Irish Music Magazine - October 2004

Ireland

Keepers of the Songs

Tom Clancy talks to Shay Black about the family that likes to sing together, although it has been nine years since their last recording, there's nothing rusty in the engine room as Tom writes "the songs are road-tested and audience-approved from the regular concerts of the Black Brothers and have more singable choruses than I've heard in a long time."

Ceol A'Ghleanna

Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, currently TG4's Young Traditional Musician of the Year, has taken a year out from College, held down a part time job with Claddagh Records and what has he done with all that spare time asks IMM's Aidan O'Hara. The answer, he's just released his first solo album.

Back to the Roots!

Chris Keenan talks to Gerry O'Connor about his new album, no place like home.

North America

James Keane

New York based Dubliner, James Keane is interviewed by Dan Milner in this special report for IMM. James left Dublin in the late 1960's for a musical life in the USA, this October he will make a special return visit to his home town and a reunion celebration is planned for Liberty Hall, find out more in this exclusive interview.

Europe

Time to Time

John O'Regan discovers a Clare connection in Irish Music from Paris. Jean-Paul Moreau tells him "I admire the ability Clare musicians have to transmit their feelings to the tunes, usually in traditional dance music, your feet benefit from the rhythm, but with Clare music your spirit surely gets its share."

United Kingdom

Joe O'Donnell

With the re-release of his 'Gaodhol's Vision', one of the great forgotten Celtic / Rock fusion albums, justice is being done to a great Irish compositional talent, writes John O'Regan.

Regulars

The Launch Pad

We were there when a new career began, find out who the talented flautist is in this special report from Belfast.

Festivals Report

October is no longer the wallflower of the festival year, as you'll discover when you take a glance at what's on offer this month from Castleisland to Belfast.

Stories Behind the Tunes

Comhrá na dTonn: the conversation of the waves. John Brophy dips into a book by Máire McDonnell Garvey, which is all about the tunes and the culture that goes with them.

Up & Coming

Janet Holmes' name may not be a household favourite as yet, but as John O'Regan tells us that ought to change soon thanks to the release of her debut solo album 'The Road to the West' on Market Square Records.

Live Reviews

John O'Regan sampled the Celtic Fusion Festival in Castlewellan, verdict, a big thumbs up.

CD Reviews

Another selection of CD Reviews brought to you in association with Gael-Linn