Tag Archives: traditional Irish music

TRADITIONAL Irish music is something that comes naturally to Barefield native Ultan O’Brien. Like many young musicians of his generation, he is steeped in the various styles and the wide repertoire of the Banner County. However, in recent years, the acclaimed viola and fiddle player has been delving into traditions further afield, including those of Scotland, Finland and The Isle of Man. He is also bringing a fresh creative perspective to traditional material in a collaboration with singer Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin. It is a partnership which deepens the connection between the fiddle and the voice – sometimes compared to musical cousins. The duo recently released a debut album Solas an Lae, described as “a unique dialogue that blends raw, rugged earth with the ethereal otherworld”. Meanwhile, Ultan has just recorded a new album with the trio Slow Moving Clouds, who blend vocals and strings on a repertoire of original compositions, interlaced with Irish and Finish material. Growing up, Ultan was …

MILTOWN Malbay business person Maureen Kilduff has said that commerce in the town is hugely dependent upon the annual Willie Clancy Summer School, which begins today (Saturday) and runs until Sunday, July 12. “Most people would say that 20 to 30% of the year’s turnover in the service businesses are done in the 10 days of the Willie Clancy festival,” Maureen stated. “What makes a good year is the number of students booked in. Each student brings a parent or a friend with them. There isn’t a bed to be found from Lahinch to Quilty on the Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night of next week,” she revealed. Another boost in terms of visitor numbers is the fact that many primary-school teachers are availing of the Department of Education and Skills approved courses at the summer school. Meanwhile, four visual artists, Lorraine Callanan, Mary Moran, Bairbre Geraghty and Edel Hogan are set to launch an a project called CeA/R/T in Miltown …