Comments

A new compilation - help wanted

I've been asked by a record label to compile a double CD of Irish traditional music representing the last forty or so years.

Now I've done several of these already (four, five? I've lost count) and need a little bit of inspiration as I've pretty much used up my well of ideas.

So here's your chance to give me a nod in a previously unconsidered direction.

I'm not interested in anything recorded by any of the big names, but perhaps a recording you've come across which you reckon might be worthy of wider attention (and a particular track would be an added bonus).

Please bear in mind that the recording must be currently available within the UK and Ireland.

I usually get sent a stack of copies of albums I've compiled, so, if your suggestion's included, I'll send one to you (and acknowledge you in the credits).

So fire away.

# Posted on September 20th 2008 by Floss the Tethers

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

It might help if you posted the previous compilations here, or links if they are already here, so we know what ground has been covered already.

# Posted on September 20th 2008 by GaryAMartin

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

I don't know about over there, but over here in the US, the music of box player Mairtin O'Connor is sadly under-represented.

# Posted on September 20th 2008 by AlBrown

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

John O'Halloran, cousin of Dessie, plays a lovely old-style melodeon. He co-anchors sessions at the Crane in Galway with Mick Crehan (great whistle player). John has a CD out called "But why, Johnny?". I don't know how available it is in the UK but I'm sure if you contacted John or Mick they'd send you one. I play it alot on my radio show and always get comments on his lively style.

# Posted on September 20th 2008 by moria enya

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

Floss - Are you talking about tracks from existing commercial recordings?

Heres a few faily recent albums I recommend:

http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/616 (too many good tunes to choose from)
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/1528
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/390
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/1283 (tracks vary in quality, but there are a few gems)
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/1057
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/1146

# Posted on September 20th 2008 by ragaman

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

More attention should be paid to the musicians in England. Michael Tennyson and Jordy Moran are the great representatives of the scene in Leeds: http://leedscce.com/images/26%20-%20Track%2026.mp3
(The track is from The Music Makers: Celebrating 35 Years Of Comhaltas In Leeds by Leeds CCE)

Sean Moloney of Ballinakill, East Galway, has been understated. He has a unique flute playing style, which is influenced by both his father Eddie Moloney and Paddy Carty, great giants from E. Galway with very distinct styles. He has released 3 recordings so far.

# Posted on September 20th 2008 by slainte

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

I deliberately didn't include any links to the albums which I've previously compiled, Gary, because I didn't want anyone to be influenced by my previous track lists. Regard this project as a tabula rasa (with the exception of my comment about the 'big names').

Yep, Máirtín's high on my list, Al. The problem is that I've already dug deep from 'The Connaughtman's Rambles', his Dara and Claddagh albums are out because of problems with licensing material from those labels, and, sadly, his own self-released albums are hard to come by. However, I'll give him a call.

Moria, nice suggestion, but Johnny's album is very hard to come by.

Ragaman, yep, I'm talking about commercially released CDs. Thanks for reminding me about the Morrow and Coyne albums. I think the Fisherstreet and Casey CDs are out of print.

# Posted on September 20th 2008 by Floss the Tethers

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

It depends a bit on what you mean by the big names, Floss, but assuming you mean those widely known by the general public (only a handful of names, I'd guess), how about something from 'The Mountain Road' CD (Coleman Heritage Centre, 1999), in particular:-

- The Moving Bogs of Powelsboro/ Michael Reilly's (Philip Duffy(fiddle)/ Kevin Brehony (piano))
- Fred Finn's/ Drowsy Maggie (Seamus Quinn (fiddle)/James McDonagh (flute))
- Master McDermott's/ The Tailor's Fancy (Deirdre Collis (whistle)/ Maria Lynn McHugh (piano))
- Brendan Tonra's/ The Killavil (Paddy Ryan (fiddle)/ Jim Corry (piano))

Alternatively, anything from the eponymous CD by whistle player Gavin Whelan.

# Posted on September 20th 2008 by P-K

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

Lots of good Irish music has been played in England over the last four decades, by people with and without personal Irish connections. Thinking of NE England, do you know Cuig's album "Prospect"? Tracks 1 & 10 are IMO particularly good sets. (The album's in the Recordings section here.)

