Joe Burke (1939-2021) from Kilnadeema near Loughrea was the most acclaimed Irish button accordionist of his time. He was a frequent visitor to New York and lived in the city from 1962 to 1965. During that time, he became a fast friend and musical companion of fiddler Andy McGann. In 1965, they got together in a recording studio with Bronx native Felix Dolan, the best piano accompanist in New York, to lay down the tracks for A Tribute to Michael Coleman, issued the next year on Burke’s own Shaskeen label. The album was a stunning display of virtuosity and telepathically close duet playing,  recorded in just a few hours.

A tribute from ITMA Director, Liam O’Connor, following Joe’s death in February 2021

Joe Burke of Kilnadeema, Loughrea, Co Galway, will be forever remembered as one of the most influential accordion players of his time. His lifelong passion for Irish traditional music was infectious to anyone who had the good fortune to speak or play with him.

As well as being an outstanding traditional musician, he was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the music, its history and development. In addition to the release of many outstanding recordings, his long and productive career included performance, teaching, and the presenting of concerts and programmes on both radio and television.

Renowned for his humour and wit, Joe was excellent company.

Speaking to him on the phone earlier this week, the conversation ranged from Michael Coleman to Fritz Kreisler to Albert Einstein and we were even interrupted at one point by a barking Patsy Touhey —Joe’s pet dog!