Comhaltas

Sonny Murray

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:11:00 GMT

Following the sad death of Sonny Murray, we present a track of Sonny recorded in 1990 by Frank Whelan of Ennis, Co. Clare.

Hills of Clare

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:04:06 GMT

“Hills of Clare”, sung by Michael Mahony. This is one of several great songs penned by Gaelic scholar, poet and cartographer Tomás O hAodha from Miltown Malbay.

An Gréasaí Bróg

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:02:00 GMT

An Gréasai Bróg was first published in Treoir in 1982. It was subsequently included in the CCÉ publication Amhrán Rithmiúla, available in CD and accompanying booklet format from Cultúrlann na hÉireann. An Gréasai Bróg, a conversational rhythmical light-hearted song, has associations with Connemara and is in fact an old version of Beidh Aonach Amárach as was sung in West Clare. It features melodic and lyrical repetition, and thus simultaneously appeals to, and is easily learnt by, children. An Gréasai Bróg was included in the Spring 2009 edition of Treoir in response to requests received for such songs. The next issue of Treoir will feature another Irish language song offering more of a challenge to the learner.

Seamus Creagh’s / Trip to Dingle

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:10:00 GMT

From the “Echoes of Erin 2008” Comhaltas Tour CD, Peter Staunton & Niamh Varian-Barry play the polkas, “Seamus Creagh’s” and “Trip to Dingle”. Niamh learnt this polka from the playing of fiddler Séamus Creagh, and the second polka is a composition of Roscommon piano accordion player Alan Kelly.

Rosewood / Tommy Maguire’s

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:10:00 GMT

From the “Echoes of Erin 2008” Comhaltas Tour CD, the Comhaltas Tour Ensemble plays the jigs, “Rosewood” and “Tommy Maguire’s”. The first jig is believed to be a composition of Scottish fiddler/composer James Scott Skinner (1843-1927), while the second jig is a composition of the now deceased Offaly accordion player Tommy Maguire, who spent much of his life in Chicago.

Na Páipéir á Saighneáil

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:10:00 GMT

From the “Echoes of Erin 2008” Comhaltas Tour CD, Eimear Arkins sings “Na Páipéir á Saighneáil”. The song is believed to date from the time Wild Geese, at time when Irish soldiers and chieftain families left their country following the English settlers plantations.

The The Maids of Castlebar / The Swallow’s Nest

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:10:00 GMT

From the “Echoes of Erin 2008” Comhaltas Tour CD, Aonghus Buggie plays the reels, “The The Maids of Castlebar” and “The Swallow’s Nest” on banjo, accompanied by harper Cathy Potter.

The ‘Maids of Castlebar’ was recorded by Sligo fiddlers Paddy Killoran and James Morrison in the 1936 recording ‘From Ballymote to Brooklyn’ and has consituted part of what is considered to be ‘core repertoire’ ever since. ‘The Swallow’s Nest’ is a composition of the much reknowned accordion maestro and composer Paddy O’ Brien Co. Tipperary (1922-1991).

Miss Hamilton

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 13:10:00 GMT

From the “Echoes of Erin 2008” Comhaltas Tour CD, the Comhaltas Tour Ensemble plays the harp piece, “Miss Hamilton”. Miss Hamilton is included in the Bunting Collection having been notated by Bunting from the from harper Patrick Linden in 1802, although the scholar Dónal O Súilleabháin established that the original Bunting manuscript gave Hugh Higgins as the source of the tune. The piece was composed by harper Cornelius Lyons in 1706.

The Dawn / Music in the Glen

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:10:00 GMT

From the “Echoes of Erin 2008” Comhaltas Tour CD, piper James Mahon plays the reels, “The Dawn” and “Music in the Glen”. This selection of reels tunes were recorded by Leo Rowsome in London on the 27th July 1947, and that recording was the first recording of uilleann pipe music ever heard by the then young flute-player James Mahon.

Galway Bay

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:10:00 GMT

From the “Echoes of Erin 2008” Comhaltas Tour CD, the song “Galway Bay” is performed by Seán Ó Sé and the Comhaltas Tour Ensemble.

This fine song of emigration written by the Galway songsmith Francis A. Fahey (1845-1935) should never be confused with a later song of the same name made famous by crooner Bing Crosby. This particular recording of the song featured on the Echoes of Erin 2007 CCÉ US Tour Album.

Laura’s Reel / The Highest Hill in Sligo

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:10:00 GMT

From the Echoes of Erin 2008 Comhaltas Tour CD, the reels “Laura’s Reel” and “The Highest Hill in Sligo” are performed by Eibhlín Healy, Eimear Arkins and the Comhaltas Tour Ensemble.

This first reel was composed by the fiddler Philip Duffy, a highly respected fiddler from Co. Sligo. The reel featured on Philip’s 2003 album ‘Killin Clocks’ which displayed his discerning understanding of the musical legacy of the great fiddle masters of Sligo. ‘The Highest Hill in Sligo’ is a composition of Ed Reavy ( 1898-1988) the well-known fidder and composer who, having emigrated from his native Cavan to the US in 1912, settled in Philadelphia.

George White’s Favourite/Boys of Malin/Gravel Walk

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:02:00 GMT

George White’s Favourite/Boys of Malin/Gravel Walk. A recording in progress from our new session tunebook, Foinn Seisiún Book 3. We recorded this at Cois na hAbhna in Ennis in February, 2008.

Shandon Bells/Father Kelly’s/I Buried my Wife and Danced on her Grave

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:02:01 GMT

Shandon Bells/Father Kelly’s/I Buried my Wife and Danced on her Grave. A recording in progress from our new session tunebook, Foinn Seisiún Book 3. We recorded this at Cois na hAbhna in Ennis in February, 2008.

Fairy Queen/Good-Natured Man/Belfast Hornpipe

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:02:00 GMT

Fairy Queen/Good-Natured Man/Belfast Hornpipe. A recording in progress from our new session tunebook, Foinn Seisiún Book 3. We recorded this at Cois na hAbhna in Ennis in February, 2008.

Christmas Eve/Killavil Reel/Boys of Ballysodare

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:02:00 GMT

Christmas Eve/Killavil Reel/Boys of Ballysodare. A recording in progress from our new session tunebook, Foinn Seisiún Book 3. We recorded this at Cois na hAbhna in Ennis in February, 2008.