I've found Donnacha O'Brien's whistle playing very inspiring, if I've got the name right.

# Posted on September 20th 2008 by nicholas

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

Here's my highlights from the last 2 years or so of recordings posted here. I don't know what's available where. I've got most of these, and most of the others I've heard multiple tracks from on Clare FM.

# Posted on September 20th 2008 by GaryAMartin

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

Another favourite of mine: Ronan Browne and Peadar O'Loughlin http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/684
(No doubt their other duet album has some fair game on it too, but I can't recommend it as I haven't heard it

Kathleen Collins http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/30

# Posted on September 20th 2008 by ragaman

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

The Humours Of Glendart by the late, great John Gordon. Sublime fiddle playing by a master of his craft.

# Posted on September 20th 2008 by strayaway

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

wow what a great project!
personally i would have great trouble deciding what to leave out. I would guesstimate that I would highlight around 100 tracks and then prune it from there.

Why only the last 40 years?

# Posted on September 20th 2008 by VocalDivaSteed

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

Yeah, this is a great project.

To add some more,
John Gannon (melodeon/Connemara): http://www.claddaghrecords.com/www/product.asp?pID=2177&cID=26
Carmel Gunning (whistle/Sligo): http://www.carmelgunning.com/music.asp
Liam Farrell & Joe Whelan (banjo & box duet/London): http://www.copperplatedistribution.com/vt141cd.html

John Gannon is Colm Gannon's father. Carmel Gunning has taught Liam Kelly of Dervish, Damien Stenson of Teada, and June McCormack. Liam Farrell and Joe Wheland are accompanied by Reg Hall and joined by James Carty on a few tracks.

# Posted on September 21st 2008 by slainte

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

And Breda Keville is missing: http://www.custysmusic.com/mall/CustysTraditionalMusicShop/products/product-3019158.stm

# Posted on September 21st 2008 by slainte

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

I'm fond of the playing of (and of the man) Mick Shannon, from Sligo. I think he's living in Mayo now. Don't know whether the CD he released counts as a "commercial" release. Amazing that he'd never recorded before ... or at least I don't *think* he had ...

http://www.morrison.ie/Mor05/Sunday05.htm

# Posted on September 21st 2008 by benhall.1

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

Mick Hanly!!

# Posted on September 21st 2008 by pipewatcher

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

Ben, I have a copy of the CD that I bought at a gig, a few years ago. I doubt if it's available commercially. Did you notice that all the artists on it are from Fermanagh, thought I'd mention it.

# Posted on September 21st 2008 by strayaway

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

Ay, well, that's where Mick's from originally.

# Posted on September 21st 2008 by benhall.1

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

I noted the above entry from slainte, and I too would love to see a good compilation of English and perhaps Scottish musicians who played and composed within the Irish traditions.

All I know really is that a fair number of musicians I respected and learned from many years ago spent significant time in England, and I would love to learn more about what that experience may have entailed.

# Posted on September 21st 2008 by Rook

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

Thanks to all for their suggestions so far - please keep them coming!

There are always problems in compiling albums such as this. Labels want to do as few licensing deals as possible in the hope of getting job-lot reductions (this explains why there are so many compilations which feature tracks from Gael Linn - an easy option) and to avoid chasing up twenty or so different licensees . Fortunately, my commissioning label is prepared to follow the second route. However, this can be incredibly time-consuming.

'Why only the last 40 years?' Because the first LP of Irish traditional music only appeared in the late 1950s and only a very few albums were released in the first half of the following decade. The 78rpm era is very well covered.

Musicians playing Irish music in England? A grand idea, but sadly not one that this project can encompass.

Ronan Browne and Peadar O'Loughlin - there's actually an unreleased third album. Hmm, maybe I'll give Ronan a call.

Mick Hanly - great suggestion! I'm really keen to get more ideas for singers.

# Posted on September 21st 2008 by Floss the Tethers

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

the Johnstons!!

# Posted on September 22nd 2008 by pipewatcher

Re: A new compilation - help wanted

Good luck anyway. Hope you will let us know about it when it's almost ready.

# Posted on September 22nd 2008 by slainte