This month we highlight memorable music from recordings donated to ITMA made by Sue and Eric Thompson, originally from California, when they visited Ireland in 1972-73. They travelled to various locations across Ireland as well as London and their collection reflects the variety of musical styles in Irish music at the time. Given the upcoming Willie Clancy Summer School (WCSS) , I’ve selected music this month from Co Clare which features many iconic figures associated with the WCSS over 5 decades. 

Sue and Eric arrived in Miltown Malbay in October 1972 and recorded a memorable session in Friels kitchen with piper Willie Clancy and three old friends, Peadar O’Loughlin (fiddle), JC Talty (flute) and Jimmy Ward (banjo). We select 3 of over 20 sets of tunes recorded that day and notably just 3 months before Willie sadly passed away in January 1973. More tracks will feature in upcoming playlists. 

A few months later, February 1973, Sue and Eric visited Peadar O’Loughlin at home in Kilmaley playing not alone fiddle and flute, for which he was well known, but also flat pipes demonstrating his virtuosity.  

Bobby Casey and Tommy McCarthy, were both from West Clare but spent most of their lives in London where they were central to the vibrant Irish music scene there. Bobby had a Clare style much admired by contemporary fiddle players and we have 3 solo tracks from Bobby exemplifying his skill. Tommy was a great piper but also excelled on the concertina and its fortunate Sue and Eric were there on the night for Bobby and Tommy’s performance. 

From West Clare to East Clare and another iconic fiddle player, Paddy Canny, recorded at home near Tulla in July 1972, an occasion fondly remembered by Paddy’s family. Paddy was a member of the famous Tulla Ceili Band and renowned as an outstanding fiddle player. These 3 solo tracks, in his own kitchen, demonstrate Paddy’s legendary plaintive fiddle style. 

This playlist will also feature an accompanying podcast in the weeks to come, recorded with the fiddle player John Kelly, who has fond memories of all the Clare musicians featured this month. Both John and his family have made a significant contribution to the success of the WCSS since its foundation in 1973. 

We will return to more selections from Sue and Eric Thompson. Hope you enjoy this selection and enjoy the WCSS in Miltown this year.

Pádraic