Danny Boy

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Brian

Danny Boy is an old Irish song made up of an extremely old tune “The Londonderry Air” retrofit with lyrics from an Englishman Fredrick Weatherly in 1910, re-worked in 1911. That being said Danny Boy really is either your favorite Irish song or your worst nightmare. This double persona I believe grew from the popularity of Danny Boy when it was sung by the likes of Bing Crosby and Andy Williams, thus being very popular with the last generation of Irish Americans. The tune itself is full of booby traps when being attempted to be sung by everyday folk, and everyone thinks they know the words when in reality they love the tune (It’s a slow air and very soothing) and they know the first line. You may think that the author of this article may not be a fan of Danny boy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I grew up listening to this song, dubbed, “the Irish American National Anthem” and loved the old versions refered to above and continue to be impressed with the modern Irish and non Irish singers of the song today.

Rules for singing Danny Boy.

For the most part sing it at your own party, or with a familiar group of friends.
Know the words and the spots in the song that are a little challenging. (when songs get higher pitched sometimes it’s easier to go down instead of up)
Regardless of your talent sing with enthusiasm and joy.
never apologize for singing what you like.
If there is an older person or someone who just loves the song and you know the words, let her rip.
Defend this beautiful classic, A lot of people don’t like the National Anthem, tell them to get a life.

The lyrics to Danny boy ;

Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling

From glen to glen, and down the mountain side

The summer’s gone, and all the roses falling

‘Tis you, ’tis you must go and I must bide.

But come ye back when summer’s in the meadow
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow
‘Tis I’ll be there in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.

but when you come, and all the flowers are dying
If I am dead, as dead I well may be
You’ll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an “Ave” there for me.

And I shall hear, tho’ soft you tread above me
And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be
and you will bend and tell me that you love me
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.

Danny Boy’s popularity was in the United States and Canada not so much Ireland. I remember reading about the Irish singer Noel Henry’s account of having to learn Irish songs like Danny Boy when he came to America, which he had never known growing up in Ireland. The Canadian tenor, John McDermott, of The Three Tenors fame, attained his notoriety with his initial cd titled the Danny Boy Collection, this originally was produced as a collection of his father’s favorite songs, and later promoted on infomercials with the Danny Boy branding. An unknown talent singing a powerfully popular song on late night infomercials, there is power in that song.

Why the bad wrap? Danny boy suffers from it’s popularity. Traditional Irish Musicians grew tired of being asked to sing it over and over again, to the point where they refused to give it the time of day. I can’t tell you how many times I’ll be talking to an Irish folk singer, when his main complaint was, “Can you play Danny Boy, Can you play Danny Boy, I’m so sick of Danny Boy”. I like the way The girls of the Ivy leaf traditional Irish band handle the Danny boy question. “Can we play Danny Boy, yes, if your an old fellow who loves the song, we know the words to Danny Boy, if you’re drunk and just want to hit on us and Danny Boy is the only irish song you know then no we never heard of it.”

Danny Boy is a ballad set to the tune of a slow air which by definition is a slow melodic walk down the road for most musicians, Most traditional Irish bands strengths lie in the lively jigs and reels, or hornpipes, and an occasional air thrown in, if you are listening to a true irish music session then it is unrealistic to expect such a ballad to be part of the play. The Irish folk singers are more apt to play this classic Irish song especially if they to enjoy the song.

When my Father Daniel passed away in the month of March some 18 years ago, after all was said and done my sister and I stopped by a local restaurant to get a bite to eat. As we finished our meal The Juke box plays out Danny Boy through it’s speakers. My sister fought back the tears and I had to laugh, I was sure the old man planned it that way.

Cheers.

Irish Folk Musician, Chris Lucas, Johnny Foxes

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Brian

The Irish music coming out of Johnny Foxes one winter evening was some of the best traditional Irish folk music I had heard on my whole trip to Ireland some fifteen years ago. The Irish musician Chris Lucas was playing at Johnny Foxes and he was terrific. We got to talking and I have Chris get me a cd so I could submit it to a couple of fellows who distributed Irish music in the states. Chris handed over the recording and with a, you are so full of it shrug, returned to playing his classic Irish folk music. I put the cd in my bag and when I got home made some calls on his account, a few months pass and one of the cd distributors ask if he would be willing to do some personal appearances, that it’s a tough business, no guarantees yadda yadda yadda. So nothing ventured nothing gained, I call the number on the cd case and it’s disconnected, I try to find him in Dublin phone directories, no luck, google him for Irish folk musician Dublin, nothing. I call back my friend at the distributorship and he tells me that it was probably a long shot anyway, let it go.

