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Packie Manus Byrne was born in 1917 on a small isolated farm in rural Donegal. He learned songs from his family and relatives as well as from other local singers. In those days It was not unusual to have a soot-blackened fiddle hanging over the hearth in the kitchen, but Packie took to the tin whistle: "I preferred something I could carry in my inside pocket!" In 1965 he visited his first English folk festival, and the newly emerging folk revival took him to its heart. This album represents some of Packie’s finest work, mainly taken from his Veteran cassette ‘From Donegal and Back!’ plus the addition of three tracks from his seminal Topic Records album ‘Songs of a Donegal Man’, and three tracks which have never previously been released.
1. The Creel (2.43)
2. Lament to the Moon (3.57)
3. Meet an Irishman (3.01)
4. Air - Slieve Na Mban (3.35)
5. The Highwayman Outwitted (4.45)
6. Jig -The Dawn Pack (1.16)
7. Come, Come Away (2.31)
8. The Shirt my Father Wore (3.37)
9. Where is my Norah (4.36)
10. Reel - An Cualain Coo (1.17)
11. The Big Ship (1.57)
12. McCaffery (6.06)
13. Jig - Forgetting the Lesson (1.43)
14. The Barnyard (4.04)
15. The Leather Britches (4.19)
16. The Drummer Boy of Waterloo (3.19)
17. The Shores of Lough Erne (3.50)
18. Reel - Blow the Bellows (1.24)
19. Cod Liver Oil (3.01)
20. Air - Un-named (3.28)
21. The Rich Man's Daughter (5.53)
22. Rambling Irishman (2.19)
VT137CD The Girls Along the Road
Sean Corcoran (of Cran) writes - Getting onto a train between Belfast and Dublin I heard the strains of the reel 'Devanney's Goat' tin-whistling down the corridor and I knew immediately who it was. I found John Kennedy entertaining a carriage-load of travellers to while away the journey - "My God, Kennedy! Do you ever cease?" John Kennedy is one of the great voices of Irish traditional song and also a renowned musician, teacher, songmaker and tunesmith. This album is a selection from John's branbag of songs along with some fascinating pieces from his unique repertoire of old traditional fifing tunes.
1. The Girls along the Road (4.23)
2. The Lass with the Bonny Brown Hair (4.05)
3. (march) The Russian Retreat (2.18)
4. The Flower of Corby Mill (3.34)
5. (hornpipe) The Irishman’s Hornpipe (2.16)
6. The Corncrake among the Whinny Knowes (2.41)
7. (march) The Boys of Sandy Row (2.16)
8. (reel) The Keys of the Kingdom (1.40)
9. Glenone (4.09)
10. The Shipcarpenter’s Wife (4.57)
11. (polka) Willie Nichol’s Polka (1.20)
12. (march) The Great Spy (2.14)
13. Glenarm Bay (4.48)
14. (march) The Heights of Alma (2.18)
15. The Clogmills Factory Girls (3.00)
16. (marches) Jackson’s Return /Open the Door (3.46)
17. Reilly the Fisherman (6.13)
18. The Missus, her Mother, the Bulldog and Me (3.50)
CC15CD Tin Whistles - Moloney & Potts
On the humblest of instruments, two members of The Chieftains produce a maelstrom of music. In the hands of a tasteful expert, the tin whistle can produce music of incredible sophistication. And here it does. Musicians: Paddy Moloney and Seán Potts, tin whistles, Peadar Mercier, bodhrán.
1. Did You Wash Your Father's Shirt, The Mountain Top; reels
2. Jimmy Mo Mhíle Stór; air
3. The Connacht Heifers / Miko Russell's Reel; reels
4. Port Na bPúcaí; air
5. The Piper's Chair / The Gander at the Pratie Hole; jigs
6. An Draighneán Donn; air
7. Murphy's Reel/The Heather Breeze; reels
8. Sliabh Geal gCua Na Féile / Hornpipe / The Garden Of Daisies; air, hornpipe,
set dance
9. Julia Delaney; reel
10. Seolaim Araon Na Géanna Romhainn; air
11. The Hag At The Spinning Wheel; jig
12. Bean Dubh an Ghleanna; air
13. Pléaráca An Ruarcaigh
14. The Boy In The Boat / The Pretty Girls of Mayo; reels
15. Planxty George Brabazon; planxty
16. The Ballyfin Slide / The Cock of The North; slides
Her first solo album 'An Feadoga Stain' ('The Tin Whistle') was recorded in 1979 and is still a reference for all whistle (and flute) players. She is joined on this by Alec Finn and Johnny McDonagh, both members of De Dannan at the time (as Mary had been a few years earlier).
