVE: HAGGIS WINTER MUSICFEST 2021 of what the festival has grown to be truly about - connections, January 21st – 24th, 2021 www.sas-dunedin.org collaborations and relationships - is still prevalent in this new-era Celtic Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Scottish American Society of Connections. Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, Dunedin. Dunedin Live: Haggis Winter MusicFest 2021 is a weekend said: “Of course one of the hardest consequences of the Covid virus for long celebration of Celtic music centered in downtown Dunedin musicians this year has been the loss of live audiences in venues, so like featuring both ticketed and free concerts, workshops, films, dance, many festivals we have had to look to an alternative way of presenting whisky tastings and a traditional music session. We celebrate our the Celtic Connections experience. In a world where so much is Scottish Society, Robert Burns, the arrival of the Celtic spring (Imbolc) unknown it is vitally important that as a sector, we do all we can to and the sun-soaked community of Dunedin, Florida. Dates: Thursday, ensure the longevity of Scotland’s culture. Sharing our music and our arts January 21 - Sunday, January 24, 2021. is a vital part of our human existence, it connects us as a nation both at The Scottish American Society of Dunedin continues its series of home and abroad.” monthly Haggis Celtic Concerts in their historic Scottish Cultural Center at The full line-up and details of how to book will be announced on 917 Louden Avenue in downtown Dunedin. As an outgrowth of this Wednesday 2 December. series, they have launched a full weekend of Celtic music from January 21 - 24, 2021. They’ve been influenced by TradFest Temple Bar in Ireland, Celtic Connections in Scotland and other urban festivals which use public and private spaces (including historic churches) and offer both indoor and outdoor concerts. The mission is to bring more Celtic music and culture to the community and to promote the Scottish American Society of Dunedin: a non-profit organization raising funds for restoration of their Historic Meeting Hall, the Middle School & High School dance and music programs and Dunedin Cares (local food pantry). By using mainly indoor spaces, they have developed a festival plan that takes advantage of their beautiful Florida weather but is not dependent upon it. The festival will feature local, regional and international performers. A complete listing of events and ticket information will be available at www.sas-dunedin.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ScottishAmerican.Dunedin

MEITHEAL 2021 IN ENNIS July 19th to 23rd, 2021 www.tradweek.com This year, Meitheal will be held once again in St. Flannan’s College, Ennis. The team are all set to bounce back from 2020. 2021 will be the 17th edition of Meitheal Summer School. It will run from July 19th to 23rd. A stellar cohort of tutors is being lined up. Reaction to Meitheal 2019 was extremely positive and many students highlight the Finale Concert as an unforgettable experience. The Meitheal team are really delighted with the tutor line–up for next July. The full list of tutors was not available when going to print. The prospect of consideration for a place again on Comhaltas’ Tour of Ireland later this year is a very exciting aspect of Meitheal for students – as are the other opportunities such as RnaG involvement, a scholarship to Blas, a week on the B.A. in Irish Music and Dance, solo and group performances at numerous festivals – agus na scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta. Information and application forms from Garry Shannon, Ruan, Co. Clare, Tel: 087 6704465, www.tradweek.com or also via email : [email protected] Closing Date: March 26th. FESTIVALS 89 KEEPING THE TRADITIONS ALIVE IN FLORIDA Michael Lange, Director of Dunedin Live: Haggis Winter MusicFest in conversation with Robert Heuston, Publisher of Irish Music Magazine. dance lessons and piping instruction in our Scottish Cultural Center and we have held two small concerts at 30% of capacity. Our Board has struggled with what we can do and how much we can do safely. Our membership and concert attendees tend to be older and at higher risk for complications from COVID 19 and we have found so far that a large percentage of our audience is still not comfortable coming out to public events. But we push on and the good news is that our smaller events have generated enough revenue that we are able once again to cover our monthly expenses.

Robert: What are the plans and itinerary for January 2021 and do you plan a Virtual experience also? Michael: We are working now to develop a plan for hosting our second winter Celtic music festival in January 2021. We don’t know whether this will ultimately be possible; we don’t know for certain what the Robert: How has Dunedin Live: Haggis Winter MusicFest evolved over pandemic will allow for, but we remain hopeful and we press on with recent years? our planning. We reduced our budget significantly, we have down- Michael: The Scottish American Society of Dunedin (SAS) has evolved sized the scale and scope of our events, and we are severely limiting the greatly since its founding in 1980. In the past, many immigrants from size of our audience. We are preparing for all eventualities, including Scotland found their way to Dunedin, Florida because it was founded the possibility that we will have to cancel the festival, if the pandemic by two Scotsmen. The beautiful weather might have helped, too. They spikes again significantly here in Florida in January. At this time though formed a club to celebrate their homeland and their heritage and hosted we are hopeful and we are planning with great excitement and parties and dances and other cultural events throughout the years. In the enthusiasm. past couple years, our club has hosted more events open to the general Our lineup for 2021 will include mostly local and regional performers public to grow the membership and have a greater impact on our who can travel here by car and don’t need to buy plane tickets in community. We began offering monthly concerts, which we call the advance. We are super fortunate that there are many incredible Haggis Celtic Concert series. These events have been wildly successful musicians, singers and song writers from around the world who have and have brought new energy and visibility to our organization. made Florida their home and we will be able to feature them this winter. We built on this success by creating a new festival called Dunedin We plan to open our weekend festival with a small concert on Thursday Live: Haggis Winter MusicFest. Our first attempt was in January of 2020 evening, a whisky tasting on Friday night (with music), an afternoon of in celebration of our 40th anniversary. We offered a weekend of small workshops and presentations on Saturday, a small concert again on concerts, films, cultural workshops, and a whisky tasting all centred in Saturday night and a traditional music session on Sunday afternoon. We our Scottish Cultural Center and other downtown locations. We experimented in the Fall by hosting a virtual watch party in our cultural partnered with many pubs and restaurants near us to program a weekend center for a live-streaming concert produced by one of the bands that of Celtic music throughout our downtown. While our audience at the will be appearing at our festival. This was great fun and very helpful for “We are hopeful and we are planning with great excitement and enthusiasm” initial festival was mostly local, our long-term goal is to build an us. We have been so inspired by the many bands and performers and international audience of attendees and performers by offering an festivals around the world that have been streaming concerts and we intimate and enjoyable destination event: a festival centred upon Celtic hope to try it ourselves in January. music at a time of year when it’s especially attractive to travel to Florida. Robert: What advice would you give to fellow North American Celtic Robert: What organisational and financial challenges does your Festivals when planning for 2021? festival committee currently face as a result of Covid 19? Michael: As we are still in start-up mode, it would be presumptuous for Michael: We hosted Aoife Scott and Andy Meaney in concert on us to offer advice to anyone. We have no crystal ball, so right now Wednesday, March 11th, 2020 and then immediately went into everything feels risky. All I can say is that we are simply trying things - pandemic lockdown for the next 6 months. This was devastating for us anything and everything that we can think of - all of it on small scale and because our bills kept coming in but we had no revenue producing all of it with great caution. But we feel that the universe rewards action events to offset them. The state of Florida has tried to find some middle and we are using this time to learn, to experiment, and to grow because ground between quarantine and chaos with local pubs and restaurants we know there are better days ahead. reopening at reduced levels of occupancy. We have been fortunate here that our weather allows for outside dining almost all year round and Robert: How important is preserving the Celtic Music Traditions for you? many places have been able to expand outdoor seating or create open Michael: If there has been any good news from this global pandemic it air environments. With this in mind, we began in September to hold might be that so many people have come to realize how important live small outdoor events in our parking music is to their lives. This is such a difficult time for everyone but especially area. We used these to “raise the flag” musicians and performers and everyone who is part of the music world. We that we are moving forward and that we want to do what we can to support Celtic music and musicians and to bring want to stay active and relevant. more Celtic music and culture to our wonderful community. We hope our We have also used these events to test small festival will make a difference in 2021 and we have already booked our protocols for safely hosting small our headliner for January 2022 - Scottish band Skerryvore - because we groups and small events. We are now believe in the future and we want to be part of it. beginning to offer Scottish and Irish www.sas-dunedin.org for more. 90 COMMERCIAL FEATURE THE WILD ATLANTIC FLEADH 2021 A New Online Celtic Festival A newcomer to the Irish Festival scene in the US, the Wild Atlantic Fleadh is a virtual festival that will debut on St Patrick’s Week 2021.

Celtic Thunder

unning from March 13th to 17th the Fleadh is a 5-day celebration Emmet Cahill, Damian McGinty, Michael Londra and band, Emma of all things Celtic, spanning genres of music, dance and culture. Langford, UCD Choral Scholars, Colm Keegan & Laura Durrant and Barry RBilled as an Online Celtic Festival Experience, Wild Atlantic Fleadh Kerr and Friends. More artists will be announced shortly. (WAF) ticket holders can gain access to over 60 different events, across 3 stages with one single ticket. The 2021 Festival will stream on the StageIt Dance platform. The rhythmic magic of Irish step dancing is something you simply can’t miss. Both Michael Londra and Cherish the Ladies shows feature world How does it work? champion dancers, many of whom are Riverdance and Lord of the Dance The Wild Atlantic Fleadh will take place across three separate stages, with alum. Festival attendees can further delight in performances of Irish dance one ticket gaining access to all events. from The Pub, as well as dance workshops at the Wild Atlantic Club throughout the fleadh. MainStage will feature the daily headline shows with supporting acts before the main event. Culture The Wild Atlantic Fleadh brings together a wide variety of talent, The Pub is exactly what an Irish pub should be – warm and welcoming performances and workshops. From the works of internationally with traditional music, dance and storytellers. The Pub will also feature a acclaimed Irish poet Louis de Paor, to the fine art exhibit hall, the resident award-winning mixologist and world class chef offering cocktail storytelling expertise of actor Phelim Drew and Ireland’s favourite comedic and cooking demonstrations as well as special guests popping in for a chat. talent, the guest artists at WAF are sure to enthrall. The third stage is The Wild Atlantic Club, a smaller, more intimate venue that offers acoustic shows, bespoke workshops and performances from Demonstrations comedians, poets and up-and-coming artists. Daily demonstrations offering up some great Irish culinary recipes and tips About the Show from a top Irish chef just in time for St Patrick’s Day. Joined by international The month of March annually is Irish American heritage month in the award-winning mixologist Liam Cotter with daily cocktail demonstrations U.S. and the Fleadh’s goal is to celebrate a shared heritage by producing and ideas for all guests over 21 years of age. a world-class festival celebrating Ireland’s rich history of music, arts Travel and culture. WAF will present shows and events by Irish, Scottish and Visit Ireland virtually and pick up tips and ideas for your next trip in real American artists that have been affected by the current global pandemic life. Sponsored by Tourism Ireland the Virtual Irish Travel Village offers a and provide a unique opportunity to virtually present some of the very best wealth of information, insider tips, trends and deals. Festival goers can performances whilst bringing performers and fans together in a safe online check out the Wild Atlantic Way, learn about Ireland’s Ancient East, visit community. Northern Ireland’s Giant Causeway, research their Genealogy and plan a Having secured a stellar line-up of acts for its inaugural event, many of future trip to Ireland for when the time is right. which hail from the world of Public Television, the Wild Atlantic Fleadh has assembled an eclectic and entertaining range of performances. All The Line-up performances are new, never before seen content and include Here are some of the featured artists at the Wild Atlantic Fleadh 2021. internationally renowned shows, traditional Irish and folk musicians and up-and-coming artists. World champion Irish dancers, poets, comedians, painters, chefs, mixologists and storytellers round out the mix. Musical performances at the festival run the gamut from top PBS shows such as to world acclaimed traditional musicians Cherish the Ladies, Celtic country heartthrob Nathan Carter, Riverdance tenor Michael Londra, folk duo Byrne and Kelly, Celtic Woman star Chloë Agnew to newcomer Emma Langford. All of these artists had their entire itinerary of shows for 2020 cancelled or postponed.

Events Music is the heartbeat of the Wild Atlantic Fleadh. Featured artists include Celtic Thunder, Cherish The Ladies, Nathan Carter, Byrne and Kelly, Chloë Agnew, Cherish the Ladies COMMERCIAL FEATURE 91

Celtic Thunder Chloe Agnew In 2007 producer Sharon Browne filmed the first ever Celtic Thunder show at the Helix in Dublin, Ireland. The concept was to feature a group of men from Ireland and Scotland, who range in age from 21 to 42, and feature songs that celebrate a common Celtic heritage. The resulting show included an eclectic mix of songs ranging from the traditional to international hits and some original pieces along the way. 13 years, 11 North American Tours, 4 Australia Tours, 3 Entertainment Cruises, 800 shows, 200 million YouTube views, 875K Facebook followers and literally millions of fans later, Celtic Thunder is still a force to be reckoned with.

Cherish The Ladies Joanie Madden formed the all-female super group in New York City in 1985 to celebrate the rise of extraordinary women in what had theretofore been a male-dominated Irish music scene. For more than three and a half decades the talented musicians that are Cherish The Ladies have performed at venues all over the world and have recorded a staggering 17 critically acclaimed albums. Cherish the Ladies level of artistic, historic, she’s hardly taken her foot off the pedal, with an eye-watering ever- and purely enticing entertainment is unlike any in its genre. growing tour schedule and frequent collaborations up her sleeve. Arguably one of the finest songwriters and vocalists on the gigging circuit Nathan Carter in recent years, Emma Langford earned the title of Best Emerging Artist at A household name across Ireland, the highly acclaimed singer/ the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards in 2018. As part of an international tour, 2019 songwriter is now Ireland’s #1 live act. Weaving folk and pop genres saw Langford make her US debut at the world’s largest celebration of Irish spanning the Atlantic (American country has been immensely popular in music, Milwaukee Irish Fest. Ireland for generations, while Celtic folk has been gaining in popularity in the US), Carter’s fusion of Celtic and country is unique and electrifying. Chloë Agnew Chloë Agnew is a singer, songwriter and actress from Dublin, Ireland. Michael Londra Born to Irish entertainer Adéle “Twink” King and Irish oboist David Emmy® nominated, Irish singer-producer, Michael Londra has built an Agnew, Chloë was practically born on the stage and made her first international reputation over the past twenty years, having produced and television appearance at just four weeks old! From the age of 14, performed in over 60 countries, worldwide. Riverdance producers saw Chloë gained fame for her integral part as one of the original (and him performing in musical theatre and offered him the role of lead singer youngest) members of the internationally acclaimed music group in the US National Tour which included performances at Radio City Music Celtic Woman. Ten years later, Chloë held the dual title of being both “The Wild Atlantic Fleadh has assembled an eclectic and entertaining range of performances” Hall and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. In March 2000, Michael took the one of the original members and the youngest performer of the group. role of lead singer in the new production of Riverdance on Broadway. This Chloë is featured on a total of 14 of Celtic Woman’s albums, recording was the platform from which Michael’s recording and producing career songs in English, Irish, Latin, Japanese, Italian and German on their began. various albums, which have sold more than eight million copies worldwide, and all of which have debuted at #1 on Billboard’s World Byrne and Kelly Music chart. Driven by dynamic vocal harmonies, the award-winning duo Neil Byrne and Ryan Kelly of Celtic Thunder seamlessly combine genres like UCD Choral Scholars traditional Irish and Americana to create a fresh, Celtic folk sound that has The Choral Scholars is an internationally acclaimed chamber choir of garnered comparisons to iconic folk-rock duos like Simon & Garfunkel gifted student singers led by founding Artistic Director, Dr Desmond and . In 2013 Byrne and Kelly was awarded ‘Best Duo Earley, based at University College Dublin School of Music. Scholars in a Concert, Pub or Festival’ and ‘Best New Album’ for Acoustically Irish come from various academic disciplines and commit to an intensive by the Irish Music Association. In addition, Acoustically Irish took the program of choral study. Throughout each semester they receive intense Billboard #1 position, World Album #1 on iTunes in the United States, vocal coaching, language instruction, and performance-practice Australia and Canada, Amazon #1 World Album and cd baby Global studies. Chart #1. Phelim Drew Phelim Drew, the celebrated actor and son of ’ Ronnie Emma Langford Drew, brings his fabulous music show and stories to the Wild Atlantic Emma Langford hails from Limerick in the South-West of Ireland. Since Fleadh. In the 12 years since Ronnie passed away, Phelim has come to first bursting onto the scene in 2016 with a crowd-funded self-titled EP, enjoy listening back over his musical legacy and the wealth of material has Nathan Carter reawakened not only a sense of pride but also appreciation. Putting his own twist on the collection made famous by one of Ireland’s most beloved raconteurs, this promises to be a very special show indeed.

