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The Best Of The Irish Tradition
(3 x CD boxed set)
Rykodisc/Tradition TCD3002
Here's an interesting trio of CDs linked by a common theme: the legendary Clancy Family and friends. Irish expatriates who emigrated to New York in the 1950s, The Clancy Brothers were seminal figures in the 1950s/'60s folk revivals in both the UK and the USA. Along with Tommy Makem, Seamus Ennis and other friends and family members they feature large in this boxed set of revived and remastered work from the Tradition label.
The Lark In The Morning collects together material recorded in 1950s Ireland by American folklorist Diane Hamilton. Unaccompanied songs from the likes of Paddy Tunney, Tommy Makem, Joan Clancy, Sarah Makem, Peg Power and Liam Clancy are beautifully redolent of an altogether simpler and more innocent time, while the occasional hornpipe, jig or reel from Dennis Murphy or Padraig O'Keefe reminds us of the pre-powerhouse style of Irish music when fiddles were played in kitchens "for to dance to". Liam Clancy was lured along on the original recording trip: his sleeve notes are a hoot.
The Clancy Brothers And Tommy Makem was recorded in New York City in 1961, the band's third album for the Tradition label. Hearty party songs, gentle lullabies, bothy ballads, raucous drinking ditties and protest songs sung in close harmony and performed most theatrically with lusty guitars and jaunty whistles, it's Irish music as it was way back when. Though a dated sound in these days of virtuoso musicians and global influences, it's impossible to imagine the folk revival without their impact.
The masterly uilleann piping and charming songs of Seamus Ennis' The Bonny Bunch Of Roses completes the set. Renowned piper, broadcaster, collector and folklorist, Ennis here alternates tunes and songs, his pipe and whistle flowing between Gaelic love songs and ballads and facetious tales of devils, farmers' wives and press-ganged agricultural labourers.
For the price of a single CD, these three varied albums give a fascinating glimpse into the history of a great music, and shine with the characteristics which make the Irish such a wonderful race. Definitely a bargain.
Mel McClellan - March 2003
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Folk & Acoustic
