It could be that my terminology is a little outdated, but I wouldn't have considered either the Wolfe Tones or Lunasa a band. In Ireland (in the 1950's and 1960's at least), bands (ceili bands) played for ceili dances and competed against each other, etc. Two of the best known ones were the Ballinakill and the Tulla. Then groups like Planxty came along and they performed for audiences, as opposed to dancers. Lunasa follow in this tradition, so I don't think of them as a band. I don't think of the Wolfe Tones either as a band (they don't play for dances) or as a traditional group in the same way that Lunasa is. I would describe them as an Irish Folk Group or as a Ballad Group, because they are mainly a vocal group. The onlly recent group that I'm aware of calling themselves a band is the Brock McGuire Band.
And, hey, I'm not infallible, I'm just throwing in my two bits worth.
Mairtin
We're obviously discussing modern bands, cos otherwise the bothy band would steal the prize. I like Kila nowadays (or are they more roots [is there a difference]?) and At First Light with john mcsherry
I'm sorry for bring slightly off topic but didn't Arty Mc Glynn ply his trade once in showbands ? Don't know what put this notion in my head,,,,ah yeah Big Tom,,,,jeebus he was awful
Frozenstiff left out the Daddies of them all, the Clipper Carltons. Between the rock & roll and the jazz they'd do a Michael Gorman/Margaret Barry thing (The drummer was a good trad fiddle player); they also had a lead guitar player who could knock out some great reels!
Albert booked showbands for his brother Jim who was in the dance hall business, but, since he can't sing or play anything, I'd doubt if he ever played or sang in one!
ceolgal, there a new band.
my brother Ryan Graham and Siobhan O'Donnell are in it. there are other ones from claire and meath.
my bro is goin down to dublin tomorow to finish the cd.
Ah, yes, Banner, the CC, ah remembah zem well (little bit of Maurice Chevalier there). Now SW. Early SW maybe. Home on hols 20 years ago, dragged my non-trad older bro (RIP) to drive me there, his car. No time on poster, no format, just Stockton's Wing, the town (Ballindine, I think) and Sunday Night. Went early for 7:30, had to adjourn to the pub. After closing sat in the car, waiting for the hall to open. Opened at 11:30. Music with local band at 12:30, SW arrived at 1:15. Played Solid Rock. They were opening for Ml Jackson in Cork the following night, so getting ready. Hanrahan left and formed The Templehouse Ceili Band shortly after.
Mairtin
Key Manic Lad, Normally I don't click on links (sorry Ptarmigan), but I clicked on the one above, and have to say, you have found the Rosetta Stone, no, the veritable Holy Grail of Irish Music!
Best Traditional Band
Best Traditional Band
Who in your opinion is the best traditional music band?
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by oh
Re: Best Traditional Band
The Wolfe Tones, without a shadow of a doubt.
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by sergeant fox
Re: Best Traditional Band
Then Steeleye Span. Because they're the second best. So they are.
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by sergeant fox
Re: Best Traditional Band
Lunasa
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by oh
Re: Best Traditional Band
Lunasa. Teada are excellent aswell
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by ceolgal
Re: Best Traditional Band
grada are very good
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by tnoumarap
Re: Best Traditional Band
It could be that my terminology is a little outdated, but I wouldn't have considered either the Wolfe Tones or Lunasa a band. In Ireland (in the 1950's and 1960's at least), bands (ceili bands) played for ceili dances and competed against each other, etc. Two of the best known ones were the Ballinakill and the Tulla. Then groups like Planxty came along and they performed for audiences, as opposed to dancers. Lunasa follow in this tradition, so I don't think of them as a band. I don't think of the Wolfe Tones either as a band (they don't play for dances) or as a traditional group in the same way that Lunasa is. I would describe them as an Irish Folk Group or as a Ballad Group, because they are mainly a vocal group. The onlly recent group that I'm aware of calling themselves a band is the Brock McGuire Band.
And, hey, I'm not infallible, I'm just throwing in my two bits worth.
Mairtin
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by frozenstiff
Re: Best Traditional Band
And, yes, I think the 3 (Lunasa, Teada. Grada) already mentioned are VG, but there are many others too.
Mairtin
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by frozenstiff
Re: Best Traditional Band
The Band of Gypsies. Superb soloing, brilliant rythym section and explosive live performances. Shame Jimi never attempted The Kesh Jig
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by strayaway
Re: Best Traditional Band
Sorry, I meant rhythm, man!
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by strayaway
Re: Best Traditional Band
Wasn't being serious about the despicable Wolfe Tones. Serves me right for being a sarcastic hoor.
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by sergeant fox
Re: Best Traditional Band
Lunasa is certaintly a band, and a great one at that!
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by BE
Re: Best Traditional Band
top four in my opinion: Flook, Dervish, Lunasa, Rig the Jig
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by garyfitz123
Re: Best Traditional Band
We're obviously discussing modern bands, cos otherwise the bothy band would steal the prize. I like Kila nowadays (or are they more roots [is there a difference]?) and At First Light with john mcsherry
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by copo24
Re: Best Traditional Band
bohola, beoga, josephine marsh band...?
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by Keith Dubinsky
Re: Best Traditional Band
Diamond Accordian Orange Marching Band!
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by flanum
Re: Best Traditional Band
http://cgi.ebay.ie/DIAMOND-ACCORDION-BAND-50-ORANGE-FAVOURITES-CASS_W0QQitemZ4825298527QQihZ003QQcategoryZ98882QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by flanum
Re: Best Traditional Band
Not Orange Marching bands traditional bands
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by oh
Re: Best Traditional Band
Big Tom and the Mainliners.
