The Cork fiddler John Daly just recently had a cd release concert in Chicago, his new hometown, and what a concert it was. The main fiddlers joining him onstage were Liz Carroll and Tommy Peoples but other artists included Dennis Cahill, a famous sean nos singer from Galway (forgot her name) and many other local Chicago artists. Just the chance to see and hear Tommy Peoples made it worthwhile. Each of the musicians generally played either unaccompanied or with someone on the guitar or piano. The piano accompanyment made it reminiscent of the old 78 recordings I have heard but still sounded fresh and unobtrusive. All I can say is what a concert, especially if you love the sound of the fiddle.
That was a great concert. Martin Fahy did all the piano accompaniment. He did a fine job, always adding to the performance and taking nothing away.
John is a great fiddler and his album is beautiful, we’re very fortunate to have such a fine musician and gentleman in our midst.
If you don’t mind a shameless plug, his album is on Ossian records and you can either get it directly from them or at Celtic Grooves.
Pat, do you remember the name of the sean nos singer? That was the first time I ever heard sean nos singing live and I loved it.
Aine Meenaghan. She’s absolutely enchanting, isn’t she?
She’s from Connemara and a real treasure in every sense of the word.
Actually, John Shrine accompanied Daly most of the time, as I recall. It was a fabulous evening, a real thrill to hear Peoples, of course, who also autographed my whistle. 
You can hear one minute samples of each of Daly’s CD tracks on his website:
http://www.johndalymusic.com/cd.php
A truly great night of music.
Carol
Carol, did Tommy Peoples come out and talk to everyone afterwords? I’m sorry I left so soon. Do you know if they ended up going anywhere else that evening?
I spoke to Tommy Peoples at intermission, while he was taking a break outside. He was well away from the rest of the crowd. I too had to leave before the end of the music, but Liz Carroll did say there was going to be something afterward–I was very sorry to have to miss that.
Great night. I don’t know John Daly but everyone involved spoke of his warmth, and that came through, I thought. I also thought it was lovely to include a recitation on the program, and then that long procession of friends to play along with Daly in his half of the program. I especially liked the duet he did with Cleek Schrey. But there were so many highlights.
Carol