Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I was going to say, in depends on their other musical preferences. If they like rock, the first Lunasa album. If they like 'adult contemporary,' the last Lunasa album. If they like singing, any Altan album.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
If they like "smooth jazz" consider "Coolfin."
"Live in Seattle" by Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill could be a nice, gentle introduction, if that's called for. Ditto "Overland" by Randal Bays and Daithi Sproule.
If it's a guitar player, you can't go wrong with "Masters of the Irish Guitar."
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
It would depend on the person’s musical background, but De Danann’s “Selected Jigs, Reels and songs” is often my first choice. It’s a charmer without hitting too hard on neophyte ears. If the person is a singer, I can resist giving them Dolores Keane’s tracks from The Chieftains’ “Bonaparte’s Retreat”. If I think they’re ready for the full adult dose, I’ll go with the Bothy Band album, “Old Hag You Have Killed Me.” Or I might hit ‘em with Planxty.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Excellent question! I encounter this problem every once in a while, and it always turns out to be the recordings I don't expect that have the appeal. I just gave a friend 1) live Silly Wizard, 2) live Donal Lunny, and 3) Celtic Fiddle festival, and it was the Celtic Fiddle Festival that she liked, when I thought the more polished, more high-energy bands would attract. Also played Patrick Street and Martin Hayes for my sister, and she liked the slow solo fiddle melodies better.
So to answer the question---I think probably The Lonesome Touch will probably be the one I try next. As unadorned and traditional as he is, Martin Hayes seems to have something that appeals to many people who don't know and don't care about Irish music. I can't explain it!
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Eileen Ivers most CDs..people will have heard of her because of liverdance!!..sorry can't bring my self to type it!..but play them her earlier/trad playing .. I love it..It gives you a real kick in the pants and makes you want to pick up your instrument and play..great for doing housework to as well!
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I prefer christy moore, donnal lunny, andi irvine,planxty,colfin, flook, barry kerr...there are many great bands...you shurely will find one that fits your taste
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I had the opportunity to introduce an Irish man to ITM while testing a cd player yesterday. I tried Mick McGoldrick's Morning Rory, this is my favourite album of all time. Despite his origins, it was completely alien to him. He asked if there was anything with electric guitar. Is there?
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Any or all of the followiing:
"Planxty" Planxty
"After the Break" Planxty
"The Bothy Band 1975"
"Old Hag You've Killed Me" The Bothy Band
"Clannad 2"
"Dúlaman" Clannad
"Andy Irvine and Paul Brady"
"Rainy Sundays, Windy Dreams" Andy Irvine
"The Iron Behind the Velvet" Christy Moore
"If the Cap Fits" Kevin Burke
"Portland" Kevin Burke and Mícheál Ó Domhnaill
"Matt Molloy" Matt Molloy
"Noel Hill and Tony Linane"
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
If your trying to get someone into Traditional irish music you got to wean them in. I seriously reccomend the Horslips greatest hits album. They have an excellent celtic rock version of 'King of the Fairies' and 'The Silver Spear'
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
The first Solas album comes to mind. The albums Danu has been putting out lately are nicely balanced efforts, with wide appeal. Certainly Altan should not be ignored. I would probably go with a group effort, that mixes instrumentals and singing, for a "starter" album.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Chieftains (agree, the early stuff).
Narada has a compilation CD called "Dance of the Celts" that's got some good tunes on it; a good representation of ITM(I think)...it seems to be a family favorite (OK...we're easy to please...shows what I know, I guess...)
Cherish the Ladies.
Altan.
We eased into ITM...but Cherish the Ladies CD "Threads of Time" sunk the hook for my two daughters and me.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Very good thread this, both the original question and the answers and suggestions (many of them are ones I'd make as well). I do think, however, it depends on the individual and the situation. If, for instance, you happen to have some people over and the subject of Irish music comes up (e.g., you raise it), and you offer to give the guests a sampling, they may or may not be receptive. You might make your choices depending on what you know their tastes are -- for instance, if they're inclined to hard rock, a dose of Horslips (preferably early to late 1970s) or Moving Hearts ("The Storm") could be in order; if they tend to favor softer-edged and/or folk rock, then Planxty, Bothy Band and early Clannad might be best.
But if you have a friend who says, "I want to learn about Irish music," then it would seem you have more options: You could make some selections that focus more on the melody-rhythm dynamic (some of those early Shanachie albums, for instance), as well as the spectrum of more performance and arrangement-oriented approaches, from Chieftans to Lunasa to Gaelic Storm.
