Put aside your notion of Irish music as a bunch of familiar jigs and reels, and just listen. Martin Hayes plays his fiddle with an exquisite touch and tone, as well as a magnificent sense of melody and rhythm that never ceases to astonish. Guitarist Dennis Cahill provides delicate support.
http://www.npr.org/event/music/173842530/martin-hayes-dennis-cahill-tiny-desk-concert
This is the 85th episode of The Rocky Road to Dublin, and I’ve decided to "wrap up" the programme in the next few weeks. This will be the last regular show, but tune in again on the next two Wednesdays for a review of some of my personal favourite tracks from this year’s shows!
I managed to squeeze seven tracks in today for good measure:
Tagged with traditional irish music
Irish “sessions” are intimate group performances that take place in pubs all over New York City. Based in the traditional Irish “seisiún,” these informal musical gatherings feature jigs, reels, hornpipes, and the occasional waltz. Writer and Vogue contributing editor Robert Sullivan and writer-musician Larry Kirwan of the Irish rock band Black 47 explain the history and vibrant present of the tradition.
http://www.wnyc.org/shows/soundcheck/2010/dec/22/irish-musical-tradition/