Seeing as St Patrick’s Day has just passed, I thought I’d give a shout out to Irish music and musicians.
Living in rural Ireland, I’m embroiled in Irish music on a regular basis, especially since my husband is a singer/songwriter/balladeer (he’s just getting into the online thing. You can see his facebook page here). But even without his influence, West Cork has retained its Irish musical roots to such a degree that I’m constantly treated to some form of storytelling through song.
It seems everyone here can sing; at least, everyone is willing to belt out a favourite tune at the drop of a hat. Believe me, never have I felt my ‘Englishness’ so much as when the microphone/guitar/banjo is passed my way and I quietly, but firmly, decline. (Singing is an art form I haven’t mastered, so I’ll stick to my notebooks. It’s better for everyone all round.)
If you love Irish music, there’s a great site called Irish Music Forever that shares quality Irish tunes past and present, while Derek Flynn updates his Rant, with Occasional Music blog every Monday with a new song recording; a mixture of his own tunes and covers/mash ups. He even takes requests.
And as a St Patrick’s treat, here’s a little something for you to enjoy: my husband singing his song “Wrapped Up” with incredible vocalist Camilla Griehsel (soon to be starring in an operatic production at Cork opera House).
E.R.Murray 