I’m trying to find good traditional Irish music but can’t seem to locate anything but the Chieftains.
I’m a Bluegrass fan trying to trace the roots back across the Atlantic but so far haven’t found the Bill Monroe or Stanley Brothers of Irish music.
I went to Borders yesterday and listened to everything in the “Celtic” section only to find out nowadays “Celtic” generally refers to creamy-new-age music which is fine but that’s not what I’m looking for.
It is hard to know what recordings are the best ones to get and where to get them. I know just the problem you are talking about.
I know you aren’t asking about specific CD’s, but this one seems especially good to me. It helped me learn about many different musicians and singers and then I sort of branched out from there. There is a lot of sean-nos singing on this set of CD’s and it was very strange sounding to my ears. It took me a while to get used to it but I came to like it very much. I think this CD was a very good way for me to be introduced to it.
€24.99
SEOLTAI SEIDTE/SETTING SAIL
A historic collection, remastered on two CDs, of twenty 78 rpm discs first issued by Gael-Linn from 1957 to 1961: 43 performances by outstanding solo singers in Irish from Irish-speaking districts and solo musicians from the rest of Ireland on fiddle, flute, accordian and uillean pipes.
These websites have reviews of Irish music. It isn’t all traditional, but sometimes you can find something about a recording you have heard of and it will help you to know what kind of music it is. Since they are reviews, not everyone would agree with what the person is saying, etc.
And while you’re visiting, why not drop a note to Philippe Varlet, the owner of the site? He’s a fount of information, and a nice fellow, too.
“Round The House and Mind The Dresser” and “Farewell to Ireland” are also good collections on CD.
Finally, you might want to check C&F’s City Guide for jam sessions in the Madison environs/surrounds. There are some very good players in the Milwaukee area who can give you some tips in person!
Do a search on this forum for “Bringing It All Back Home,” a TV documentary that was first aired about 15 years ago and did a great job exploring the links between Irish and Appalachian (and subsequently bluegrass) music; it may still be available on video. I know we’ve discussed it here on the forum so if you do a search you should be able to find that thread; I think there was info there on how to order a copy.
