Okay, this is probably a dangerous question. Quite possibly one that has been talked about at great length before. I'm new 'round here, and there's only so far back in the archives that I've paged through, so if there's a better thread and I missed it, do bring it to my attention, please and thank you!
What are some of the essential traditional Irish music recordings in your collection? I'm a fiddle player, so I'm especially concerned with/interested in fiddlers' recordings, though I want to be well-rounded. :::grin::: I'd like to build up my CD collection a bit, and would like suggestions as to what to get. Things that are really classics, or that you would consider to be indespensible for an eager beaver fiddle student such as myself.
Also appreciated are good places online or in New York City to purchase said recordings.
The Michael Coleman 2-disc set
Any solo recording of Frankie Gavin
Milestone at the Garden - various
Boston College Fiddle Festival - various
Kathleen Collins - Trad Music of Ireland
Bobby Casey - Casey in the Cowhouse
Johnny Doherty - pretty much any album, I like the "Brass Fiddle"
John Vesey (most people mispronounce his name, for the record it rhymes with peace-y, not Bessy)- Sligo Fiddle (2-disk set)
Andy McGann & Paddy Reynolds
Brian Conway & Tony DeMarco - Apple in Winter
These aren't the ten best or anything just the first ten good ones that popped into my mind. You should have no problems whatsoever getting any of these albums in NYC, in fact just ask around I'm sure you could tape them from someone.
Kevin Burke - If the Cap Fits
Tommy Peoples - High Part of the Road
Andy McGann & Paul Brady - It's a Hard Road to Travel
Paddy Canny - Trad Music from the legendary East Clare Fiddler (stupid title)
James Kelly - Traditional Music of Ireland
Well, if not a dangerous question, it’s an extensive one! Here are a few good online sources for finding Irish and other traditional music. Some of these also include reviews of the albums so you can get an idea if you’d like them. They may sometimes have better prices than the stores.
I’m also in NYC. Here are a few sources you could check in Manhattan:
J&R Music World on Park Row
Tower Records and other major music stores
The major bookstore chains carry some selection, usually just the most well-known things and overpriced.
Another good way to get albums is to buy them at concerts; if you’re off to hear someone, bring some extra money. Just in case you don’t know about this yet, here’s a link for traditional Irish concerts in Manhattan: http://www.blarneystar.com/
In general, I’ve found the online sources have a much better selection, including older items or more obscure (but no less good!) items. Many of them will try to track down items for you even if they don’t normally carry them.
And which recordings to buy? While I was busy writing this, I noticed someone else posted some suggestions. The only overlap item I was going to suggest was AndyMcGann/Paddy Reynolds, so here’s a second vote for that one. (All the rest on that list are good too; I just hadn’t thought of them yet!)
You might also check any album by Tommy Peoples. Another recent reissue that people are really excited about is:
An Historic Recording of Irish Traditional Music from County Clare and East Galway
(on the Shanachie label)
For somewhat more recent recordings, try the albums of Randall Bays.
Another good one is: Gerry Harrington and Charlie Piggott: The New Road
Well, I’m sure others will add their own lists here. And take a look at the recording section on The Session, which lists lots of good things, many with comments.
Joe Burke, Andy McGann and Felix Dolan: "A Tribute to Michael Coleman" (one of the greatest Irtrad albums ever)
Kevin Crehan: "An Bhábóg sa Bhádóg" (Junior Crehan's grandson playing his music, just beautiful)
Kevin Crawford and many fiddlers: "In Good Company" (a good record of some of the best fiddlers alive, playing duets with Kevin)
Oh, and as far as a source, i mentioned them a few times, but here's again: http://www.knottedchord.com
But it's always a good idea to click the "Amazon.com" button in the recordings section of this site, so Jeremy gets some money back.
If you can't find an album you want, try Custy's Music in Ennis (you can go to their online store) and John Moulden's Ulstersongs for more esoteric recordings. http://www.ulstersongs.com/
To me Tommy Peoples is the greatest living traditional fiddler both from a performance and composition perspective. His most recent recording "The Quiet Glen" is a must for all traditional fiddlers as it contains many of his own compositions (the Green Fields of Glentown and the Jocelyn Tree are just two which come to mind) - you can get more information from Tommy's website at http://homepage.tinet.ie/~logo/tommy.htm.
How come none of you fiddlers have mentioned Paddy Glackin? Long at the forefront of trad music and, hands down, still one of the best. Numerous recordings. Get these before you plonk out your hard-earned cash for any of Eileen Ivers' efforts. Very talented fiddler, uninteresting music! Add to your library the 3 volumes of Fiddle Music of Donegal for a wonderful sampling of older and younger players. American fiddler Dale Russ also deserves a mention.