But I'll echo possumawesome's entreaty about "Celtic Woman": Expand their world!
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
If they are into Rock and Jazz; Shooglenifty, Lunasa, Flook, or McGoldrick's solo stuff. If they are into Blues, Bluegrass, Country, or Folk; Bohola or Danu. If they are into electronic and industrial; probably Flook.
Dervish is also a good choice for most of the above categories.
It's an example of what Johnny Cunningham used to refer to as "airy-fairy" Celtic, i.e., oh-so-delicate and precious. Which is not to say it's entirely worthless, by any stretch - but only one very small setting on that very wide spectrum of Irish music.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I think their intent was that Celtic Woman would be to Irish female singing is what Riverdance is to Irish dance. But by my reckoning, they missed the mark, and came up with a watered down mess of styles, layered over with far too much orchestral and electronic garnish. It is a shame, because the young ladies invovled are very talented.
But it is extremely popular in the US, their TV special is often played on public television, and in addition to the original album, each of the young ladies has their own solo effort.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Oh, no! I've seen commercials for that on tv! "Airy fairy" Celtic, all right (I'm censoring myself here). People who are into that stuff wouldn't know enough to appreciate the real thing. They probably listen to Zamfir and John Tesh as well. And electronic elevator music. Like orchestras playing Barry Manilow's "Copacabana".
My mother is one of these people; I know their kind. It's hopeless.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Alright, so kennedy doesn't need to go on a guilt trip, I will get back to topic.
If you can lay hands on it, buy "Many Happy Returns" by Arcady. An outstanding mix of favorite session tunes and marvelous singing by Niamh Parsons, played with marvelous enthusiasm! Here is a group that is sorely missed.
And speaking of groups that are missed, the group Deanta put out some great CDs in the 90's that would have great appeal to someone just getting to know the music.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
A couple of summers ago, a local TV station simply refused to stop showing Celtic Woman. I think it's a travesty. Celtic with fog machines and Yanni overtones -- whatever for?
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I think a Dubliners compilation - maybe "40 Years Reunion", or a selection of good tracks from their '60's stuff when Ronnie Drew was singing "like coke crushed under a door". Their instrumentals prove there was ample life in that zone between Michael Coleman and The Bothy Band; their songs to do with rebellion and politics are likeable to me, an Englishman, in a way some sung and written by some other famous singers are definitely not, when they've deliberately set out to stir that particular pot; and they seem to document a much less cosmopolitan country and era. At the same time they must have kick-started practically the whole ITM band phenomenon into existence, Celtic Women and all.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
why don't you just burn a cd for that person with a variety of selections that are YOUR favorites, or from the lists above and they can get a good sense of the breadth available out there.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
The first Irish music I heard were the early Cheiftan's recordings, but MANY years later, what got me back into it, and playing seriously, was Solas' first CD; their second one is great too.
But assuming this is not an academic question, why not take this someone to hear some live music to get them hooked; you can buy them a CD during the break.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
The thing about Celtic Woman is that it's not really Celtic Music. It's a bunch of (albeit very talented) classically trained women who happen to be from Ireland singing whatever the hell they want. Whcih is all well and god but not in any way to be confused with Irish song or Irish Singing.
Honestly, the violinist (she's really not a fiddler) does the Butterfly and some reels decently, they sing Danny Boy and the Stingy Old Woman, a whole lot of Enya songs, You Raise Me Up (which is a orgeous song but NOT IRISH!) and a bunch of showtunes. It made me very sad.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I don't think it's safe to assume that somebody who likes airy-fairie/Zamfir/etc wouldn't like pure drop Irish music. That hasn't been my experience. I've been proselytizing for my favorite musics for a long time and I still find it hard to predict what somebody will like, based on what they currently listen to or play. I make my best guess and they either like it or don't.
Everybody has their own history of how they came to like whatever they like and I've given up trying to make judgements about it. One thing I often do is make sampler CD's with a variety of things that I like (and like to share) and take note of what goes over best. Then I have a good idea of where to go next.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
OK, Promise not to through vegetables, but I know more than one American Irish Trad musician who first got hooked into the music through Gaelic Storm. Not as a model, mind you, but as a "that's fun, what is it?"
