It’s always great to hear the stories about how albums come together and in the case of traditional music, the stories behind the tunes and the people that play them. It was a particular delight to catch up with Máire Ní Chathasaigh to find out her own story and that of her sisters Nollaig and Mairéad.
The Casey / Ní Chathasaigh sisters grew up in a West Cork household steeped in traditional music and song. Having carved very different careers, they have come together to record what is, astonishingly, their first CD together, Sibling Revelry. For this special project, they mine the musical riches of their family, neighbourhood, county and country, while at the same time creating new melodies from the same deep source and a unique and heartfelt sound.
They play at Cleere’s Theatre on Thursday, August 11th as part of the AKA Fringe, and full details are available here
Their album is available from all good record stores.
Track listing:
1. (Track 5): Connamara
We’re very grateful to the Library of Queen’s University, Belfast for permission to record this wonderful tune from the unpublished MSS of Edward Bunting. The title retains Bunting’s spelling.
Máire: harp Nollaig: fiddle, violaMairéad: fiddle, low flute
2. Track 9): The Bonnie Boy in Blue
Nollaig learned this song from our mother Úna, who is from Allihies, Beara, Co. Cork. She in turn learned it as a child from her mother Margaret Dwyer, who was from Scrahan, Urhan, Beara, Co. Cork.
Nollaig: voice, fiddles Máire: harp, keyboards (accordeon sound) Arty McGlynn: guitar Chris Newman: bass
3. (Track 10): Miss Fahey’s Fancy / I have no Money / Jerry Hayes 3.20
Three reels from Francis O’Neill’sDance Music of Ireland: 1001 Gems.
Nollaig: fiddle Mairéad: fiddle Máire: harp Arty McGlynn: guitar
