The IRISH COUNTRY FOUR from Belfast had a wonderfully original take on traditional repertoire from Ulster. Their sole recording was reviewed at the time as ‘an excellent records… they sing the songs and play the tunes of their homeland with an involvement that is quick to rub off on the listener.
1 Reels: Roaring Mary and The Old Torn Petticoat
played by the group (union pipes, whistle, guitar and bones)
2 The Cotton-mill Song
sung by Jess Harpur (w. guitar) and chorus
3 The Granemore Hare
sung by Jess Harpur, acc. Brian Bailie (flute) and Valerie Bailie (guitar)
4 The boys of Mullaghbawn
sung by the group (unaccompanied)
5 Pulling the Lint
sung by Trevor Stewart (unaccompanied)
6 Air: The Melodious Little Fort of Bruff
played by Brian Bailie (whistle)
7 General Munro
sung by Jess Harpur and Valerie Bailie, with Brian Bailie (flute)
8 The Load of Kale Plants
sung by Trevor Stewart, with Brian Bailie (flute)
9 O’Meally’s Hornpipe
played by the group (union pipes, whistle and guitar)
10 Jigs: Kitty’s Bonnet and The Flax-dresser
played by the group (union pipes, whistle, flute, bodhran)
11 The Doffing Mistress
sung by Valerie Bailie, Jess Harpur, Trevor Stewart (w. guitar and mandoline)
12 The Maid of Ballydoo
sung by Jess Harpur (w. guitar) and chorus
13 Air: Blind Mary
played by Trevor Stewart (union pipes)
14 Magherafelt Hiring Fair
sung by Valerie Bailie and Trevor Stewart (w. guitar)
15 The Heights of Alma
sung by Trevor Stewart and Jess Harpur (unaccompanied)
16 P for Paddy
sung by Trevor Stewart, acc. Brian Bailie (flute) and chorus
17 Reels: Martin Mulhaire’s no. 1 / Kitty goes a-milking and Pigeon on the gate
played by the group (whistle, union pipes, bodhran and bones)
Listen / buy on:
Spotify, Apple Music / iTunes, Amazon
