Irish Music Magazine - July 2002

Ireland

Ragús, The Island in the Olympis

Fergal O Mhurchú is founder of the highly successful Ragús stage show, and is also one of its principal performers. In this special IMM preview he talks to Aidan O'Hara.

Ireland's Horse Whisperer

John Brophy rides out to meet Jimmy MacCarthy on the release of his new album.

A People's Poet Singing the Times

"Irish language poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill once told me to borrow freely from the imagery of sean nós and traditional songs", says John Spillane when quizzed about the song-writing muse by Paul Dromey.

Liz Doherty's 'Quare Imagination'

Liz's music exudes her personality, which is full of good humour and fun, energy and excitement. Ita Kelly reports.

A Fresh Blast from Feenish

"I remember that first night I played a session up here in Sligo they all played the same style and at that time they weren't playing anything outside the tunes from the area." Marcus Hernon tells Ita Kelly.

Harry Bradley

When the first flute music you hear is from "the other side" things could become confusing, but as John Brophy discovers it's the music of the old masters that fires the playing of Harry Bradley.

Knocking on the Blue Green Door

Tim Dennehy's fourth album of song 'The Blue Green Door' shows off his enviable talent not only as a singer but also as a songwriter and music composer, writes Ita Kelly.

Piano Plus is Music in the Sunlight

Phil Gaston meets Geraldine Cotter, to talk about her new album, Piano Plus.

North America

Walls and Windows

"I was particularly taken with the song Poor Man's House by Patti Griffin", Maura O'Connell tells John Brophy.

A Haven for Tunes and Hospitality

Kieran Jordan visits Noonan's Irish Music Shop, a new venture just 23 miles south of Boston which brings the best of the Irish music world into one small and cosy place.

Europe

The Skeletal Sounds of The Fianna

Comprising musicians of Hungarian and English origin, with a firm foundation in Irish music, Fianna explore the music of several European traditions, occasionally interspersed with their own compositions. Jennifer Byrne reports.

United Kingdom

Fairport (Un)Conventional

John O'Regan traces the history of Folk-Rock pioneers, Fairport Convention

Regulars

Tuition Tips From Waltons

Another collection of tunes to play at your session from Walton's Music.

Up & Coming A New Endeavour from Gráda

John O'Regan meets up with a new band on the Dublin music scene. Their latest album is strong on songs and original tunes and they boast a truly cosmopolitan line up with the inclusion of two New Zealanders who have contributed greatly to the song store.

Story Behind the Tune

Aidan O'Hara looks at Eigse Cheol Tíre Eireann, a collection of insights into the music and song traditions of Ireland.

The Music Makers

Niall Toner visits the National Gallery for a bit of musical sleuthing.

Live Reviews

Rig the Jig back home in Leitrim and Tony MacMahon plying his craft on a far distant shore.

CD Reviews

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