Album Notes

“Live from the Katharine Cornell Theater"
captures master Irish musicians at their very best.
Paddy Keenan and Tommy Peoples together!
Niall and Cillian Vallely, Teada, Liz Doherty, to name a few.
This collection of performances is a
must have for Celtic music fans,
......an extraordinary new release......
- Gail Gilmore, WUMB radio in Boston [Celtic Twilight]

This recording [2 CD's and over 140 minutes] features some of the outstanding traditional Irish musicians performing today. It is a collection of the highlights from seven concerts held at the Katharine Cornell Theater on Martha’s Vineyard, MA, during 2002. The musicians span generations and are masters of their instruments. They share a respect and love for the tradition they are keeping alive.

May 31 - Paddy Keenan and Tommy Peoples, two of Ireland’s finest and most respected players, were joined by Billy Kelly, their friend and very talented singer and accompanist. The feeling in the hall that night was electric and at times humorous as Paddy and Billy bantered between tunes. Hearing Tommy and Paddy together again 25 years after the Bothy Band was a rare event. Tommy received the TG4 Traditional Musician of the Year award in 1998, Paddy received it in 2002.

June 16 - Teada’s very first US performance was on June 16, 2001 at this hall. We were delighted to have them back a year later. Innovative and enthusiastic, they quickly gained a following and were voted Best Traditional Newcomers in the Irish Music Magazine reader’s poll for 2003. Fiddler, Oisin MacDiarmada leads the energetic young group with his beautiful, fluid style of playing. The combination of fiddle, flute, banjo, bouzouki, guitar, and bodhran creates a well rounded vibrant sound.

August 11 - Sean Tyrrell is recognized for his award winning albums of traditional and contemporary songs. He is well versed at choosing poetry and setting it to music. These songs are unique and sung from the heart with a richness that comes from his exceptional voice and unusual style of playing both tenor guitar and mandola. Fergus Feely provided the perfect compliment to Sean with his accompaniment delicately filling the spaces, and his backing vocals adding harmony and depth.

August 30 - Liz Doherty has performed, taught, and lectured around the world on Scottish, Irish, Donegal, and Cape Breton fiddle and dance styles. Her Ph.D. is based on research of Cape Breton fiddle styles. She has a joyful unassuming charm that may not have prepared the audience for her powerful, rhythmic, and dynamic style of fiddle playing. Dave O’Neill, one of Australia’s finest acoustic musicians, joined Liz on guitar and fiddle for a lively evening.

October 3 - Niall and Cillian Vallely from County Armagh, had the audience spellbound during a blistering performance. At times the concertina and pipes merged into a hybrid of sound, the brothers playing with synchronized virtuosity. Niall’s wry commentary between sets allowed everyone to catch their breath. Guitarist Dónal Clancy supported the duo with solid, tasteful backing.

November 13 - Liz and Yvonne Kane have an uncanny way of sounding like one fiddler. They play in smooth unison having played together since their childhood. It is a pleasure to watch their easy smiles and hear the laughter between sets. Their close connection and love for Paddy Fahey’s music is evident in their tune selection. John Blake, also a member of Teada, provided his ever impressive steady accompaniment on guitar.

December 14 - Tommy Peoples and Billy Kelly provided the perfect finish to a year of remarkable performances. Tommy’s fiddle playing is incomparable and endless in its subtleties. The emotion that comes from his playing speaks louder than the soft spoken man. Billy Kelly’s resonant voice, intuitive guitar playing and good humor have delighted many listeners. Originally from County Down, Northern Ireland he now lives in Boston. His unaffected, honest approach to songs is refreshing and uncommon.

-Mary Wolverton [from the CD liner notes]