By Rónán Galvin

An emigrant musician to London in the late 1950s – 1960s arrived into a veritable melting pot of Irish tradition and cultural expression. This tradition transferred seamlessly from country crossroads and firesides to the pubs of Fulham, Camden and beyond, dancehalls, folk clubs and private house sessions throughout the 14 boroughs of London.  

Coincidentally, musicians and singers from 14 counties covering the four provinces of Ireland are reflected in the two playlists, including the October feature on the Larry Masterson collection. With few opportunities at home, many musicians arrived with a rich local repertoire and aspects of style, for example Tommy McCarthy of Kilmihil, Co. Clare, Julia Clifford, Gneeveguilla or Donegal native, Danny Meehan. From the 1940s onwards, through countless sessions, céilithe and gatherings ‘that often spilled out on to the street’, the newly emerged fusion of Irish traditional music, song and dance created what has been referred to as ‘The London sound’. 

It is fortunate that in this period the first ‘amateur’ recordists also emerged, along with more experienced collectors. These playlists draw on several collections of London material donated to ITMA including that of: Jim Carroll & Pat McKenzie, Con Sweeney, Michael & Carol Kilbane, Tommy Maree, Sue & Eric Thompson and Diane Hamilton. Apart from the aforementioned players, also featured are those who made London their permanent home such as Raymond Roland, Bobby Casey and Oliver Mulligan. Another group represent the standard of musician that stayed for a period of time before returning home, such as Seán Maguire, Vincent Griffin, Margaret Barry, PJ Crotty and Mick Mulcahy. They all contributed greatly to the cauldron of traditional music, song and dance in London during this period.