Irish Music Magazine - May 2002

Ireland

Breda's Basil and Thyme

Ita Kelly finds out that Breda Smyth expects to tour extensively in Ireland later this summer on what might be called a whistle-stop visit.

Where the Three Counties Meet

The new album Along Blackwater's Banks from Sliabh Notes is bubbling over with life. If you can sit still while listening to these dance tunes, your should consider visiting a doctor says Paul Dromey.

On the Road with Altan

Dan Milner caught up with Altan on their travels throughout the United States.

The Voice of Heart's Desire

The song must come first, Niamh Parsons tells John Brophy, as they discuss the traditional songs on her new album, and from the track list it looks like Napoleon Bonaparte has a lot to answer for.

Brendan Begley Follows His Heart

It took a long time for Brendan to turn professional and it seems his fate was in the stars. Now Brendan must be one of the busiest musicians in traditional music writes Ita Kelly.

North America

Barachois

Rated as one of the best and funniest Celtic bands to come out of French Canada, Irish audiences will be able to put that claim to the test as Prince Edward Islands wackiest trad band team up with Danú for the Celtic Kitchen Tour of Ireland this month, writes Seamus Bellamy.

Europe

Listening In

Eishtlinn is a cosmopolitan Celtic band bulging with ideas, experience and above all attitude. Much more than another European band riding on waves of jiggery, there's eclecticism, intelligence and integrity here by the bucketful, writes John O'Regan.

Regulars

Tuition with Waltons

Another session of tuition brought to you in association with Waltons Music.

Story Behind the Tune

As I roved out on a bright May morning, we take a look at a song that has travelled west along the road from Robert Burns to Christy Moore, picking up the local accent wherever it has come to rest.

The Music Makers: Pipes and Drums in the Claddagh

"Pipes shouldn't be a struggle," says Michael; "they should play themselves and you have to strike a balance, because every player's strength is different". Michael Vignoles talks to Ita Kelly in Galway.

Up & Coming Tony Reidy Sings Songs from the Land

Tony Reidy is a veteran songwriter, but this is his first album - why the long wait asks Sean Walsh in this report from the West of Ireland.

Live Reviews

Down Under with Mozaik

Les Whittet reports from Australia's National Folk Festival on the appearance of Andy Irvine's occasional super group.

Together in Time

Geoff Harden reports from Belfast on the launch of an important new book and CD of the music of John Kennedy.

CD Reviews

Another selection of CD reviews brought to you in association with HMV

Festival 2002 Special Supplement

Our Guide to Summer Schools and Festivals across the Northern Hemisphere, delivered to you in time to book that flight, call the B&B, kennel the dog and ship the children to their doting aunts and uncles ........... Dreams are made of this!