Monday, February 2, 2004
The below article comes from the Scotsman: Scotland on Sunday
Sun 1 Feb 2004
Human touch: Matt McGinn’s songs reflected a part of Scotlands history. Billy Connolly was one of the musicians to play with McGinn and still remembers him fondly.
Once and future king of folk
by Richard Purden
KNOWN in Scotland simply
as the King of Folk, it would be fair to say that the reputation of Matt
McGinn has outgrown even such a laudable tag. His influence has been cited
by a swarm of significant musicians, actors and comedians in his homeland,
from Eddi Reader to the actor Gary Lewis, and his reputation crosses the
water to America where he is celebrated by the likes of Bob Dylan and Pete
Seeger.
Tuesday, February 3, 2004
Derek McCormack passes away.
I regret to post the news of the death of Irish singer, Derek McCormack. Derek died, very
suddenly, Friday, January 30, 2004, on board the Costa Mediterrania. Derek was one of the
best ballad singers of the last 20 years, who never received the recognition that he really
deserved. In addition to his solo work, Derek was a one-time member of the Barleycorn and
has toured with the Fureys for last several years.
There is a nice posting on the Tommy Makem discussion board, by Kevin W. (a man who was on the cruise), and a tribute to Derek on Patsy Watchorns site.
Sunday, June 27, 2004
As many of you may know, Jim was diagnosed with throat cancer almost two years ago, effectively
ending his singing career. This latest CD, Seems Like a Long Time a Jim McCann Retrospective,
is a compilation of tracks from two of Jims (very rare) LPs from the
early 70s. In addition, Jim has written another letter to fans,
posted on Terje Oeye's Dubliners site. I had the pleasure of
seeing Jim McCann on many, many occasions in the early 80's at Irish
Pub in San Diego and he remains to this day among my very
favorites. Discography. All the best to Jim.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Bill Smith, founder of the original Corrie Folk Trio, has sent me news of the publication of his
first novel, a
Mickle, a Muckle, a Malt and the Moon. In addition, Bill sent along some great pictures, that I'm posting here.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Cyril Tawney, mainstay of the English folk scene for many years, died peacefully in his sleep on
Thursday 21st April after a long and courageous battle with illness.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
I recently heard from Seamus Robinson, author of “TAKE ME HOME TO MAYO”, “THE PROVIE BIRDIE” and “BRAVE FRANK STAGG”. In my opinion, “TAKE ME HOME TO MAYO” has to be considered one of the (4 or 5) best Irish Folk songs written since the 1970's My sincere thanks to Seamus for granting permission to post his Lyrics, as well as his additional information on each song.
“The WOLFHOUND were the first to put the song on vinyl; first as a single and then as feature song on an
album. I can still remember DANNY (R.I.P.) and the rest of the
group packed into the small front room of my home in Beechmount in
June '74,and them hearing the song for the first time, played on a
small cassette recorder. I still have the recorder but often wonder
what became of that first primitive demo.
Since then "TAKE ME HOME TO MAYO" has been performed by many
artistes, notably the late Kathleen Mc Cready/Largey/Thompson on her
"PRICE OF JUSTICE" album. Christy Moore did a version; also the
Dublin City Ramblers; and Derek Warfield did a moving duet with
Andy Cooney. This song will make sure that Michael Gaughan is not
forgotten.”
Mise, le meas, Seamus (Jim) Robinson
TAKE ME HOME TO MAYO
Lyrics and Music - Seamus Robinson (aka S. Mac Roibin)
Chorus:
Take me home to Mayo across the Irish sea
Home to dear old Mayo where once I roamed so free
Take me home to Mayo there let my body lie
Home at last in Mayo beneath an Irish sky
My name is Michael Gaughan, from Ballina I came
I saw my people suffering and swore to break their chains
I raised the flag in England prepared to fight or die
Far away from Mayo beneath an Irish sky
Chorus
My body cold and hungry in Parkhurst Jail I lie
For loving of my country, on hunger strike I die
I have but one last longing I pray you'll not deny
Bury me in Mayo beneath an Irish sky
Chorus
Visit Seamus Robinson's new website.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Jim Flanagan and Sean McGuiness sent me the sad news of the death of traditional Dublin singer, Frank Harte. I had pleasure of seeing Frank one time in Dublin at the Focus Theatre.
From RTE news:
27 June 2005 22:29
The renowned Dublin singer and record maker Frank Harte has died at the age of 72. Born in Chapelizod, he was well known for his rendition of songs and produced a book on Dublin Street Songs. Mr. Harte, a retired architect, was also a great collector of songs, from Dublin and Northern Ireland. He also has a string of recordings to his name, most notably Through Dublin City, Daybreak, A Candle End and his most recent production about the famine entitled Great Hunger. Mr. Harte had a particular fondness for the late 18th Century French leader Napoleon Bonaparte, and wrote a number of songs about him.
Photo of Frank Harte from the National Concert Hall website
Tuesday, July 5, 2005
The Dubliners will be featured in a forthcoming book Beautiful Day: 40 Years of Irish Rock more details at www.beautifuldayrock.com.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Jack Keir passes away.
More sad news, from Jim McLean. “Jacky was well known in the Paisley/Glasgow folk scene in the late fifties and early sixties. He was one of the original Eskimoes and is featured on the cover of Ding Dong Dollar. He died on Tuesday
19th July from Motor Neuron disease. He was the most kind and gentle guy I knew.”
Wednesday, August 3, 2005
Paddie Bell passes away
It seems I'm only posting obituaries lately…I just received this sad new from Bill Smith (leader of the
Corrie Folk Trio)…“Sadly, I just had word that Paddie Bell died this evening at six o'clock, a
couple of hours ago, following a three month spell in hospital.”
Gavin Browne has posted a nice tribute to Paddie at the Corries website
My thanks to Bill Smith (of the Corrie Folk Trio) for keeping my up to date. Here are links to Paddie Bell's obituary and Ian McCalman's tribute (to Paddie) both from the Scotsman.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
According to
Terje Øye's Dubliners' site, Paddy Reilly has left the Dubliners. There is no further information as to why or who will take his spot. In my opinion (for what it's worth) Patsy Watchorn is a perfect choice; or perhaps Danny Doyle. Unless, of course, Ronnie's thinking of coming back.