This month, courtesy of Felix Dolan’s (1937–2013) collection, we re-visit Seán Maguire (1927–2005), from a private recording made in Chicago 1958, when Seán was touring with a group in the US. As I mentioned last month, this is ‘early Maguire’, in full control of his instrument, with virtuosity on display in a selection of reels and hornpipes. His Rakish Paddy (3 parts) in particular, is a brilliant example of the skill, taste and dynamism of a young man already reaching his prime. 

Once again, I wanted to include more outstanding fiddle players from New York, Brian Conway and Tony De Marco. Accompanied by Felix at a concert in France in 1996, Brian and Tony are in unison in a powerful rendition of two Sligo classics, Farrell O’Gara and Trim the velvet. 

Returning to the extensive Tom Davis (1937–2013) collection, Tom was on hand at so many musical gatherings from Fleadh Cheoils, concerts but especially more private gatherings of musicians and singers.  From a singing session in Carna in the 1970s, we hear a haunting version of Cuaichín Ghleann Néifin. The singer is not identified but we welcome any feedback from listeners who might know who is singing.  In 1977, Tom was on hand to record Tom Munnelly’s (1944–2007) gathering of singers in Miltown Malbay. We hear Tom Munnelly introduce a local man, Jamesie McCarthy from Mullagh, to a warm and appreciative audience, with a humorous engaging tale of unfulfilled romance. Tom also collected older recordings including this one from the Pipers’ Club in Dublin c. 1957, which we have featured in the past. The twin melodic fiddles of George Rowley and Jimmy Clements, can be heard on two reels, O’Rourke’s and The maid behind the bar. 

Next month, we will have an extended playlist for Christmas from the collections featured over the last 3 years. 

Enjoy.
– Pádraic Mac Mathúna