The Wild Atlantic Way Fleadh (pronounced “fla”) is a festival of Irish or Celtic music, dancing, and culture. The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. It winds its way all along the Irish west coast from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north down to the picturesque town of , , in the south. It features wild landscapes, traditional culture, foot-tapping music sessions and off-the-boat-fresh seafood. For more www.wildatlanticfleadh.com 92 COMMERCIAL FEATURE

TRADFESTFestival favourites return to TradFest TEMPLE in 2021 to help breathe BAR life into a devastated2021 live music industry.

Dervish Loah Altan

lthough we know that TradFest is going to be different this time No Irish traditional band in the last dozen years has had a wider impact around, our priority with TradFest 2021 is to provide artists with on audiences and music lovers throughout the world than Altan. With Asafe, real performance opportunities in front of live audiences and their exquisitely produced award-winning recordings, ranging dynamically to breathe life into a devastated live music industry. Although we may not be from the most sensitive and touching old Irish songs all the way to hard side by side or shoulder to shoulder, we believe that we can be together again hitting reels and jigs, and with their heartwarming, dynamic live in music. And in 2021 TradFest will celebrate the very best of traditional and performances, Altan have moved audiences from Donegal to Tokyo to folk Irish musicians in some of Dublin City’s most iconic heritage venues. Seattle. Throughout, there has been the unwavering commitment of the TradFest Temple Bar is set for January 2021 and will run in accordance band to bringing the beauty of traditional music, particularly that of the with government guidelines. Donegal fiddlers and singers, to contemporary audiences in a way that If Ireland is at LEVELS 1 & 2 TradFest Temple Bar 2021 will be organised brings out all its qualities and destroys none. In fact, Altan has always as follows: believed that Irish traditional music is a modern music in every sense and ● The number of patrons allowed indoors will be capped at 50 people. its growing influence and popularity have proved them right. ● Rather than running one extended show, artists will perform two shorter Irish virtuoso guitarist Shane Hennessy has established himself as one of sets of 50 minutes duration. This will help us maximize our audience the leading guitarists on the world stage, known widely for his fingerstyle, numbers while also maintaining a safe indoor time frame for artists and flatpicking, and percussive guitar-playing approaches. His energetic live audiences. performances and his cinematically-vivid compositions tie in influences “Although we may not be side by side or shoulder to shoulder, we believe that we can be together again in music”

● Without exception, all audience members must wear masks. from Bach to Beyoncé – and everything in between! With a unique style ● TradFest 2021 is partnering with Novaerus - Clean Air who will provide of solo guitar playing that encompasses the range of a whole each venue with bespoke medical grade air de-contamination units for band – covering drums, bass, rhythm and lead lines – Shane builds a greatly enhanced protection for artists and audiences. complete sonic world entirely on his own. ● If we are at LEVEL 3, 4 or 5 it will not be possible to hold indoor concerts Loah is Sallay Matu Garnett, an artist and performer of Irish / Sierra in January and we will move all indoor live events to later in 2021. Leonean origin who grew up between Maynooth, County Kildare in ● In that case all tickets purchased for January dates are transferable to later Ireland and West Africa. With her unique blend of Afro-folksoul, she dates. We will instead have a series of virtual concerts in January 2021. released her debut EP This Heart in 2017 followed by an entire EP of TradFest Temple Bar 2021 will see a host of iconic Irish musicians remixes in 2018. She has featured on records by Lisa Hannigan and Kíla, perform in the stunning surrounds of St Patrick’s Cathedral including Andy co-written with Hozier. Irvine & Donal Lunny, Maigread and Triona Ni Dhomhnail, Dervish, For more details go to tradfest.ie Hothouse Flowers and Altan. Dublin City Hall will play host to some of our TradFest is supported by The Temple Bar Company, Department Tourism, newer artists including Shane Hennessy, The Mulcahy Family, Robert Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Dublin City Council, Smithwicks, Harvey and Loah. The Pepper Canister Church will feature a folk musician Failte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, OPW, Culture Ireland & Irish Music Magazine. including Emma Langford and a very special night with Eleanor Shanley Eleanor and Mike and Mike Hanrahan Remembering the music of Ronnie Drew.

SOME OF OUR ARTISTS IN 2021: All six members of Dervish are steeped in the musical traditions of counties Sligo and Leitrim in north-west Ireland. It’s an area which matches Atlantic coastline with storied mountains and rural landscapes. It has inspired a host of musicians, artists and writers, including the Nobel Prize- winning poet W. B. Yeats. At the end of 2019 Dervish received a prestigious lifetime achievement award from the BBC, a fitting tribute to the band after over 30 years of recording and performing all over the world. Described by the BBC as “an icon of Irish music”.

94 RON BLOCK

RONMulti-talented banjo playerBLOCK of Alison Krauss & Union Station, guitarist, songwriter, producer, Ron Block in conversation with Chris Keenan for Irish Music Magazine. that’s a sort of ‘home base’ for our playing. But we also both love a wide variety of music, and we bring in those other ideas into our own playing and into the arrangements. When making Banjophony, we each often wrote tunes that leaned towards one another, and it feels much more like a blend of two music forms than ‘here’s Ron playing Irish music, and here’s Damien playing bluegrass.’ …but at the same time Damien wanted me to be my own musical self while he remained his. So I wrote Battersea Skillet Liquor, which is my imagining of a tune from across the ocean coming to America and through a generation or two slightly morphing into a more American Old-Time sound. Damien wrote No Harm Done imagining my blusey- bendy banjo stuff. I wrote Lucky Rogues thinking of a sea shanty mixed with the bluegrass of Jimmy Martin - I knew it would be good for Damien’s cross-picking, rollish sound. Playing with Damien continues to be inspiring and mind-opening in so many ways. He’s a heck of a producer and arranger as well as a top level musician, and his work ethic is relentless. Chris: You recently produced Aoife Scott’s CD Homebird. How did that come about? Chris: How has your songwriting journey developed? Ron: I met Aoife Scott and Andy Meaney at Celtic Connections in 2018 Ron: I was writing songs long before I could write a single even decent when I was playing there with Kate Rusby and Damien O’Kane. They song. The first songwriting book I had was Tom T. Hall’s How I Write played the show just before us. In October 2019 I was playing on a short Songs: Why You Can, and I crumpled up and threw away a lot of bad trip to Ireland and the U.K. with Alison Krauss and her country band. songs early on! I’ve written quite a few for AKUS since then, and quite On the Dublin part, I met up with Aoife and Andy again and went to a few for my solo projects, such as Hogan’s House of Music, a very listen to a couple of good sessions…we went to the Irish music awards, bluegrass compilation, and it had seven originals on it. and then they came to the Dublin show and to the Edinburgh show. So I’ve never studied songwriting formally, though I’ve read books on the I got to know them a bit better on that short tour. craft of it. I mostly listen, learn songs, and think about the ones I love. They came to Tennessee in March 2019…and came over every day to Often my songwriting springs out of having learned several songs by my studio to go through songs and record. They’re both musically very other people. Lately, though, working with Damien really has sparked sensitive to nuance, and they both have a strong sense of what they an interest in writing tunes as well as songs, and it’s opened up a bigger want, so it was an easy thing to decide to help them produce and record world to me. Homebird. When I produce, which is rare, I see my job as more of a facilitator, so it’s always good to have folks with a clear vision and then Chris: What do you like about Ireland, other than the music? I add my ideas in. Ron: I love the countryside itself; it’s one of the loveliest countries I’ve seen. I’d love to go for a month on vacation just to explore some of the Chris: When did you first learn about and become immersed in Irish music? different areas. I’m usually travelling by tour bus or van, and quite often Ron: I learned some Irish tunes very early on in my musical journey, but it’s been Dublin or Belfast. I played in Londonderry a few years ago with back in my day in California we had to walk backwards in hip-deep a live with Jerry Douglas (Arty McGlynn was on “Lately, though, working with Damien really has sparked an interest in writing tunes as well as songs” snow in -30 temperatures in the dark to buy any roots or folk music to that show, so I’m glad for that), and in Sligo a while back…there is so play on a record player. Because I was buying most of my albums from much of Ireland I’d like to explore. County Sales in Virginia across the country, and their catalogue was nearly The Irish people I know are intelligent, perceptive, and usually very all bluegrass, that’s what I centered on, and as I began to play in bands my funny. The musicians are remarkable. There’s something that happens sense of practicality took over - I began learning the things that would help when people grow up in a culture of musical awareness. It’s like the band sound, and usually the bands were traditional bluegrass. learning a language. Immersion makes all the difference.” It wasn’t until the 90’s that I began to really hear people like Paul Brady, For more https://ronblock.com and we also did an album with Dolly Parton called Heartsongs. Altan was on it, so I became a big fan of theirs. But as for really digging into Irish music and learning how to play some of it on the banjo - that was fairly new to me. Playing on Kate Rusby’s recordings, prepared me somewhat to think differently - sometimes I play harmony to the accordion or other instruments, or sometimes I play unison, which is a big contrast to hard-driving bluegrass banjo with Alison.

Chris: Working with Damien O’Kane on the Banjophony recording, how did that work with Irish and American banjo? Ron:The banjo music with Damien works really well on several levels. Both of us have a deep love for our respective trad music forms, and FESTIVALS 95 MILWAUKEE IRISH FEST SCHOOL OF MUSIC ONLINE MUSIC LESSONS Online lessons are available on a variety of platforms, including Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom, and Facebook Messenger Video. You can get started learning Irish music anytime and hone your skill with the Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music Program. Learn more about lesson options, view a list of instructors, and enroll online at irishfestschoolofmusic.com.

ABOUT CELTICMKE CelticMKE is an organization that is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Celtic music and culture. In addition to the Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music, CelticMKE is also home to the Milwaukee Irish Fest, the Ward Irish Music Archives, the Milwaukee Irish Fest ilwaukee Irish Fest School of Music, which is a part of the Summer School, the CelticMKE organization, is now offering online music lessons. MPrivate lessons are open to everyone and can enroll at any Milwaukee Irish Fest time; any age and playing level is welcome. Foundation, the Milwaukee The Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music was opened in the fall of Irish Fest Choirs, and year- 2002 at the historic CelticMKE Center in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. A round community dedicated faculty of Irish and Celtic musicians have come together to programming. CelticMKE is offer instruction on various instruments, including: a destination for all things Banjo Fiddle Mandolin Celtic, and features several Bodhran Flute Piano blogs about Irish-American Bouzouki Guitar Tin Whistle and Celtic culture on their Cello Harp Uilleann Pipes website, celticmke.com. 96 COLUM SANDS COLUM SANDS : AN ACCIDENTAL PROPHET Clive Price zooms into Rostrevor to ask Colum Sands about his new album Song Bridge. There wasn’t a plan to make a prophetic statement. Colum had songs completed as far back as three years ago. They were all written on an old guitar formerly owned by Auguste and August Haas, his German wife Barbara’s grandparents, who suffered under Nazi rule in the 1940s. He claimed there was no cohesive structure to the recording. Yet there is a definite thread running through: a celebration of nature and a concern for the environment. At the very least, Colum admits it’s an accidental concept album. He is, of course, part of the Sands family, an established hothouse of Irish traditional music. Family members accompany him on some of the tracks, along with a number of other craftspeople such as Phil Coulter’s pipe player Brendan Monaghan on whistle, and guitarist Brian Willoughby who’s strummed with The Strawbs. However, it’s not a seriously heavy experience for the listener at all. Even the opening track January Child ends with “Hope will always find a way”. OnThe Old Oak Wood Turns Green Again, Colum gathers local activists and schoolchildren to join him in a joyful chorus. Tracks like Before Winter Sets In have almost a nursery rhyme feel, with a childlike innocence to them. There are references to following the river from mountain to shore, or following the field to blackberry hill. These are atmospheric memories from Colum’s childhood in the hen singer-songwriter Colum Sands penned “these quiet dramatic landscape around Newry. places if you find them, are the spaces where you grow”, he Quality streams through this set. The already mentioned Better Times Wdidn’t realise how relevant the lyric would be in this pandemic. Are Waiting For You already has the feel of a classic song. Don’t be “This has been a summer of people, myself included, going out into surprised if it turns up on other artists’ albums. quiet places and finding time and stopping and taking in the wonders The cover of Song Bridge depicts the family guitar crossing the of nature around us,” 69-year-old Colum told me, from his loughside invisible EU border that runs down the middle of Carlingford Lough. home in picture-postcard Rostrevor, County Down. And it really has crossed the water. Even without an official launch, the “As a musician, I’m one of the worst,” he admitted. “You’re always recording has become Album Of The Week on Glasgow’s Celtic Music trying to be somewhere else. You come into a town for one night and Radio. then you’re off to the next place. It’s certainly been a great time of Legendary folk giant Mike Harding played The Old Oak Wood on his learning for me, this so-called lockdown.” podcast. “I love the way it starts off with birdsong,” said Mike, Just as the ten-track recording was due to be released in March, the remarking on how poignant that had become in lockdown. Even he pandemic piped the sound of silence down our streets. Suddenly, spotted the relevance. Colum’s witty, whimsical tunes became a running commentary on Make your own crossing on the Song Bridge at Corona life. www.columsands.com “Some of the songs have taken on more meaning and truth in the last eight months than when I actually wrote them” He jotted the album’s sleeve notes in January, just before the virus launched its wave of destruction. Even back then, he was warning us of an infestation. “The mentality which drives a few to pursue profit and power … at the expense of our life-sustaining environment can be viewed as an epidemic which threatens all life on earth,” Colum wrote. A couple of months later United Nations environment chief Inger Anderse said humanity was placing too many pressures on the natural world with damaging consequences. Did she have a copy of Colum’s album, by any chance? But no need yet to start a long and weary pilgrimage to seek life-giving wisdom from this prophet of Rostrevor. It’s fair to say that Colum is as surprised as the rest of us with these connections that his music seems to have created with our current crisis. “Some of the songs have taken on more meaning and truth in the last eight months than when I actually wrote them,” said Colum from his home by the shores of Carlingford Lough. “I probably needed this amount of time to discover what some of the songs were about.”

98 ROWAN LESLIE ROWAN LESLIE ESCAPING

THEAidan O’Hara talksDAWN to the Glasgow-based County Antrim Fiddler.

Aidan: “Can you take us back to the start of your musical career?” Rowan: “I started playing the fiddle when I was seven with the and Antrim Fiddlers, which was based in my home village of Broughshane. I had some classical training too as I was tutored by a violinist from the Ulster Orchestra for a few years. However, by the time that I was thirteen I was focusing solely on traditional music, receiving lessons from Johnny Murphy, a fiddle player and fiddle maker.”

Aidan: “You chose to do the BMus folk and traditional music degree at Newcastle University; was it a good decision?” Rowan: “Yes, Newcastle was a great place to meet like-minded people who love traditional music and want to make a career in it. I greatly enjoyed and benefited from focussed one-to-one lessons on the fiddle. In addition to our main tutor, we also received tuition each term from guest tutors for one-off lessons who were all well-known and respected musicians. For three years, my main fiddle tutor was Kathryn Tickell, the world-famous Northumbrian piper and fiddle player. Although we come from quite different backgrounds in terms of traditional music, I was able to learn from her musical expertise and apply it to my own style of fiddle playing. I wrote Kathryn’s Reel (which is on this album) for her while I was at university. “I continue to play with many of the musicians that I met there. My closest and longest standing musical partnership from Newcastle is with guitarist Graeme Armstrong; we have recorded two EPs together as Aidan: “Can you tell us about your new album Escaping the Dawn?” well as this CD. In the end, I had the opportunity to spend some time Rowan: “Escaping the Dawn will be released on the 1st December. I at Limerick too as I attended a summer school there during my time at had amazing musicians working with me: Graeme Armstrong on guitar university, the highlight of which was being taught by Martin Hayes. I (Talisk), Andrew Waite on accordion (Dallahan) and David Foley on have definitely had some wonderful teachers!” bodhrán (RURA). The album is made up of self-penned material, written over the last ten years. It is predominantly a collection of dance Aidan: “What about the future?” tunes: reels, jigs, hornpipes and polkas, with some slow airs and a Rowan: “I remain hopeful and am planning a number of performances next couple of pieces that lie outside the traditional genre. While inspiration year where we can play the album live and give everyone a great show.” for the music came, in part, from my time in Newcastle and Glasgow, it is the music of County Antrim that has been the greatest influence. I Escaping the Dawn and Rowan's book will be available from have spent the last few years collecting tunes from contemporary www.rowanleslie.co.uk on the 1st December

“I think that if you have one strong phrase, you can build an entire tune out of it” musicians in the area and gathered them together in a book that was published earlier this year by the American Publishing house, Mel Bay. Contemporary Fiddle Tunes from the Northeast of Ireland is a collection of original dance tunes – and a few slow airs – composed by a range of musicians, which I arranged for fiddle. While the current Covid situation has made things very difficult, I am extremely grateful that I have managed to complete these two projects this year.”