1. Reels: Ril Gan Ainm - Cinnte Le Dia - The Union Reel
2. Reels: Inion Mhic Sheain - Mike Russells'
3. Jigs: Tom Billy's - The Langstern Pony
4. Reels: Sean Reid's - The Drunken Landlady
5. Slow Air: Liam O Raghallaigh
6. Reels: Bean Uf Chroidheain - Gearoid O Comain - An La Baisti
7. Jigs: Port Sean Seosamh - Sean Tiobrad Arann - Rothai An TSaoil
8. Reels: The Blackberry Blossom - Maud Miller - I Wish I Never Saw You - Up to
Your Knees In Sand
9. Hornpipes: Garrai Na Bhfeileoig - Miss Galvin
10. Reels: The Lady On The Island - The Concert Reel - The Hut In the bog
11. Slow Air: Mo Mhuirnin Ban
12. Reels: Mick Hand's - the reel Of Mullinavat
13. Jigs: The Monaghan Jig - Nora Crionna
14. Reels: Kitty Gone A Milking - Last Night's Fun - The Wind That Shakes The
Barley
For Mary's second album she is joined again by Alec Finn and Johnny McDonagh, This successful combination continues her supremacy as one Ireland's of greatest traditional tin whistle players.
1. Flogging Reel/Ivy Leaf/Trim The Velvet
2. Maid On The Green/Mooncoin Jig
3. Eileen Curran/Lomanach Cross/Billy Brocker's/Miss Thorn ton's Reel
4. Aisling Gheal
5. Julia Clifford's/Jenny Lind's Polka/Mountain Pathway
6. Humours Of Ballyconnell/Father Dollard's Hornpipe
7. Rigaudon/Cameronian
8. Richard Dwyer's/Miss McDonald
9. Sliabh Russell/Kitty's Rambles/Padraig O'Keeffe's
10. Dulaman Na Binne Bui/A Stor A Stor A Ghra/Blackhaired L ass
11. Gus Jordan's/Big Pat's Reel/Sweeney's Dream/Eddie Molon ey's
12. Seolfaimid Araon Na Geanna Romhainn
13. Galtee Rangers/Gneevgullia Reel/Paddy Kelly's
14. O'Callaghan's/Cooley's
15. Micho Russell's Reel/Laurel Tree/Woman Of The House
"Seán's whistle playing captures the attention immediately. The staccato delivery of his music is mantled by the rhythmic & energetic performance of his selections." Sean Ryan - Whistles with Alec Finn, Maire Breatnach, Brendan O’Regan, Kathleen Loughnane, Patsy Broderick, Johnny (Ringo) McDonagh, Colm Murphy, David James & Anne Callanan.
1. The Ship In Full Sail
2. Miss McLeod's
3. Mickey Finn's
4. Margaret O'Carroll
5. Lord Gordon's
6. John McKenna's
7. The Old Maids Of Galway
8. The Kilkenny Races
9. Slan Ni Maigh
10. The Limerick Waltz
11. Rosemary Lane
12. Is The Big Man Within?
A great debut album from Athy-born whistle player. His playing is vibrant, free-flowing, and brimful of spontaneity and energy with Garry O’Briain - Keyboards, Mandocello & Guitar, James Blennerhassett - Bass, Nollaig Ni Chathasaigh - Fiddle & Viola, Martin Murray - Mandolin, Jimmy Cahill - Guitar, Tommy Hayes - Percussion.
1. Reels: The Ships are Sailing - Ambrose Moloney’s - The New Mown Meadows.
2. Jigs: The Trip to Athlone - Swans Among the Rushes -Annie Haye’s Jig - The
Fleadh in Kilkenny.
