CD Review

Ifacably Irish

Colin Worley (2008)

The subtitle of this wonderful album is “Fun for the Practice Run” and it lives up to its name!  Colin Worley plays keyboard with a bright and brassy tone, accompanied by a well-integrated drum track.  He also composed or arranged all the tracks except the six trad sets, and his tunes are as excellent as his playing.  The two arranged tracks show his imagination and versatility.  One, a treble jig, starts with Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” and progresses to an adaptation of Pachebel’s “Canon”.  The other, a hornpipe, starts with a hint of “Waltzing Matilda” and trips on down the yellow brick road with the song from “Wizard of Oz.”  If you’re looking for music that’s fun as well as strict in its timing, you’ve found it.

Colin Worley says on the cover that this music is for advanced dancers and the track list bears him out.  There are two reels, two slip jigs, a single jig, two slow treble jigs and three hornpipes as well as the set dances, “St. Patrick’s Day,” “Blackbird,” “Garden of Daisies,” “Job of Journeywork,” “Three Sea Captains” and “King of the Fairies.”  It’s a pleasure to find a single jig on this and other new albums (they were often omitted from the oldest albums) especially one as enjoyable as the cascading notes of this one make it.  Highly recommended!

Feisworld Volume 2

Stephen Walker (2008)

This fine album is a worthy continuation of the well-regarded first volume.  Walker plays keyboard with a bright, brassy sound accompanied by a significant drum track.  Although some dancers compare this style to the calliope used for circus music, many appreciate the freshness of this treatment.  Many of the tunes, including a complete track of reels and another of slip jigs, are his own compositions and very fine.  Walker has expanded his musical offerings on this album to include a single jig (mistakenly labeled as the fourth slip jig track) and a light jig.  The light jig track takes some listening to: although it’s unmistakably in double jig format, his style mellows it and smooths out the bounce which is characteristic of light jigs.  Great for when you want something different but unexpected in what may be the most traditional of the dances.

Feisworld V2 includes four tracks of reels, three of slip jigs, three of slow heavy jigs and three of slow hornpipes, confirming its aim at the advanced dancer.

Catriona McKay STARFISH

Compass Records

Contemporary Scottish harp with fiddle, guitar, bass and strings.

Starfish is a gorgeous and mesmerizing album of adventurous and mysterious contemporary Scottish music that features the harp on noticeable lead. Catriona’s music blends elements of folk, jazz, classical music and Scottish tradition and presents a delightfully sexy exploration of the limits of the Celtic harp. On Starfish, Catriona is backed by solid guitar, fiddle, bass, and string work, as well as subtle electronic treatments.

Well known on the Scottish music scene as a member of the leading Shetland band Fiddlers’ Bid, Catriona McKay has recently began touring in the US and has been featured at several key festivals including Boston’s Irish Connections and Milwaukee’s Irish Fest. She is a fearless contemporary explorer on the Scottish harp, having collaborated with a wide array of folk, jazz, classical and experimental artists, as well as co-designing the new Starfish McKay harp, featuring an alternative tuning pattern and featured extensively on Starfish.

Featuring: Donald Grant, Fionan “Fionomenal” De Barra, Matt Baker, Alistair MacDonald, Seamus Egan and Red Skies.

THE CELTIC TENORS

HARD TIMES

Tayberry Records

Release Date: June, 2009

Reminiscent of parlor music and family gatherings before the electronic explosion, the Celtic Tenors, embark on an American expression of folk music. Listening to this music never gets old.

The Celtic Tenors (Matthew Gilsenan, James Nelson, Daryl Simpson) have established themselves as the most successful classic crossover artists ever to emerge from Ireland. Their new release, Hard Times, continues to break down common perceptions of Irish tenors with a collection of roots-based harmony-driven songs by writers such as Stephen Foster and Bob Dylan.

The Celtic Tenors have consistently thrilled fans with an eclectic mix of classical, folk, Celtic, and pop. Their new foray into Americana will be no different.