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
the couple of times i've put people onto, or given people, "pure drop" type recordings as starters have not worked out well. the uninitiated don't seem to take to it. it's too "straight, no chaser" for them, i think. so i now use bothy band 1975 as a starter. people are electrified by it. i got onto that because the fiddler cait reed, one of the stateside trad players i most admire and who mentored me when i was starting out, named that and i think one of the planxty ones, as a touchstone that got her going....another starter that seems to work well is anything by martin hayes.
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
My first ITM investment was "Boil the Breakfast Early," which I played frequently when I first bought it. However, it didn't inspire me to look further.
A couple of years later, someone played me Bothy Band's "After Hours." I was hopelessly addicted before they even transitioned into "Give Us a Drink of Water" (second tune in the opening medley). Over two decades later, still one of my absolute favorites.
If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Probably Kinity Sessions by Lunasa
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by Wannabe-piper
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I was going to say, in depends on their other musical preferences. If they like rock, the first Lunasa album. If they like 'adult contemporary,' the last Lunasa album. If they like singing, any Altan album.
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by wormdiet
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Any early Chieftains albums, or Bothy Band, how about Noel Hill & Tony McMahon (that should do it).
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by curlew
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
If they like "smooth jazz" consider "Coolfin."
"Live in Seattle" by Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill could be a nice, gentle introduction, if that's called for. Ditto "Overland" by Randal Bays and Daithi Sproule.
If it's a guitar player, you can't go wrong with "Masters of the Irish Guitar."
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by mickray
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
i second early Chieftains
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by DubChieftain
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
i havent heard coolfin but i agree with martin hayes
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by Wannabe-piper
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Give them a taste of rocky stuff if they're into it-Great Big Sea or Gaelic Storm; then get them traddier slowly.
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by Zazzaliss
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Early Chieftains, Altan or Bothy Band. If it is "all round" Irish music, songs and all, Planxty or even the Dubliners(early, Luke Kelly years).
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by bodhran bliss
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
It would depend on the person’s musical background, but De Danann’s “Selected Jigs, Reels and songs” is often my first choice. It’s a charmer without hitting too hard on neophyte ears. If the person is a singer, I can resist giving them Dolores Keane’s tracks from The Chieftains’ “Bonaparte’s Retreat”. If I think they’re ready for the full adult dose, I’ll go with the Bothy Band album, “Old Hag You Have Killed Me.” Or I might hit ‘em with Planxty.
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by Bob himself
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Excellent question! I encounter this problem every once in a while, and it always turns out to be the recordings I don't expect that have the appeal. I just gave a friend 1) live Silly Wizard, 2) live Donal Lunny, and 3) Celtic Fiddle festival, and it was the Celtic Fiddle Festival that she liked, when I thought the more polished, more high-energy bands would attract. Also played Patrick Street and Martin Hayes for my sister, and she liked the slow solo fiddle melodies better.
So to answer the question---I think probably The Lonesome Touch will probably be the one I try next. As unadorned and traditional as he is, Martin Hayes seems to have something that appeals to many people who don't know and don't care about Irish music. I can't explain it!
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by kennedy
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Michael McGoldrick and Fused or any of the Lunasa albums
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by Llanman
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Eileen Ivers most CDs..people will have heard of her because of liverdance!!..sorry can't bring my self to type it!..but play them her earlier/trad playing .. I love it..It gives you a real kick in the pants and makes you want to pick up your instrument and play..great for doing housework to as well!
# Posted on September 28th 2006 by fionarua
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Chieftains did it for me.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by Greg the Piano Tuner
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I think something a little funkier, the transition into trad can be a bit of a shock for some people - so Lunasa, Flook etc.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by shoddy fiddle player
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I prefer christy moore, donnal lunny, andi irvine,planxty,colfin, flook, barry kerr...there are many great bands...you shurely will find one that fits your taste
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by lea h
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Ó Riada Sa Gaiety, Bumblebees, Bakerswell
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by PCL
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I had the opportunity to introduce an Irish man to ITM while testing a cd player yesterday. I tried Mick McGoldrick's Morning Rory, this is my favourite album of all time. Despite his origins, it was completely alien to him. He asked if there was anything with electric guitar. Is there?
