How much power does a backdrop have? As the Irish Music Stories production team works to assemble episodes and bonus materials, Shannon explores the wooded hills of Medford, Massachusetts to find visual and organizational surrounds that look and feel like time-worn jigs, and ballads, and nights of music and dance.

* * * * * * * Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Joel DeLashmit, Lynn Hayes, Paul Grajciar, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Emil Hauptmann, Randy Krajniak, Rick Rubin, Susan Walsh, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, John Ploch, Jon Duvick, Gerry Corr, Brian Benscoter, and Marc Gunn.

* * * * * * * * Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!

* Visit IrishMusicStories.org

* * * * * * *

Music Heard on IMS Episode 50 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Free the Heel,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Grupai Ceol Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Sunny Banks Demo” #1, 2, 3 from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “G# Chimes” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Celtic Grooves” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Sunny Banks Demo” #4 from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

After a horrific week of social unrest in the U.S., and as Irish Music Stories begins a major overhaul, host Shannon Heaton offers a meditation on how cataloging and organizing can soothe the soul. There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below. And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE 

* * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Enda McGreevy, Rus Bradburd, Jeremy Keith, Kevin Doyle, Roland Hebborn, Christopher Stuart, Edward Schilling, Randall Semagin, Parker Abercrombie, Marji Gibbs, Sean Carrol, Peter Smith, Mike Voss, Ian Bittle, Brian Benscoter, Marc Gunn, Gerry Corr, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Rick Rubin, Kenneth Doyle, Susan Walsh, Emil Hauptmann, Chris Armstrong, John Ploch, Jon Duvick, Randy Krajniak, Joel DeLashmit, and Susan Walsh.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!

* * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org

* * * * * * 

Music Heard on IMS Episode 49 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Perfect Maze,” from Perfect MazeArtist: Shannon Heaton with Emilie Catlett and Natalie Haas

Tune: “Dark Low Jig,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “G Meditation,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Haapvesi,” from January EPArtist: Assemble FKA Popcorn Behavior

Tune: “D Chimes” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Trailer for the December 2020 episode of Irish Music Stories.

What’s up with stage banter? And why all the joking around between tunes in a session? Explore the on- and offstage chat that surrounds traditional music with Máirtín de Cógáin, Paddy League, Joanie Madden, Rus Bradburd, Liz Carroll, and Jean-Michel Veillon. 

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE 

* * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Sharon Murphy, Bill Wolfe, John Kerr, Chris Murphy, Lynn Hayes, Meg and Harry Ferguson, Jack McCreless, Marco Battaglia, Joe Martin, Tom Frederick, Suezen Brown, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Emil Hauptmann, John Ploch, Rick Rubin, Gerry Corr, Jon Duvick, Randy Krajniak, Joel DeLashmit, Susan Walsh, and Jon Duvick.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!

* * * * * * *

Visit IrishMusicStories.org

* * * * * * *

Books Mentioned in IMS Episode 48

Bradburd, Rus. Paddy on the Hardwood. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2006.

Carson, Ciaran. Last Night’s Fun. New York: North Point Press, 1996.

Heaney, Seamus. “Digging.” Death of a Naturalist. London & Boston: Faber and Faber, 1966.

Music Heard on IMS Episode 48all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Redican's Jig / The Merry Old Woman Jig / The Chapel Bell” from boholaArtist: bohola

Tune: “Behind The Bush In Parkhanna/Battle Of Aughrim,” from Swimming Against The Falls/SnámhIin Aghaidh Easa Artist: Joey Abarta

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Abbey Reel,” from Kitchen SessionArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “The House On the Hill,” from TriptychArtists: Laura Risk, Kieran Jordan & Paddy League

Recitation: “First You Must Learn the Grip,” from Forty Years of Irish PipingArtist: Seamus Ennis

Tune: “Mutey Big Build,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Bird in the Bush,” (with Beatboxing), from Live at Johnny D’sArtists: Isaac Alderson & Sam Amidon

Tune: “Dans Loudieg,” from PremièreArtists: Kornog

Tune: “War Hent Kerrigouarc'h/ Sheriffmuir,” from PremièreArtists: Kornog

Tune: “Barbra Streisand's Trip to Saginaw / Michael Connell’s,” from On the Offbeat Artist: Liz Carroll

Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Modal Travel Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Polkas Medley: John Collins’ Fancy / Eileen’s Polka / Ned Kelly’s Polka,” from The Burren Backroom Series, Vol. 1 (Live)Artist: Sliabh Notes

Tune: “Kerry Reel,” from fiddler compArtist: Padraig O'Keefe

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Tonn Cliodhna,” from FYHArtists: Caoimhin O Raghallaigh & Brendan Begley

Tune: “Over The Moor To Maggie/Dowd's Number Nine,” Ómós Do Joe Cooley Frankie Gavin, Paul Brock, and Charlie Lennon

Tune: “Rockabye by Firelight,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Pretty Girls of Mayo, the Steeplechase,” (AKA ‘Reel Cork, Like!’) from From Cork with LoveArtist: The Máirtín de Cógáin Project

Tune: Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Stage Banter: “How To Make Proper Tea!” from From Cork with LoveArtist: Máirtín de Cógáin Live

Tune: “Ballyea,” from Hangin' at the CrossroadsArtist: The Céilí Bandits

How do new traditional Irish and Scottish tunes come together? How do composers conjure melodies? Composers Liz Carroll, Dáithí Sproule, and Katie McNally share thoughts on creativity, the tune writing process, and the myths behind the music.

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE 

* * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Leslie Stack, Patricia P. Wilcox, Michael Craine, Mark Haynes, Emil Hauptmann, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvick, Suezen Brown, John Ploch, Joel DeLashmit, Let’s Learn Irish, and Ministry of Folk

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!

* * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org

* * * * * * *

Music Heard on IMS Episode 47all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Bold Doherty,” from An Traidisiún BeoArtist: Angelina Carberry

Tune: “Golden Castle chimes… and Golden Castle,” from (Live in our Living Room)Artists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: The Dark Island,” from EncoreArtist: Celtic Fiddle Festival

Tune: “The Anniversary Reel/Out for the Night,” from Out for the NightArtist: Battlefield Band

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “The Wolf / The Duck,” from On the OffbeatArtist: Liz Carroll

Tune: “Limerick Lift Off,” from (Live in our Living Room)Artists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “As The Crow Flies,” from Half Day RoadArtist: Liz Carroll

Tune: “After Hours Theme” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Wild Swans at Coole,” from Living Room DemoArtist: George Keith

Tune: “Wild Swans at Coole,” from The Music of Ed ReavyArtist: Liz Carroll

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Last of the Leaves,” from Half Day RoadArtist: Liz Carroll

Tune: “Liz’s New tune,” from Living Room Demo (with chords from the Lower Level)Artists: Liz Carroll & Matt Heaton

Tune: “The Bag of Spuds,” from Notes From The HeartArtists: Mick, Louise & Michelle Mulcahy

Tune: “October Tune,” from Living Room DemoArtist: Dáithí Sproule

Tune: “Taylors Falls,” from The Crow in the SunArtist: Dáithí Sproule

Tune: “My Dearest Dear,” from TrianArtist: Dáithí Sproule and Trian

Tune: “Acadia March,” from The Bloom of YouthArtists: Childsplay

Tune: “D Chimes” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Planxty Charles Bunworth” from Ireland: Crossroads Of Art And Design, 1690-1840 - The MusicArtists: Liz Carroll, Liz Knowles, Catriona McKay, Kieran O'Hare

Tune: “Mutey Big Build” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “8645,” from Living Room DemoArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Lady Ginsberg,” from Living Room DemoArtist: Katie McNally & Neil Pearlman

Tune: “Jenny Dang the Weaver,” from Instructional VideoArtist: Hanneke Cassel

Tune: “John’s Theme” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Learning just a few words in Gaelic is mannerly when visiting Ireland and Scotland. And it can be a way IN to cultural values and humor. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Séamus Ó Flatharta, Ciarán Bolger, Michael Coult, Julie Fowlis, Mary Jane Lamond, and Brian Ó hAirt help me understand connections between language and music. And how songs in Irish and Scottish Gaelic transmit emotion, carry history, and lift people up. 

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE 

* * * * * * *

Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Jane Knight, Tinka, Roland Hebborn, Marina Poggemann, Emil Hauptmann, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvick, Suezen Brown, John Plock, Joel DeLashmit, and Gerry Corr

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!