Aidan: “How do you approach tune writing?” Rowan: “My process for writing tunes is to build from a phrase that is quite catchy to the ear, probably something that has been floating around my head for a while. From there, I see where my fingers and thoughts take me, while always returning to the first phrase to make sure that it all connects. I think that if you have one strong phrase, you can build an entire tune out of it, taking inspiration from that melody. I enjoy writing tunes with subtle but interesting melodic changes throughout; unexpected key changes, the use of accidentals, chromatic phrases, but usually nothing that would be too out of place if played at a session. With slower material there is much more fluidity in general, going more with how it feels rather than trying to fit the music inside any structure.” REBECCA LOMNICKY 99

REBECCASeán Laffey talks to Rebecca LOMNICKY Lomnicky about her music and& a THEnew album FIREfrom her Scottish band The Fire. Seán: “How has your teaching been impacted by the Pandemic?” Rebecca: “I teach private fiddle lessons, public fiddle workshops, and ethnomusicology classes to students at the University of California, Berkeley. Due to the pandemic, everything has become virtual. I have been living in Glasgow for the last year conducting research on the Scottish traditional music scene for my PhD in Ethnomusicology. One of the benefits to online teaching is that despite the distance and time zone differences, I’ve been able to continue working with my students back in California. However, group discussions, which are a key to my larger classes, can be quite difficult to facilitate over Zoom. I think everyone is looking forward to the day when we can have all of these classes in person again!”

Seán: “Tell us something about your band The Fire.” Rebecca: “The Fire is a Scottish music trio based in Santa Cruz, California. My band mates are David Brewer and Adam Hendey. David is a dynamic and virtuosic bagpiper, as well as a brilliant whistle and bodhrán player. He was a founding member of the California Celtic band, Molly’s Revenge, with which he performed for 20 years. David is one of the most energetic and charismatic bagpipers you will ever see, and in The Fire we work together to craft intricate arrangements of melodies, which showcase the interplay between the pipes and fiddle. “Adam brings a rich layer of guitar, bouzouki, and harmonium to our sound. He is a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and Seán: “At what stage did you become enchanted by Scottish fiddle holds a M.A. in Traditional Music Performance. He brings an innovative music?” and contemporary accompaniment style to the band. Both David and Rebecca: “When I was eight years old, my parents took me to see Cape Adam are also prolific tune writers and we enjoy incorporating many Breton fiddler, Natalie MacMaster. Her stage performance, music, and of their compositions into our band repertoire. persona were so inspiring to me that I wanted to play like her. Shortly “ Over the past year and a half, The Fire has been working on our new thereafter, my parents found me a teacher, Linda Danielson, who 11 track album, Marigold. The collection of tunes draws from a variety specialized in Scottish and Irish music.” of Scottish fiddle manuscripts, bagpipe music collections, and our repertoire of original compositions. Marigold is a celebration of our Seán: “You won the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Competition in band’s identity and our home. Tracks range from the traditional heartfelt 2005?” slow air Mrs. Jamieson’s Favourite to an intricate set of original tunes “In The Fire we hope to showcase the beauty of Scottish music and add our own voices to the tradition”

Rebecca: “That competition was a defining moment for me because in titled California Highway 1. We also have a track called The Robert addition to winning, I also got to hear Scottish fiddler Bonnie Rideout Burns Medley, which is a set of lesser-known tunes that Burns used as give a solo fiddle recital. That was the first time I witnessed a fiddler melodies for his songs. By performing a range of music, from old to new, make her instrument sound like a bagpipe. Her performance inspired we hope to showcase the beauty of Scottish mu sic and add our own me to dig deep into the bagpipe tradition and begin my quest to develop voices to the tradition.” ornamentation and stylistic techniques that closely imitate the pipes. My musical partnership with bagpiper, David Brewer, has allowed me Marigold will be released worldwide on 1st January 2021. Order to continue this work and been instrumental in shaping my own online at : www.thefirescottishband.com musical style.”

Seán: “Four years later you won the Glenfiddich International Scottish Fiddle Championship.” Rebecca: “Winning the Glenfiddich was both a personal and professional highlight. When I travelled to Blair Castle to compete, it was the first time I had ever been to Scotland. I had studied with different Scottish fiddlers, listened to hundreds of recordings, and practiced my sets for months leading up to that moment, but I still never expected to win. The legendary pianist Morag Macaskill accompanied me and was a wonderful source of encouragement and support. When I became the youngest person and second American to win the championship, it was both an incredible honour and an affirmation of all the hard work I had put into studying the tradition.” 100 THE RESIDUALS

THESeán Laffey learned that 20thRESIDUALS Century Irish immigrants to Saskatchewan brought traditional music in their wake, when he talked to fiddler Jeremy A. Cook of the Prairie Celtic band The Residuals. After moving to Canada in 1990, he joined a few Irish session groups, and moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. “Myself, I’m a fiddler, mandolinist, vocalist and songwriter. I was orphaned from classical music in university, but found a welcoming community with the Irish session players in Saskatoon. Since then I’ve delved deep into the tradition, including its roots in early music, and I now write original songs in the genre. I’ve been playing with the Residuals since 2000. “We have mostly played in our home province of Saskatchewan. With our new slate of songs and tunes however, we were just beginning to branch out into other provinces before COVID-19 shut us down. Our new album Looking Out for Better Weather was recorded at Audio Art Recording in Saskatoon. When we write a song or tune, we try our best to make it sound like it could be traditional, yet still be lyrically relevant to modern audiences. A casual listener might be mistaken for thinking Way Down Here is Irish trad, for instance, yet the lyrics contain words like video games or pogey (a Canadian term for unemployment insurance). Mixed Seán: Can you tell us about Celtic music in the Prairies of Canada? “ ” with original works are traditional Irish and Scottish reels and jigs. Jeremy: During the 1960s Irish doctors, educators and other “ You’ll hear a Celtic cover of ’s Ahead by a Century professionals came to the Canadian prairies. There was a folk music and ’s Crooked Jack paired with the reel Good boom happening in Ireland at that time and they brought their newly Morning to Your Nightcap. There is also an original song about living rediscovered traditions with them. In the mid-90s, Canada experienced in a prairie village called My Town, set to the tune of the jig The Frost a Celtic music boom, with bands like The Rankin Family and Great Big is All Over.” Sea achieving mainstream radio play. New players became interested in the music, and the old Irish and their folky allies were happy to create Seán: “Have you an opinion on online concerts?” sessions to accommodate them. Jeremy: “The trend will probably continue since so many people have “Once it is safe, you can bet that people will be lining up for concerts again”

“Saskatoon, in particular, has a thriving session community. Visiting invested in the technology to make that possible. However, everyone Irish musicians have noted that the style seems to be a blend of misses the experience of going out. In our opinion, nothing will replace bluegrass, old-time, and Irish trad. Reels in Saskatoon are played the thrill of live music. Once it is safe, you can bet that people will be straight, without any sort of swing to them.” lining up for concerts again.” Listen to the tracks from Looking Out For Better Weather at Seán: “Who makes up the Residuals band?” https://theresiduals1.bandcamp.com/album/looking-out-for-better-weather Jeremy: “Paul Runalls on bass, vocals, and guitar, spent many hours listening to bagpipes watching his daughters in highland dance competitions. He became an announcer for local and provincial competitions as well as for Scot Dance Canada’s National championships held all across Canada each year. He also plays bass and guitar in another popular Saskatchewan Celtic/Folk group, Back of the Bus. Paul is an award winning songwriter of multi genre songs for children and children’s animations and brings a varied playing style to the traditional groove. Paul has been with The Residuals for three years and enjoys the creative approach that is involved when creating new songs. “Rob McInnis is a vocalist and songwriter who plays tenor banjo, mandolin, and cittern. He has been a member of the Residuals since 2008 and has 14 years’ experience playing Irish traditional music. Rob has served 8 years as vice president of Saskatoon’s Claddagh branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and currently is in his 2nd year as president. “Rick Kroener: guitars (standard and Celtic tuning), banjo, bodhrán and vocals is one of the original members of the Residuals as a performance band since 2006. He first was introduced to Irish and Celtic music as a musician in Germany, where he was born and raised.

102 TEMPLARS OF DOOM TEMPLARS OF DOOM AND

HOVELSA sunny October Saturday begins OF with a huge THE collective laugh HOLY when Seán Laffey takes a zoom interview with Michael X Rose & the Clan MacLeod kilted Marty Shane from the Templars of Doom.

“It’s a modern antidote to the Easybeats Friday on My Mind, the 1960s Australian pop song’s anthem to the pleasures of the weekend. The Black Friday holiday in the USA has become a shopping fest. In these times of Covid-austerity, a clarion call to spend and consume, is an insulting impossibility when you don’t have a dime. We treat Black Friday with the rancour it deserves.” They cover Slade’s Mamma Weer All Crazee Now (without the obligatory Wolverhampton accent) and the Ramones’ Chinese Rock. Marty tells me he has a big collection of music. “They were possibly the last boy band that could actually play their own instruments.” Michael adding, “we loved the way they’d spell out words in their sets, it’s something we do when we perform live; it involves the audience directly in our music.” Mike has Tipperary connections and the old home place is still standing near Kilross near Thurles. “The water tank leaked in the roof and it suffered extensive damage as a consequence.” There are e spend an uproarious hour learning about the live three Irish rebel songs on Hovels of Holy: Wrap The Green Flag scene in New Paltz (their local city) and reminiscing on Round Me, Roddy McCorley and (done a-Capella Wthe hey-day of punk in the 1970s. with a drum beat). Michael says Roddy McCorley is his favourite The Templars of Doom are a Celtic Punk band from Ulster County Irish song of all time. They add to the canon of Republican balladry in the Hudson Valley of New York. Their current line up is: Rory with their own H-Block Escape, commemorating the famous break- Quinn (guitars, bouzouki, vocals), Falco Sporanzani (drums, out from the Maze Prison in 1983 by 38 Provisionals. On a previous vocals), Marty Shane (mandolin, vocals), Michael X. Rose (vocals, album they included their own song on the roots of the Irish bass, banjo), and Michael’s daughter Josie Rose (bagpipes, tin troubles: Oliver Cromwell Twist, which Michael wrote after reading whistles, vocals), who is a viola major, currently at college in NYC. Hilaire Belloc’s account of Cromwell’s campaign in Ireland. Celtic Speed Punk is an American phenomena. Michael likens it Rebel songs go down very well at New Paltz’s Snug Harbor pub. to “ meeting the Clash”. It’s loud, fast, frenetic Mike says it’s an honest blue-collar dive, the perfect venue for their

“Our music is like The Clancy Brothers meeting the Clash”

and a favourite with fans at supportive pubs, festivals and brew kind of music. Mike says their early ambition was to develop a houses in their area. The boys were in the process of setting up their brand of Celtic Punk with Bagpipes. “There are more Pipe bands in own fan festival that very morning. “I put up a stage in my yard in New York State than there are in Scotland; there is always an the early summer and today is the last chance we’ll get to use it opportunity to involve the bagpipes here.” before the bad weather comes in. We have seven acts lined up, each Find out more about this kilted crew at: playing for 30 minutes, it’s going to be some afternoon and www.templarsofdoom.bandcamp.com evening,” Michael tells me. Mike teaches art and special needs classes and Marty is a teacher of English as a second language. Surprisingly conservative jobs for musicians embracing the punk aesthetic. Marty says, “I’m into all sorts of retro music, and I am an avid record collector and part time DJ. I’ve lots of 1960s Garage bands’ vinyl, Rockabilly and a big archive of punk albums too.” Michael shows me his fan credentials, a ticket stub from the first Pogues tour of the USA: New York November 28th 1987, priced at $12:50. He also went to their 2006 reunion. He holds another ticket stub up, the Pogues had become box office, that ticket cost $50. He cites Dublin’s Blood or Whiskey as a major influence in his own music. The Templars of Doom’s latest CD Hovels of Holy is a mixture of original numbers, some covers and Celtic punk re-workings of classic Irish ballads. Their original Black Friday on My Mind is a visceral social commentary on commercialism as Marty explains.

104 PETER DALDRY

PETERPeter Daldry is a California based Scotsman,DALDRY an award-winning singer, his life's trajectories are the makings of a good song or ballad, and he shared some of them with Anne Marie Kennedy. release in early 2021. My first was For My Love, the title a self-penned song; others were Irish and Scottish standards. Familiar Roads followed, a mixture of traditional songs and originals. I choose good traditional songs, always arranging them in my own way, for instance on my album Under A Leaden Sky I wanted the arrangements to have a contemporary feel for guitar, rather than a simple 3 chord strum. The song-writing process has developed over time, homesickness infuses some, like Under a Leaden Sky, about one of my first jobs in the Singer’s sewing machine factory, my head bowed against Scottish rain, juxtaposed with being here under a constant blue sky! Other albums have been inspired by my singing heroes; Andy M. Stewart and Dick Gaughan, also Christy Moore, Phil Callery and Robbie Burns.” AMK: “You’ve had some high profile performances.” Peter: “Some of the highlights were singing the Star Spangled Banner for the Giants baseball team at AT&T Park for 35,000 fans! Also, the Caledonian Club of San Francisco and Scottish Games at Pleasanton Fairgrounds, where Flower of Scotland is the grand finale, with an audience of 23,000 people for 150th celebration, four pipers joined me onstage, an amazing experience! American audiences really embrace the Celtic Culture, especially if they have Scottish or Irish lineage. In 2012 at the prompting of my wife I entered the Independent AMK: Tell us how you got into music, Peter. “ ” Music Awards and was awarded third place in the a Capella category Peter: Growing up in Clydebank, Scotland, I played guitar from age “ for I Wish I Was In Glasgow written by . I have shared sixteen, started with rock music, listening to bands like Rush, Genesis stages and opened for Jim Malcolm and Siobhan Miller (with Aaron and Yes. My Dad would sing at social gatherings, weddings and New Jones) at the Star Folk Club in Glasgow and opened for Old Blind Dogs, Year’s eve, my Mum sang Paul Anka, nowadays she loves listening to Tony McManus and Brian McNeill of fame.” Daniel O’ Donnell! After graduating from Clydebank College I worked for the Scottish Sports Council, which ultimately led me to California. AMK: “Strange times with Covid 19 restrictions, you’ll miss performing “In 1990 I settled in Santa Cruz, had never heard of it until I saw the and the festivals?” movie Lost Boys, the location, beaches, sun and surfing really appealed Peter: “My brother succumbed to Covid19 in April so I have first-hand to me! I taught guitar and soccer at Camp Kennolyn in the Santa Cruz experience, I am hoping to write a tune or song in his memory. I have Mountains, an idyllic place in among the redwoods, nature in your ambitions to perform at Celtic Connections at home in Glasgow, would face. For the annual ‘International Campfire’, event, I, being one of the like to get a singer nomination in the Scottish Trad Awards before I’m too eight Scots who worked there, we donned the kilts and tartan and sang old and I’d like to perform in The Cobblestone in Dublin again, a gig that Flower of Scotland, and everyone loved it. I moved to California brought an invitation to the Singer’s Club in Parnell Square. “My song-writing process has developed over time, homesickness infuses some of them like my Under a Leaden Sky” permanently in 1994, my collection of Corries, the Clancy Brothers and “I’m currently keeping myself busy videoing songs, posting to tapes in the luggage, determined to inject a bit more Facebook and doing the occasional Zoom concert. Strange but Celtic culture into California!” necessary, something my fellow musicians have also been taking to! Stay safe readers, looking forward very much to the return of those live, AMK: “And did you?” people-filled gigs.” Peter: “I gravitated towards the familiar in the beginning, frequented an Catch Peter in the sunshine and possibly in a kilt at: Irish bar called the Poet and Patriot, downtown Santa Cruz, started www.peterdaldry.com playing Celtic folk songs on Friday nights, also hooked up with an Irish music session in a pub run by Tam Paterson a fellow Scotsman. He had a radio show, The Eagles Whistle and I played live there, which led to offers to play other radio stations, local Irish events and Scottish Games. One memorable evening, Dougie MacLean after watching a performance he gave, said, ‘you can take the Scotsman out of Scotland, but you’ll never take Scotland out of the Scotsman’, still rings true to me, twenty-six years of loving the life here, but my heart is in Scotland.” AMK: “You’ve been prolific in terms of output, recording and writing.” Peter: “I’ve released 4 albums. I am now working on material for a new