3. Hornpipes: The Fly by Night - The Tailor’s Twist.
4. Reels: McGovern’s Favourite - Sherlock’s - Dwyer’s.
5. Slow Air: Turas go Tir na nOg.
6. Jigs: Haley’s Jig - Eddie Kelly’s Jig - The Scotchman over the Border.
7. Slides: Mick Mahony’s - Barrack Hill - O’Connor’s - John Kelly’s.
8. Reels: Happy Days of Youth - The London Lasses - Sean Smyth’s.
9. Jigs: The Lifting Dew - The Hidden Smile - The Galloping Ass.
10. Slow Air - The Lea Rig.
11. Polkas: Callaghan’s - Bill the Weavers - The Rambling Sailor.
12. Jigs: Cucanandy - The Pride of Kildare - The Humours of Clough.
13. Waltz: The Waltz of the Little girls.
14. Reels: The Concert Reel - The Pride of Rockchapel - Ciaran Tourish.
Brian Hughes is from Athy, Co. Kildare, and has established himself as one of
the finest tin whistle players in the tradition, a fact confirmed by this album
of vibrant whistle music. Brian's earliest introduction to music was through his
grandfather Christy Bracken, a noted bagpiper, who transmitted his love of
traditional music to his grandson. As well as tin whistle, Brian also has a
great interest in the flute and uilleann pipes and was a regular visitor to the
Pipers' Club in Henrietta Street, Dublin, in his youth. He has always been an
avid collector of tunes both old and new, many of which sit comfortably
alongside each other on this wonderfully varied album.
Brian is joined on Whirlwind by guest musicians Garry O'Briain, Nollaig Casey, Brendan O'Regan,
Donnchadh Gough, James Blennerhasset and Bruno Staehlin.
1. Jigs: Rosemary Lane / The Killavil Jig / Doherty's Fancy
2. Hornpipes: Gráinne's Fancy / Alexander's Hornpipe icon
3. Reels: An Chearc is a hÁl / Reel of Mullinavat
4. Waltzes: The Piper's Waltz / The Table-Top Tumble
5. Polkas: O' Keeffe's / Terry Teahan / Babes in the Wood
6. Reels: Tuohy's / Man of Aran
7. Jigs: Up Ya Boya / Paddy McMahon's / Miss Bruce
8. Slow Air: De Bharr na gCnoc
9. Reels: The Golden Keyboard / John McKenna's / The Eel in the Sink
10. Jigs: The Rose in the Heather / Killaloe Boat / Conlon's
11. Horpipe & Reels: The Independent Hornpipe / The Moving Pint / Brady's
12. Slow Air: Nóirín Ní Riain's icon
13. O' Connell's / Brosna Slide / O' Leary's
14. Reels: Tear the Calico / Dispute at the Crossroads / Martin Wynne's
CEFCD199 Irish Traditional Tin Whistle
The late Donncha Ó Briain was a member of a well-known Dublin musical family: his brothers Mick (pipes), Tom (fiddle), Andrew (fiddle) and John (pipes), all learned music from an early age from their father Dinny (accordion). "This recording represents the music of a young man with a spirit and a love for life. Every tune is played with conviction and sincerity – traits that can only be brought out by a musician who appreciates and understands the beauty and cruelty of life. ......" (Paddy Glackin).
1. The Girl that Broke my Heart / Seán sa Cheo (ríleanna)
2. Brendan Coombe's / Port Uí Chaoimh (poirt)
3. The Boyne Hunt / Main ar an gCarraig (ríleanna)
4. Thomond Bridge / An Londubh (cornphíopai)
5. Port Sonny Brogan / Tatter Jack Walsh (poirt)
6. The Maple Leaf / The Man of Aran (ríleanna)
7. The Maid of Mont Cisco (ríl)
8. Ríl Tom Martin / Green Fields of Rossbeigh / Jenny Picking Cockles (ríleanna)
9. Ríl Dharach de Brún / Slán Ie hÉirinn (ríleanna)
10. Ní ar Chnoc ná ar Ísleacht (fonn mall)
11. Trim the Velvet / Scaipeadh na gCleití (ríleanna)
12. The Butcher's March / The Queen of the Rushes (poirt)
13. Kitty Gone a'Milkin' The Flogging Reel (ríleanna)
14. Sporting Paddy / Ríl Josie McDermott (ríleanna)
15. Cornphíopa Loch Garman / Dunphy's (cornphíopai)
16. Richard Dwyer's / Spike Island Lasses (ríleanna)
17. Dublin Reel / Ivy Leaf (ríleanna)
18. Seán sa Cheo / Dunmore Lasses (ríleanna)
19. Tom Billy's Jig (port)
20. Port Tom Mór / The Flying Wheelchair (poirt)
Music from yet another of the musical Hernon family from Carna in Connemara! The
fluency, clarity and life in this tinwhistle music will delight traditional
music fans far and wide. Also featuring on the album are renowned Connemara
melodeon–player, Johnny Connolly, and one of
the great Carna song masters, Peadar Ó Ceannabháin.
