From the original LP notes by Neil Wayne:
In this, the sixth Topic/Free Reed release, we present a sample of the playing of eight musicians from various parts of Ireland who play the Anglo concertina.
Today, the richest store of traditional concertina playing is to be found in County Clare, and indeed five of these musicians live and work in that county. However, the instrument’s popularity has been more widespread and Mrs. O’Dwyer, who learnt to play in County Limerick as a young girl, tells of many players in that county.
Also, the instrument is regaining popularity amongst the newer generation of musicians, and we feature on the recording items from two younger Dublin concertina players.
This record, then, surveys the Irish traditional concertina styles that can be heard in and around County Clare today, and includes selections from younger musicians, as well as some of the finest traditional players of the concertina in Ireland.
1 reel King of the Clans Sonny Murray
2 set tunes No Title/Behind the Bush in Parkhanna Mrs Ellen O’Dwyer
3 jig Kit O’Mahoney’s Paddy Murphy
4 reel The Mountain Road Gerald Haugh
5 Reels Solus Lillis/Tom Carey
6 slow air The Fairy Child Michael MacAogain
7 set dance The Argrume Set Mrs Ellen O’Dwyer
8 barn dance The Barn Dance Mrs Ellen O’Dwyer
9 reels Chancy Cheory/West along the Road Sonny Murray
10 reel The Morning Dew Sonny Murray
11 reel Spike Island Lasses Sean O’Dwyer
12 jigs Jigs incl. Jenny’s Beaver Hat Mrs Ellen O’Dwyer
13 reels Toss the Feathers/Drowsy Maggie Mrs Ellen O’Dwyer
14 reel The Mason’s Apron Paddy Murphy
15 flings Sean O’Dwyer’s Fling/The Kerry Hornpipe Sean O’Dwyer
16 jig Kesh Jig Gerald Haugh
17 jig The Clare Jig (Stack’s Favourite) Solus Lillis/Tom Carey
18 air Air from Thomas Moor Solus Lillis
19 hornpipe The Fairy Hornpipe Michael MacAogain
20 March Mrs Ellen O’Dwyer
21 set dance Mrs O’Dwyer’s Fancy Mrs Ellen O’Dwyer
22 jigs Apples in Winter Solus Lillis/Tom Carey
Produced by John Tams, Neil Wayne and Tony Engle.
First issued by Topic Records 1977.
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