* * * * * * *

Visit IrishMusicStories.org

* * * * * * *

Music Heard on IMS Episode 46All music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Song: “Déirín Dé - The Last of the Light,” from Blackthorn: Irish Love Songs - An Draighneán Donn: Amhráin GráArtist: Susan McKeown

Song: “A Mhairi Bhoidheach,” from Lan DuilArtist: Mary Jane Lamond

Song: “Puirt-À-Beul Set: Fodor Dha Na Gamhna Beaga” from Gach Sgeul / Every StoryArtist: Julie Fowlis

Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Amhrán Pheadair Bhreathnaigh,” from Local GroundArtist: Altan (feat. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh)

Song: “Liontar Duinn an,” from Down the Green FieldsArtist: Bua (feat. Brian Ó hAirt)

Song: “Dh’ eirich mi moch madainn cheòthar,” from alterumArtist: Julie Fowlis

Song: “Báidín Fheilimí,” Irish Songs We Learned at School, Ar Ais Arís!Artist: John Spillane

Tune: “Dark Low Jig,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Bb Intro Groove,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “An Mhaighdean Mhara,” from Island AngelArtist: Altan (feat. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh)

Song: “Live Clip,” from The Burren PubArtist: High Time

Song: “An Tiarna Randal,” from SundaArtist: Hightime

Tune: “Grupai Ceol Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Enach Cuain,” from The Road From Connemara Artist: Joe Heaney

Song: “O Conamara,” from Live at Dean Cetner-Performing ArtsArtist: Hightime

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Washington Post March,” from Have A Little FaithArtist: Bill Frisell

Song: “Dh’èirich Mi Moch Madainn Cheòthar,” from alterumArtist: Julie Fowlis

Tune: “After Hours Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Beidh Aonach Amárach (There's a Fair Tomorrow),” from The Best of Altan - The SongsArtist: Altan (feat. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh)

Song: “Touch the Sky,” from Brave (Original Score)Artist: Julie Fowlis

Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “A ghoul leig dhachaigh dam nmhàthair mi,” from Gach Sgeul / Every StoryArtist: Julie Fowlis

Song: “A Mhorag 's Na Horo Gheallaidh, from Lan DuilArtist: Mary Jane Lamond

Song: “Air a' Ghille Tha Mo Rùn (It is the Lad that I Love),” from SeinnArtists: Mary Jane Lamond & Wendy MacIsaac

Song: “Chi Mi Na Morbheanna,” from Mouth MusicArtist: Talitha MacKenzie

Tune: Tune For Mairead & Anna Ni Mhaonaigh,” from Liz CarrollArtists: Liz Carroll and Dáithí Sproule

Tune: “Seinn O,” from Suas e!Artist: Mary Jane Lamond

Tunes: “Ifearnáin,” (Boys of Ballisoaire) from SunaArtist: Hightime

There’s no definitive Irish or Scottish music method book. A lot of seasoned practitioners learned their music in kitchens and pubs. So how do they bring that immersive, social learning approach into the classroom? In this episode, June McCormack, Michael Rooney, Alasdair White, Caroline Keane, and Tom Delany share ideas about teaching and learning traditional music.

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE 

* * * * * * *

Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Finn Agenbroad, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvick, Suezen Brown, John Ploch, Joel DeLashmit, Chris Murphy, and Joe Martin

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!

* * * * * * *

Visit IrishMusicStories.org

* * * * * * *

Music Heard on IMS Episode 45all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “99 High,” from The Blue DressArtists: Shannon Heaton, Maeve Gilchrist, Paddy League

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “McIntyre's Fancy,” from Hup TermonfeckinArtists: June McCormack, Michael Rooney

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “G Chimes,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “D Mutey Big Build,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Graf Spey,” from Draíocht Artists: June McCormack and Michael Rooney

Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Macalla Suite,” from Gradam Ceoil TG4  Artist: National Folk Orchestra of Ireland, conducted by Michael Rooney

Tune: “Farewell To Erin, The Morning Star,” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpArtist: Oisin Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald, Micheal O'Ruanaigh

Tune: “Capt Murdo Kennedy of Kyle, South Uist Golf Club” from An Clar GealArtist: Alasdair White

