Irish Music Magazine - November 2000

Ireland

The Hour Before Dawn

In the second part of Earle Hitchner's interview with the leading Irish American band, Solas, we hear of the new album and line up changes, can we expect a different sound and is the band going to stray away from their traditional roots?

Still Whirling

They've been all round the world this year and rarely it seems do they get time to spend at home. On one of those rare occasions they touched base with Oisin MacDiarmada to bring us a snippet of their latest news.

Fir Na Keol

Its reed, set and match for the two Davids. Oboe player David Agnew has teamed up with uilleann piper David Downes to create a new work based on the Flight of the Earls writes John Brophy.

Piping With Passion

Cork uilleann piper Eoin O Riabhaigh has reached a watershed with the release of his album, Tiomnacht. The album is dedicated to the memory of his late father Micheál and here he talks to Richard O'Rourke about this legacy, his influences and the significance of the making of the recording.

United Kingdom

Catriona MacDonald

The Cork Arts Festival doesn't know what it's in for, it's Shetland fiddle music, but not as we know it. Catriona MacDonald spills the beans to Alan McIntosh Brown.

Bellowing Out Music

The latest compilation CD released by Fflac Tradd, Megin (bellows), features accordions and concertinas, played by some of Wales' hidden talent. Sian Philips reports on the resurgence in the fortunes of the Welsh box.

Europe

A Legend On The Wind

Kornog, the legendary Breton folk band are back in action, have a new album out on the Green Linnet label, are touring the US in November and relishing every minute. "The band is sounding great now and it's better than the original line up! I'm really excited", founder member Jamie McMenemy told John O'Regan recently.

North America

Low Down On The Lowlands

Susan McKeown's new album Lowlands was released on the Green Linnet label in early October. On the eve of her UK and Ireland tour, Susan talked songs and sources with Seán Laffey.

Regulars

Up and Coming - The Neff Brothers

From the Leeside annals of musical families including the O'Riadas, O'Riabhaighs, Ní Cathasaighs and Moynihans now comes the Neff Brothers. John O'Regan meets two brothers who are set to go places and finds out where they have been already.

Story Behind the Song

Something for the Season. John Brophy tells the tale of fairy kidnapping to chill the bones for the Halloween and the Celtic New Year.

Tuition Tips from Waltons

After the Guitar and the fiddle we now bring you a mini series on the Banjo. With tuition from one of the best in the world, Gerry Banjo O'Connor.

The Music Makers

"You can't eat the scenery" John Jackson tells Seán Laffey. Find out how a craft based industry from remote rural Scotland is importing bodhráns back to the old country.

Thunderbolts & Lightning

Ita Kelly talks to this year's TG4 Award winner, Mary Bergin.

Live Reviews

Sliabh Notes in Milwaukee and behind the scenes at the Pre-All Ireland Ceili House.

CD Reviews

Another 4 page of wantable plastic from The Diamond Mountain to Raise Your Head, there's another dozen class albums waiting for your approval.