Irish Music Magazine - May 2003

Ireland

Musing with the Moonlight Piper

Fresh from his acting and singing role in Martin Scorcese's movie, "Gangs of New York", and with a new CD in the charts, Finbar Furey is currently on a tour of Britain. Aidan O'Hara reports.

North America

Immigrant Soul

Eileen Ivers brings astonishing skill and enthusiasm to bear on her playing, says David Ingram as he discusses the album Immigrant Soul with the virtuoso fiddler from the Bronx.

Europe

Llan De Cubel

"The Asturian character is very similar to the Irish, extrovert, hospitable, generous and great lovers of their home land. One difference might be that the Irish are superstitious which is something Asturians have never been". Fonsu Mielgo tells Mick Walsh.

United Kingdom

Night Time Spice

In February John McCusker won the 'Musician of the Year' award at the 2003 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards ceremony, his music has been described as 'Scottish Traditional Music at its most eloquent'. John O'Regan finds out about his Irish roots.

Regulars

Launch Pad

Ita Kelly dances the night away in Clare for the launch of the Ennis Céilí Band's new album.

Story Behind the Song

What have John O'Dreams, Letter to Syracuse and Unicrons got in common? A Christy Moore connection maybe? The full answer can be found from Bill Caddick from Wolverhampton, England, a respected (and now veteran) singer-songwriter.

Up and Coming

Time on their Hands

Michael Ryan in conversation with Siobhan Peoples and Murty Ryan.

Live Reviews

Celtic Connections

Helene Northway was on hand in Glasgow for The Dubliners and as Cherish the Ladies continued their mutual love affair with Celtic Connections by unveiling their newest line-up to an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd.

CD Reviews

Tommy People's new album "Waiting for a Call" leads out this month's look at a dozen desirable discs brought to you in association with Gael-Linn.

Festival Supplement

Our annual festivals guide to what's coming up in the Irish Music world, from the home turf to the UK, the USA and Continental Europe.