Tune: “Cairistiona Chaimbeul” from Back of BoisdaleArtist: Joe Peter MacLean

Tune: “Quickstep & 9/8 Marches,” from James Duncan MackenzieArtist: James Duncan Mackenzie

Tune: “Kenny Gilles of Portnalong, from Scotland’s Big Session videoArtists: Lauren MacColl and Ewan MacPherson

Tune: “The Hairy Angler Fish…” from Room Enough for AllArtist: Battlefield Band

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “John Kelly's, Old Concertina Reel,” from Never Say Goodbye, Say Good LuckArtists: Caroline Keane and Tom Delany

Tune: “Métro Blues,” from Never Say Goodbye, Say Good LuckArtist: Tom Delany

Tune: “Modal Groove,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Mickey Callaghan's Slide/Winnie Hayes’s Jig,” from Kitty Lie Over Artists: Mick O'Brien & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh

Tune: “The Murroe Polka / The Taur Polka / Mick Duggan’s Polka, from ShineArtist: Caroline Keane

Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Abbey Reel,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Reavy's - The Milliner's Daughter,” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpOisin Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald, Micheal O'Ruanaigh

Tune: ‘Ballybrolly Jig #1 (The North Star), from RubaiArtist: Flook

The topic of sustainable travel for touring musicians has been reframed, as Covid-19 has cancelled most music live music events for an unforeseeable amount of time. But as activity kicks up again, conversations about responsible, viable, grateful travel—and conservation—remain vital.

In this episode, I’ll revisit earlier chats with Liz about her environmental advocacy; Dana Lyn and Kyle Sanna about their musical show that pays tribute (and donates profits) to coral reef ecosystems; and beekeeper Ottavio Forte, whose bees I recorded for a forthcoming album of bee-themed music. And I’ll go back to 6th century Ireland, to offer some historical perspective on activism.

• Learn more about Sustainable Touring Arts Coalition
• Listen to/watch Dana Lyn & Kyle Sanna
• Watch Beekeeping in Belmont 

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE 

* * * * * * *

Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Aubrey Atwater, Ed Schilling, John Bunch, Lynn Hayes, Finn Agenbroad, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvick, and Suezen Brown.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!

* * * * * * *

Visit IrishMusicStories.org

* * * * * * *

Music Heard on IMS Episode 44

Tune: “Trundle’s, Paddy Fahey’s,” from Making TimeArtist: Liz Knowles

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Strawberry Blossom / Mulhaire’s,” from The Coral Suite EPArtists: Dana Lyn & Kyle Sanna

Tune: “Apian Army,” from Perfect MazeArtist: Shannon Heaton and bees/strings

Tune: “D Chimes,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “D Big Build,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Silver Slipper / Aqualude,” from The Coral Suite EP Artists: Dana Lyn & Kyle Sanna

Tune: "Wisteria," from Via Portland Artist: O'Jizo

Tune: “The Humours Of Trim (AKA Rolling Wave),” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpArtist: Micheal O'Ruanaigh

Tune: “Sir Ulick Burke,” from Making TimeArtist: Liz Knowles

Tune: “Maidin Fhomhair,” from Live At Mona'sArtist: Eamon O'Leary and Dana Lyn

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Tuhy's Frolics / Rakes of Cashel,” from Making TimeArtist: Liz Knowles

Tune: “Fisher's Hornpipe,” from DanceArtist: Lissa Schneckenburger

Tune: “Gur Mise Tha fo mhulad,” from Making TimeArtist: Liz Knowles

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “The Gypsy Queen,” from RavenArtists: John Williams & Dean Magraw

Tune: “The Noodle Vendor,” from Perfect MazeArtists: bees, and strings

Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Brad’s Honeybees,” from Lovers’ WellArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Aoibhinn Crónán,” from Deadly BuzzArtists: Mick O'Brien & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh

Tune: “Bow for Rama,” from Perfect MazeArtists: bees, and strings

Song: “Beeswing,” from Land Of Fish And SealsArtist: Keith Murphy

Tune: “Queen of the Earth and Child of the Skies,” from The Western StarArtist: Eric Merrill

Tune: Intro to “The Beehive,” from RubaiArtist: Flook

The role of instruments in Celtic traditions can be fickle: newer voices (like the tenor banjo) are increasingly popular on festival stages; while ancient ones (like the harp) still hang on the outskirts when it comes to modern group projects. Find out how the banjo came into common acceptance in Irish circles from Daniel Neely, Enda Scahill, and Martin Howley… and learn about joys and challenges of outsider status from harpist Maeve Gilchrist, cellist Natalie Haas, and saxophone players Susan Lindsay and Isaac Alderson.