1. Ríleanna / Reels icon
2. Poirt / Jigs
3. Fonn Mall / Slow Air
4. Ríleanna / Reels
5. Tógfaidh Mé Mo Sheolta
6. Rincí Sciobóil / Barndances
7. Poirt / Jigs icon
8. Ríleanna / Reels
9. Poirt / Jigs
10. Máirseáil & Poirt / March & Jigs
11. Cornphíopaí / Hornpipes
12. Poirt / Jigs
13. Ríleanna / Reels
14. A Neainsín Bhán
15. Poirt / Jigs
16. Ríl / Reel
Micho Russell, who hailed from Doolin, Co.
Clare, was one of Ireland's best loved traditional musicians and singers. He
came from a musical family and grew up in an environment in which tune, song and
story were held in high esteem. With his brothers Pakie and Gussie he helped to
make Doolin (Fishguard Lane) an internationally known place, with visitors
crowding to the area to hear their playing.
The Sisters Reels
The Limestone Rock / The Maid Who Left the County
Clare Jig / Kerry Slide
Katie Moloneys Polka / The Lisdoonvarna Polka
The Concertina Reel / Drowsy Maggie
The Fair Haired Child - An Páistín Fionn (Verses followed by Air)
Two Quadrilles: Untitled, The Cumann na mBan is Dead and Gone
Jig Selection
Dark Lochna Gar (Air) Patsy Campbell's Reel
Ar Éirinn ní Neosfainn Cé Uí (Air and Song)
Jig: Tatter Jack Walsh (Introduced by words from Irish song)
The Bride's Favourite played as march and jig
Slip Jigs: Barney Brannigans - Beimíd Ag Ól
Anach Cuain (Air)
Jigs: The Walls of Liscaroll / The Little Black Pig
GTDHCD133 The Wind That Shakes the Barley
One of a series of GTD Heritage recordings by Micho Russell.
1 Frieze Britches 2:15
2 Ennistymon in the County Clare 2:13
3 Humours of Ennistymon 11:52
4 Child and His Mother 2:06
5 Drucht Geal Ceo 3:46
6 Sean sa Cheo 1:29
7 The Wind That Shakes the Barley 13:18
8 Battle of Aughrim 7:37
9 Donal na Greine 2:38
10 Sagart 'na Butaisi 11:12
11 An Rogaire Dubh
GTDHCD134 In Our Own Dear Land
One of a series of GTD Heritage recordings by Micho Russell.
1. In Our Own Dear Land (Song)
2. Dark Lochnagar (Air)
3. Bonaparte's Retreat (Set Dance)
4. St Patrick's Day (Set Dance)
5. Humours of Bandon (Set Dance)
6. Swallows Tail (Reel)
7. Harvest Home (Hornpipe)
8. Kerry Slide
9. Old Slip Jig
10. Keel Row
11. Moneymusk (Reel)
A classic 1977 "pure drop" album by this flute and whistle player from the Sligo/Roscommon border who died in 1992. McDermott is also remembered as the composer of several tunes which are now universally played, and which he recorded on this album. With excellent notes by Robin Morton.
1. Reels: The Kerry Man / The Pigeon on the Gate
2. Jigs: Sixpenny Money / Garrett Barry's
3. Hornpipes: The Bush Hornpipe / Dunphy's Hornpipe
4. Song: Morlough Mary
5. Air: An Cailin Rua (The Red-Haired Girl)
6. Reels: The Tap Room / Toss the Feathers
7. Jigs: Dominic's Farewell to Cashel / Trip to the Cottage
8. Lilted Reels: The Collier's Reel / The Bank of Ireland
9. Reels: Micko Russell's Reel / Trip to Birmingham
10. Polkas: Murphy's Polka / The Keadue Polka
11. Reels: Peg McGrath's Reel / Ganley's Reel
12. Song: Ballad of the O'Carolan Country
13. Reels: The Flowers of Ballymote / Coleman's Cross
14. Song: Una Wan
15. Air: Una Bhan
16. Jigs: Boys of the Town / O'Dwyers Jig
17. Reels: Father O'Grady's Visit to Bocca / Darby's Farewell to London
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