106 THE B STREET THEATRE THE B STREET THEATRE SACRAMENTO Robert Heuston, Publisher of Irish Music Magazine had the pleasure of recently chatting with Producing Artistic Director, Buck Busfield. enduring fan of trad, I approached Ralph and Antoinette de Vere White, who live in Sacramento. They’re both from Dublin and Ralph comes from a family of arts patrons. In fact Ralph’s father managed the Gate Theatre a long while ago. I asked them if we could partner with them and their pubs, Devere’s Irish Pub and The Snug to cross-promote with our Celtic acts. They said definitely, and the bond was formed. “In our first two years the series has presented Lúnasa, We Banjo 3, High Time Irish Band, Irish Christmas in America with Oisín MacDiarmada and Séamus Begley, John Doyle and Mick McCauley, Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas (twice) and most recently in our virtual programming Nuala Kennedy and Iona Fyfe. And before COVID hit we’d already booked for 2021 The Bryne Brothers, Heron Valley, Iona Fyfe, Irish Christmas in America (Second Time!), Daimh, Eileen Ivers, Altan and We Banjo 3. Then, well, we all know what happened. It was really heartbreaking to close the doors. Mostly for the musicians we came to know and love. “I still can’t believe it’s real, and have not taken it for granted a single day since opening”

RH: As we embark into the unknown of 2021 what are the plans and RH: Can you tell our readers who is Buck Busfield and how you ambitions for the B Street Theatre over the next 12 months? became involved with the B Street Theatre? BB: We never stop looking forward, and feel optimistic about music BB: I’m from a theatre family, and always assumed that would be my returning to the Sofia in 2021, before live theatre. Concerts are just a lot career. After kicking around during my early twenties, my brother asked easier to book and produce than plays. In the meantime, we’re outfitting me to help him start a theatre in 1986, which I did. Working out of a our 250 seat Voris Theatre for concert quality sound to go with our 400 one-bedroom apartment, we toured schools with shows for kids, 12 times seat Sutter Theatre where all music has been performed to date. This to per week. Then came plays for grownups. Then came state tours. Then accommodate more music, and those acts for whom 250 is more came some national recognition. Then came a tour of India. Looking back, desirable. The core of our staff has been together for more than 20 years, we were always growing. Always seeking new opportunities to create and we’re determined to get things back to where we were. We simply more theatre for more people. This culminated with the opening of the love sharing world class music and theatre with the folks of Sofia in 2018. And I must say, it far exceeds my original plans: two Sacramento. And if we can help some artists get their stride back, better theatres, three performance halls, a lovely lobby and bar, courtyard and yet. a now under construction roofdeck patio. I still can’t believe it’s real, and For more www.bstreettheatre.org have not taken it for granted a single day since opening.

RH: How has the B Street Theatre evolved since your foundation and what is your Mission Statement? BB: We’ve now become a full-service, midsize performing arts center, producing live theatre and presenting music, dance, stand-up comedy and podcasts. In our first year in the Sofia we did over 400 performances of 12 plays, over 100 concerts, dance, etc. We were just slammed. Crazy. In 2019, too. We were set to do another full season of plays and were shooting for 180 concerts when COVID hit. A real heartbreak for us, our fans and of course all the artists we employed.

RH: How has the B Street Theatre managed the challenges during the global pandemic of Covid 19? BB: Performing arts centers during COVID are working a balancing act. Closing down yet trying to remain connected with our fans and relevant. I’ve cut the staff back from over 60 to 12 and have kept busy with virtual content: sketch, improv, play readings, classes and a virtual music series, Six Feet Apart.

RH: Your Celtic Series is sponsored by a couple from Dublin who have lived in the Sacramento area since the 1960’s. How has their support been of benefit to the B Street Theatre? BB: As life-long theatre folks, the music series at the Sofia has been the most fun. New and thrilling. Fab acts from all over the world. As an

108 CELTIC CONUNDRUM SING ME THESE SONGS Robert Heuston in conversation with the Florida based, Celtic Conundrum prior to the release of their new album. Celtic music is and why Americans stay closely connected to their heritage.

Robert: What challenges has Covid 19 presented to Celtic Conundrum? Pamela: I had just joined the band with all these gigs booked and we’re out playing and then the shows just died, got cancelled because of Covid 19. It was so sad. We did a few live feeds at the house to help keep connected with our fans. Danny: We did one show on a dock with the audience safely distanced in their boats, and this one small boat literally went and collected donations for us. It was amazing! Gene: Our first big challenge was getting the album recorded, since it was recorded live at shows just before St Patrick’s Day. Our producer was able to get back to Oregon, to find the studio closed due to Covid 19. Album almost done and Bri has to evacuate due to the fires. Luckily

“We look forward to more festivals as they open up throughout the US”

nothing was lost. Also, we are very fortunate because we have been able to play a lot of our smaller venues, because they are outside and

Photo : StreetLife - Photography Charley Street they can control the spacing, and size. But the larger fest/shows have cancelled. For example our album release date in late November is Robert: Who are Celtic Conundrum and how did you all come when we are performing at a Celtic Festival. The venue has scaled back together as a group? the show and attendance numbers. We are fortunate it will happen and Gene: Celtic Conundrum are Danny O’Dell vocals and bodhran, we get an opportunity to perform. Pamela Jo Hatley vocals, banjo, and other instruments, and myself vocals and guitar. I was performing at a gig, and invited Danny and Robert: Which of the US Celtic Festivals outside Florida are on your Heidi to come on stage and it just clicked. wishlist? Danny: Sadly Heidi became ill with cancer and passed away. Logan Gene: I mean certainly we would love to play at the festival in stepped in to help and then joined the band. Logan played on the Milwaukee and the one in Dublin, Ohio. But, really we would love to previous album The Promise and then departed to pursue a different play at all of them. We’re musicians! We love to Musicish! musical direction. We had people filling until we decided on a replacement. Robert: What are the plans for 2021? Pamela: I was one of the fillers. When Gene called I thought he was Danny: We’re already getting started on the next album so we will have saying thanks but we have found someone. Gene said “yes, we did, a much shorter time between albums. Pamela you”! Gene: Many venues are slowly coming back and we are continuing to book through 2021.We look forward to more festivals as they open up Robert: How would you describe your music and stage performance? throughout the US. And look forward to continuing on as the world Gene: We have come to describe our music as American Celtic. That heals. To put it simply, our plan for 2021 is to sing you the songs. seems to come the closest but not quite (hence the conundrum). We love and play traditional songs, but from the beginning we were writing For more details www.celticconundrum.com songs that continue the story of those who came to America. Danny: Our live show is energetic, fun and well rounded! What I mean by well rounded is everyone gets a chance to shine; this is a band of stars, not a band with a star. A fun, entertaining show with very strong vocals, vocal harmonies, and musicianship! Pamela: Helluva good time and it comes through to the audience!

Robert: Can you tell us a little about the new album which Irish Music Magazine are also reviewing in this Edition? Danny: Well certainly we hope your readers really like it! Gene you wrote the songs you tell them. Gene: The album, Sing Me The Songs, is what we stated in “describe your music.” We have a few traditional songs and our originals, which carry the story onward. Like Paving The Rail, is about the railroad in the USA which was built on the backs of the Irish and others. The Gates of The Devil’s Home, is about being a coal miner, both songs are true here and across the pond. So I’ll Remember, is the song of what American Photo : StreetLife - Photography Charley Street

TOP TENS ULN EAH ENNIS NENAGH DUBLIN TOWER RECORDS DUBLIN TOP TEN 1 Lankum ~ Livelong Day ~ Rough Trade 2 ~ Flirting Fiddles ~ TY4TM 3 Stocktons Wing ~ A Beautiful Affair: A Retrospective ~ Tara 4 Mary Coughlan ~ Life Stories ~ Owen Label 5 Sibeal ~ Sibeal ~ Universal 6 Clannad ~ In A Lifetime ~ Sony/BMG 7 Ye Vagabonds ~ Hares Lament ~ Rive Lea 8 Christy Moore ~ Magic Nights ~ Columbia 9 Caoimhin O Raghallaigh & Thomas Bartlett ~ Caoimhin O Raghallaigh & Thomas Bartlett ~ Real World Records 10 Colm Mac Con Iomaire ~ River Holds Its Breath (Tost Ar An Abhainn) ~ Plateau Courtesy of Tower Records, At Easons O'Connell Street and 7 Dawson St, Dublin 2, www.towerrecords.ie

NENAGH TOP TEN 1 Steve Cooney ~ Ceol Arsa Clairsi/ Tunes For Solo Guitar ~ Own Label 2 Kevin Crawford, Colin Farrell, Patrick Doocey ~ Music and Mischief ~ Brooklyn Boy 3 Daoirí Farrell ~ A Lifetime Of Happiness ~ Own Label 4 Arty McGlynn ~ McGlynn's Fancy ~ Own Label 5 Stockton’s Wing ~ Retrospective ~ Tara 6 Fidil ~ Decade ~ Raelach Records 7 Paul Brady ~ Live At Rockpalast ~ Own Label 8 ~ Old Dog Long Roads Volume 1 ~ Own Label 9 Mozaik ~ The Long And The Short Of It ~ Own Label 10 Damien Ó Reilly ~ Duchas ~ Raelach Records Courtesy of Noel McQuaid's Music Shop Nenagh www.mcquaidsirishmusic.com

ENNIS TOP TEN 1 John Dwyer ~ The Dursey Sound ~ Own Label 2 Cli Donnellan ~ Beneath the Hedgerow ~ Own Label 3 Benny McCarthy ~ Press and Draw ~ Own Label 4 Pat Walsh ~ Simply Whistle ~ Own Label 5 John & James Carty ~ The Wavy Bow Collection ~ Own Label 6 Caroline Keane ~ Shine ~ Own Label 7 Desi Wilkinson ~ Two For Joy ~ Own Label 8 SíFiddlers ~ Donegal Fiddle ~ Own Label 9 Shaskeen ~ Live and Kickin’ ~ Own Label BELFAST BELFAST 10 Eoin Turner and Johnny "Bongos" Horgan ~ Keep It Simple ~ Own Label Courtesy of Custy’s Irish Music Ennis, County Clare www.custysmusic.com

BELFAST TOP 10 1 ~ Voice Of Hope 2 ~ Beaumex 2 Big Tom ~ The Pleasure Has Been Mine ~ BTP 3 Derek Ryan ~ Ten ~ Sharpe 4 Various Artists ~ Country Roads Volume 1 ~ Celtic Collection 5 Charlie Landsborough ~ Attic Collection ~ Own Label 6 Christy Moore ~ On The Road ~ Sony 7 ~ Union ~ Sony 8 Arty McGlynn ~ Botera ~ Own Label 9 Jim McCann ~ Ireland’s Greatest Love Songs ~ Music Bank 10 Daniel O’ Donnell ~ Gold Collection ~ Crimson Courtesy of Premier Record Store, Belfast TOP TENS DUBLIN LONDON WATERFORD EUROPEAN WATERFORD LONDON DUBLIN CLADDAGH RECORDS DUBLIN TOP TEN 1 Steve Cooney ~ Ceol Ársa Cláirsí : Tunes Of The Irish Harpers For Solo Guitar ~ Own Label 2 John Doyle ~ The Path Of Stones ~ Own Label 3 Caoimhín Ó Fearghail ~ Uilleann Piping From ~ NPU 4 Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh ~ Thar Toinn/Seaborne ~ Own Label 5 Shaskeen ~ Live And Kicking ~ Own Label 6 John Sheahan ~ Flirting Fiddles ~ Own Label 7 Éilís Kennedy ~ So Ends This Day ~ Own Label 8 Cool Céilí ~ Contemporary Irish Music ~ Stargazer Records 9 Rowan Leslie ~ Contemporary Fiddle Tunes From the Northeast of Ireland ~ Mel Bay 10 Stockton's Wing ~ A Retrospective ~ Tara/Universal Courtesy of Claddagh Records, www.claddaghrecords.com

LONDON TOP TEN 1 The Outside Track ~ Christmas Star ~ Lorrimer 2 Éilís Kennedy ~ So Ends This Day ~ Own Label 3 We Banjo 3 ~ Haven ~ Own Label 4 Eilis Kennedy ~ Westward ~ Own Label 5 Noel Hill ~ Live in New York ~ Raelach Records 6 Kevin Burke ~ Sligo Made ~ Loftus Music 7 Crawford/Farrell/Doocey ~ Music & Mischief ~ Brooklyn Boy 8 Hendry & Toman ~ Living Roots ~ Own Label 9 Outside Track ~ Rise Up ~ Lorrimer 10 Goitse ~ Ur ~ Own Label Courtesy of Copperplate Distribution, London www.copperplatemailorder.com

WATERFORD TOP TEN 1 The Local ~ Déise Sessions ~ Own Label 2 Kerbdog ~ On the Turn ~ Hassle Hindsight 3 Christy Moore ~ The Early Years 1969~81~ UMC 4 Mick Flannery ~ Alive Cork Opera House 2019 ~ Own Label 5 Cárthach Mac Craith ~ An Tobar Séimh ~ Own Label 6 Dermot Kennedy ~ Without Fear ~ Island 7 Cór Fear na nDéise ~ Ceolta Néata ~ Own Label 8 Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh & Thomas Bartlett ~ Real World 9 Bleeding Heart Pigeons ~ Stir ~ Hlym Records 10 The Gloaming ~ 3 ~ Real World Courtesy of Ben O’Neill Music Shop, O’Connell Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, www.siopaceoil.com

EUROPEAN TOP TEN 1 WÖR ~ About Towers ~ Appel Rekords 2 Naragonia ~ Silentski ~ Trad Records 3 The Rheingans Sisters ~ Receiver ~ ARC 4 ZEF ~ Armagnac Maniaque ~ artist 5 Ben Bedford ~ Portraits ~ Cavalier 6 Dreamers’ Circus ~ Blue White Gold ~ Vertical 7 The Secret Sisters ~ Saturn Return ~ New West 8 La Crapaude ~ Gote d’Ewe ~ Home 9 Spilar ~ Stormweere ~ Trad Records 10 Lankum ~ The Livelong Day ~ Rough Trade Courtesy of Folk Centre Den Appel, Belgium, www.tsmiske.be 112 LIVE REVIEWS CARA DILLON LIVE AT THE COOPER HALL October 15th, 2020. Co-hosted by Irish Music Magazine Facebook. Fergal Woods reports. he Coronavirus Pandemic has caused massive upheavals to The same talented team from ‘Live at Cooper Hall’ returned for our society. The music industry in particular has suffered a this special second concert (which saw Cara and Sam performing Tseismic hit and has struggled to come to grips. The social an entirely different set of songs) including Grammy-nominated distancing requirement has essentially brought live music to a halt. Dom Monks and film maker Simon Whitehead and In response to this artists have increasingly turned towards online no less than 5 cameras were used so sound and vision is to the platforms as a way of trying to make a living and allow the sharing highest specification! of their creativity with music lovers. In Cara’s own words - “I wanted to recreate the experience of a This has led, with varying levels of success, to performances from proper performance setting and try as much as possible to capture kitchens shot on smart-phones, split-screen “Festivals” where the essence of one of our more intimate duo concerts: the videos are made by musicians who are not in the same place, and atmosphere, the sound of the room and the staging and lighting.” zoomed pay-per-view performances by solo artists. In mid- The -born Dillon started with the Dougie McLean October I watched the most authentic concert yet when Cara classic Garden Valley with Sam backing on piano. I’ve heard her Dillon and performed an hour long set at the voice described as having the ability to “cause a statue to weep” Cooper Hall in in Somerset. and her singing is as enchanting as ever! Starting with one of her Dillon has already released two fine DVDs in addition to more best songs left a hard act to follow but Cara has such an than half a dozen CDs and the same high production values went extensive back catalogue of folk classics that she was well up to into the creation of this event which was free to view on the Irish the task. Music Magazine Facebook page in addition to Cara’s page and on Sam switched to guitar for the following The Water is Wide which YouTube. The Cooper Hall is a relatively new performance space was a new number for Cara as she’s never recorded it before. In the and Cara and Sam were the first artists to stream a live gig from main the set included a couple of songs from each of her first 5 there in August and the pair also recorded some of their last 2 CDs CDs. The Thousand Hearts album was best represented with 3 there. tracks – As I Roved Out, Bright Morning Star and The Shores of “Her singing is as enchanting as ever!”

