Video

The Return from Fingal Set

Salsa & Ciclico/Hekimoglu/The Return from Fingal

Ar Bruacha Gleoite Glasa na Siúire/The Last Pint

I learnt these two pieces from Pierre Bensusan. The first is an arrangement of an old Irish air which itself is a variation on the song An Cailín Deas Chrúite na mBó. The arrangement is inspired by Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin who is one of my favourite Irish musicians. The second piece was composed by Bensusan and has become popular in recent years being played by Lúnasa amongst others.

The Lakes of Pontchartrain

The origins of this song are often disputed and while it has been recorded by many artists there can be no doubt that Paul Brady made it his own. This is version is based on the arrangement I learnt from his 1978 recording on Welcome Here Kind Stranger and 1999's Nobody Knows.

Old Hag at the Kiln/Aoibhneas Éilis Ní Cheallaigh

The first tune is a jig which I heard played by the Bothy Band on their classic Old Hag You Have Killed Me album. I learnt this arrangement from Scottish musician Mark Thomson. The second tune is a slip-jig which I know from Lúnasa and the arrangement is from another Scottish musician Tony McManus.

Six Penny Money/My Darling Asleep

Learnt these jigs on the whistle and they were some of the first Irish traditional music I discovered on the guitar. The versions I play are variations from arrangements by guitarist Julie Henigan and flute player Laura Heffernan.

Tá Mo Chleamhnas Déanta

Opening track from the 'Life In Shadows' album.