Irish folk music thread

qwerty123 · July 03, 2013, 10:01:06 AM

I thought it would be a good idea to set up a thread for discussions on all things connected with Irish music -
good places for sessions
favourite songs
favourite singers
interesting stories behind the songs
upcoming or hidden gems of singers
your thoughts on the definitive version of particular songs

I had been listening to Luke Kelly sing 'A song for Ireland' and compared it to Mary Blac's - while MB's tone of voice is fantastic, not a patch on Kelly's version! (And I hadn't even realised Dick Gaughan sang this song)

Shamrock Shore · July 03, 2013, 10:03:24 AM

I know of a good trad session up in the Blue Light pub in Sandyford on a Wed and Thurs evening.

theticklemister · July 03, 2013, 10:19:43 AM

Dick Gaughan has some excellent renditions of songs, go to 'Both Sides of the Tweed.' This tells of Scotish people's 'bartering' with the English.

theticklemister · July 03, 2013, 10:23:02 AM

My favourite singers would be ...............Paddy Reilly, Patsy Watchorn and Ray McAvery from the Wolfhound. I also enjoy Tommy Byrne from the Wolfe Tones who has an excellent voice.

qwerty123 · July 03, 2013, 10:30:23 AM

Jim McCann and Johnny McEvoy are great value too - the ballad of jack reilly!
Michael Marra and his version of 'Green grow the rashes' always holds me in a trance.

Feckitt · July 03, 2013, 10:38:38 AM

Are there any good new bands on the go in the tradition of the Dubliners/Pogues etc. And i don't mean the cheesy boy band folk of The High Kings and their like.

I love Irish Folk Music, and I love all the people mentioned so far on this thread, Luke Kelly, Dick Gaughan, T** W**** T****, Paddy Reilly, Patsy Watchorn, but I'm dying to hear someone new and fresh and original who can come along and keep the tradition alive. Is there anyone?

Billys Boots · July 03, 2013, 10:42:40 AM

QuoteT** W**** T****

I love it - post of the week!

theticklemister · July 03, 2013, 10:45:43 AM

Quote from: Feckitt on July 03, 2013, 10:38:38 AM
Are there any good new bands on the go in the tradition of the Dubliners/Pogues etc. And i don't mean the cheesy boy band folk of The High Kings and their like.

I love Irish Folk Music, and I love all the people mentioned so far on this thread, Luke Kelly, Dick Gaughan, T** W**** T****, Paddy Reilly, Patsy Watchorn, but I'm dying to hear someone new and fresh and original who can come along and keep the tradition alive. Is there anyone?

well if yer looking for pogues favour the majority are all American............... Flogging Molly, The Tossers (apparently named after the Tyrone GAA team), Dropkick Murphys.

I am listening to a wee band called 'The Ryans' from Liverpool at the moment. They are a duo but are excellent, check them out on youtube. Their CDs are a very favourable price if you check their website. Check out the ballad of tom whelan which paddy ryan wrote himself on youtube.

Quote from: Billys Boots on July 03, 2013, 10:42:40 AM
QuoteT** W**** T****

I love it - post of the week!

I don't mind the boys I loved their original material but this pre-recorded music from a 'music machine' thatthey play does my tits in!

Feckitt · July 03, 2013, 10:52:24 AM

The Raparees from Belfast are a good wee band, but they lack a distinctive sound and singer. No harm to the lad, he's a better singer than I will ever be, but all the great bands whether it is Irish Folk music or any other genre have a great distinctive singer on lead vocals. Whenever you hear Christy Moore or Finbar Furey or Luke Kelly or Liam Clancy, you never have to say, Who is that singing?

qwerty123 · July 03, 2013, 10:53:15 AM

Shamrock Shore - is that pure trad or songs too, many's a Comhaltas session wouldn't allow a cough never mind a person to give a song!

T** H*** K**** - a malediction if ever there was one.

Andy Irvine has some great songs - O'Donoghue's, My Heart's tonight in Ireland.

As Feckitt says, I'd love to hear of new singers, trying to keep the thing going, it's too precious to let it die off.

qwerty123 · July 03, 2013, 10:55:37 AM

A nice version of 'The Close Shave.' Irvine's reaction to the music equipment failing in the middle of his performance is pretty funny too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUgrdzpJVDI

theticklemister · July 03, 2013, 10:59:57 AM

ha ha

I forgot the old master that is Andy Irvine-- Try these songs

Dywer's escape
Where oh where is our james Connolly
Never tire of the road
viva Zapata
the best wan of all, wait till I get this spelling correct....... baneasa's green glade (about the time he wandered Romania......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2L05TsbciE)

qubdub · July 03, 2013, 11:00:17 AM

Not sure if many will agree but I think the Kilkennys are good!

theticklemister · July 03, 2013, 11:03:26 AM

Quote from: qubdub on July 03, 2013, 11:00:17 AM
Not sure if many will agree but I think the Kilkennys are good!

AYE I LIKE THEM TOO NOW.

Hardy · July 03, 2013, 11:05:00 AM

They're not as good as they used to be.