So time passes and “Troubled Times” by Chris Lucas is one of my favorite Irish music cds and gets full play at the St Patrick’s celebration I have each year. Other lovers of Irish music ask me were they can get a copy and I have to let them copy mine, which kills me because I like musicians to make money on their talent, not have it recorded and given away. My daughter while at Providence College, DJ’d an Irish music radio show on the college station, and wouldn’t you know my copy of Chris’s cd ended up on her playlist, It did sound nice hearing it on the Irish radio station.

Irish Music-Paddy Barrys

Each year on occasion I would google a search for Chris Lucas Dubliner, Irish Music, Irish folk singer, but nothing would turn up. Now this will show how small the world is. This year just before Christmas I’m at Paddy Barrys Pub in Quincy Ma., the best little pub in Massachusetts, and there are several local musicians in attendance. I’m talking with Paul Kenney, An accomplished Irish Musician in his own right, about nothing in particular,when I ask Paul what part of Ireland he is originally from. Paul tells me he’s from Dublin and goes on to talk about some of the parts of Dublin and has some funny stories to tell, so I ask him if he ever heard of an Irish musician named Chris Lucas. “Oh Chris, he grew up two house down from me in Dublin” , I nearly fell off my stool, I ask Paul where has he been for the last 15 years, and he tells me he’s still playing and that he was over in the Boston area a few years ago. I finally did manage to find a youtube video, but I wasn’t sure if it was him, he seemed a lot older than he was 15 years ago.

Cheers

Traditional Irish Music, Doolin, Ireland.

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Brian

An Irish pub in the traditional Irish music haven Of Doolin, County Clare should be the highlight of your Trip to Ireland. You have three respectable pubs to choose from, Mcdermott’s, McCann’s, and O’Connor’s, and Doolin being the not so official birthplace of traditional Irish music, there is always a session to be had year round. There is something special about a town or region that revels in it’s traditions, and it is this reverence for the Irish music which sets Doolin apart.

O'Connor's

It’s not too late to catch the Russell Festival Memorial Weekend, February 24 to Monday February 27, 2012. The Russell brothers, Packie, Gus, and notably Micho, grew up in Doolin in a house filled with Traditional Irish music.The Russel brothers and their music are celebrated the last weekend in February since 1995, after the passing of Micho Russell in 1994.This year One of Irelands finest singers, Sean Keane, will be performing live at the Russell Cultural Centre.

Traditional Irish Music

Doolin’s a nice spot to explore the Cliffs of Moher, The Cliffs are timeless in their beauty and grandeur. In 1989 I first visited the Cliffs of Moher on a self directed tour of Ireland with my wife, they were awesome. I had the pleasure to see them again last March on a visit to Galway, they were awesome. The tour buses from Galway always stop over in Doolin before heading back.

Cliffs of Moher

As Ireland becomes more of a surf destination Doolin Has great surf on Doolin strand or, if the waves are rolling in the opposite direction, check out the waves at the Lahinch strand. If there is a golfer reading this little travel blurb, yes Lahinch Golf Links is just 7 miles away. Then there’s the Burren, and the caves, and the rock climbing, and fishing…. .

Doolin Ireland surf to Irish music

But just so you don’t think it’s all a bed of roses, what would a post be without a little personal story of Doolin. First off the Irish traditional music at O’Connors pub was great fun and high quality, the Irish music ends and my wife and I are enjoying a pint and some pleasant conversation (using proper pub etiquette ). The waitstaff was pleasant and the atmosphere was perfect, the only problem was the loud conversation two tables away. There was this older Irish fellow in his fifties lecturing to two 20 something American girls. Hey that’s fine, more power to him, but the subject of the conversation was hard to sit by and ignore. Let me say that this was a long time ago, on one of our first trips to Ireland, and the politics may have changed a little since then. This guy is convincing these two skulls of mush of the moral superiority of the eastern european block, how east germany is the only hope for humanity. O.K. fine, let it go, leave it be, but then the tearing down of the American free enterprise system starts, and the two students on the parental paid vacation are eating it up. I can stand it no more, ask the girls if the really agree with this crud and open the door to a silly political conversation with the older Irish guy. He regurgitates the same pablum, and my wife to her credit intercedes to salvage the night. After receiving the well deserved lecture on letting things go, we get ready to leave, and, this is another reason I know God exists, at the same time four large Texans enter the place. For some reason they ask me how the pub was tonight, with a smile, I tell them that the traditional Irish music was fantastic, the Guinness at the bar was great, that the people I’ve met in Doolin were among the best, except for that guy over there, he hates America, not sure how he feels about Texas. Now that’s a conversation I would have liked to overhear,

Cheers.