The Connemara Suite

Tayberry Records

Composed by Bill Whelan

Irish traditional music has no bounds. As free as the wind the indigenous sound transcends into the classical world providing a surreal music sequence that is magic. Whelan teases the listener with classical forms that include distinctly Irish styles as well as a dance percussion presence.

Composer Bill Whelan’s name may be synonymous with Riverdance—the seven-minute composition that went on, as a full-length production, to take over the world of musical theatre—but his wide-ranging career has been him play as a member of famed Irish group Planxty, produce artists ranging from U2 and Kate Bush to Patrick Street, and compose award-winning theatrical, film, and television scores, as well as many highly acclaimed orchestral works.

The Connemara Suite, performed by the Irish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by David Jones, features Zoe Conway (solo fiddle), Morgan Crowley (vocal and lilting), Colin Dunne (dance percussion), Fionnuala Hunt (solo violin), and Michele Mulcahy (harp) met Whelan’s personal challenge to “write for traditional musicians within the framework of a chamber orchestra.” The result is neither strictly traditional nor strictly classical yet uniquely blends the best of both.

The Greenfields of America

Released January, 2009

Mick Moloney: tenor banjo,

mandolin, guitar, vocals

John Doyle: guitar, bouzouki, vocals

Athena Tergis: four and

five string fiddles

Robbie O’Connell: guitar, vocals

Billy McComiskey: button accordion

Legends gather to record iconic set. Formed in 1978 by musician and musicologist Mick Moloney, THE GREEN FIELDS OF AMERICA were the first group on either side of the Atlantic to bring together Irish vocal, instrumental, and dance traditions to the concert and festival stage. Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts a record five times, the group has performed at a variety of leading venues and events including Carnegie Hall, Wolf Trap, The Smithsonian Institution, The Festival of American Folklife, Milwaukee Irish Fest, and The National Folk Festival. They have been featured on the soundtrack of PBS’ Out of Ireland as well as on the American Public Television production Absolutely Irish.

The current line-up of Moloney, John Doyle (Solas, Eileen Ivers, Tim O’Brien), Athena Tergis (Broadway’s Riverdance), Robbie O’Connell (Aengus,The Clancy Legacy), and All-Ireland Champion Billy McComiskey promises to maintain the “supergroup” status.

Hush

Pauline Scanlon

Compass Records

Released: August 2009

As the vocalist with the Sharon Shannon Band, Pauline Scanlon has entranced audiences the world over with her distinctly delicate intensity. She also contributed a song to Sharon’s 2003, platinum selling (Ireland) album Libertango, Pauline’s vocals sitting comfortably alongside those of Sinead O’Connor and Kirsty MacColl.

On Hush, Pauline Scanlon is joined by former Lúnasa guitar force, Donogh Hennessy, John R. Burr, Stuart Duncan, Kenny Malone, Darrell Scott, Danny Thompson and Garry West as she performs a collection of traditional Irish songs destined to become new classics.

Track listing

1 Wearin’ The Britches

2 The Lambs On The Green Hills

3 The Demon Lover

4 Farewell My Love, Remember Me

5 In Shame Love, In Shame

6 Dearthearín ó mo Chroí

7 Rain And Snow

8 When You And I Were True

9 The Green Fields Of Canada

10 The Flower Of Magherally-O

11 The Boys Of Barr Na Sraide

Historic Event Thrills Crowds

Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne, the World Championships in Irish Dancing, was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from April 2009, for the first time in North America. I was fortunate enough to be there for the entire event, and I am happy to report that it was extremely successful! From the colorful and impressive opening ceremonies on day one through to the presentation of awards to the winning teams in the senior dance drama competition on the final night, it was a week filled with excitement, energy, and emotion. It was a week which created for me, and for many other attendees, a great many fond, lasting memories.

