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Photograph: Felix Dolan, Paddy Reynolds and Paddy O’Brien, 1960s
by Pádraic Mac Mathúna
The traditional Irish music scene in New York from the 1950s to the 1990s was a vibrant and dynamic fusion of cultural preservation and innovation. This era was marked by the arrival and flourishing of legendary Irish musicians who left an indelible mark on the world of traditional music while forging strong connections with the Irish-American community. New York City became a hub for traditional Irish music, thriving on the vibrant interplay between local musicians and visiting artists. Accordion and fiddle duets were a hallmark of this period, with musicians like Andy McGann and Joe Burke creating close links between the Irish community in New York and performers back in Ireland.
Larry Redican (1908–1975) and Felix Dolan (1937–2013) were pivotal figures in the traditional Irish music scene in New York. Redican, a highly skilled fiddle player, enriched the Irish repertoire with his masterful technique and distinctive style, while Dolan, an accomplished pianist, provided innovative accompaniment that elevated the performances putting him in big demand for both formal and informal musical events. His ability to seamlessly blend with other musicians and his deep understanding of traditional Irish music made him an invaluable accompanist.
We have featured a range of recordings from The Redican Collection in the last year and we are now in the fortunate position of having received the private collection of Felix Dolan, donated by his son Brendan. We intend to focus on Felix’s collection in the coming months and this month features tracks of Felix playing with Larry and many old musical friends including Andy McGann (1928–2004) and Jack Coen (1925–2012), in the 1960s. The close partnership between Felix and Andy is here in the late 1970s with tracks taken from rehearsals for the legendary trio record with their close friend Joe Burke (1939–2021).
Brian Conway is a celebrated traditional Irish fiddle player from New York City, renowned for his exceptional skill and dedication to the genre. Known for his intricate Sligo-style fiddle playing, Brian has gained recognition both for his performances and his role as a mentor to young musicians. Here from the 1980s, Felix accompanies Brian and his colleague John Nolan on accordion for lively sets of reels and polkas.
Joe Madden (1938–2008) was a close friend of Felix and they frequently performed at music festivals, céilí and Irish cultural events. He was not only a renowned performer but also a beloved figure in the Irish music scene, remembered for his warmth and generosity. Here we feature Joe with his All Star Céilí band playing for a Céilí in the early 1990s with all the associated excitement of the occasion. Joe’s daughter Joannie, a flutist and whistle player, continues the tradition captivating audiences worldwide with her skilful performances and deep connection to the rich heritage of Irish music. Hope you enjoy this selection and I look forward to sharing more of Felix Dolan’s collection of music from New York in the coming months.