Lough Bran which Cara described as one of her favourite songs of emigration, and it’s a song close to my own heart being about my own county - Leitrim. Dillon wears her own home place proudly on her sleeve and there are 2 of her local songs here with heartfelt deliveries – The Verdant Braes of Skreen and The Maid of Culmore. Tracks were mainly slow tender ballads which are her obvious forte but Lakeman’s punchy guitar backing on She’s like the Swallow had a much more upbeat feel to it. Songs were mostly traditional apart from Garden Valley, There Were Roses – the Tommy Sands classic, which is probably the song most closely associated with Dillon, and the Shaun Davey-penned Dubhdarra (from “Granuaile”) which was her closing number. One other original took me by surprise as it was a lullaby from a Disney cartoon from 5 or 6 years back where Cara sang on the soundtrack – Come Flying with Me from Tinkerbell. There Were Roses is a song that never loses its heartbreaking appeal and was the number that introduced her to a much wider audience. As ever she delivered a powerful rendition. The Snows they melt the Soonest was another highlight with Lakeman’s piano accompaniment again superb. His backing throughout the show was split evenly between piano and guitar and False, False was another lovely example of his understated and unobtrusive style. Live from Cooper Hall 2 is available to download in high- resolution audio from Bandcamp. Her other DVDs use a band, so if you prefer the more intimate duo setting then her 2 Live streamed gigs are very viable alternatives featuring 27 songs in total – a real career retrospective! For more information check out www.caradillon.co.uk LIVE REVIEWS 113 CARA DILLON LIVE AT THE AOIFE SCOTT AT THE COOPER HALL BALOR ARTS CENTRE September 20th, 2020. Grainne McCool reports for Irish Music Magazine. t really was the last day of summer as our final spell of sunshine written about Aoife’s mother’s house in Kildare and how she had came to an end late September. And what better way to have to use her mother’s name when trying to get a mortgage. At all Iended summer than with a very real, very unusual occasion in times Aoife’s storytelling and her music was bringing Donegal contemporary times, a live music gig. No better woman to bring alive once more. I still picture Aoife and Andy’s new home as a summer to an even brighter end than Aoife Scott alongside Andy ‘hobbit house’ as that’s how she described it to us. Meaney and Cathal O’Currain. Cathal took centre stage as ‘special guest’ on the night. And The Balor Arts Centre in Ballybofey right here in Donegal was the rightly so. He sings a song he has sung from childhood and it’s one venue. All very much adhering to guidelines with a cabaret style we Donegal folk all know, and we all sang along to The Road to setting for 50 guests and live streamed online. It really was a most Donegal. perfect, magical evening. Aoife, Andy and Cathal entertained for almost two hours. The Aoife and the lads haven’t played live since March and are now songs and the music just rolled off the stage and into our hearts on doing a live stream series of concerts. Last month it was from this special Sunday night. As an encore was demanded (we didn’t Clare, but this month it was very real and right here in Donegal. want it to end), Aoife finished off with two very special pieces; the

“With everyone singing along and it was beginning to feel like old times”

As Aoife and the lads came on stage one could feel their nerves. first song she ever wrote about The South Wall in Dublin, and then Aoife spoke of those nerves, contingent on not having played live finishing off with Fleetwood Mac’s, Everywhere. in so long. Although Dublin was still in lockdown, Aoife travelled The first live gig was over far too soon, but it really did bring from Kildare for the occasion and assured us she and Andy were hope and optimism to a very downtrodden county on this night. not breaking any rules!! Having released their new album earlier this year at The Temple Watch a recording of Aoife’s gig at: www.aoifescott.com Bar TradFest, Aoife, donned in her sparkly cardigan began the set with songs from her recent Homebird album. Aoife sang Another Reason, which she and Andy wrote for her first niece, Kitty. Although a most lovely song, it was made even more special at this special occasion of live music. We were all falling in love with little Kitty by the end. Aoife mentioned that Kitty now has a sister Winnie. Lyrics like, “you’re another reason for the sun to shine” really did resonate for us all in the current climate of uncertainty. We all need a reason for the sun to shine. Next was Dominic Behan’s Building Up and Tearing England Down. With everyone singing along and it was beginning to feel like old times. Aoife told the story of each song and it felt like we were getting not only a live gig, but also a sense of reassurance that all will be OK. She told us the song Don’t Worry helped get her through lockdown, we could all relate to it. The nerves had well and truly subsided now and Aoife was right at home on the Donegal stage. Another story about Fuel I Need followed and we learnt how someone was horrible to Andy and Aoife was just a little furious!! There is serious hurt at the core of this song and yet it’s upbeat and it gives us hope. It is in fact an aphorism for life right now. We all need hope and we all need music to help us through. Aoife and the boys delivered that message in style this Sunday night. Cathal being from Donegal had his family here on this live music night; Aoife told us that they were making them all nervous. It didn’t show, they continued to entertain and delight with the sheer wonder of music and song. My favourite of the night has to be The Homebird. The new album title track and the story behind it was fascinating. It was 114 SEÁN KEANE SEÁN KEANE LIVE FROM CARRAGH COTTAGE Presented by Irish Music Magazine Official Facebook. www.facebook.com/TRADIMM. Sunday October 25th. Seán Laffey reports. eán Keane has been singing in Carragh Cottage in Caherlistrane, picking and plectrum work. It looks so easy but he must have County Galway for 50 years; it was the home of his famous invested hours of practice to develop such fluid muscle memory. Saunts Sarah and Rita Keane and the place where his own father The song brought out a memory for Seán and he reminisced about was born. Its importance as an influential hub of traditional music, story spending his 21st birthday in Cape Cod and gave a shout out to telling and folklore is immeasurable. Mary Ann McDonnell of Philadelphia Radio. Seán and his long-time musical associate guitarist Pat Coyne, One of the most powerful songs of the evening was Robbie were sitting in front of a blackened inglenook fireplace, a black- O’Connell’s The Man from Conamara. Written as a tribute to James smith made crane holding a large kettle to the left of a blazing fire. “The Horse” Keane, the father of the Chicago piano accordion Seán commenting, “There’s good turf in the nearby bog”. player Jimmy Keane. James Senior was an emigrant from For starters he took out a black whistle and played the florid intro Conamara, whom Seán had met him in the early 1990s, as he to Robbie O’Connell’s Home Away From Home. Without seeming explained. “I was invited back to the Keane’s house for a week of to take a breath he moved from melody to the words. At the end, songs and tunes.” James Keane's tragic early death in a he showed us a sheaf of papers containing printed emails with construction accident left a lasting mark on the Chicago Irish requests for this song and others too, from fans that had seen his Community and O’Connell’s song is an emotional epitaph to a Carragh Cottage show the week before. gentle giant summed up in the phrase “his life was written in his The next song was Townes Van Zandt’s Cold as Ice. The two lads songs”. sitting either side of the hot fire, at a Covid-safe distance, so much Seán’s lifetime of singing began with the May Morning Dew. “My so that we were not able to see Pat’s left hand work on the guitar. mother was reading the Tuam Herald and saw an advert for the His right hand, however, is worthy of some careful study; very upcoming Galway Fleadh in the town. She asked my older sister, much in the Paul Brady mode he combines simultaneous finger Dolores, to teach me a song and to see if I had a voice. She taught me The May Morning Dew. I had it off by heart for the Tuam Fleadh, which I won and then onto the Connacht Fleadh in Mountbellew, where I had took first place for singing in English. That year the All Ireland was held in Dublin. I thought, isn’t it great that a song can bring you all around the country.” Songs have taken Seán around the world since then of course. He gave us some of his finest tonight, each one with its own little story. The Mountains of Pomeroy, played on the low whistle, was dedicated to his friends, the Haydens of Tyrone. The whistle was a

“One of the most powerful songs of the evening was The Man from Conamara” little cold at first, he leaned back and warmed the aluminium tube over the grey embers of the turf behind him; you wouldn’t get that kind of convenience on an Arts centre stage. Seán popped out for a few minutes to brew a fresh cup of tea, leaving Pat to sing a moving rendition of Grace. On his return Seán, tea in hand for Pat, said he’d just checked the Facebook page and there were 1500 people watching. He closed the concert with two of his fans’ all time favourites, ’s Isle of Hope and ’s Fields of Gold, which he told us he learned driving though the night on an Autobahn in Germany. Seán performs from Carragh Cottage at 7:30 pm Irish Time every Sunday. When the local travel restrictions permit Pat Coyne will join him. The gigs are fresh each week; if you have a request for a song, you just might find your name on one of those sheets of paper. His songs and his stories will be marvellous.

116 BOOK REVIEWS WHY THE MOON TRAVELS Collection of folk tales by Oein DeBhairduin. Illustrations by Leanne McDonagh. (Published by Skein Press 2020. 144 pages). Deirdre Cronin reviews for Irish Music Magazine.

outlook on life. Titles alone are alive with colour, poetry, and intrigue, like The Dance of Smoke & Midges. Much has been written about travellers. Galway-born Oein is both warm and astute in acknowledging how archives including The National Library & UCD’s Folklore Collection are brimming with beautiful recordings, photographs, and manuscripts about traveller history. But context wise, this rare collection from an insider perspective is seriously overdue. In a world where the focus often rests upon traveller issues, this book invites us graciously to share the storied cultural importance of an ancient community that moves between the old and the new world with innate natural ease and an eloquent grace of being that’s so often overlooked. The lyricism in Oein’s writing reflects and honours that grace - his actual lived experience - these are people who cradle and hold sacred the customs of their ancestors. The reader is left in no doubt that the author grew up in a loving community as warm as the camp- fire around which these surreal stories unfolded. The text is enriched with subtle rhythms of Gammon, a valued version of ancient traveller language. Oein anchors his own link to each story with a preface depicting family life; his father a respected story-teller and poet…I never knew we were poor or how hard my parents struggled to keep our home together…Or….My grandmother introduced me to the use of herbs.

“Oein’s poetic voice lights the lovely blur of boundary between the human and the natural world”

nternationally acclaimed Irish author Sebastian Barry calls this Like the glitter of morning frost across a field, there’s magic-realism at debut collection of stories “A truly important book”. And so it is. A play in tales that also echo with the chimes of day-to-day life. In The Iset of stunningly rich tales rooted in the longstanding oral tradition Women Who Gather,Oein weaves a spell about how spiders began. In of the Irish travelling community, it’s the first book written about a once-idyllic rural balance of work, rest, and play; women plucked flax travellers, by a young traveller, which in itself lifts the prose in a very growing brazenly on the roadside, fresh beetroots to render red the authentic way. Oein DeBhairduin is a writer, educator, herbalist, clothes for the children. But life grew more stressful & labour-intensive activist & administrator with Mincéir community groups. for women until their entire beings were reduced to a bundling of Lunar-related love stories along with cautionary murder tales full of fingers, hailing the birth of spiders. blood red berries; this beautiful book from Ireland’s nomadic tradition With such bright fantastical imagery, Oein’s poetic voice lights the is alive and vivid with bees, giants, holly bushes, healing plants, lovely blur of boundary between the human and the natural world - woodland settings with prophetic owls that blur the lines between now, when the moon takes the form of a beautiful lady, she guided many at then, what’s yet to happen. Words and images jump off the page. In night with light that she borrowed from the day. In Why Dandelions commissioning this book-review, the editors in Irish Music Magazine Grow, the same moon reaches down her arms to give the ocean a good were quick in vision to spot parallels between traditional music and shake! In Airmid’s Voice, a tragic murder-mystery is solved when Airmid nomadic folk-tales potent with movement and music - a great fiddle- discovers her beloved brother’s lonely grave where the shape of his body player retains the essence of what draws them to an ancient tune while is depicted by the herbs bursting through the soil…sage, cowslip, red bringing all the freshness of their own music to play. A similar evolving clover…..a living effigy. Mindful courtesy at play - if poisonous plants are flow in stories being continually enriched down all the decades of oral to be spoken of, tribute must also be paid to the truth that somebody re-canting. And now, equal and apt significance in how this book is suffered and died so that we might know to avoid the same peril. blest by a writing style that holds a lyricism and musicality all its own. I’d happily consider this book as a Christmas gift for hearth, heart and Oein DeBhairduin’s literary voice is unique, compelling, and real. This all ages! This week I chose Bees & Giants for a children’s book- lends a very specific radiant quality shimmering through the stories - as discussion on Zoom. By the same token, The Women Who Gather is luminous as the moon in the title tale! metaphorically intriguing as a feminist reflection. Leanne McDonagh’s illustrations are inspired by her own grounding In stories flecked with philosophical gems as bright as wildflower in the nomadic community - Leanne’s birds, badgers and weaving- scattered on Airmid’s woodland floor, love and unity is Oein looms adding life to these Pavee folk-tales. Oein’s powerful DeBhairduin’s over-arching weave. Like those first spiders, still spinning introduction reads as a vocal passionate pledge to honour the good out silken grey gossamer across the world. Enjoy! people and ancient stories that shaped his childhood and indeed his To Order https://skeinpress.com/shop/ BOOK REVIEWS 117 PHIL COULTER’S BRUISED, NEVER BROKEN Gill Books ISBN9780717184132, hardback, €20.99. Aidan O’Hara reviews for Irish Music Magazine. In 1965, he met and the two became established as one of the world’s most successful song writing teams. He was the composer of some of Ireland’s best-loved songs – Ireland’s Call is almost the country’s second anthem. There were several global hits, and top among those numbers that have become part of ‘the folk’ repertoire is his . Possibly his greatest contribution to the folk world was his work with groups like The Dubliners and Planxty, and Christy Moore said of the latter, “Coulter was the only one who showed any interest in us”. Without Phil’s involvement Planxty might never have been recorded. A friend observed that Phil’s is a position that has been hard won “often in the face of extraordinary personal and political upheaval, most of which has, to date, been kept hidden from public view”, hence the title, Bruised, Never Broken. From the start, the book grabs you and holds you to the end, one that you simply cannot put down until you’re finished. There is no striving after effect and anyone who knows Phil, or has seen and heard him on stage or on air will be pleased to know that his storytelling powers are to the fore in his narrative so that you can just feel he’s talking to you. There are tears and laughter, too, and one of his funniest stories is from the time he was musical director for Noel Pearson’s Dublin production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Ireland’s first ever rock opera. Recruiting singers and stage performers proved to be a nightmare. They auditioned singers who couldn’t act or dance and actors that couldn’t sing. Eventually through hard slogging they got what was required and the lead line-up included Tony Kenny as Jesus, Colm Wilkinson as Judas, folk singers as King Herod and Jim McCann as St. Peter. Phil provides the hilarious account of the first big costume rehearsal at the Gaiety Theatre. Start was at 10 a.m. “And then at 11.15 a.m.,” Phil recalled, “I made ruised, Never Broken, is Phil Coulter’s remarkable life story, a a fatal mistake. I called a tea break.” After the allotted 15 minutes no memoir that tells of his modest beginnings in Derry, studying one turned up. Phil was told to try Neary’s pub nearby, which he did, BMozart and Schubert at the department of music at Queen’s and found the cast that included St. Peter and Mary Magdalene University in Belfast, and in the evening time on the Q.T. off campus, sipping a few gin and tonics, and Pontius Pilate and King Herod playing Muddy Waters ‘blues’ with his own band. Far from becoming the music teacher his parents had envisioned, he became one of the “Possibly his greatest contribution to the world’s leading songwriting figures in rock ‘n’ roll, teenybopper, music, and folk, and eventually himself folk world was his work with groups like becoming a successful entertainer worldwide with his popular The Dubliners and Planxty Tranquillity music concerts and recordings. ” In his writing, Phil Coulter brings to bear the same degree of chatting over a few pints. Phil let out a roar using choice language and focused expertise that he exercised throughout his life in the world of ordered them out. As King Herod (Luke Kelly) was leaving Phil heard music. He quotes his late friend, Luke Kelly of the Dubliners, saying, him say, “I suppose we should get back over there before one of us “Phil Coulter is not a genius, but he’s a great craftsman”. Phil said that gets crucified.” Luke was right, and that he gladly accepted the commendation. Still, Phil, the shy lad from Derry served his time in learning all about the there is more than a modicum of the prodigy in Phil who marries his music and recording world in London and stuck doggedly to it, huge talents to modesty and self-deprecation that is most appealing becoming one of the world’s foremost figures in the business. Would- and even endearing. Behind it all, however, Phil was surely ‘driven’ be songwriters or performers with stars in their eye would do well to to achieve, and although he does not use that word, several times he read Phil’s memoir, where they will learn the hard facts of life in refers to his need to seek a new challenge and stick at it until he showbiz. Phil’s book is a Primer for the learner and the professional reached his goal. alike, and worth reading for that alone. 118 BOOK REVIEWS LEARN IRISH BANJO Enda Scahill’s Irish Banjo Tutor Volume 1. Mark Lysaght reviews for Irish Music Magazine. correct posture, hand position and playing techniques with graded exercises guiding the student through a set of introductory lessons designed to establish good habits from the very start. The original tutor included two CDs with recorded examples of the tunes and exercises. The download includes a PDF version of the tutor itself, with detailed instructions on how to develop the basic techniques required to develop the basic competencies required – topics such as picking, triplets and ornamentation are all covered in a manner which is easy to assimilate. Then we move on to tunes, covered in a gradated fashion, starting with simple tunes before gradually increasing in complexity. Each tune is presented in stave, ABC and TAB notation, with detailed picking instructions so that students can use the learning method best suited to their needs. The eBook version provides a number of innovative features, which should really make a major difference to the student. Each of the original CD tracks is downloadable in a multimedia format which includes a video clip of Enda playing each tune and exercise, demonstrating the exact technique required in each case, and the software follows the notation, matching it with the audio, so that the student knows exactly where they are as they learn each piece. In addition, the student can adjust the speed of the playback to suit their developing skill level, slowing down the exercise at first and gradually building up to 100% speed (or even

