Album Notes

Marla Fibish is a San Francisco native and a long-time feature of the Bay Area Irish music scene. Thirty years ago, when Marla got bit by the Irish music bug, her late grandfather’s mandolin was the instrument that found its way into her hands, and soon after into her heart. It has been her primary instrument and stalwart partner ever since. Together they have developed their own personal way of delivering the jigs and reels with lift, drive and “nyah" – that indefinable quality at the essence of the music. In addition to her collaboration with Jimmy, she plays in the trio Three Mile Stone, which released its eponymous CD in March 2010 to enthusiastic response. What folks say about Marla...

"Some of the best mandolin playing in Irish music.”

—Dennis Cahill, Guitarist

"Marla is a wonder on the mandolin; rhythmic beyond imagination, clear as a bell tone, great invention, lovely ornaments at just the right times and places, and a sureness and ease that allows the listener to relax and be carried away."

—Kevin Carr, Folkworks

"Marla’s amazing mandolin playing sets the bar for all others"

—Stuart Mason, Fiddlefreak Folk Music Blog

Jimmy Crowley has been a central figure in the Irish folk scene since the enthusiastic reception of his debut album The Boys of Fairhill in 1977. Now, with a dozen recordings to his name, Jimmy is widely known as a dynamic and singular singer, accomplished multi- instrumentalist (bouzouki, mandolin, guitar, harmonica and more), historian, bearer of the tradition, ethnographer, Irish language enthusiast, and an extraordinary songwriter. Jimmy's collaboration with Marla is a departure from his usual and well known focus on traditional songs - his first all instrumental project.

Jimmy and Marla are a compelling combination. Their sound evolves from their shared love for mandolin family instruments. They take delight in the playful dialogue between their instruments, filled with happy harmonies, frivolous fills and colorful counterpoint. Each pulls out favorite tunes from their extensive repertoire to deliver a variety of traditional music together on mandolin, mandola, bouzouki, mandocello and dordan.