An Irish music tradition

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Brian

You never know when an Irish music outbreak may happen. I was visiting my Dublin cousin recently when I was asked if I wanted to attend an 80 th birthday celebration for his wife’s aunt. Now she was actually turning 85, but when she turned 80 she didn’t want a party celebrating her being old, however, since she made it to 85, she thought it would be ok to acknowledge her 80 th birthday. So we drop by the local pub off license and purchase some libations for the festivities and arrive at a house packed with relatives and fans of the birthday girl. I figure we’ll hang around for an hour or two, go back to the house and plan the next days activities. Well nothing in Ireland ever ends early, just when we thought things might be winding down, everyone grabs a chair makes a big circle in the parlor and a major sing song starts. Thirty people one after another start belting out Irish music, pop tunes, golden oldies, anything people liked, they sang. So this is where the boy scout training comes in handy, you know, be prepared. You will be asked to sing a tune, It’s good to know an American song like Johnny Cash or Neil Diamond (no really, Neil Diamond). There’s something about being proud of where you are from that rubs off on the crowd. Once the traditional Irish music and traditional irish songs start, they seem to feed on one another. Traditional Irish music is by definition an irish tradition and it was a lot of fun being included in this family sing song. I broke one of my rules and sang a Furey Brothers song “It’s a long way from Clare to here”. When I was done some chap from the other side of the room yells “I thought you said he was a yank”, Part compliment for belonging and part rank for not choosing a song from where I’m from. When the majority of the crowd ask you if you know another one, is when you know you are accepted.

You don’t have to be an expert to participate in the Irish music, just be sincere. If you flop the folks will be entertained as well, and for the most part the worst that happens is some good natured ribbing of your Irish music talent, just follow the rules for singing an Irish song,relax and have fun.

Cheers

Irish Music top Ten CD Favorites

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Brian

Irish music favorites of mine will always start with the classic balladeers. Lock me in a room with the reincarnated legends of Irish folk music, like Luke Kelly or Tommy Makem and I’d be a happy man. I had the pleasure of hearing and seeing Paddy Reilly play at the Beachcomber Bar in Quincy Ma. some years back and he was terrific. One old guy and an acoustic guitar, producing the sweetest Irish music imaginable. I must pay homage to the Wolfe Tones, Ireland’s Irish music gift to the world, and of course the Chieftans.

Top ten Irish music cds to own.

Water from the well–The Chieftans. This well produce mixture of instrumental tunes, tightly played by Irelands most famous traditional musicians is mixed with an ample supply of Irish songs. Other Chieftans cd’s will stray from the Irish music oath but water from the well stays true to it’s Irish roots. Favorite Irish song– Jack of all Trades.
Gold and silver days–Paddy Reilly. Double cd from Irelands best Balladeer. Featuring, Dirty Old Town, Raglan Road, Slievenamon, Rare Ould Times. Favorite Irish song– Rare Ould Times.
Luke Kelly Greatest Hits–This Irish music legend, member of the Dubliners ,God rest his soul, belts out Irish songs with passion and feeling. Nice cd for St. Patricks day as it has many a lively Irish tune. Favorite Irish song– Raglan road.
Dervish,Decade cd–Dervish, A traditional Irish music band with beautiful singing from Cathy Jordan, this is a primarily tradtional Irish music, lively jigs and reels, massaged in a beautiful way. Favorite Irish tune– Kilavill set
Raised on Songs and Stories– Compilation album,with great cuts by Delores Keane, the Dubliners, Luke Kelly, and the Wolftones. Delores Keane singing Teddy O’Neil is a favorite. Favorite Irish song– Teddy O’Neil
The Wolfe Tones 25′th Anniversary Cd–The Wolfe Tones, Ireland’s rebels pack a lifetime of hits and emotion into two action packed cds. Fun, beautiful, and tragic, The full Irish music tradition. Favorite Irish song,–Black and Tans.
Spirit of a Nation–The Wolfe Tones–Beautiful Irish songs full of emotion. Favorite Irish song–The Lough Sheelin eviction.
Re-Union Cd–Clancy Brothers-Old school Irish music classics. Favorite Irish song–Finnegans wake.
Songbag–Tommy Makem, classic Irish music balladeer. Favorite irish song–Four Green fields.
Best of the original Dubliners-Featuring Ronnie Drew’s gravely voice and Luke Kelly’s passion, this double cd is hard to beat. Favorite song–the Parting Glass.

