#Seán Ó Riada

[stairnaheireann]

#OTD in 2013 – Death of uilleann piper, accordion player, singer, composer, researcher, writer and lecturer, Tomás Ó Canainn.

The uileann piper was probably best known as a member of Na Filí, along with fiddler Matt Cranitch and whistle player Tom Barry, who brought Irish traditional music to an international audience in the 1970s. The Derry native was an engineering lecturer and in the early 1970s moved to work at University College Cork, where he also studied for a music degree with Seán Ó Riada as one of his…

[innervoiceart]

Seán Ó Riada – Women of Ireland (from Barry Lyndon)

Album: Barry Lyndon’s Soundtrack, 1975

[shitenonions]

Flogging Molly: Anthem

I’m not going to do a long review on Anthem as the album has been out a while and it’s got lots of in-depth reviews elsewhere. Flogging Molly had gone off on a bit of a tangent with, Speed of Darkness, but with the follow-up, Life is Good, they got back on track. I’m happy to report that Anthem keeps them heading the right direction. I will say while Anthem rocks hard it is also their most…

[gyokujyn]

@stuckyfingers Sincerely hope this was a prompt because I ran with it.

Both Catholic and Jewish wedding ceremonies have a lot of music involved, so I blended the two into one playlist and barely shrunk it down to 10 tracks.

Prelude Two Men in Love by The Irrepressibles

This song, along with others, would be playing while everyone is waiting for the ceremony to get started. I picked this mostly because of the lyrics (I had trouble deciding which lyrics to grab for the preview below) which reflect actively asking each other to stay, talks about hiding and running from each other, and finally acknowledging that they're in love.

If I asked you now Would you be my prince? Would you lay down your armor And be with me forever?

Wedding Party Erev Shel Shoshanim by Harry Belafonte

This is a fairly traditional choice in Jewish weddings to accompany the wedding party processional as they take their places for the ceremony, but it's also just really beautiful and I thought Harry Belafonte would fit with the old men in love vibe.

[translated from Hebrew] The night falls slowly A breeze of roses blows Let me whisper a song to you quietly A song of love

Processional and Circling Kumi Lakh by Zach Mayer

In Catholic traditions, the bride would be walked down the aisle separate from the rest of the wedding party, whereas both bride and groom are escorted with the rest of the party in Jewish tradition followed by the bride circling the groom 7 times under the Chuppah. If they decide to have their processional separate, I envision this song accompanying the second processional, but mostly this is for the circling tradition. Winter is past.

[translated from Hebrew] O my dove, my undefiled, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; For, lo, the winter is past.

Offertory Ag Críost an Síol by Seán Ó Riada

Catholic tradition includes Mass and an open offering of communion. I think Steve might struggle to feel he should take communion, but I also think it would be important to him. This song would be during the preparation and setting of the Eucharist for Mass. I chose this arrangement in part because, despite being an Irish hymn based on an Irish prayer, it sounds like it draws from some of the Semitic roots of a lot of hymns which felt in keeping with the blended ceremony.

[translated from Gaelic] From Death to the end Not the end but a rebirth, In the Paradise of Graces May we be.

Communion Be Thou My Vision by Narrow Way

Once communion is prepared, this song would be for the taking of communion. I couldn't find my favourite translation/arrangement of this song which is even more fight-oriented than this one, but this still feels like a good fit. Be my Shield and my Sword feels very coded to our boys. This is another old Irish hymn, translated from the Gaelic Bí Thusa 'mo Shúile.

Be Thou my Buckler, my Sword for the fight; Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight; Thou my soul’s Shelter, be Thou my high Tow’r, Come raise Thou me heav’nward, oh Pow’r of my pow’r.

Presentation of Flowers to the Holy Mother A Mhuire na nGrás by Fionnuala Gill

I feel like it would be important for both Steve and Bucky to invoke their mothers at their wedding, but I feel that they would both especially want Sarah Rogers to be recognized here, so I selected another old Irish hymn for presenting flowers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The lyrics here are so very much appropriate for Steve and Bucky, too, that I'm just going to include the whole translation.