An Coimsiun le Rince Gaelacha (The Irish Dance Commission), and in particular its Oireachtas Committee under the able chairmanship of James McCutcheon, made certain that the competitions went smoothly, the awards ceremonies were impressive, and the social events were the best ever. All of that happened as result of careful, long-term planning, put into place by a host of volunteers from around the world, who carried out their many responsibilities with dedication and flexibility. Hats off to James McCutcheon and Terry Gillan (assistant chair of the Oreachtas committee), and to their army of volunteers, for countless jobs well done.

The World Championships are always the high point of the Irish Dancing year. This year was no exception. We were privileged to see thousands of outstanding dancers from around the globe competing in solo and team events. Competitions were held in the magnificent Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and in the Philadelphia Marriott Hotel. Having two different venues was challenging and required a considerable amount of planning and coordination, but once again thanks to the committee and to many local volunteers, things went smoothly at both locations.

As a proud North American teacher and adjudicator, I was especially pleased that quite a number of North American dancers were successful in winning trophies, sashes, and medals in the many solo competition. In fact, North American solo dancers earned the title of World Champion in six different competitions. Ashley Smith, from the Smith-Houlihan School in Boston, won the title for the Senior Ladies. Deirdre Robinette, from the McGing School in Ohio, is champion for ladies under 21. In the girls under 17 age group, Gabriella Wood from the Petri School in NY was the winner. Michaela Hinds was the winner for the girls under 14 age group; she dances for the Butler Fearon O’Connor School in Canada. Scott Doherty won the title of Senior Men’s Champion; he dances for the O’Shea Chaplin School in Boston. The Dennehy School celebrated when Michael Putman won the title of World Champion in the boys under 17 age group. For the McGing, O’Shea Chaplin, and Dennehy Schools, these winners were their first ever world champions, which made the wins especially exciting. It is important to recognize that this is the first time in the thirty-nine year history of the championships that the Senior Men’s and Senior Ladies’ championships have been held jointly by North American dancers. I cannot fail to mention that both dancers are from the Boston, Massachusetts area, my home town, and that they both represent in a remarkable way an ongoing tradition of world class dancing to be found in that great city. Congratulations to Ashley and Scott, two truly amazing dancers, and to their very proud teachers.

Team dancers from North American dance schools were not to be outdone by their solo counterparts in terms of titles and bragging rights. Eight teams from five different schools won the title of World Champion in a variety of team events. The Cara School from Pennsylvania won the minor mixed ceili competition, while The McGing School from Ohio won the junior girls figure choreography event, and The Watters School from Florida won the Junior Dance drama championship title. The Claddagh School from California earned two world championship titles: in the minor girls figure choreography and the senior mixed figure choreography. The Smith-Houlihan School from Boston was the big winner with three championship titles: Minor Girls Ceili, Senior Ladies Ceili, and the Senior Dance Drama. Congratulations to all of these teams and to their talented teachers.

It is important to note that all of the dancers who competed in the World Championships should be very proud of their accomplishments. Each of the solo dancers who competed in Philadelphia had qualified to represent their individual regions of the world in regional competitions. All of them represented their regions with distinction.

I came away from Philadelphia with especially fond memories from this year’s World Championships. First, I was thrilled that Peter Smith, ADCRG, president emeritus of the Irish Dance Commission, was able to be present, despite recent health challenges. Along with Fedelmia Mullan Davis and Anna O’Sullivan, Peter was a founder of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA), which has been such an important part of the development of the current high level of Irish dancing in North America. It was especially fitting that these three wonderful individuals were recognized and honored during this unique event.