Photo : Tim Reilly Tim Photo : faster if desired!). The pitch of the playback is maintained, nda Scahill was steeped in music from childhood. I have whatever the speed. memories of him playing sessions in Miltown Malbay with The playback also allows a number of other options, including Evarious family members from a young age, and he went on selection of sections of the tune for continuous repeat of selected to win four All-Ireland banjo titles. He has played and guested parts; interactive display of the banjo fretboard or a keyboard; with a range of top-class line-ups and musicians including the waveform display, and transposition of the tune to different keys. Brock McGuire Band, The Chieftains, Frankie Gavin and The There is a lot of flexibility in how the various options can be Fureys. He’s perhaps best known as a member of We Banjo 3, combined, allowing the student to customise the settings to give regarded as being in the forefront of the new wave of Irish them the best mix. In these ways, the eBook option provides major traditional bands. advantages over the original tutor, and this should appeal to In 2008 he published Learn Irish Banjo – Enda Scahill’s Essential younger students in particular. Foundation Techniques Volume 1 as a standard tutor, which has The learning experience provided is hugely impressive, bringing been acknowledged as a definitive reference text for the tenor a world-class musician and teacher into the student’s space, and “The learning experience is hugely impressive, essentially bringing a world-class musician and teacher into the student’s space”

banjo. Now the book has been revised and developed as an eBook allows them to tailor the presentation to their exact needs. It which is now available online. It builds on the approach used in should be particularly attractive during the current pandemic the original tutor but uses innovative interactive lessons to guide restrictions, which have limited the availability of conventional the student through every stage of learning the banjo, from music lessons for many students, but irrespective of this, the absolute beginner through to intermediate standard. eBook approach is superbly integrated and is really well worth While the banjo is of West African origin, it was developed and considering. refined in the United States, where the tenor banjo first emerged Secure purchase options are easy to follow, and the online price in the early twentieth century. Its use in Irish music was aided by is $19.99. Once you have registered, you can access the tutor on the innovation of tuning the instrument to G D A e, the same as the any device with a web browser. The eBook is a hugely attractive fiddle and mandolin, an idea attributed to the late Barney option, both for the absolute beginner and the more experienced McKenna. This led to a huge upsurge in its use and popularity, and player seeking to improve overall technique and range of tunes. while previous tutors provided basic information and guidance, Order at: www.soundslice.com/store/enda-scahills-irish- Enda’s book concentrates from the start on the development of banjo-tutor-vol-i

120 CD REVIEWS

MAĊA master. Carl Hession on piano, brings his skills as an arranger to the big Call On You (Single) band parts. Ma!a Music, 1 Track, 3 Minutes If you have ever seen Walt Disney’s 1928 cartoon Steamboat Willie https://macaofficial.com this music would fit it perfectly, both are in lock step with the 1920’s As we look forward to the soon to be released album SPIRAL by the zeitgeist. It’s music with swagger, panache, punched out with staccato Carty sisters Saoirse, Naoise, and Ciara known better as Maċa, the ladies optimism. Gavin brings us the brio of the new immigrant life that have released a teaser single to up the anticipation, and that it has seemed possible before the Wall Street Crash. Yes there are references successfully accomplished. to old Ireland, but the Flanagans’ music had the wit and humour to Call On You is a pull on the heartstrings song about knowing you have that encapsulate a new Irish identity in the land of freedom. The Irish music one person who, no matter what, you can count on to be there for you. of the time was far more diverse than it is now. By Heck opens with a Written by Saoirse, who credits her sisters with help, she wanted a song that Clog, called Galway Farewell. The title track is a barn dance; Tickling spoke to the times we are now experiencing, a song that reached out to the Strings is a Rag. The Dream an Irish Fox Trot. all of us needing something to lead us on and look forward to. The final track is a bit of digital magic; Frankie’s core quartet stitched into With lyrics that express how, “We are all looking for someone to guide the Flanagans’ Auld Lang Syne, with its characteristic closing 1920’s us through…I can’t be sure what the morning brings, but I know I can flourish. Robert Burns’ famous song says “Should Old acquaintance be call on you…” put to music that pulls you in, this single gives promise to forget...”, well By Heck this album brings us back to the fun and energy a brilliant album to come. The song ends with them calling out, “Can you of the not to be forgotten Diaspora’s golden moment 100 years ago. It’s not hear me?”Yes, we can, and we are looking very forward to hearing more! an antique, it’s a double espresso revival. Maryann McTeague Keifer Seán Laffey

THE BYRNE BROTHERS RUNA LIVING THE DREAM The Tide of Winter Own Label 10 Tracks, 34 Minutes RUNA Music, 13 Tracks, 50 Minutes www.thebyrnebrothers.com https://runamusic.com The Byrne Brothers have just released their new album, LIVING THE Celtic Roots band RUNA has always been known for taking traditional DREAM, a musical story of the family’s travels and experiences since music and giving it that punch with crossovers into jazz, bluegrass, leaving Donegal and what a story it is! Opening with one of several of Latin, and other genres. Their albums have always been joys to Finn’s compositions, Waikiki Reel has you seeing and feeling the waves, anticipate and listen to. and then you travel into The Seanamhac Tube Station Reel. You A twelve year project Christmas album has finally been completed immediately are taken by the maturity of their music. The quality of their and is now out to add to our holiday celebrations. I was expecting to individual playing and arrangements, as well as their smooth and really like this album with Shannon Lambert-Ryan’s stunning voice, and interesting transitions are impressive. The combination and pairing of self- the creative music of Fionán De Barra, Cheryl Prashker, Jake James, and composed and Trad pieces are well thought out and brilliantly done. Caleb Edwards, but ended up truly mesmerized by it. The Tide of Winter The Broken Pledge and The Toor More Slide are joined with Finn’s The is a collection of both well known traditional and lesser known Snapped Leash written about two surfboards coming back with only one carols that have been given new life and beauty with Shannon’s surfer… Luca brings you in with some dynamite box playing and then is singing and the interesting and enchanting musical arrangements joined by Finn’s mighty fine picking and the beat of Dempsey’s bodhran. accompanying her. There is no way you won’t be air playing with them half way through this set. In fact, you’ll get your full work out with this album as your toes will Adding the hymns Gaudete, Pleased to See the King, and Soul Cake, be tappin’, too. to God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, The Wexford Carol in English and You’ll be travelling to upstate New York with the Savage Cabbage set and Irish, and Wassailing has provided a varied and captivating listen for the then feeling the fear and relief of just missing being sucked into a tornado holidays. Shannon has the vocal range to do justice to every song on this with the Texas Tornado Reels. One of my favourites is a set they worked album, and the out of the ordinary instrumental arrangements will have on with Colin Farrell which includes The Poppy Leaf , Stevie the you playing The Tide of Winter again and again during the season. It is 3 Legged Alligator, a real creature, and Banna Swing Reels which they truly a gift from them to us for the holidays. composed with Colin. Maryann McTeague Keifer There are ten tracks, which include two songs and a heartfelt waltz honouring their Granny. While their Dad, Tommy, is an accomplished CATHIE RYAN musician, these lads have now proven they are well on their way. The Harvest, 25 Years Of Song Maryann McTeague Keifer ML CD002, 16 Tracks, 69 Minutes www.cathieryan.com Named ‘Irish Female Vocalist of the Decade’, listed in the Top 100 Irish FRANKIE GAVIN AND THE ROARING TWENTIES ORCHESTRA Americans by Irish America Magazine, Cathie Ryan has a stellar By Heck reputation, in North America, Ireland and throughout Irish music GMCH Music 001, 12 Tracks, 35 Minutes communities worldwide. www.frankiegavin-dedannan.irish This on Mo Leanbh Records is a joyous song cycle Waterford’s Flanagan brothers were an entertainment sensation in the that reaches across time periods and generations, her luxuriant tender Irish immigrant communities of New York in the 1920’s. Their music fitted vocals and chosen material make it an enchanting piece of work. An perfectly the fast-paced optimistic outlook of the city in the first post-war album of re-mastered tracks from her many previous recordings, decade of the 20th century, when, like the Empire State and Chrysler traditional and original. Songs are sparingly accompanied, vocals to the building, everything seemed to be on the rise. fore. Cathie Ryan is an outstanding performer who clearly takes delight in Frankie Gavin’s discovery of the Flanagans’ music was at the heart of singing, entertaining and sharing the personal. DeDannan’s cover of My Irish Molly; it changed his career forever. This With celebratory warmth, the opening track by Richard Kemp, album is by way of a thank you for that eureka moment and a chance to Somewhere Along The Road, is probably a deliberate choice given the shine the light on a joyous period in traditional music. Frankie assembled times we live in; ‘Somewhere along the road/someone waits for a big band with a core of traditional players to provide the backbone: me/beyond these present storms that blow/waiting patiently’, couldn’t be Emma Corbett from Ballymacarberry in County Waterford heir to an a more fitting opener. authentic Flanagan regional sound on her melodeon. Banjo player Her original interpretation of the pirate queen’s travails, Grace O’Malley Martin Murray who lives on the other side of the Waterford border, in with music by John Doyle deserves its place here. Her tribute to the much Carrick on Suir, plays the plectrum style that was such a feature of loved Tipperary grandma provides a vivid snapshot into their relationship, 1920’s jazz orchestras, and of which Mike Flanagan was an absolute the matriarch obviously an early music influence, the older woman liked CD REVIEWS 121 to play the fiddle, ‘but best of all my grandma liked me’, and grandma is SCYTHIAN rewarded with immortalisation in the chirpy, cheery, upbeat song. Roots and Stones Newly composed verses by the McGuinns are blended into May The Own Label, 13 Tracks, 49 Minutes www.scythianmusic.com Road Rise To Meet You, an innovative device where the singer inserts The brothers Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka, founders of Scythian, herself craftily into the song structure, winding the prayerful hymn into a may have Ukrainian roots but they’ve rightly become crowd favourites at love story, really effective, new words and old chorus, a perfect match. Irish festivals across the USA. Described by the Washington Post as ‘D.C.’s Her silken-voiced version of Danny Boy provides a great flourishing most energetic and eclectic band’. We are blessed they’ve chosen to finish, a capella, at times operatic, from beguiling crescendo to a whisper. embrace Irish music as their default, in itself a testament to the popularity Cathie Ryan’s The Harvest, is a rich crop. of blue-collar in America. The thirteen tracks here capture the Anne Marie Kennedy live energy that I was lucky enough to see many times at the Milwaukee Irish Fest over the past decade. They open with a traditional medley they LUCIE PÉRIER & ORWIN HÉBERT call Broken String, fiddle to the fore, the drum following the contours of Apples in Winter the reels, a bass line underpinning the groove as the band segue into the Own Label, 12 Tracks, 43 Minutes www.lucieperier.com Penguin Café’s Tune for a Found Harmonium. Production is first class, as French flutist Lucie Périer was influenced by her family in Irish music is the band’s singing and musicianship. from a young age, so it’s no surprise to discover this wonderful collection The song Sail Away Johnny is a winner with its catchy melody and hook of music from herself and violinist Orwin Hébert. line in the refrain “The King’s come looking for his whiskey Johnny it’s time Apples in Winter is a very aptly titled CD. Apples are very much a ‘feel to sail way.” Duffy’s Cut is a song about railway construction, an good’ and ‘go to’ healthy option to stave off illness, especially in the winter impressively theatrical number, and the baritone vocals adding even months. And of course music is very much prevalent in keeping our more drama to the song. The band are joined by Shane Hayes from Socks mental health alive and well; in fact never more so than now amid this in the Frying Pan on Galway City, the song a condensation of memories pandemic world we find ourselves in. Although the title has its literal from their fan trips to the city of the tribes. Check out their Facebook page origins in a cider meeting of these two musicians, I feel the health benefit for a video of this song; we think it has the potential to be the next Wagon interpretations by far outweigh the cider meeting! This French duo really Wheel (are you listening Mr Carter?). do bring a little touch of well-being to our spirits these winter months. There’s a dose of down-home fiddling on the rollicking country song Apples in Winter is a collection of fourteen tracks steeped in Irish Virginia, written and sung by Alexander’s wife Catie Parker, a love song to tradition. From jigs to reels, waltzes to barn dances, hornpipes too, this is her adopted Blue Ridge home. The final track Best Friend Song is a poppy a collection of fine Irish tunes all the way through. With a good mix of upbeat happy ending, an electric mandolin weaving its way through the familiar tunes alongside those very much stamped by Lucie. The Cuckoo’s tracks as the band sing “I stand here with you, finally back here again.” It’s Nest and The Plane on the Plank, among those familiar, and The Stork oven-ready for when those big festivals open their gates again and Takes Its Flight, Planxty Koé and Farewell to Caledonia from Lucie, and of Scythian let rip live again. course Koko’s Jig from Hébert. There’s a real mix in this collection and Seán Laffey something everyone can enjoy. With Hébert’s experience in a variety of musical traditions combined with Périer’s flute, the result really is a very THE NORDIC FIDDLERS BLOC fine sound. Périer and Hébert are joined by Eddiy Guilloteau (bodhrán), Bonfrost Jacky Beaucé (flute) and Nicolas Delatouch (accordion). All come Own label NFB004CD, 12 Tracks, 38 Minutes together beautifully to enrich and accompany this duo. www.thenordicfiddlersbloc.com Apples in Winter all the way from France, yet very much Irish in After a first album in 2011 and a second Deliverance in 2016, here is the temperament, really is a good medicine to listen to in this winter season. Nordic Fiddlers Bloc back with a third opus entitled Bonfrost, a term used Gráinne McCool in Shetland to describe a very hard freeze. The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc are three friends, the Norwegian Olav RICHARD NEYLON Luksengård Mjelva, the Swede Anders Hall and the Shetland Scotsman Live in Galway Kevin Henderson who have been playing together as a trio since 2009. Own Label, 12 Tracks, 55 Minutes www.richardneylonmusic.com Bonfrost, as usual, combines Scottish and Nordic traditions arranged by Live in Galway is a 12 track digital album recorded live at a special Olav, Anders and Kevin. But this time they are taking a slightly different concert in St. Nicholas’ Church in Galway city. Featuring a host of direction by including a solo piece by each of them on the album to take musicians and guest singers, all having appeared on the night of recording. a closer look at the different styles emanating from their home countries. Uilleann piper Richard Neylon surpasses all expectations once again This allows them to push their own boundaries further, developing a with this collection. His distinctive sound resonates throughout. Neylon broader sound that explores the many possibilities offered by the range of laid out the album himself and it’s done perfectly. instruments they play. But they do not forget what has so far been their Opening with O’Neill’s March and Jigs, written as all tracks (with the trademark, a highly specialised collaboration with highly original exception of Sonda), by Neylon himself, we are immediately transported arrangements. Three distinct styles on which they enjoy skillfully weaving into the uilleann pipe land and dancing on our seat. Following on with a the different components of their respective musical cultures and traditions. song, Lark in the Clear Air and the beautiful vocals of Moylan Brunnock, The album opens in a very original way with a scottishe by the Scottish Neylon has changed the tempo and allows us to sit back and capture the musician Calum Stewart who has been living in Brittany for several years. wonderful lyrics and music accompanying. Cape Clear provides us with A tune he composed as a tribute to the place where he settled in Finistère. a beautiful introduction with the uilleann pipes before interaction with The eleven other titles are divided between Scotland (Up Da Stroods Da guitar and more and continuing to showcase the variety of this live piece. Sailor Goes), Norway (Vrengja) and Sweden (En Konstig Fan). As we near the end of the album is my firm favourite. Track 11 is the well- The great variety of instruments used by our three friends from the known song, The Green Fields of France. But this is different, it has Hardanger fiddle to the viola, brings them an unequalled richness which Neylon’s personal stamp all over it. He’s transformed a piece of musical is not far from making one think of a string quartet even though there are history and very much made it his own. only three of them. An album of beauty. There’s something rather poignant listening to this wonderful collection Philippe Cousin from Neylon at present. With little live music available, this is the to release an album of a live recording. Just close your eyes and NICHOLAS BROWN imagine you’re there! Neylon says this is an album featuring “me and Good Enough Music some great friends” and this is exactly how it feels from beginning to end. Own Label, 14 Tracks, 60 Minutes www.pipesandfiddle.com It’s a gathering of friends and it’s a collection you’ll listen to again and The full title of uilleann piper Nicholas Brown’s new recording is Good again. A sonorous piece throughout. Enough Music for Those Who Love It – A Selection of Historic Tunes Played Gráinne McCool on the Irish or Union Pipes. And that just about sums up what we get in 122 CD REVIEWS