[translated from Gaelic] O Mary of Graces And Mother of God May I tread in the paths That the righteous have trod. And mayest thou save me From evil's control, And mayest thou save me In body and soul. And mayest thou save me By land and by sea, And mayest thou save me From tortures to be. May the guard of the angels Above me abide, May God be before me And God at my side.

Recessional I'll Get By by Harry James, Dick Haymes

There are so many Harry James songs I associate with these two, but I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You) just makes too much sense to follow them as they leave as newlyweds. Til the end of the line.

I'll get by, as long as I have you Though there'll be rain and darkness too I'll not complain, I'll live with you Poverty, may come to me, that's true But what care I I'll get by, as long as I have you

First Dance There, I've Said It Again by Vaughn Monroe

Their first dance as a married couple could go any number of ways, but I wanted to find a song they would've heard as young men and maybe look back on it fondly. This one came out in February of 1945 and was number one on Billboard's National Radio Airplay right up until Bucky fell from a train in the Alps, so it might've been popular enough to be one of the last songs he heard before his presumed death.

Forgive me for wanting you so But one thing I want you to know I've loved you since heaven knows when There! I've said it again

Hora Od Yishama by Schlomo Carlebach

I'm gonna be honest with you, I just wanted any song for the hora that wasn't Hava Nagila, only because it's so over done (and a good hora is like a bajillion songs long, so they'll probably still have Hava Nagila in there somewhere, lol). Anyway, I am picturing their friends trying to lift these two massive super soldiers on chairs while dancing and Tony's gotta be in the suit just to make it happen and Thor has no idea what's going on but he's got the spirit and I'm giggling.

[translated from Hebrew] Yet again there shall be heard In the cities of Judah And in the streets of Jerusalem​. The voice of joy and the voice of gladness The voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride.

Last Dance Francesca by Hozier

The final dance of the night couldn't be anything else in my mind. I wanted something modern, to reflect them moving into the future, but still calling back to their origins and everything they've been through to find each other again. This song is a perfect fit.

If someone asked me at the end I'll tell them put me back in it Darling, I would do it again, ah, ah If I could hold you for a minute Darling, I'd go through it again, ah, ah I would still be surprised I could find you, darling In any life If I could hold you for a minute Darling, I would do it again, ah, ah [...] I would not change it each time (I would not change it each time) Heaven is not fit to house a love (Heaven is not fit to house a love) Like you and I (like you and I)

The playlist in its entirety can be found here: Barnes Rogers

[mellowchouchou]

An Phaidir -  Seán Ó Riada

performed by Carol Thompson

[musicmakesyousmart]

Seán Ó Riada Le Seán Ó Sé Agus Ceoltóirí Cualann - Ó Riada Sa Gaiety

Gael-Linn

1970

[alightinthelantern]

An Spailpín Fánach Seán Ó Sé, Seán Ó Riada, Ceoltóirí Chualann

[singeratlarge]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend and musical advisor Rick Anderson (The Tubes), Jimmie Angel, Tim Bachman, the 1971 Bangla Desh concerts, Lionel Bart, The Beatles’s 1964 “Hard Day’s Night” single, Tommy Bolin, Geoff Britton, Rob Buck (10,000 Maniacs), Boz Burrell, Jim Carroll, Coolio, Rick Coonce (Grass Roots), Denny Cordell, Robert Cray, Dom DeLuise, Joe Elliott, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, André Gagnon, Jerry Garcia, Dhani Harrison, Geoffrey Holder, Henrietta Lacks, Robert Todd Lincoln, Paddy Maloney (The Chieftains), Herman Melville, Jason Momoa, MTV, Yoshinao Nakada, Seán Ó Riada, Jackie Ormes, Michael Penn, Edith Pretty, and my friend and musical colleague evinrude a.k.a. Kevin Spyker. We had a good run of recordings and doing shows together (was that a “rooftop concert” at Lycoming College?). Here’s one of his timeless and touchstone tracks, the energetic “Liberation Overdrive.” Meanwhile, HB KS.

