The Chieftains have been one of the most significant bands ever in the history of traditional Irish music, in its revival, and its popular appeal throughout the world.  They have collaborated with a Who’s Who of musicians down through the years, across traditional Irish music, international folk music, classical musicians,…

For banjo players, John Carty is a strong influence and inspiration.  Considered by many as one of Ireland’s best traditional musicians, Carty plays fiddle, tenor banjo, tenor guitar and occasionally the flute.  He is very interested in the North Connacht traditional music style. Carty was born in London and now…

Their debut album in 2016, this five-piece feature banjo, mandolin, box, guitar, fiddle, pipes and drums.  This write first saw them perform at “5th on Teeling”, in Sligo during the 2014 Fleadh Cheoil, and they have performed continuously since then, including locally here in Portlaoise in the Dunamaise Theatre, where…

This collaboration by Collins (concertina) and McNamara (pipes) features duet playing at its very highest, as well as including accompaniment from Alex Finn, Mick Conneely, Michael Rooney and Padraic O’Reilly.  Tim Collins is strongly associated with the great music festival held in Ennis every year – Consairtin – as well…

The Kilfenora Céilí Band has legendary status and has been around for a long time, featuring many musicians over the generations.  Their repertoire still has traditional dance music, but has also expanded to include songs and arrangements of other musical genres.  This album’s title track reflects that in the cover…

Flute players will want to listen to Kevin Crawford.  Kevin Crawford (born in Birmingham, England) is an Irish flute, tin whistle, Low whistle and bodhrán player. He was born in England to Irish parents from Milltown Malbay, County Clare. He later moved to West Clare to improve his music and…

This duo are famous for their collaborations on fiddle and guitar, and this album features music by Bill Whelan, Tommy Peoples, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin amongst others. Personal favourites on this album for this writer are track 6 – ‘Capaillín Dubh Ina Thaibhreamh’, by Steve Cooney, and track 5 – ‘Trip…

One of the more modern bands, Beoga were introduced to a more mainstream music audience via their collaboration with Ed Sheeran.  At home, they have been the role model for many other musicians and groups, including Moxie from Sligo as well as Goitse from this part of the world –…

The name Begley is strongly associated with music and Kerry, and Cormac Begley is regarded as one of the finest concertina players around today. This album has a distinctive design in that the sleeve notes are shaped like a concertina, and Cormac plays a wide range of differently tuned concertinas…

Altan is the word that comes to mind for many people across the world when they hear traditional Irish music.  A powerhouse of a band over the last 30 years, they were founded by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and the late Frankie Kennedy.  The influences of Donegal and the Irish language…