I was thinking of Dale Russ, but I don't own any of his solo albums - he is on the Boston College Fiddle Fest album. Paddy Glackin is an excellent, clear, intense player. I liked his album "an fidhil" best. While we're on the subject of just fiddlers in general - what about Fiona Doherty (sp?), Hughie Gillespie, The Cronin's, James Kelly, Paddy Killoran etc etc etc...
Russ and DeMarco are excellent -- I don't seem to get the same buzz from Conway's playing. Just me I suppose. Or maybe he should lose the moustache! I am sure there are a few other Yanks i am as yet unaware of. The only time I remember ever dropping out of a session for many tunes (of just four/ five players!!) was when playing with DeMarco at Paddy Reilly's 4/5 years ago. I just wanted to listen to what he was up to to. His CD with Todd Denman is superb. Get it!
I've had a lesson with Tony, actually. He's amazing, whipsmart, and one of the sweetest people. He blows my mind.
I have tons of respect for Eileen Ivers, indeed, but I'm not hip to her recordings, either. I'm much more of a traditionalist, I guess. That Fiddle Music Of Donegal thing sounds interesting.
I've said it already and I'll say it again: you all are fabulous and I do so ever appreciate the suggestions. Gosh, I love this place!
Paddy Glackin - Rabharta Ceoil/In Full Spate
Tola Custy & Cyril O'Donoghue - Settin' Free
Declan Folan & Junior Davey - Skin and Bow
Noel Hill & Tony Linnane - http://www.taramusic.com/cd2006.htm
Tommy Peoples & Daithi Sproule - Iron Man
Cathal Hayden (eponymous LP)
Also, for something a bit different, anything with Jacky Molard
especially Gwerz live!, Paralaia - Xose Manuel Budino, Digor! - Soig Siberil, or Christian Lemaitre on Kornog live.
Slán!
Brian Rooney - Anything by him - he is a legend
Declan Folan - Skin & bow
Oisin MacDirmada /Teada
Paul O'Shaugnessy & Paul McGrattan - Within a mile of Dubin - awesome album
I am a fiddle player - & a fussy one at that - these are must haves for any collection, Ive had the 'within a mile of dublin' album for about 4 years and it is still one of my very favourites of all time
Hello everyone,
I've been a lurker for some time now so, I guess it's time I come out of the woodwork. Hey Zina, I think I met you when Scoiltrad was here. I have another favorite almost every week but here are some.
Jame Kelly - Traditional Irish Music (Does he have any other recordings?)
Liz Doherty - Last Orders
Kevin Burke - Open House
Liz Carrol - Lost in the Loop
Paddy Glackin - In Full Spate
Sean Keane - Gusty's Frolick
Jerry Holland - Crystal Clear
John Carty - Last Night's Fun (Cranford Publications http://www.cranfordpub.com/index.htm)
Maire OKeeffe - House Party (also Cranford Publications)
Before I get too carried away and it looks like some don't agree but Eileen Ivers - Traditional Irish Music (I just saw her in Keystone - Amazing!!!) She was the All Ireland Champion 9 times.
Thanks for the links to get CD's by the way sometimes their a little hard to find.
I've enjoyed reading the discussions for a few months, but never felt like I had anything to add until now...
The solo albums by James Morrisson, Brendan McGlinchey, Mairtin Byrnes, and Padraig O'Keefe
John Kelly Sr.-Seoda Ceoil
Sean Smyth-The Blue Fiddle
A Fiddler's Music Library
A Fiddler's Music Library
Okay, this is probably a dangerous question. Quite possibly one that has been talked about at great length before. I'm new 'round here, and there's only so far back in the archives that I've paged through, so if there's a better thread and I missed it, do bring it to my attention, please and thank you!
What are some of the essential traditional Irish music recordings in your collection? I'm a fiddle player, so I'm especially concerned with/interested in fiddlers' recordings, though I want to be well-rounded. :::grin::: I'd like to build up my CD collection a bit, and would like suggestions as to what to get. Things that are really classics, or that you would consider to be indespensible for an eager beaver fiddle student such as myself.
Also appreciated are good places online or in New York City to purchase said recordings.