https://johnnyjblairsingeratlarge.bandcamp.com/track/liberation-overdrive

#evinrude #kevinspyker #pennsylvania #alternativerock #electronic #folk #lycomingcollege #liberation #overdrive #johnnyjblair

[twostarsinonesphere]

I'm collecting some songs for the playlist that gets me into the writer mood. I'm looking for some traditional Irish songs (or ones inspired by them) that are super dark and dramatic (literally the only kind of music I listen to). Do you have any recommendations?

yes, i do have recommendations! here you go:

fingal’s cave by paddy moloney (it’s technically scottish but it’s wonderful and would work for your playlist. not exactly dark, per se, but it’s strangely wistful, dramatic, and also slaps)

o’neill’s cavalry march/tralee gaol by seán ó riada (the darkest song on this list)

the foggy dew by sinead o’connor and the chieftains (both dramatic and dark, the instrumental interlude is fucking incredible)

óró! ‘sé do bheatha ‘bhaile by paul brady (mostly dramatic, sends shivers down my spine. also this version captures the essence of the song like no other version does, highly recommend)

the rocky road to dublin by the high kings (need i say more?)

the wind that shakes the barley by the maguire brothers (dark, and also sad. in other versions the verses about revenge are cut out and this one doesn’t do that, which i greatly appreciate)

skibbereen by waxies’ dargle (another revenge song. again, dark and sad)

sixteen dead men by lisa lambe (the music for this is original, but the lyrics are a poem by w.b. yeats. its purpose was to reflect on the impact of the easter rising during the centenary in 2016. quite dark and also gives me shivers)

so that’s pretty much all i can think of in terms of dark/dramatic, but it’s some good shit and i hope you enjoy! and i hope it helps you in your writing!

[stairnaheireann]

#OTD in 1971 – Death of Seán Ó Riada, founder, composer, and arranger for the Chieftains.

A true Irish Gift to the world, Seán Ó Riada left the world at the terribly young age of 40. One of Ireland’s finest composers and a major influence on traditional Irish music, Seán Ó Riada (John Reidy) was born in West Cork in 1931. Ó Riada’s love of music came from parents who were both competent traditional fiddlers. “My father had a wonderful store of music. I remember him telling me that he…

[unabashedqueenfury]

Reign 2013-2017/02-22

Toby Finn Regbo as Francis Valois

[mcneelamusic]

