Irish Music Magazine - July 2003

Ireland

Spirit of the Music

There's a new direction noticeable on the latest album from Dervish, which is still firmly rooted in the essence of the Sligo tradition, however the band are now branching out and embracing other sounds. Cathy Jordan talks to Ita Kelly about the making of the album and the terrible tragedy that befell the band this Christmas past.

Brian Kennedy on Song

Belfast born Brian Kennedy is currently working on a TV series with BBC Northern Ireland, where he presents not only the songs but also the slices of history behind them. John O'Regan reports.

A Master Class with Martin Hayes

Martin Hayes is back in Ireland, gigging of course with Dennis Cahill, but also teaching classes in traditional fiddle at the Bantry Masters of Tradition Festival. William H A Williams brings us this look into the mind of a master musician.

North America

Re-Imaging Ireland

William H A Williams reports from Virginia on the traditional music that was served as the relish to the serious business of working out how we think about ourselves.

Europe

A Galician in Brittany

Carlos Nunez is a native of Galicia in the Northwest of Spain, the seventh Celtic country. It is thanks to his father, in exile in Paris in the seventies, that Carlos discovered Breton music. Philippe Cousin reports.

United Kingdom

Choice Language

They've been together now for twenty years, they have sold one million albums, and are rightly the ambassadors for the new Gaelic Culture of Scotland. Lorna Campbell finds out why we are unlikely to see them live in either Ireland or Scotland these days.

Regulars

Story Behind the Song

Was he an emigrant bound to Australia, or a huntsman, or was he simply AKA Jock Stewart? Whoever the lad was, he was certainly like our very own Dan Milner, a Man You Don't Meet Every Day.

The Launch Pad

Sean Laffey heads west to Ennis for the launch of the Glór summer music series.

Tuition

A new series of tutorials, starting with two reels from Ossian Music in Cork.

Up and Coming

Talking with the Druids

John O'Regan meets the band called Amergin, and hears tales of Kerry a long time ago.

Live Reviews

Aidan O'Hara reports from Dublin at the launch of Dance of Desire in the Ambassador and the recent Chris Newman and Máire Ní Chathasaigh concert.

CD Reviews

Another selection of CD reviews broght to you in association with Gael Linn.

Special Supplement

BEO 2003

In a special supplement we preview The Beo Summer Series of concerts which represents one of the highlights on the traditional music calendar.

Readers Poll 2003

After an overwhelming response by post and via SMS by you the readers, Irish Music Magazine is delighted to honour the winners at a special awards ceremony in October.