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE 

* * * * * * *

Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Pat Wilcox, Soomee Han, Ken Doyle, Stephanie Reeve, Finn Agenbroad, Mark Haynes, David Vaughan, Gerry Corr, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvik, and Suezen Brown.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!

* * * * * * *

Visit IrishMusicStories.org

* * * * * * *

Music Heard on IMS Episode 43

Tunes: “The Big Reel Of Ballynacally/The High Hill/Flash Away The Pressing Gang,” from Sunny Spells And Scattered ShowersArtist: Solas

Tune: Professor Cherry, from Ports of CallArtists: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas

Tune: “D Chimes,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Taste of Gaelic,” from The Cabin SessionsArtists: Mairi Rankin & Eric Wright

Tune: “February Bright,” from 20 Chandler StreetArtist: Maeve Gilchrist

Tune: “Zayante,” from Home RecordingArtist: Alfredo Rolando Ortiz

Tune: “G Meditation,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Harp Glissando demonstration,” from How to play Glissandos on the Harp Artist: Christy-Lin

Tune: “Waimea Rising,” from Vignette Artists: Maeve Gilchrist & Viktor Krauss

Tune: “The Castlebay Scrap/Stuarts Rant,” from Play On LightArtist: Síleas

Tune: “The Blue Dress,” from The Blue DressArtists: Shannon Heaton & Maeve Gilchrist

Tune: “Tom Maguire's Fancy, The Flogging Reel,” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpArtists: Oisin Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald, Micheal O'Ruanaigh

Tune: “Following the North Star,” from Freedom HighwayArtist: Rhiannon Giddens

Tune: “The Miller Of Drone/Pauline Conneely's/Finbar Dwyer’s,” from An Traidisiún BeoArtist: Angelina Carberry

Tune: “Medley,” from live footage from 1928 (presented by Vitaphone) Artist: Fabulous Ingenues

Tune: “Seamus Connolly's/Brid Harpur’s,” from Traditional Music From Doolin Co. ClareArtist: Kevin Griffin

Tune: “The Rookery,” from Music class at 2014 Milwaukee Irishfest Summer SchoolArtist: Martin Howley

Tune: “The New Irish Barn Dance,” from 1929 recording Artists: The Flanagan Brothers

Tune: “Sailor on the Rock,” from Fleá Ceoil (1964 recording from Gael Linn)Artist: Barney McKenna

Tune: “Bill Cheatum / Kitchen Girl,” from Live in GalwayArtist: We Banjo 3

Tune: Martin Wynnes #2 / Martin Wynnes #1 / The Coalminer,” from Roots of the Banjo TreeArtist:  We Banjo 3

Tune: “Splendid Isolation,” from At the RacketArtist: At the Rocket

Tune: “Mutey Big Build,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Siege of Ennis No. 3,” from B Side of Copley Record #9-178 Artist: Johnny Powell and his Irish band

Tune: “Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria,” from Bach: Goldberg Variations (For Saxophone Quartet)Artist: Danish Saxophone Quartet, Christian Hougaard, Torben Snekkestad, Jørgen Ole Bove & Per Egholm

Tune: “Rhythm Is Our Business,” from 1935 Hits (Remastered)Artist: Jimmy Lunceford and His Orchestra & Willie Smith

Tune: “Abbey Reel Meditation,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Sixteen Jolly Ravers,” from From the Green to the BlueArtist: The Lindsays

Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Aunt Jane’s Trip to Norway,” from The Blue DressArtists: Shannon Heaton & Maeve Gilchrist

Tune: “Jane’s Reel,” from Simon Chrisman & Wes CorbettArtists: Simon Chrisman & Wes Corbett

Tune: “Stah Wahs,” from banjo outtakeArtist: Matt Heaton

Trailer for the June 2020 episode of Irish Music Stories