Irish Concertina Masters - The Legacy Of Noel Hill - McNeela Music

There’s no denying that Noel Hill has become one of the most influential Irish concertina players in the world of traditional Irish music. His influence is far reaching and second only to the iconic Mrs. Crotty.The most important legacy that any musician can leave in their wake is a generation of younger musicians following in their footsteps. Noel Hill has most definitely achieved this.The virtuoso concertina player from Co. Clare has gained legendary status thanks to his musical prowess. Concertina players everywhere strive to emulate his iconic playing style. His influence on traditional Irish concertina playing today cannot be overstated.So who are the concertina players following in his footsteps? Keep reading and I’ll introduce you to some of the best concertina players on the scene today.These brilliant musicians are setting the scene alight with their innovative playing. From newcomers to unexpected names, these concertina players are well worth knowing. Their playing will delight and inspire, just as Noel Hill’s has before them. Contents [hide]Musical Heritage: Jack Talty The Rhythm of the Dance: Caitlín Nic GabhannThe Irish Concertina Ensemble Musical Exploration: Pádraig Rynne Dual Citizenship: Niamh Ní Charra The Banks of the Liffey: Sarah FlynnThe Housekeepers Following in their Footsteps Musical Heritage: Jack Talty One of the leading traditional Irish musicians of his generation, among a versatile new wave. – Toner Quinn, The Journal of MusicIt’s only right that Noel’s nephew himself would take the lead – a true concertina virtuoso, following proudly in his uncle’s footsteps.Jack Talty is a masterful concertina player from Lissycasey in Co. Clare.He began learning the concertina from his uncle, Noel Hill, at the age of ten. Immersed in the tradition from a young age and surrounded by a thriving traditional Irish music community, Jack thrived.Today he is one of the leading concertina players within the tradition: A true Jack of all trades, Talty is an accomplished arranger, composer, producer, researcher, sound engineer and teacher. A master of them all, it’s with traditional Irish concertina playing however that his heart truly lies.In 2011, Jack founded Raelach Records. As artistic director of the music label, he has produced many brilliant records including an exciting collaboration, Na Fir Bolg, with fellow concertina player Cormac Begley.While an entire album of concertina duets might seem like an unusual concept, it works!These two concertina players, both from esteemed musical families, add a new dimension to concertina playing. Their musicality shines through, as does their deep love and understanding of the tradition itself.The end result is magical: In 2016, Jack also released his debut solo concertina album, In Flow, to rave reviews, and rightly so.In Flow reflects the many years of dedication Talty has given to traditional music… and to developing a distinctive musical voice of his own within an approach that is passionately engaged with the music of his predecessors and contemporaries. – Toner Quinn, Journal of Music While Noel Hill’s influence is evident in Jack’s playing, it’s also clear that he is driven by his own passion for the music and his dedication to his craft.In the short video below, Jack speaks about why he plays music and offers some brilliant advice to those just starting out on their music journey: The Rhythm of the Dance: Caitlín Nic Gabhann No list of brilliant modern day concertina players would be complete with our very own Caitlín Nic Gabhann.Some of you might recognise Caitlín from our online concertina lesson series and as a regular guest blogger. Her vibrant concertina playing has undoubtedly earned her a place on this list.A three time All-Ireland champion on concertina, Caitlín is also an accomplished dancer who has toured the world with Riverdance. It’s this skill as a dancer that likely contributes to her characteristic rhythmic style of playing: Caitlín was born and raised in Co. Meath where she first learned music from her father, renowned fiddle player Antóin

Mac Gabhann. She learned her dancing from her mother, Bernie, who was herself immersed in the set dancing style of Co. Clare.In 2012, Caitlín released her debut album which was labelled the ‘top Irish traditional album of 2012’ by The Wall Street Journal. It’s not hard to understand why!This vibrant album is full of life from the very first track: There’s an exciting energy to Caitlín’s playing that is evident throughout the album, even on the slower, sweeter tracks. Have a listen to Caitlín’s own composition, Sunday’s Well to hear for yourself: The Irish Concertina EnsembleCaitlín has many exciting musical collaborations under her belt including several albums with her husband, award-winning fiddle player, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh. One of her most interesting projects however is an innovative concertina quintet – the Irish Concertina Ensemble.If you thought a concertina duet was unexpected, a concertina quintet is definitely unprecedented in Irish music. Some might despair at the thought, but it’s a concertina player’s dream: The Irish Concertina Ensemble, or ICE, is made up of five world renowned leading exponents of the Anglo Concertina – Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh, Pádraig Rynne, Tim Collins, Edel Fox, and Caitlín Nic Gabhann.The quintet released their debut album in 2015. Zero features a mix of traditional Irish tunes and newly composed repertoire, all arranged for five concertinas. It definitely succeeds in pushing the boundaries of traditional Irish concertina playing. It’s certainly an experience to hear these tunes in the hands of not one, but five master concertina players: Musical Exploration: Pádraig Rynne Another Co. Clare native, Pádraig Rynne is an exciting and innovative concertina player renowned for his experimental sound: Pádraig has collaborated with some of the greatest traditional Irish musicians out there – Donal Lunny, John McSherry, Sylvain Barou – the list is endless, both as a producer and as a member of a number of exciting ensembles.His musical explorations increasingly lead him down a path that is less and less traditional at every turn. This isn’t a criticism by any means. A little creativity never hurt anyone! Pádraig’s music would definitely struggle to be defined as ‘traditional Irish music’ however. Pádraig’s music draws inspiration from a variety of genres and musical styles, particularly electronic. His passion and prowess for music technology is particularly evident on his solo albums. His continued experimentation leads to refreshing explorations of traditional repertoire: Whatever your opinion may be on his style of music, there’s no denying that Pádraig is a virtuoso concertina player who has succeeded in taking Irish concertina playing to new and exciting heights. His musicality is enviable. Don’t worry, his traditional roots are never too far away: Dual Citizenship: Niamh Ní Charra Niamh Ní might be an unexpected entry to this list for some. Niamh is best known for her years spent as the fiddle player with Riverdance. She’s also a master of the Irish concertina however. While touring the world with the iconic Irish dance show, she introduced audiences to her brilliant concertina playing and gained a well earned reputation as a virtuoso of both instruments: Niamh grew up in Killarney, immersed in the Sliabh Luachra music tradition. (Sliabh Luachra is both a mountainous region in the southwest of Ireland and an iconic, highly rhythmic playing style. Think polkas and slides played at breakneck speeds.)She began learning the fiddle at the age of four, and progressed to the concertina – sharing her love for music between the two. While Niamh’s concertina playing also draws on more modern influences, you can definitely hear that highly rhythmic Sliabh Luachra flavour to her playing: A multi-award winning multi-instrumentalist, Niamh has talent to burn. In 2014 she was awarded Female Musician of the Year in the Live Ireland Music Awards. Keen to display her prowess on both instruments, Niamh released her debut solo album From Both Sides in 2007.This album masterfully highlights her skill on both