These selections represent the old school classic Irish music artist we have all heard over the years. In upcoming posts I will try to do justice to more Irish music genres just as important, and respectful of Irish music tradition. The modern women of Irish music, such as Delores Keane, Mary Black, Frances Black, Rita Connolly and more. The new generation of traditional Irish music, Lunasa, Bothy band, Patrick st., and some Irish music no has heard yet. Hope this list helps.

Cheers.

Ireland favorites, Old school Irish music

Irish music in Ireland

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Brian

Irish music and its traditions in Ireland make for a grand way to spend time on your Irish vacation. There are occasions when we tourist have the opportunity to include ourselves in this Irish music tradition. Such an occasion lies in the picture postcard like town of Sneem. Sneem lies on the panoramic ring of Kerry, overlooking the Sneem estuary not far from Kenmare town. Known as the ” Knot of the Ring of Kerry” most people pass through this idealic little village with its small gift shops, tea and sandwich shops, and pubs. This might be a mistake for within its boundaries lies the perfect venue for an Irish Music vacation. Not an Irish music listening vacation but one that is meant for the tourist to participate in. Don’t worry if you don’t sing because this venue is designed for the absolute beginner to play the Irish fiddle. Now before you dismiss this, let me enlighten you on the Kerry fiddle co. and its fiddle workshop. sites of sneem

You do not need a special gift to play Irish music on the fiddle.
The fiddle is not complicated and impossible to learn.
you are never too old to start playing the fiddle.
They teach the Irish fiddle the way all Irish music should be taught and learned,by ear so you do not have to be a musical wizard to participate.

You will have the advantage of being on vacation in Ireland which will aid in your learning of the fiddle, the Irish music workshops are in the morning and the afternoons will be spent exploring this beautiful section of Ireland. Beside the quaint town of Sneem you will be close to Kenmare. Enjoy a cruise of Kenmare bay, travel through the Dunloe gap, go a liitle further to Derrynane strand and The house of Daniel O’Connell “The Liberator”, or discover the old Kenmare road.

What you will discover is the beautiful sites of the Iveragh peninsula will stay with you a lifetime, as will your ability to play at least one Irish fiddle tune.

What you can reasonably expect to come away with.

You will be shown how to teach yourself.
What to practice, why to practice, and how to practice.
How to produce a pleasing sound from you Irish music instrument.
It’s ok to sound bad, lighten up relax and learn.
Common mistake to avoid.
How to enjoy the Irish music experience.

The intermediate player can attend classes also, so it’s not just for rookies. Another benefit for participating in an Irish music workshop is that you are exposed to the local way of doing things. It’s like getting a guided tour of the essence of traditional Irish music. The relaxed introduction into the culture of our heritage is often sought after by my American tourist brethren. Often in our enthusiasm to be in Ireland we prevent ourselves from participating in the very experiences we seek. Such opportunities as learning an Irish music instrument shows a respect for the culture and an appreciation of the traditions and the Irish people.

A warning:

Do not try to invade a real Irish music session without being asked. There will be beginner sessions for “beginners” set up by the instructors. If you try to impress a real session with your new found talents be prepared to be shunned. That being said . if you take your fiddle with you and sit and listen to a real session you might be asked to play. Once asked you will be appreciated for your effort as a green ,rookie, beginner, who appreciates the irish music culture.

( One of my next few posts will have to be about local “session killers”)

Ireland favorite– Irish music kerry fiddles –

Cheers.

