Irish Music Magazine - June 2005

Ireland

Altan on Local Ground

Brian De Witt finds Altan in great form in Milwaukee, they've a new album out on Narada records and they are playing better than ever, but as the title of the recording suggests there's a strong pull for home that is working its magic on their hearts and minds.

Karan Casey

Tom Clancy talks with Karan Casey about her new album, on which she has blossomed as a songwriter. He asks the County Waterford singer, what was the motivation behind making your own songs?

Window on the Music

One day the clinical ethereal pure watery light of the West of Ireland sent a shade of sunshine through a stained glass window to inspire piper and composer Eoin Duignan to write "Lumina". John O'Regan reports.

Peter Horan and Gerry Harrington

Ita Kelly has the privilege of meeting one of traditional music's truly great players in Sligo flute master, Peter Horan who has teamed up with fiddler, Gerry Harrington for a special new CD.

North America

A Song on the Farthest Wave

Bill Margeson talks with Cathie Ryan on the release of her new album.

Europe

A High Wire Act

Kieran Fahy may be familiar to many through his work with Shantalla, now the Tuam native has formed another Belgian band, Valerio. This four piece have made an astonishingly good album, full of Irish music, continental influences and one of the best covers of a Moving Hearts tune you are likely to hear this year. John O'Regan reports.

Festivals 2005

With the festival season in full swing, good music is happening everywhere from Cork to Canada, indeed there's Irish traditional music right across the globe in 2005.

Regulars

Launch Pad

Geoff Harden reports on the launch of a new book from Tommy Sands titled 'The Songman'.

Up & Coming - Lilly Neal

Limerick based harper Lily Neill is interviewed by John O'Regan on the release of her debut album 'Without Words'.

Tuition

The third in our new series brought to you in association with Halshaw Music.

Tune Story

'Cork Harbour' is a very rare ballad, having been found only a handful of times in tradition, all in North America, writes Sean Laffey.

Live Reviews

Nyah

Having the Nyah is hard to define but easy to find in Cavan. Aidan O'Hara brings us a report on a festival, which celebrates the roots of Irish culture.

CD Reviews

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