this album of tunes by the early pipers, mainly from the eighteenth The opening track, Fractions, features Graham on his Laskin Tenor century. The CD title, by the way, is taken from a 1683 book by Sir James Mandolin, Carole Bestvater (fiddle), Jesse Périard (guitar) and Leonard Turner. Nicholas was born in Illinois but brought up in Ontario, Canada, Podolak (banjo). This new fiddle tune shifts through the time signatures of and became interested in Irish music in his late teens. He began learning 9/8, 10/8 and finally 12/8. Nothing is normal in these beyond normal times. the uilleann pipes from Norman Stiff who had been taught by Dublin- Graham sticks to a more regular metre on Flying Paul, his octave mandolin born Chris Langan of Na Píobairí Uilleann. dominant over the fiddle and bass from Carole Bestvater and Joe Philips. At a music workshop in Denver, Colorado, he met singer songwriter, The title track comes in at number 3; it’s a Canadian fusion of bluegrass, Patrick Sky, from whom he purchased a copy of O’Farrell’s Pocket Celtic and folk music, opening with unaccompanied harmonious chorus Companion for the Irish or Union Pipes first published in 1806. “This from Cara Luft and J.D. Edwards. Graham writes in the sleeve notes the collection of music was so intriguing,” Nicholas says, “and it has led to a song is about “when life was busy and how many of us loved the deep interest in exploring the repertoire of early pipers, learning about the adventure and adrenaline rush.” history of tunes still in the common traditional repertoire, and also in Track 4 is one that could be adopted by folks in Kerry or Newfoundland, finding good tunes that have fallen out of fashion.” a set of three tunes: Dayna Manning’s Jig, The New House on Barnes and The The recording and the remarkably learned notes reflect that interest fully. Warm Up Session, the latter would make a great new Kerry Polka or a Nicholas has provided us with a presentation that is a music delight and with Newfoundland single. background notes to the tunes and their history that are comprehensive and There is an infusion of Nordic lyricism on Pass The Remote, where informative. “A good tune is a good tune,” he tells us, “no matter where it Graham plays whistle and flute. Darren McMullen of Cape Breton’s Còig, comes from, and it’s clear that pipers of the time didn’t stick to strict national brings his banjo to Don Kavanagh’s Latest, a jumpy little hornpipe. Shack boundaries in what material they played. For instance, Irish pipers such as Wacky is a trio of tunes with the title melody closing out the selection, O’Farrell and Courtney were a key part of the Beggar’s Opera of Oscar and named when Anita MacDonald asked Graham if the lockdown had Malvina (nominally Scottish mythology).” That was in the 1790s. turned him Shack Wacky. Nicholas plays several tunes from that opera and apart altogether from The Next Best Thing is a creative collection of fine new music, played by the pleasure he provides in performing these dance tunes and airs, his vast some of Canada’s leading exponents of folk and traditional music. All held knowledge of published Irish music is impressive. One final intriguing remotely together by the affable and hugely talented Graham Lindsey. detail is this; he says “…my set of pipes was likely made some time after Seán Laffey the 1750s and before the 1800s,” and adds that he hopes that “some of the tunes I’ve included here may even have been played on this very same MISTRESS OF MELODY set of pipes some 200-250 years ago.” The High King’s Harper Aidan O’Hara Own Label, 11 Tracks, 38 Minutes www.mistressofmelody.com Barbara Lucas’ cover art of The High King’s Harper is in the style of the SHOOGLENIFTY much-loved illustrator Eric Winter. It shows a blonde-tressed Harper Acid Croft Volume 9 playing beneath a Gothic arch of a mediaeval castle. The Mistress of Melody Shoogle20120, 8 Tracks, 54 Minutes www.shooglenifty.com depicted on the cover is Samantha Rose Owings, a gifted fiction writer, Traditional music is a living art form and much of the technical art was musician and composer, a lady much in demand for music at Renaissance to play music that a community could and would dance to. Shooglenifty, Faires and an actor/performer at theme parks in Utah and Oregon. formed thirty years ago, understand this truth and have lived their message Samantha has a fine voice and often sings at those theme park of west Highland Acid Croft for three decades. performances. This album consists of solo pieces, all Harp instrumentals. Kaela Rowan provides the vocals on Air Chuiart, her voice is imbedded Her selection of tunes includes a number of Carolan compositions; The in the mix, sometimes to the fore, often an echo. Shoogle singing is part Clergy’s Lamentation has a lengthy introduction and a moody resonant of the ambient space. They have a new fiddler, Eilidh Shaw. Recruited main section. Carolan’s Welcome is a friendly hello, the tune greeting us from the Poozies, she brings not only her fiddle, but an appreciation of like a friendly puppy. Captain O’Kane is the most arranged and dramatic where the Shoogles have come from. For many years Angus R Grant was piece on the album; beginning simply and gets deeper and more the wild child of the Shoogles. His influence and his tunes are the ghosts emotional with little pauses for dramatic effect as it builds to the final bass in this album, especially his Silence of the Trams, atune he was working chord. Her own compositions: the gently melodic Forsythia, her The Blind on shortly before he died. Angus is never far away from this album, yet the Man and The Monk is slower, interlaced with sparkling arpeggiated CD doesn’t fall into the traps of sentimentality or a seismic departure from passages on the high strings, her Marigold and Whiskey would make a their roots. Acid Croft Volume 9 is still a Shoogles album, thanks to the great tune for a song, its meter reminded me of The Sour Milk Cart. She electric banjo and strident mandolin on tracks such as Hunting for Angus, visits more familiar territory on two session classics The Butterfly / which begins with a spoken word manifesto about the tripartite culture of Morrison’s Jig, both investigate for their melodic architecture rather than Scotland: Music Art and Dance read by the poet Magi McGlynn. It as fast paced dance tunes. bubbles with Arabic beats and fades on a jingled tambourine. More Asian The final set Castlebay Scrap is funky and fun, syncopated and loose, sounds are found on Black Dog, written after drinking Indian Black Dog reminding us that in the time of Celtic music had its lighter whisky, (in India). Evidently the Shoogles are well travelled and open to side. You can hear the full album on her Bandcamp page, which is all sorts of influences. accessible from her beautifully presented website. The band has a biting sense of humour; you’ll get more than a few Seán Laffey chuckles in the sleeve notes or on their website. I’ll leave you with one example, Eilidh Shaw’s; Billy’s Birthday Tune, they say it “was written in OLAF SICKMANN honour of Arisaig’s finest brickie, Billy MacMillan, on the occasion of his New Irish Tin Whistle Tunes 60th birthday.” How’s that for being cemented in the locality? Timezone Records TZ2027, 10 Tracks, 39 Minutes Seán Laffey www.olafsickmann.de A whistle player from Germany, and an album of new tunes, not so GRAHAM LINDSEY unusual but the combination is intriguing, especially as Sickmann The Next Best Thing presents this as a learning tool and tunebook as much as a listening album. Wavelength Media WM-002, 12 Tracks, 43 Minutes It’s a pleasant 40 minutes, with the sweet Sindt whistle and suitable guitar https://grahamlindsey.com/ accompaniment, but the promise of play-along MP3s and a PDF As the Canadian lockdown came into play during March 2020, tunebook should make this worth a look for any aspiring whistler. musician, composer and all round media-tech guru Graham Lindsey A word of caution, this is not core Irish traditional music, either from the gathered together a distanced but digitally connected raft of some of Canada’s form of the tunes or the style of playing. Great music in both respects, but finest performers to help him interpret his Covid-time compositions. you won’t necessarily fit these alongside tunes from Clare or Sligo or

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Donegal. Olaf has a more pan-Celtic mindset, reminding me in some and a church bell chimes on Jane Eyre; this is stripped backed singing from ways of Manx music that sits between the dark groove of Wales and Jane, her vocals fragile, almost alone, keyboard drones smoothing out that Brittany, the multi-layered eclecticism of northern England, the bleak Pennine gale. There’s more than a thimbleful of Gothic angst in Fiery regimented , and the varied greens of Ireland’s many Dragon and the Lady of Shalott, both harnessing the power of an imagined musical fields. past to tell us about the present in allegorical tale. The performances here are slick and polished, fancy tonguing and fluid The one cover on the album is Sting’s Walking on the Moon.Tapestry’s fingering, but rolls are replaced with flutters, grace notes with slides and interpretation brings out the human story; yes the tune is there, but the trills, and the meter is more measured than you might expect from a exposition is different to Sting’s, somehow more personal, more traditional musician. Sickmann certainly knows his stuff, with ten albums grounded, shifting from pop to folk. The last track is the showstopper, under his belt, mainly guitar but also whistle. He writes a fine melody, and Once Upon A String, asks the question: I wonder where that glorious he can play, so if you’re in the mood for a slightly different approach to the melody came to me? And answers, that it was once upon a string. tin whistle, or looking for some tunes that step outside the Irish canon, this Tapestry weaves their music both ways, the warp of the old, the weft might well be right up your alley - or your Gasse, as Sickmann’s CD is of the new, coloured by panoramic arrangements and dusted with bilingual English and German. magical imagination. Alex Monaghan Seán Laffey

CLI DONNELLAN THE 19th STREET BAND Beneath the Hedgerow Diamond In The Rough Own label, 11 Tracks, 38 Minutes www.clicreativechange.com Own Label, 9 Tracks, 38 Minutes www.19thstreetband.com The debut album from Cliodhna Donnellan is a culmination of her How do you capture a band’s creative energy on an MP3 file? It can’t musical journey with a strong influence in particular to that of her native East be easy for those who work with The 19th Street Band. Their concerts Clare. In a time where we have witnessed so much post-production in the are high-octane Americana. Yet on their latest album, they manage to studio, it’s refreshing to hear an album that pares this back to the core. give us a sample of the joy that cascades from their stage shows. The opening track is simply unaccompanied fiddle allowing for the Their new recording is a vibrant celebration of country folk-rock music to speak for itself. A second fiddle is added from Liam Flanagan from start to finish. From the opening chords of I Just Had to Say to for track 2. Cli’s playing style is very much rooted in a strong the closing refrain of I’ve Been Waiting, The 19th Street Band give it traditional vein. There is a clarity of tone that sings through the music. all they’ve got, as usual. Six of the tracks were written by the band This coupled with the relaxed tempo paves the way for a majestic themselves, and the remaining three are by Philip Donnelly, John soundscape to emerge - one of tradition, simplicity and wholesome Prine, and Stephen Pearse. This is where the alliances become very beauty. interesting indeed. The East Clare Jig, a self-composition sits seamlessly in with the Donnelly, the so-called ‘Clontarf Cowboy’ produced those tracks and mix as does The Legacy, an air written recently but sounding like an old also played guitar and percussion on other songs. His CV is an impressive gem. Track 5 displays a set of jigs joined by her fellow members of the read, he’d worked with , Donovan and the Everly Brothers, group Seoda featuring Bríd O’Gorman on flute and Ciara O’Sullivan on to name a few. Sadly, Donnelly died only a short time after this harp. A charming set of reels follows including the Trip to Parliament reel assignment, and Prine passed away more recently. which sits beautifully in the less popular setting of the key G. Another Although band members created much of the material, Donnelly’s gorgeous arrangement is of Sliabh Geal gCua a haunting air, which is involvement lifts their work to another level. He has captured the band’s rich arranged here in a unique fiddle / guitar duo pairing. delivery, taking their compositions into the same class as his own. I particularly enjoyed the settings of tunes here in a different key from the Frontman Caolaidhe Davis is a son of Northern Ireland, and keeps original - for example, The Mountain Road reel is played here in C which the band from becoming too laidback with his Joe Strummer-style breathes a fresh new lease of life into the tune. The music sounds calm, zeal. His wife Meghan is a remarkable fiddle player and creates uncluttered and is free to breathe at its own pace. O’Carolan’s Cup is a beautiful harmonies. They produce a similar atmosphere to The heart-warming arrangement of this haunting Irish air. Harp and flute Beautiful South, particularly on Nothing to Do (All day to Do It) –with its enhance this rich arrangement with counterpoint lines weaving in and out horns section. of the fiddle parts. The blend, balance and unique texture creates a Hillbilly Boy shows the band’s humour, linking American culture with musical soundscape not unlike that of a Baroque composition. Northern Ireland. Firefly has an East European feel, driven along by Greg The album concludes with a rousing set of reels finishing with a group Hardin’s bass and Patty Dougherty’s drums. Diamond in the Rough shines sound where banjo is a welcome addition to the mix. The set ends with in the greyness of lockdown, as preparation for the full-on live band a catchy composition of the late Brendan Mc Glinchey, a fitting tribute to experience. this fiddle great who sadly passed away earlier this year. An album full of Clive Price little gems along the way this comes highly recommended. Edel Mc Laughlin ROSS AINSLIE & THE SANCTUARY BAND Vana TAPESTRY Great White Records, 16 Tracks, 69 Minutes www.rossainslie.com Once Upon A String Vana is the fourth solo album from multi-instrumentalist Ross Ainslie Opus Asia Records, 10 Tracks, 54 Minutes www.tapestrymusic.net and showcases many of his own compositions. There’s a wonderful This is the third album from duo Steve and Jane Gerrity; we have recently variety of sounds and rhythms on this CD and in the impressive reviewed John O’Dreams, their CD of classic folk songs and Watercolour presentation and arrangements of his compositions. Ross and his Clouds, their album of originals and contemporary covers. Sanctuary Band have chosen well to have as top guest musicians that Once Upon A String is an album featuring nine of their own compositions, include Malcolm Jones (electric guitar), Steve Cooney (acoustic guitar), with a prologue called Tapestry, where Jane sets out a lush harmonic menu Duncan Chisholm (fiddle), and Damien O’Kane (banjo). Ross’s band of their intentions for this album. She has a powerful folk rock voice, member, Paul Towndrow on sax, is heard to most appealing effect, not impeccably controlled, no muffle or mumbling, each word lands bulls-eye least in the soulful melody Maybe Another Time with spoken words on your ear. There’s almost a 1980s Eurovision vibe on Follow The Sun; delivered by Jack Urqhuart. remember when songs had catchy tunes that didn’t get lost in a huge Vana is named after a wellness retreat in India that Ross visited last year. production? Tapestry invests a full drum kit and keyboards from Lol Harris He says that he drew inspiration having experienced peace and the on this track. recharging energy from his visit, and set to work writing and arranging this Melody is obviously important in their own songs, even when they dress new body of work. Ross wanted the music on the album to reflect “the them up with a waterfall of strings on Sail Home To Me. A wind blows in feeling of allowing life to happen at the pace you want it to go instead of