Sites of Ireland Glendalough, Wicklow, Ireland

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Brian

One of the most beautiful and inspiring sites of Ireland is the monastic ruins of Glendalough in the County Wicklow. The ancient ruins of St. Kevin’s Church and it’s iconic round tower are found in this picturesque Irish valley, nestled between two lakes and leaving the visitor to contemplate a simpler time. St Kevin for whom the church is named, was named himself by an Angel, and was kept well fed as a baby by the miraculous twice daily appearance of a white cow, supplying milk to the infant. St. Kevin was renowned for his charitable nature and his full devotion to the Lord. The Isolated glen of the two lakes was the perfect place for the holy meditation of St. Kevin

Today the trip from Dublin to Glendalough makes for the perfect day trip. the wicklow hills and wooded glens are the perfect scenic drive. Since Glendalough is now an historical site of Ireland there are plenty of places to stay and eat. If you are staying in the area there are plenty of activities, including golf, hiking, kayaking. There are several hotels and restaurants, check out Lynhams of Laragh, contemplate the meaning of life over a pint of black. During July and August the peak season brings more tours to this holy site, although it is more crowded, the tourist season will draw traditional Irish musicians to the pubs. If you travel during the off peak times, you’ll have the time and space to enjoy this special irish gem. Think about taking a day tour through the, Kevins bus tour company this allows you to enjoy the trip without the worry of the drive.

If you decide to drive, plan some stops on the way. Check out Avoca hand weavers, one of Ireland’s oldest woolen mills, a beautiful mohair blanket, or full length Irish cape is the perfect way to make your vacation complete. Avoca pottery supplies beautiful irish craft pottery inspired by the woods and streams that make up the Avoca valley of Wicklow. Have a cup of Barrys tea at one of the roadside cafes, you may have a nice chat with Enya, Bono, or other Wicklow resident.

Beautiful St Kevin’s church and high tower of Glendalough is a must see site of Ireland and one of my Ireland Favorites. Make it a stop on your next trip to Ireland.

Cheers

Ireland Favorites

Best performance of Irish music

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Brian

Catching an irish music sing song in a classic Irish pub is a great way to cap off a night in Ireland. My wife and I were lucky enough to be part of this irish music tradition in a nice pub in the harbor town of Kinsale, County Cork. Kinsale is located on the west coast of Cork, and has a rich history which surrounds its strategic harbor. In present day Kinsale you can find some of the finest restaurants and bistros in Ireland. According to the irish tourism office Kinsale is the gourmet capital of Ireland.

On this particular night, after spending a fantastic relaxed day of strolling around the city, We found ourselves at the Shanakee pub. We entered the pub, ordered at the bar and chatted about the day. The pub was about half filled (as it was in October) and soon we were engaged in some local conversation. It turned out some of the lads had attended University in Boston (our hometown) so we joked about some Boston landmarks and mutual interests. The intent that night was to turn in early, but the conversations were so enjoyable that we were glad to change our plans and stayed out late. Well one of the fellas says that we’re in for a treat, that the pub owner is getting ready to play some music. They told me that there was a fellow with a great voice and we were sure to hear some mighty Irish singing. The fellow had a nice voice, and the Irish music was mighty, but it was not the best performance of Irish music of the night. the best Irish music performance of that night or any other, was sung by an elderly Kinsale woman who had the worst voice I had ever heard. When she first started singing I thought someone had stepped on a cat, or 20 people were writing their names on a blackboard with their fingernails, her voice was awful.

BUT, THE JOY AND PASSION SHE HAD IN SINGING HER SONG MADE YOU LISTEN.

She sang an Irish song with no talent but with extreme love of the Irish music, she had no shame in her lack of talent only love for her connection to the Irish music and her country. On that day I learned what Irish music is all about. It is not being perfect, its about being passionate. When she finished her performance the crowd erupted, a standing ovation, the young lads were proud of how she unashamedly loved and represented their town and country. So if you find yourself in a sing song, try these tips and you too may get a standing ovation. Cheers.

Irish music tips for a singing session;

Pick a song you love
Know the words
Choose a song you can handle
Don’t let fear of failure prevent you from participating
Don’t be pushy, wait your turn, be invited
Know an American song, if you throw in a Johnny Cash tune or country classic you’ll get a good response. The Irish guys love when you sing a tune from your own home
Pick an appropriate tune, (Danny boy may be ok for some American sessions, but not in most Irish music sessions) stand clear of songs that refer to the troubles in the north.
keep the chatter to a minimum
sing the choruses of the other songs when appropriate, it will calm your nerves
Enjoy your favorite Irish music

Of course being talented and passionate is good too.

Ireland favorites

Irish music, Irish food, Irish fun

Tag Archives: traditional irish music

Danny Boy

Irish Folk Musician, Chris Lucas, Johnny Foxes

Traditional Irish Music, Doolin, Ireland.

An Irish music tradition

Irish Music top Ten CD Favorites

Irish music in Ireland

Sites of Ireland Glendalough, Wicklow, Ireland

Best performance of Irish music