instruments, and is bursting with beautiful, expressive playing, at which Niamh excels. Have a listen to this haunting rendition of Caoineadh Eoghan Rua – one of the best interpretations I’ve ever heard of this beautiful air: The Banks of the Liffey: Sarah Flynn So many prominent Irish concertina players hail from Co. Clare that you’d be forgiven for thinking we only give a concertina licence to those from the Banner County. Our next concertina player however, hails from North County Dublin, and believe me it’s a long long way from Clare to here.As the capital city of Ireland, Dublin has long been a melting pot of regional Irish music styles, producing high calibre musicians who draw on inspiration from across the country. Typically, most of these musicians end up looking west, or, in this case, southwest to Co. Clare.Sarah Flynn began playing the concertina at an early age under the tuition of Aoife O’Connor and none other than Noel Hill himself. With influences including Noel Hill and fiddle player Bobby Casey, it will come as no surprise that Sarah has a keen interest in concertina and fiddle music from County Clare.Despite the strong influence of such stylistic musicians, Sarah has succeeded in developing a unique and innovative style of concertina playing: The HousekeepersThough a noted solo performer, one of Sarah’s most exciting contributions to traditional Irish music comes in the form of a partnership with Dublin fiddle player, Doireann Glackin (granddaughter of the great Seán Ó Riada), The Housekeepers. The Housekeepers is more than just an album. It’s the culmination of an exciting research project that examines the repertoire of five female musicians from the 20th century and explores their role within the world of traditional music through a new lens.The tracks journey through various Irish regional styles including the West Clare, West Limerick, East Galway and Sliabh Luachra traditions. Most importantly however, they do so specifically from the perspective of female musicians and their contributions to the traditions. The combination of Sarah’s unique playing style and her retrospective creativity definitely makes her a young concertina player to watch.Following in their Footsteps If like these brilliant concertina players you’re feeling inspired to pick up a concertina and embark on your own musical journey, why not take a look at our Online Concertina Store and see what we have to offer? We have concertinas to suit all levels and abilities. There really is an instrument for everyone.We also have an exciting offer for any beginner concertina player out there. For a limited time, with every purchase of our beloved Wren Anglo Concertina, our Swan Concertina or our intermediate Phoenix Concertina we are offering a free series of online video lessons with none other than Caitlín Nic Gabhann.Caitlín’s expert guidance is guaranteed to take your concertina playing to the next level and make you a concertina virtuoso in no time![Featured image: niamhnicharra.com]

[scannain]

Redmond Barry Films have announced that legendary actor of stage and screen, Brian Cox, has joined the cast of their short film, Kubrick By Candlelight, as The Narrator.

Kubrick By Candlelight is a light-hearted romantic comedy set behind the scenes of the filming in Ireland in 1973 of Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon.