There was a first-class teachers’ reception, planned and presented impeccably by Lisa and Karen Petri, who were the chairpersons for all social events, at which I was able to renew acquaintances with many friends from around the world while being entertained by the fabulous Barry Owens Band from London. My wife, Millie Allen Beaton, TCRG, and I also had a wonderful evening at the dinner dance, where several types of recognition occurred. People who successfully passed their TCRG and ADCRG exams during the past year received their certificates and were presented to the audience. In addition, many individuals who have made a life-long difference in the world of Irish dancing received recognition awards from The Irish Dance Commission. For us, this was made extra special because Eddie Irwin, ADCRG, the gentleman who had been my wife’s dance partner when they danced for the Hansen-Keohane School of Irish Dancing in Boston, just a few years ago, was one of those honored. Listening to the ways in which each of the honorees had given years of dedication and talent to help make Irish dancing the major cultural and artistic force that it is in North America, made me very proud of what we have accomplished in North America. We enjoyed a great evening of fun and reminiscing with Eddie Irwin, as well as the Dillon Sisters, his former pupils, who are now themselves teaching dancing in the Boston area.

On the final night of the championships, I had the honor of being present for the entire Senior Dance Drama competition, hosted by the delightful Mary McElroy and Frances Curley, in which nineteen teams showed how creative and original they could be in telling stories and entertaining the audience. Their themes ranged from comedy to tragedy, their costumes were amazingly detailed and varied, and their stage presence and strong dancing skills impressed all of us that night. Representing the Southern region of the IDTANA, I had the distinct privilege of presenting the awards to the winners of this final competition of the week. The excitement and energy on stage during the awards ceremonies were amazing. It was a fantastic way to conclude a week full of wonderful dancing and sportsmanship. As I left the hall and walked back to my hotel, I was as happy and proud as I could be to be a part of the world of Irish dancing.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed the untold amounts of hard work and dedication that made the 2009 World Championships in Irish Dancing in Philadelphia successful and memorable. Led very ably by James McCutcheon and Terry Gillan, that large band of volunteers came together to ensure that it was a week to remember for ever. Thanks to all of them for the memories.

Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne, the World Championships in Irish Dancing, was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from April 2009, for the first time in North America. I was fortunate enough to be there for the entire event, and I am happy to report that it was extremely successful! From the colorful and impressive opening ceremonies on day one through to the presentation of awards to the winning teams in the senior dance drama competition on the final night, it was a week filled with excitement, energy, and emotion. It was a week which created for me, and for many other attendees, a great many fond, lasting memories.

An Coimsiun le Rince Gaelacha (The Irish Dance Commission), and in particular its Oireachtas Committee under the able chairmanship of James McCutcheon, made certain that the competitions went smoothly, the awards ceremonies were impressive, and the social events were the best ever. All of that happened as result of careful, long-term planning, put into place by a host of volunteers from around the world, who carried out their many responsibilities with dedication and flexibility. Hats off to James McCutcheon and Terry Gillan (assistant chair of the Oreachtas committee), and to their army of volunteers, for countless jobs well done.

The World Championships are always the high point of the Irish Dancing year. This year was no exception. We were privileged to see thousands of outstanding dancers from around the globe competing in solo and team events. Competitions were held in the magnificent Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and in the Philadelphia Marriott Hotel. Having two different venues was challenging and required a considerable amount of planning and coordination, but once again thanks to the committee and to many local volunteers, things went smoothly at both locations.

As a proud North American teacher and adjudicator, I was especially pleased that quite a number of North American dancers were successful in winning trophies, sashes, and medals in the many solo competition. In fact, North American solo dancers earned the title of World Champion in six different competitions. Ashley Smith, from the Smith-Houlihan School in Boston, won the title for the Senior Ladies. Deirdre Robinette, from the McGing School in Ohio, is champion for ladies under 21. In the girls under 17 age group, Gabriella Wood from the Petri School in NY was the winner. Michaela Hinds was the winner for the girls under 14 age group; she dances for the Butler Fearon O’Connor School in Canada. Scott Doherty won the title of Senior Men’s Champion; he dances for the O’Shea Chaplin School in Boston. The Dennehy School celebrated when Michael Putman won the title of World Champion in the boys under 17 age group. For the McGing, O’Shea Chaplin, and Dennehy Schools, these winners were their first ever world champions, which made the wins especially exciting. It is important to recognize that this is the first time in the thirty-nine year history of the championships that the Senior Men’s and Senior Ladies’ championships have been held jointly by North American dancers. I cannot fail to mention that both dancers are from the Boston, Massachusetts area, my home town, and that they both represent in a remarkable way an ongoing tradition of world class dancing to be found in that great city. Congratulations to Ashley and Scott, two truly amazing dancers, and to their very proud teachers.