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being dictated by external factors”. Ross Ainslie is one of Scotland’s most right at home on this album. It just works. One of my favourites is there highly regarded traditional musicians and composers, and is highly too, The Rare Ould Times. And again, she owns this song. Accompanied sought after on the Scottish contemporary folk scene for his skill on pipes, by Jack Dingler (vocals), Antonio Santiago (mandolin), Christy Melowy whistles and cittern. And having listened to Vana his fourth solo album, McLeod (bodhrán) and Gordon McLeod (guitar, fiddle and whistle), they one can see why. “Vana is the final product of a reflective journey towards bring new life to these old songs. As a stone upon stone builds memory self-preservation,” Ross says. “I was beginning to feel burnt out with the and life, Koehler continues building life in these songs with her vocals. pressures of touring, so I decided that I had to take a step back to breathe Gráinne McCool and evaluate what direction I wanted my life to go in.” Ross is a founding member of the turbo-charged 13-piece musical powerhouse Treacherous HILLARY KLUG Orchestra. Influenced by pioneering fusion acts such as Shooglenifty, Howdy Y’all and the , the band takes Scottish Own Label, 12 Tracks, 36 Minutes www.hillaryklug.com dance music into a thrilling new dimension with a sound, which draws Howdy Y’all is a collection of music inspired by Hillary Klug’s on traditional roots and contemporary influences. Ross’s new CD Vana upbringing, immersed in the old-time musical heritage of Middle reflects these influences and is indeed a pleasurable musical experience. Tennessee. The selected songs are those that suited her dynamic fiddle and I enjoyed it a lot. dance style. The album title resonates throughout the collection, with Aidan O’Hara Hillary talking to us from the outset. Her fiddle playing is filled with a high energy on this collection of 12 POOR MAN’S GAMBIT tracks. But her voice is there to the fore. A deep, but consistent flow of Land Of Sunshine vocals fills the air, but at no time do they distract from the fiddle and other Own Label, 10 Tracks, 49 Minutes www.poormansgambit.com instruments supporting. It’s difficult at times to decide which you are Philadelphia based Poor Man’s Gambit are Corey Purcell (button hearing, the instrument or the singing, they blend as one. And that’s what’s accordion, cittern, bodhrán, vocals, dance), Deirdre Lockman (fiddle and so striking about this collection of music, it’s united from beginning to end. vocals), Federico Betti (guitar and fiddle). We interviewed them earlier this This old-time record is an all-acoustic one, with influences from Celtic, year about their December 2019 Land of Sunshine album. The plan was Americana, bluegrass, and folk. The instrumentation includes vocals, to bring it on tour with them in 2020; we all know what happened to such fiddle, guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, and bouzouki. All combine to plans after March. produce a very uplifting, yet relaxing set of tunes and songs. The trio’s sound is full and truly traditional. Skip straight to the title track Klug’s dynamic and fun dance style reflects onto the listener from track Martin Mulhare’s Land of Sunshine written it is said when he first landed one. Oh! Susanna immediately takes us on a fun musical journey and that in the USA. The tune is also known as A Jacket of Batteries thanks to journey continues through to the very end. 13 Days to Nashville and Allie DeDannan. Here Corey Purcell and Deirdre Lockman bring it home to Cat are instrumentals where I found myself playing my ‘air fiddle’. Not a Irish Philly. There’s a musical trip to Cape Breton for The Sweetness of common occurrence, but Klug just makes you want to play. The last track, Mary, written by Joan MacDonald Boes. Back to Ireland for the Broken The Cuckoo, cements this 12 track collection of old and new and leaves Pledge with an intricate cittern introduction, the guitar adding just the us wanting a little more. Howdy Y’all is filled with an energy that brings right amount of push when the tune takes off as the fiddle and box dance new life to the old. We leave this listening experience feeling refreshed together, then the fiddle steps away, leaving Corey to run with the tune. and ready to conquer life. Klug’s energy and passion resonates At nearly 5 minutes they use the extended time to dust the nooks and throughout. This young, energetic, all dancing, fiddle playing Tennessee crannies off the tune to perfection. girl leaves her mark, and you can’t help but smile. The band are no novices when it comes to songs either. A bodhrán Gráinne McCool begins Highland Plaidie a Scottish courtship song. A courtship gone wrong is the subject of Beeswing. They get political and so woke on Ewan CELTIC CONUNDRUM MacColl’s Ballad of Accounting. Corey quietens things down with a Sing Me The Songs plaintive slow air, Flat World on the box, reminiscent of Tony MacMahon Own Label, 11 Tracks, 41 Minutes www.celticconundrum.com in its intensity. The surprise is the folk setting of ’s Imagine. Florida based trio Celtic Conundrum. is popular in the They sign off with a tune from another land of sunshine, Brittany, with the sunshine state as they play at Celtic Festivals, Highland Games and Pirate traditional La Ridee Six. Poor Man’s Gambit’s Land of Sunshine is a treasure Gatherings, Steampunk Festivals, and pubs across Florida. Their sound chest of tradition. has been honed in front of live audiences and this direct connection Seán Laffey continues in this new album. They are a ballad band with a penchant for high energy songs, drawing on influences from rock, folk and Americana. CATHERINE KOEHLER The opening track Two Shots of Whiskey & A Prayer is like an acoustic Stone Upon Stone Lynyrd Skynyrd back yard jam, great tremolo mandolin playing here lifting Own Label, 14 Tracks, 48 Minutes the track to another level. Some tracks on this album will be known to Stone Upon Stone is a collection of 14 songs from Catherine Koehler. many of our readers, Ye Jacobites by Name (the shorter Robert Burns Catherine has been singing for over 40 years and her experience certainly version), Step It Out Mary and , the closing anthem resonates on this collection. You get a real sense of her comfort and for hundreds if not thousands of folk clubs around the world. They dip into contentment with each song. With a mix of bluegrass, folk and even the rich ballad repository of Newfoundland on the hilarious The Night traditional, these are songs she grew up with, and yet songs young people Paddy Murphy Died, a dark tale of drinking at an Irish wake. Gene will recognise. Like much of our Irish and Celtic music, it’s rooted in time Martinelli is the songwriter in Celtic Conundrum. He addresses the folk and it’s down to the performer to allow it to travel and remain timeless. themes of hard labour on Paving The Rail, a story about the separation felt Koehler certainly allows it to travel well on this collection. Opening with when every mile of railroad track laid down was another mile away from Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears, one of the most poignant songs ever about your sweetheart. And of the cramp confines of coal mining on Gates of emigration, its central, story still ringing true today. Koehler has put her the Devil’s Home. mark on this and makes it her own. Koehler succeeds in making each song Americana meets Irish whistle on Call to the Wind. There’s more low her own as we listen; The Briar and the Rose, Jeff Canady, and then we whistle on Birch Hill, the most lyrical track on the album, the whistle get to Grace. One of the most popular Irish songs ever. Surely she can’t do providing a bridge between verses. They bring a close harmony aesthetic anything new with this? She doesn’t, but she doesn’t have to. Koehler’s to the title track; this features the voice of their five string banjo player voice is all it needs to make it her own also. This iconic Irish ballad is all Pamela Jo, the chorus, a request: “Grandma sing me the songs, so I’ll hers. remember and carry them on.” Celtic Conundrum are singing our songs The collection continues with some of the most famous Irish songs and and creating new ones. Sing Me the Songs is a credo of their craft. then I hear, Lady of Knock. A hymn I expect to hear in Church, and yet it’s Seán Laffey

128 INTERNATIONAL TOURS IRELAND THE WOLFE TONES 23 Rialto Theatre, Tucson, AZ DUBLIN LEGENDS www.wolfetonesofficialsite.com 24 The Carriage House Theatre, www.dublinlegends.com ANDY IRVINE & DONAL LUNNY April 2021 Saratoga, CA February 2021 www.andyirvine.com 2 Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cork 25 Russell Tripp Performance Center, 4 Shamrock Den Runde Pavilon, May 2021 3 The National Stadium, Dublin Albany, OR Bronderslev, Denmark 8 Dolan’s, Limerick 4,5 Strand Hotel, Limerick 26 Federal Way Performing Arts 5 FuglsøCentret, Knebel, Denmark Center, Federal Way, WA 6 Midtpunktet, Thyholm, Denmark ANDY IRVINE & PAUL BRADY NORTH AMERICA 27 The Powerhouse Theatre, Walla 8,9 Victoriateatern, Malmo, Sweden “ A Celebration Of A Classic Album” Walla, WA 10 Snurretoppen, Store Heddinge, featuring & Kevin CHERISH THE LADIES 29 Boulder Theatre, Boulder, CO Denmark Burke www.cherishtheladies.com 30 Washington’s, Fort Collins, CO 11 Mantzius Live, Birkerød, Denmark www.andyirvine.com February 2021 12 Tinghallen, Viborg, Denmark March 2021 20 Lancaster Mennonite School Fine TALISK 13 Kongrescenter, Ringsted, Denmark 22,23 , Dublin Arts Center Lancaster, PA www.talisk.co.uk March 2021 26 Cork Opera House, Cork February 2021 MOVING SHADOWS 12 The Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon, 27 Royal Theatre, Castlebar, County 18 The Bur Oak, Madison, WI www.magnetic-music.com Michigan, MI Mayo 20 Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, IL February 2021 20 Broome County Forum Theater 31 Waterfront Hall, Belfast 27 Alaska Centennial Center for the 19 Theater Minden, Germany Binghamton, NY Arts, Fairbanks, AK 26 Stadthalle, Germering, Germany THE FUREYS 28 The Ellen Theatre, Bozeman, MT THE HIGH KINGS www.thefureys.com March 2021 MANRAN www.thehighkings.com February 2021 5 Katharine Hepburn Cultural, Old www.magnetic-music.com February 2021 5 Hotel, Skibbereen, Saybrook, CT March 2021 24,25 Kent Stage, Kent, OH County Cork 11 Club Passim, , MA 13 Zeltik Festival, Dudelange, 27 The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA 6 Gleneagle Hotel,Killarney, County 12 Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY 28 Arts Quest, Bethlehem, PA Kerry 13,14 Philadelphia Folk Song Society, March 2021 12 Whistledown Hotel, Warrenpoint, Philadelphia, PA UNITED KINGDOM 5,6 The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA County Down 7 Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, SCREAMING ORPHANS 13 Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, CLANNAD MD www.screamingorphans.com County Fermanagh www.clannad.ie 10 Academy of Music, Northampton, July 2021 14 McWilliam Park Hotel, March 2021 MA 3 & 4 Kincardine Scottish Festival & Claremorris, 9 The Dome, Brighton, Sussex 11 Waterville Opera House, Highland Games,Victoria Park, 20 Marketplace Theatre, Armagh, 15The New Theatre, Oxford, Oxfordshire Waterville, ME Kincardine, Ontario Canada 28 Cork Opera House, Cork 17 London, Palladium, London 12 Chevaliere Theatre, Medford, MA September 2021 18 St David’s Hall Cardiff, Wales 14 Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, 18 Milford Irish Festival, Milford, CT 19 The Forum, Bath, Avon BEOGA NY 19 Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival, www.beogamusic.com 16 New York Society for Ethical Lockport, NY DAMIEN DEMPSEY April 2021 Culture, Concert Hall,New York NY 19 Erie Irish Festival, St. Patrick www.damiendempsey.com 16 The Academy, Middle Abbey 19 Troy Music Hall, Troy, NY Church, Erie, PA March 2021 Street, Dublin 20 The Garde Arts Center, New 20 Electric Ballroom, London 17 Limelight, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast London, CT EUROPE SEÁN KEANE ANDY IRVINE & PAUL BRADY www.weltenklang.at featuring Dónal Lunny & Kevin Burke April 2021 www.andyirvine.com 8 Altes Brauhaus, Bleiburg, Austria April 2021 9 Kik, Ried, Austria 2 Perth Concert Hall, Perth, Perthshire 10 Tonkeller, Horn, Austria 11 Altes Depot, Mistelbach, Austria DAOIRÍ FARRELL 12 Gwölb, Korneuburg, Austria www.daoiri.com 13 Metropol, Wien, Austria April 2021 14 Freiraum, St.Pölten, Austria 8 The Met, Bury, Greater Manchester 15 Oval, Die Bühne Im Europark, 10 The Highfield House, Driffield, Salzburg, Austria Yo r k s h i r e 11 Sage Gateshead, Gateshead, Tyne LUKA BLOOM and Wear www.lukabloom.com 12 Greystones, Sheffield, Yorkshire May 2021 15 Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 9 Labadoux Festival, Ingelmunster, Belgium Shropshire 17 The Trooper, Sturminster Newton, THE FUREYS Dorset www.thefureys.com 18 Phoenix, Exeter, Devon Tour 20 Silk Mill, Frome, Somerset November 2021 21 Jam Jar, Bristol, Avon 12 Theater Horst, Horst, Netherlands 22 Kitchen Garden Café, Birmingham 12 Landvast, Alblasserdam, Netherlands 23 Cambridge Folk Club, Cambridge 14 Posthuis Theater, Heerenveen, 24 Lewes Saturday Folk Club, Lewes, Netherlands East Sussex 15 Theater De Krocht, Zandvoort, 27 Llanhennock Village Hall, Netherlands Newport, Gwent 16 Made, Mayboom, Netherlands 29 Nell’s, Hammersmith, London 17 Stadsschouwburg Velsen, Ijmuiden, 30 Norwich Folk Club, Norwich, Netherlands Norfolk 18 Cultura, Ede, Netherlands 19 Gemeenschapshuis De Lange Berg, TALISK Hulsberg, Netherlands www.talisk.co.uk 20 De Ruchte, Someren, Netherlands April 2021 21 De Stenge Heinkenszand, Netherlands 29 Saint Luke’s & The Winged Ox, 22 Beauforthuis Austerlitz, Netherlands Glasgow, Scotland

130 STORY BEHIND THE SONG JOHN O’DREAMS Inspired by a black and white TV show this song, written in the English Black Country, might have been lost forever, yet it has taken on a life of its own, famously covered by Christy Moore. Many people now think of it as an Irish song. Seán Laffey re-awakens its backstory. he melody was lifted unashamedly from Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique Writing to the Digital Tradition, Bill Caddick explained how he came to Symphony, the last work he ever conducted (first performed in write the song. “I seem to remember a black and white TV version of T1893). The tune became a popular music hit in 1942 when Glen Hamlet (this may be fantasy but I think it was actually filmed in Denmark) Miller released a lush orchestrated version of the song The Story of a Starry starring Richard Chamberlain (he of Dr. Kildare fame in those days) and Night as a 10 inch 78 rpm disc on the Bluebird label, sung by the crooning John O’Dreams was mentioned. I’d already thought of Tchaikovsky’s tenor, Ray Eberle. Twenty years later 1962 Della Rees’ The Story Of A Starry theme from his No. 6 Symphony as a great tune and the two just went Night would repeat the song with a slightly different orchestrated version. together. The melody is ‘flattened out’ a bit but is always recognised as In 1959 Tony William sang the song Where? to the same tune on a Platters Pete’s as far as PRS are concerned!” ‘Sleep but to dream’ is a powerful theme in Hamlet, the hero haunted “John O’Dreams is that simple by recurring nightmares. Jez Lowe would use the same device in his song uncomplicated soul we all become The Bergen, with its opening line, “Sleep why do you wake me with these during sleep dreams you bring?” Bill Caddick took the counter tack; John’s dreams are ” pleasant ones, not nightmares. John O’Dreams is that simple album. Even if you had no idea about classical music the tune was circulating uncomplicated soul we all become during sleep, bereft of care, without in popular consciousness as the ballad boom was set to explode. a plan or a purpose. John O’Dreams resonates with us all, hence its Universal Music has recently re-released digitally re-mastered versions enduring popularity. of Christy Moore’s albums Live in Dublin and The Iron Behind The Velvet; The song appeared on Bill Caddick’s Rough album in 1976, released the latter contains John O’Dreams as the bonus track. Christy had the song on the short-lived South Hill Park label (SHP102); it’s a rare find today in 1968 from the Wolverhampton based singer songwriter Bill Caddick and a collector’s item. Bill’s early work became part of Dave Bulmer’s (1944-2018). Bill was both a solo and group performer, working the UK Celtic Music catalogue, which has been referred to as the Harrogate folk circuit with Magic Lantern and The Home Service (who performed Black Hole, as many of the albums once in the late accordion player’s at one of the Lisdoonvarna Festivals in the 1980s). Bill also worked on The warehouse never appeared again in public. Thanks to dozens of Mysteries, a re-imagining of mediaeval folk plays at London’s National singers and Christy Moore in particular this song has stayed awake for Theatre. over 50 years. JOHN O'DREAMS

Words: Bill Caddick; music:PI Tchaikovsky

(G)When midnight comes and people (C) homeward (G) tread, Seek out your blanket and your (C) feathered (G) bed, Home comes the (D) rover, his journey's (G) over Yield up the night time to old (C) John O (G)'Dreams Yield up the night time to old (C) John O' (G) Dreams

Across the hill the sun has gone astray Tomorrows cares are many dreams away The stars are flying, your candle's dying Yield up the darkness to old John O' Dreams

Both man and master in the night are one All things are equal when the day is done The prince and the ploughman, the slave the free man All find their comfort in old John O'Dreams All find their comfort in old John O'Dreams

When sleep it comes the dreams come running clear The hawks of morning cannot reach you here Sleep is a river, flow on for ever And for your boatman choose old John O'Dreams Yes for your boatman choose old John O'Dreams