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Best Traditional Band
He is not a traditional band
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by oh
Re: Best Traditional Band
Four men & a dog.
but my fav is cruiniu.
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by JustyBanjo
Re: Best Traditional Band
Mick Del, Melody Aces, Eileen Reed and the Cadets, Dickie and the Miami, Johnny Quigley, . . . but seriously another vote for Bohola.
Mairtin
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by frozenstiff
Re: Best Traditional Band
Now call me a bit daft - but why no mention of Altan?
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by Welshman
Re: Best Traditional Band
...or Danu?
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by pbassnote
Re: Best Traditional Band
.... or Turlough Mor ?
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by murfbox
Re: Best Traditional Band
tool!
# Posted on July 23rd 2006 by Splendid Isolation
Re: Best Traditional Band
fairport convention
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by Ripthecalico
Re: Best Traditional Band
I'm sorry for bring slightly off topic but didn't Arty Mc Glynn ply his trade once in showbands ? Don't know what put this notion in my head,,,,ah yeah Big Tom,,,,jeebus he was awful
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by Strathfoyle
Re: Best Traditional Band
Danú
Lúnasa
Altan
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by Matt_Celta
Re: Best Traditional Band
Justybanjo
Who are Crinniu, never heard of them????
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by ceolgal
Re: Best Traditional Band
Yes - Arty McGlynn was in a showband... as was Albert Reynolds (the man in charge of Ireland for a wee while)
What about a good orange band ...like Max Jaffa
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by stripthewillow
Re: Best Traditional Band
Albert Reynolds was in a showband? Anyone know if he had any talent?
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by Welshman
Re: Best Traditional Band
Frozenstiff left out the Daddies of them all, the Clipper Carltons. Between the rock & roll and the jazz they'd do a Michael Gorman/Margaret Barry thing (The drummer was a good trad fiddle player); they also had a lead guitar player who could knock out some great reels!
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by Bannerman
Re: Best Traditional Band
At First Light
Cappercaille
Planxty
The Bothy Band
Cian
Tamalin
Moving Hearts
Coolfin
Grada
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by eurbanjo
Re: Best Traditional Band
Albert booked showbands for his brother Jim who was in the dance hall business, but, since he can't sing or play anything, I'd doubt if he ever played or sang in one!
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by John McCartin
Re: Best Traditional Band
my fav would have to be flooke,dervish,lunsa and then the bothy band
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by bodhranmad
Re: Best Traditional Band
I myself miss Arcady and Deanta. Both great bands, now gone, more's the pity.
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by AlBrown
Re: Best Traditional Band
Didn't Big Tom and the Mainliners do a concert in the US where the audience was mostly junkies who misinterpreted the "Mainliner" name?
I seem to remember hearing they enjoyed it immensely...
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by grego
Re: Best Traditional Band
ceolgal, there a new band.
my brother Ryan Graham and Siobhan O'Donnell are in it. there are other ones from claire and meath.
my bro is goin down to dublin tomorow to finish the cd.
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by JustyBanjo
Re: Best Traditional Band
The Dubliners :P
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by S.McMullen
Re: Best Traditional Band
Ahm...
Don't ask me, why))) They're best.
The Chieftains, i suppose
But in a bad spirit i usually listen Silly Wizard.
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by Sandy3
Re: Best Traditional Band
It has 2 be altan!!!!!!
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by xxecxx
Re: Best Traditional Band
Stockton's Wing has to be one of the best.
# Posted on July 24th 2006 by Bannerman
Re: Best Traditional Band
Ah, yes, Banner, the CC, ah remembah zem well (little bit of Maurice Chevalier there). Now SW. Early SW maybe. Home on hols 20 years ago, dragged my non-trad older bro (RIP) to drive me there, his car. No time on poster, no format, just Stockton's Wing, the town (Ballindine, I think) and Sunday Night. Went early for 7:30, had to adjourn to the pub. After closing sat in the car, waiting for the hall to open. Opened at 11:30. Music with local band at 12:30, SW arrived at 1:15. Played Solid Rock. They were opening for Ml Jackson in Cork the following night, so getting ready. Hanrahan left and formed The Templehouse Ceili Band shortly after.
Mairtin
# Posted on July 25th 2006 by frozenstiff
Re: Best Traditional Band
OK, so this is getting very trad-snobby & Big Tom doesn't count so what about this:
http://www.irishrecords.com/tiircl31fair.html
# Posted on July 25th 2006 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Best Traditional Band
Key Manic Lad, Normally I don't click on links (sorry Ptarmigan), but I clicked on the one above, and have to say, you have found the Rosetta Stone, no, the veritable Holy Grail of Irish Music!
# Posted on July 25th 2006 by AlBrown
Re: Best Traditional Band
sex pistols, natch. [see mr. rotten's classic autobio, titled "rotten: no irish, no blacks, no dogs."]
# Posted on July 26th 2006 by ceemonster
Re: Best Traditional Band
"OLD" Dance Bands:
Lactin Naoifa (Miltown Malbay Ceili Band)
Thatch Ceili Band
Tulla Ceili Band
NEW Dance Bands:
Tulla
Kilfenora
Four Courts
Turloughmore
NON-Dance Bands:
Bothy Band
Stockton's WIng
Altan
Lunasa
It's all a matter of preference.................
# Posted on July 27th 2006 by Ceolagusrince
Re: Best Traditional Band
I think that Four Men & a Dog are great but there is another band that are also great called Rattle the Boards
# Posted on July 29th 2006 by dunoll
Re: Best Traditional Band
Trouble in the Kitchen........
# Posted on August 4th 2006 by zoukboy