Team dancers from North American dance schools were not to be outdone by their solo counterparts in terms of titles and bragging rights. Eight teams from five different schools won the title of World Champion in a variety of team events. The Cara School from Pennsylvania won the minor mixed ceili competition, while The McGing School from Ohio won the junior girls figure choreography event, and The Watters School from Florida won the Junior Dance drama championship title. The Claddagh School from California earned two world championship titles: in the minor girls figure choreography and the senior mixed figure choreography. The Smith-Houlihan School from Boston was the big winner with three championship titles: Minor Girls Ceili, Senior Ladies Ceili, and the Senior Dance Drama. Congratulations to all of these teams and to their talented teachers.

It is important to note that all of the dancers who competed in the World Championships should be very proud of their accomplishments. Each of the solo dancers who competed in Philadelphia had qualified to represent their individual regions of the world in regional competitions. All of them represented their regions with distinction.

I came away from Philadelphia with especially fond memories from this year’s World Championships. First, I was thrilled that Peter Smith, ADCRG, president emeritus of the Irish Dance Commission, was able to be present, despite recent health challenges. Along with Fedelmia Mullan Davis and Anna O’Sullivan, Peter was a founder of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA), which has been such an important part of the development of the current high level of Irish dancing in North America. It was especially fitting that these three wonderful individuals were recognized and honored during this unique event.

There was a first-class teachers’ reception, planned and presented impeccably by Lisa and Karen Petri, who were the chairpersons for all social events, at which I was able to renew acquaintances with many friends from around the world while being entertained by the fabulous Barry Owens Band from London. My wife, Millie Allen Beaton, TCRG, and I also had a wonderful evening at the dinner dance, where several types of recognition occurred. People who successfully passed their TCRG and ADCRG exams during the past year received their certificates and were presented to the audience. In addition, many individuals who have made a life-long difference in the world of Irish dancing received recognition awards from The Irish Dance Commission. For us, this was made extra special because Eddie Irwin, ADCRG, the gentleman who had been my wife’s dance partner when they danced for the Hansen-Keohane School of Irish Dancing in Boston, just a few years ago, was one of those honored. Listening to the ways in which each of the honorees had given years of dedication and talent to help make Irish dancing the major cultural and artistic force that it is in North America, made me very proud of what we have accomplished in North America. We enjoyed a great evening of fun and reminiscing with Eddie Irwin, as well as the Dillon Sisters, his former pupils, who are now themselves teaching dancing in the Boston area.

On the final night of the championships, I had the honor of being present for the entire Senior Dance Drama competition, hosted by the delightful Mary McElroy and Frances Curley, in which nineteen teams showed how creative and original they could be in telling stories and entertaining the audience. Their themes ranged from comedy to tragedy, their costumes were amazingly detailed and varied, and their stage presence and strong dancing skills impressed all of us that night. Representing the Southern region of the IDTANA, I had the distinct privilege of presenting the awards to the winners of this final competition of the week. The excitement and energy on stage during the awards ceremonies were amazing. It was a fantastic way to conclude a week full of wonderful dancing and sportsmanship. As I left the hall and walked back to my hotel, I was as happy and proud as I could be to be a part of the world of Irish dancing.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed the untold amounts of hard work and dedication that made the 2009 World Championships in Irish Dancing in Philadelphia successful and memorable. Led very ably by James McCutcheon and Terry Gillan, that large band of volunteers came together to ensure that it was a week to remember for ever. Thanks to all of them for the memories.