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by gtag
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Any or all of the followiing:
"Planxty" Planxty
"After the Break" Planxty
"The Bothy Band 1975"
"Old Hag You've Killed Me" The Bothy Band
"Clannad 2"
"Dúlaman" Clannad
"Andy Irvine and Paul Brady"
"Rainy Sundays, Windy Dreams" Andy Irvine
"The Iron Behind the Velvet" Christy Moore
"If the Cap Fits" Kevin Burke
"Portland" Kevin Burke and Mícheál Ó Domhnaill
"Matt Molloy" Matt Molloy
"Noel Hill and Tony Linane"
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by amhrán
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
If your trying to get someone into Traditional irish music you got to wean them in. I seriously reccomend the Horslips greatest hits album. They have an excellent celtic rock version of 'King of the Fairies' and 'The Silver Spear'
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by session savage
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
BEOGA.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by fiddle11
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
The first Solas album comes to mind. The albums Danu has been putting out lately are nicely balanced efforts, with wide appeal. Certainly Altan should not be ignored. I would probably go with a group effort, that mixes instrumentals and singing, for a "starter" album.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by AlBrown
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Boil the Breakfast Early by The Chieftains.
That's what did it for me all those years ago.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by cathrynb
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Good one amhran...I think the best one there is Tony Linnane and Noel Hill......Its still one of my favourites.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by Hugo Chavez
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I just ade up a list for an aunt who wants to get into ITM...Martin Hayes and Eileen Ivers were on the top.
But, as was the case with my aunt, GET THEM AWAY FROM CELTIC WOMAN AT WHATEVER THE COST!!!!! For that I recommended Cherish the Ladies.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by possumawesome
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Chieftains (agree, the early stuff).
Narada has a compilation CD called "Dance of the Celts" that's got some good tunes on it; a good representation of ITM(I think)...it seems to be a family favorite (OK...we're easy to please...shows what I know, I guess...)
Cherish the Ladies.
Altan.
We eased into ITM...but Cherish the Ladies CD "Threads of Time" sunk the hook for my two daughters and me.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by pn5jn
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Boil the Breakfast Early did it for me too, cathrynb!
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by fidkid
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
NOEL HILL
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by m
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Maybe the Boys of the Lough. Any album.
Probably best for those who already have a taste for "roots" music of some kind.
The Boys gives them a taste of Irish and Scots music and beyond, singing and tunes.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by curamach
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Very good thread this, both the original question and the answers and suggestions (many of them are ones I'd make as well). I do think, however, it depends on the individual and the situation. If, for instance, you happen to have some people over and the subject of Irish music comes up (e.g., you raise it), and you offer to give the guests a sampling, they may or may not be receptive. You might make your choices depending on what you know their tastes are -- for instance, if they're inclined to hard rock, a dose of Horslips (preferably early to late 1970s) or Moving Hearts ("The Storm") could be in order; if they tend to favor softer-edged and/or folk rock, then Planxty, Bothy Band and early Clannad might be best.
But if you have a friend who says, "I want to learn about Irish music," then it would seem you have more options: You could make some selections that focus more on the melody-rhythm dynamic (some of those early Shanachie albums, for instance), as well as the spectrum of more performance and arrangement-oriented approaches, from Chieftans to Lunasa to Gaelic Storm.
But I'll echo possumawesome's entreaty about "Celtic Woman": Expand their world!
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by sts
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I'm afraid to ask...what's Celtic Woman?
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by kennedy
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
If they are into Rock and Jazz; Shooglenifty, Lunasa, Flook, or McGoldrick's solo stuff. If they are into Blues, Bluegrass, Country, or Folk; Bohola or Danu. If they are into electronic and industrial; probably Flook.
Dervish is also a good choice for most of the above categories.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by Unseen122
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
>I'm afraid to ask...what's Celtic Woman?
http://www.celticwoman.com/index.asp
It's an example of what Johnny Cunningham used to refer to as "airy-fairy" Celtic, i.e., oh-so-delicate and precious. Which is not to say it's entirely worthless, by any stretch - but only one very small setting on that very wide spectrum of Irish music.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by sts
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I think their intent was that Celtic Woman would be to Irish female singing is what Riverdance is to Irish dance. But by my reckoning, they missed the mark, and came up with a watered down mess of styles, layered over with far too much orchestral and electronic garnish. It is a shame, because the young ladies invovled are very talented.
But it is extremely popular in the US, their TV special is often played on public television, and in addition to the original album, each of the young ladies has their own solo effort.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by AlBrown
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Oh, no! I've seen commercials for that on tv! "Airy fairy" Celtic, all right (I'm censoring myself here). People who are into that stuff wouldn't know enough to appreciate the real thing. They probably listen to Zamfir and John Tesh as well. And electronic elevator music. Like orchestras playing Barry Manilow's "Copacabana".
My mother is one of these people; I know their kind. It's hopeless.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by kennedy
sorry if I've hijacked this thread, because it's a really good thread. Please ignore me and keep making suggestions!
