Irish Christmas in Washington

A lovely recent performance at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in DC featuring Banjo player and vocalist Mick Moloney, fiddlers Athena Tergis and Rhys Jones, accordionist Billy McComiskey, and pianist Brendan Dolan. Presented in cooperation with the Irish Arts Center.

Listen and watch the performance

Thanks to Rae for suggesting the link and for our BRIMS students and fellow travelers to Ireland this past summer, enjoy the 2nd tune – it should sound familiar to you!

Peace, joy and warmth of the holiday season!

KGB Practice CD – On Line Now!!

After making multiple copies of the King Golden Banshee practice CD for folks, I decided it was time to “Go Green”, and, thanks to gaining permission from Will Rourk, the originator of the CD, here it is in all its glory. And yes, my DADGAD guitar students, playing along with these tunes is excellent practice! Hahaha! I have placated two groups with my ingenious counter offensive!

Do note that you may need to re-tune your instrument slightly, especially on some tracks, as it is not quite 440. All are in Windows Media Format, so if you are on a Mac, please use the link on the right to be able to play on your computer. Also, for those of you who might be sitting in with KGB, some sets have been changed, though most of these tunes are still actively being played.

Listen to Jim Donohue’s, Plow and Stars
Listen to Fisher’s, Rights of Man, Dunmore Lasses
Listen to Tripping up the Stairs, Banish Misfortune, Gillian’s Apples
Listen to Rakish Paddy, Dick Gossip’s, Toss the Feathers
Listen to Pipe on the Hob, Gander In The Pratie Hole
Listen to Killavil Jig, Cliffs of Moher
Listen to King of the Fairies, Golden Keyboard, Banshee Reel (aka the KGB set)
Listen to Johnny Cope
Listen to Monaghan Twig, Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies, Humours of Tullycrine
Listen to Home Ruler, Charlie Lennon’s, Cronin’s
Listen to Cooley’s, Teetotaller
Listen to Smash the Windows, Jerry’s Beaver Hat, Tar Road to Sligo
Listen to Man of Aran, Musical Priest, Jenny’s Chickens
Listen to White Pettycoat
Listen to Dancing Bear, Oreaga
Listen to Boys of Blue Hill, The Sandlark, Off to California
Listen to O’Rourke’s, Farewell to Eireann
Listen to Lilting Banshee, Mug of Brown Ale, Swallowtail Jig
Listen to Merry Blacksmith, St. Anne’s
Listen to Blarney Pilgrim, Bill Harte’s
Listen to The Leitrim Fancy, Slip Jig (unknown), Lark in the Morning
Listen to O’Carolan’s Draught, Fairies Hornpipe
Listen to Spindleshanks, Spootaskerry
Listen to Pretty Peggy Morrissey, Madame Bonaparte
Listen to Jackie Coleman’s, Martin Wynne’s #2, Doc Gilbert’s
Listen to Lady on the Island, Crane’s Leg
Listen to Walsh’s, O’Dwyer’s
Listen to John Walsh’s, Britches Full of Stitches, Devlin’s Polka
Listen to Sean Ryan’s, Balleyvorney Polkas
Listen to Foxhunter’s Reel
Listen to Stokes County Waltz, Sonny Brogan’s Mazurka