Thank you kindly!
xo,
E. Bess
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by E. Bess
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
The Michael Coleman 2-disc set
Any solo recording of Frankie Gavin
Milestone at the Garden - various
Boston College Fiddle Festival - various
Kathleen Collins - Trad Music of Ireland
Bobby Casey - Casey in the Cowhouse
Johnny Doherty - pretty much any album, I like the "Brass Fiddle"
John Vesey (most people mispronounce his name, for the record it rhymes with peace-y, not Bessy)- Sligo Fiddle (2-disk set)
Andy McGann & Paddy Reynolds
Brian Conway & Tony DeMarco - Apple in Winter
These aren't the ten best or anything just the first ten good ones that popped into my mind. You should have no problems whatsoever getting any of these albums in NYC, in fact just ask around I'm sure you could tape them from someone.
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by Brad Maloney
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
What about
Kevin Burke - If the Cap Fits
Tommy Peoples - High Part of the Road
Andy McGann & Paul Brady - It's a Hard Road to Travel
Paddy Canny - Trad Music from the legendary East Clare Fiddler (stupid title)
James Kelly - Traditional Music of Ireland
and one of my recent favorites:
Patrick Ourceau & Gearoid O hAllmhurain - Tracin'
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by Bloomfield
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
Well, if not a dangerous question, it’s an extensive one! Here are a few good online sources for finding Irish and other traditional music. Some of these also include reviews of the albums so you can get an idea if you’d like them. They may sometimes have better prices than the stores.
http://www.ossianusa.com/
http://www.elderly.com/recordings/recordings.htm
http://www.andysfronthall.com/index.html
http://www.greenlinnet.com/
http://www.shanachie.com/
http://www.tayberry.com/index.html
I’m also in NYC. Here are a few sources you could check in Manhattan:
J&R Music World on Park Row
Tower Records and other major music stores
The major bookstore chains carry some selection, usually just the most well-known things and overpriced.
Another good way to get albums is to buy them at concerts; if you’re off to hear someone, bring some extra money. Just in case you don’t know about this yet, here’s a link for traditional Irish concerts in Manhattan: http://www.blarneystar.com/
In general, I’ve found the online sources have a much better selection, including older items or more obscure (but no less good!) items. Many of them will try to track down items for you even if they don’t normally carry them.
And which recordings to buy? While I was busy writing this, I noticed someone else posted some suggestions. The only overlap item I was going to suggest was AndyMcGann/Paddy Reynolds, so here’s a second vote for that one. (All the rest on that list are good too; I just hadn’t thought of them yet!)
You might also check any album by Tommy Peoples. Another recent reissue that people are really excited about is:
An Historic Recording of Irish Traditional Music from County Clare and East Galway
(on the Shanachie label)
For somewhat more recent recordings, try the albums of Randall Bays.
Another good one is: Gerry Harrington and Charlie Piggott: The New Road
Well, I’m sure others will add their own lists here. And take a look at the recording section on The Session, which lists lots of good things, many with comments.
Hope you find something you like!
Zhenya
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by Zhenya
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
E. Bess -
P.S. Check your Session e-mail for one more idea.
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by Zhenya
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
I just submitted Tracin' to the recordings section, if you want to take a look.
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by Bloomfield
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
Here are a few that i think are very important:
Joe Burke, Andy McGann and Felix Dolan: "A Tribute to Michael Coleman" (one of the greatest Irtrad albums ever)
Kevin Crehan: "An Bhábóg sa Bhádóg" (Junior Crehan's grandson playing his music, just beautiful)
Kevin Crawford and many fiddlers: "In Good Company" (a good record of some of the best fiddlers alive, playing duets with Kevin)
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by glauber
Oh, and as far as a source, i mentioned them a few times, but here's again: http://www.knottedchord.com
But it's always a good idea to click the "Amazon.com" button in the recordings section of this site, so Jeremy gets some money back.
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by glauber
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
You folks are so awsome. Thank you kindly. I appreciate all the suggestions so far. Keep 'em coming!
I'm gonna go broke....
xo,
E. Bess
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by E. Bess
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
If you can't find an album you want, try Custy's Music in Ennis (you can go to their online store) and John Moulden's Ulstersongs for more esoteric recordings. http://www.ulstersongs.com/
Zina
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by Zina Lee
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
To me Tommy Peoples is the greatest living traditional fiddler both from a performance and composition perspective. His most recent recording "The Quiet Glen" is a must for all traditional fiddlers as it contains many of his own compositions (the Green Fields of Glentown and the Jocelyn Tree are just two which come to mind) - you can get more information from Tommy's website at http://homepage.tinet.ie/~logo/tommy.htm.