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by kennedy
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
Alright, so kennedy doesn't need to go on a guilt trip, I will get back to topic.
If you can lay hands on it, buy "Many Happy Returns" by Arcady. An outstanding mix of favorite session tunes and marvelous singing by Niamh Parsons, played with marvelous enthusiasm! Here is a group that is sorely missed.
And speaking of groups that are missed, the group Deanta put out some great CDs in the 90's that would have great appeal to someone just getting to know the music.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by AlBrown
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
A couple of summers ago, a local TV station simply refused to stop showing Celtic Woman. I think it's a travesty. Celtic with fog machines and Yanni overtones -- whatever for?
BLEEEEAHH!
# Posted on September 30th 2006 by cathrynb
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I think a Dubliners compilation - maybe "40 Years Reunion", or a selection of good tracks from their '60's stuff when Ronnie Drew was singing "like coke crushed under a door". Their instrumentals prove there was ample life in that zone between Michael Coleman and The Bothy Band; their songs to do with rebellion and politics are likeable to me, an Englishman, in a way some sung and written by some other famous singers are definitely not, when they've deliberately set out to stir that particular pot; and they seem to document a much less cosmopolitan country and era. At the same time they must have kick-started practically the whole ITM band phenomenon into existence, Celtic Women and all.
# Posted on September 30th 2006 by nicholas
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
why don't you just burn a cd for that person with a variety of selections that are YOUR favorites, or from the lists above and they can get a good sense of the breadth available out there.
# Posted on September 30th 2006 by elvis2440
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
The first Irish music I heard were the early Cheiftan's recordings, but MANY years later, what got me back into it, and playing seriously, was Solas' first CD; their second one is great too.
But assuming this is not an academic question, why not take this someone to hear some live music to get them hooked; you can buy them a CD during the break.
# Posted on September 30th 2006 by Keith Dubinsky
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
The thing about Celtic Woman is that it's not really Celtic Music. It's a bunch of (albeit very talented) classically trained women who happen to be from Ireland singing whatever the hell they want. Whcih is all well and god but not in any way to be confused with Irish song or Irish Singing.
Honestly, the violinist (she's really not a fiddler) does the Butterfly and some reels decently, they sing Danny Boy and the Stingy Old Woman, a whole lot of Enya songs, You Raise Me Up (which is a orgeous song but NOT IRISH!) and a bunch of showtunes. It made me very sad.
# Posted on October 1st 2006 by possumawesome
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
I don't think it's safe to assume that somebody who likes airy-fairie/Zamfir/etc wouldn't like pure drop Irish music. That hasn't been my experience. I've been proselytizing for my favorite musics for a long time and I still find it hard to predict what somebody will like, based on what they currently listen to or play. I make my best guess and they either like it or don't.
Everybody has their own history of how they came to like whatever they like and I've given up trying to make judgements about it. One thing I often do is make sampler CD's with a variety of things that I like (and like to share) and take note of what goes over best. Then I have a good idea of where to go next.
# Posted on October 1st 2006 by Bob himself
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
"The Ring Sessions" - James Kelly. Can't get traddier than that.
Good luck! Lauri
# Posted on October 2nd 2006 by lauri
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
OK, Promise not to through vegetables, but I know more than one American Irish Trad musician who first got hooked into the music through Gaelic Storm. Not as a model, mind you, but as a "that's fun, what is it?"
I'm dodging, now!
# Posted on October 2nd 2006 by Dianeg
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
the couple of times i've put people onto, or given people, "pure drop" type recordings as starters have not worked out well. the uninitiated don't seem to take to it. it's too "straight, no chaser" for them, i think. so i now use bothy band 1975 as a starter. people are electrified by it. i got onto that because the fiddler cait reed, one of the stateside trad players i most admire and who mentored me when i was starting out, named that and i think one of the planxty ones, as a touchstone that got her going....another starter that seems to work well is anything by martin hayes.
# Posted on October 2nd 2006 by ceemonster
Re: If you were to pick a album to get someone 'into' irish music, what would it be?
My first ITM investment was "Boil the Breakfast Early," which I played frequently when I first bought it. However, it didn't inspire me to look further.
A couple of years later, someone played me Bothy Band's "After Hours." I was hopelessly addicted before they even transitioned into "Give Us a Drink of Water" (second tune in the opening medley). Over two decades later, still one of my absolute favorites.
# Posted on October 2nd 2006 by JSO