What’s it like to have a head full of songs? Waterford singer Karan Casey talks about Irish songs, and how learning a song from someone is really about making connections. This conversation urged host Shannon Heaton to listen–and sing–just a little more. There’s also a poem from Louis De Paor, and plenty of music (full playlist below).

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Special thanks to Karan for the great chat. Thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

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Music and Poetry Heard on IMS Episode 02 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Song: "Sailing Off to the Yankee Land," from Exiles Return Artist: Karan Casey (voice), John Doyle (guitar)

Song: guitar interlude to the Nightingale Artist: John Doyle (guitar)

Song: "The Wounded Hussar," from My Name is Napoleon BonaparteArtist: Frank Harte

Song: "How High the Moon," from The Legendary Decca RecordingsArtist: Ella Fitzgerald Composer: Nancy Hamilton & Morgan Lewis

Song: "Peigin Lettermore," from Celtic RootsArtist: Kids arranged by Donal Lunny & Mike McGoldrick

Song: singing classical excerpt Artist: Karan Casey’s students

Song: "Song of the Seal," from Seal Maiden-Celtic MusicalArtist: Karan Casey

Song: "King’s Shilling," from live in our interview room Artist: Karan Casey Composer: Ian Sinclair

Song: "A Stor Mo Chroi," from live in our interview room Artist: Karan Casey

Poem: "Didjeridu," recited during interview Performer & Poet: Louis de Paor

Tunes: "First House in Connaught Reel Set," from Hangin’ at the CrossroadsArtist: Ceili Bandits (Yvonne Casey, fiddle; Eoin O’Neill, bouzouki; Quentin Cooper, dijeridoo)