Sean nos source for the aire "By the River of Gems&quot

Uilleann Pipes
1

I’ve been so inspired by the various renditions I’ve heard of this aire played by Brian McNamara at Willie Clancy week, and from Patrick D’Arcy at SCUPC club meetings that I’ve decided to take it on as a long term project.

I’m curious, does anyone know if there is a recording of a sean nos version of the tune, assuming that the original was a song? I find it much easier to learn aires if I hear the original song source.

Thanks for any advice!

Michael

2

I think Seamus Ennis got it from Labhras O Cadhla…not 100% sure, though. If it was one of his songs, someone must have a recording Labhras singing it, if so I’d be extremely interested in hearing it.

3

Hi Pat :smiley:

I’ve got Elizabeth Cronin singing it and will go dig out the book and CD for more info…here’s a little blurb in the meantime from a review:

“Elizabeth Cronin: Cois Abhainn na Séad (By the River of Gems). This latter is local to the Baile Mhúirne district. However, it gained an international audience through a famous, but abruptly edited, fragment which appeared on volume 1 of the Folk Songs of Britain. It was sung on that disc by Máire ní Cheocháin of neighbouring Coolea.”

There’s also a new CD out by Eilís Ní Shúilleabháin entitled “Cois Abhainn na Séad: Traditional Songs from Muskerry.” I haven’t seen a track list but imagine it contains that song. This CD is recommended by Lilis Ó Laoire, incidentally, no small thing.

BC

Eilís’s CD here: http://www.gatewaytoireland.com/mall/MadForTrad/products/product-124263.stm

4

Now’s a good time to ask about the correct definition (and pronounciation) of Sean Nos. Please and thank you. :confused:

5

Sean-nós (shăn-nōs) = old-style

6

Pronounced “Shan Nose.” Means “Old Way,” old style, that kind of thing. Ahmran ar an sean nos means song in the old way.
Recently released on CD, the World Library of Folk and Primitive Music
Volume 2 - Ireland, originally a Columbia LP from the 50s, has Maire Keohane singing Cois Abhainn na Séad. Hmm, the joys of cut and paste. (I look up these Irish spellings on the net, would make a mess of it otherwise).
This record has some fantastic singing and music, not the least of which is some of the young Seamus Ennis’s astounding pipering. The Elizabeth Cronin release is a book and 2 CDs, and will run you $50. Well, one of them is, perhaps there’s a single CD out there somewhere.