Darragh O’Toole (South, Red Rock), Amy Hughes (Vikings), Phelim Drew (Angela’s Ashes, My Left Foot) join newcomers Mark Lawrence as Mark Thornton and Michael Thomas Nolan as Stanley Kubrick. Rounding out the cast is internet sensation, impressionist and comedian Al Foran as Mick Molloy.

Cox, an Emmy Award-winning star of films as diverse as Manhunter, Zodiac, Troy, Braveheart, X-Men, The Bourne Films, Adaptation and most recently Churchill, said of the film “it’s charming and original…and very funny”.

I am thrilled to have Brian join the cast as our Narrator. I’ve been a huge fan since I saw him as Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter and he’s been a presence in my favourite movies ever since. He brings amazing gravitas to the film and I couldn’t be happier. David O’Reilly, Writer and Director

Kubrick By Candlelight shot over 4 days in December 2016, having secured the Film Offaly/Filmbase Bursary Award. The addition of Brian Cox to the cast comes as the film completes post production.

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Peadar Ó Riada plays his father Seán Ó Riada’s haunting love theme from Barry Lyndon “Mná na hÉireann” (Women of Ireland) on the soundtrack, joining a group of talented musicians including composer and performer Ewan Cowley (The High Kings, Celtic Women), Joe Csibi (former Musical Director of Riverdance) and Gavin Cowley (Glimmermen) who perform traditional Irish music influenced by Barry Lyndon as well as music from other Kubrick films.

1970’s Irish rock band Cromwell have kindly allowed the producers to use two of their tracks “Down on the Town” and “First Day” which they hope will add to the 70’s flavour.

To have Peadar, who is an incredible musician and composer in his own right, playing on his father’s track Women of Ireland is both exciting and very moving. It connects our own little film to Barry Lyndon, Kubrick and Irish musical history in such a strong and powerful way.

When Gavin Cowley discovered Cromwell and “Down on the Town” I fell in love with it instantly. It’s raw, smells of the 1970s in Ireland and is a cracking song. I tracked down Pat Brady (lead singer of Cromwell) in Australia and he very generously gave us permission to use the song as well as First Day. Both songs are perfect. This film is big, bold and ambitious and adding Brian, Peadar and Cromwell to the mix has lifted it way beyond my hopes.

This is a feel good film that I hope will lift people’s spirits during these strange and troubling times David O’Reilly, Writer and Director

The Kubrick By Candlelight team now plan to enter the film in to film festivals in Ireland, the UK and worldwide. They also have a number of very special screenings and events planned for the coming months.

#IrishFilm: Veteran star Brian Cox joins Irish short film Kubrick By Candlelight Redmond Barry Films have announced that legendary actor of stage and screen, Brian Cox, has joined the cast of their short film, …

[mellowchouchou]

Since the lovely, plaintive air “Women of Ireland” (composed by the respected, late Irish musician Seán Ó Riada) is used twice in the soundtrack of “Barry Lyndon”, I decided to stitch the two together into a combined track.

This opens with the variant on solo harp (by harpist Derek Bell) preceding and following the ensemble version performed by famed traditional folk band The Chieftains, the second playthrough in truncated form. Although at only 50 seconds long the harp version serves fine as bookends, I cut it in half for the coda to eliminate any sense of repetition.

“Women of Ireland” (“Mná na hÉireann”) || comp. Seán Ó Riada perf. Derek Bell (solo harp) & The Chieftains (group instrumentals) Barry Lyndon (1975), original soundtrack

[awomanflayd]

#NowPlaying An Buachaill Sa Bhád by Seán Ó Riada

[stairnaheireann]

#OTD in 1971 – Death of Seán Ó Riada, founder, composer, and arranger for the Chieftains.

#OTD in 1971 – Death of Seán Ó Riada, founder, composer, and arranger for the Chieftains.

A true Irish Gift to the world, Seán Ó Riada left the world at the terribly young age of 40. One of Ireland’s finest composers and a major influence on traditional Irish music, Seán Ó Riada (John Reidy) was born in West Cork in 1931. Ó Riada’s love of music came from parents who were both competent traditional fiddlers. “My father had a wonderful store of music. I remember him telling me that he…