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by Bannerman
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
How come none of you fiddlers have mentioned Paddy Glackin? Long at the forefront of trad music and, hands down, still one of the best. Numerous recordings. Get these before you plonk out your hard-earned cash for any of Eileen Ivers' efforts. Very talented fiddler, uninteresting music! Add to your library the 3 volumes of Fiddle Music of Donegal for a wonderful sampling of older and younger players. American fiddler Dale Russ also deserves a mention.
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by LongNote
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
Paddy Glackin and Paddy Keenan have a release on Tara Records called "Doublin" -- highly recommend it.
Zina
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by Zina Lee
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
I was thinking of Dale Russ, but I don't own any of his solo albums - he is on the Boston College Fiddle Fest album. Paddy Glackin is an excellent, clear, intense player. I liked his album "an fidhil" best. While we're on the subject of just fiddlers in general - what about Fiona Doherty (sp?), Hughie Gillespie, The Cronin's, James Kelly, Paddy Killoran etc etc etc...
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by Brad Maloney
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
Russ and DeMarco are excellent -- I don't seem to get the same buzz from Conway's playing. Just me I suppose. Or maybe he should lose the moustache! I am sure there are a few other Yanks i am as yet unaware of. The only time I remember ever dropping out of a session for many tunes (of just four/ five players!!) was when playing with DeMarco at Paddy Reilly's 4/5 years ago. I just wanted to listen to what he was up to to. His CD with Todd Denman is superb. Get it!
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by LongNote
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
I've had a lesson with Tony, actually. He's amazing, whipsmart, and one of the sweetest people. He blows my mind.
I have tons of respect for Eileen Ivers, indeed, but I'm not hip to her recordings, either. I'm much more of a traditionalist, I guess. That Fiddle Music Of Donegal thing sounds interesting.
I've said it already and I'll say it again: you all are fabulous and I do so ever appreciate the suggestions. Gosh, I love this place!
xo,
E. Bess
# Posted on June 14th 2002 by E. Bess
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
I mean Dale Russ' CD with piper Todd Denman.
# Posted on June 15th 2002 by LongNote
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
Paddy Glackin - Rabharta Ceoil/In Full Spate
Tola Custy & Cyril O'Donoghue - Settin' Free
Declan Folan & Junior Davey - Skin and Bow
Noel Hill & Tony Linnane - http://www.taramusic.com/cd2006.htm
Tommy Peoples & Daithi Sproule - Iron Man
Cathal Hayden (eponymous LP)
Also, for something a bit different, anything with Jacky Molard
especially Gwerz live!, Paralaia - Xose Manuel Budino, Digor! - Soig Siberil, or Christian Lemaitre on Kornog live.
Slán!
Conán
# Posted on June 16th 2002 by Conán McDonnell
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
Brian Rooney - Anything by him - he is a legend
Declan Folan - Skin & bow
Oisin MacDirmada /Teada
Paul O'Shaugnessy & Paul McGrattan - Within a mile of Dubin - awesome album
I am a fiddle player - & a fussy one at that - these are must haves for any collection, Ive had the 'within a mile of dublin' album for about 4 years and it is still one of my very favourites of all time
# Posted on June 17th 2002 by shoddy fiddle player
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
Hello everyone,
I've been a lurker for some time now so, I guess it's time I come out of the woodwork. Hey Zina, I think I met you when Scoiltrad was here. I have another favorite almost every week but here are some.
Jame Kelly - Traditional Irish Music (Does he have any other recordings?)
Liz Doherty - Last Orders
Kevin Burke - Open House
Liz Carrol - Lost in the Loop
Paddy Glackin - In Full Spate
Sean Keane - Gusty's Frolick
Jerry Holland - Crystal Clear
John Carty - Last Night's Fun (Cranford Publications http://www.cranfordpub.com/index.htm)
Maire OKeeffe - House Party (also Cranford Publications)
Before I get too carried away and it looks like some don't agree but Eileen Ivers - Traditional Irish Music (I just saw her in Keystone - Amazing!!!) She was the All Ireland Champion 9 times.
Thanks for the links to get CD's by the way sometimes their a little hard to find.
# Posted on June 17th 2002 by deblittle
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
No one said Eileen Ivers wasnt a great musician - I just said she had bad taste in music
)
# Posted on June 18th 2002 by shoddy fiddle player
Re: A Fiddler's Music Library
I've enjoyed reading the discussions for a few months, but never felt like I had anything to add until now...
The solo albums by James Morrisson, Brendan McGlinchey, Mairtin Byrnes, and Padraig O'Keefe
John Kelly Sr.-Seoda Ceoil
Sean Smyth-The Blue Fiddle
# Posted on June 21st 2002 by dc