Friday, January 27, 2006
As stated on this site and others, Paddy Reilly left the Dubliners in late summer of 2005. Initially it was announced that Patsy Watchorn would tour with the Dubliners, as a guest. Well…Patsy is officially in the Dubliners. According to our good friend Peter Schittler, webmaster at
www.PatsyWatchorn.com, John Sheahan has been announcing it at their concerts. Formalities have never been a strong point for the Dubliners. Congratulations Patsy, no one deserves it more than you.
In related Dubliners news, please visit Patsy's site for an interview with Patsy and Eamonn Campbell, concerning the release their Tour Sampler—you'll find it here.
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Derek Warfield's wife passes away.
From www.DerekWarfield.com:
With her family gathered by her side, Nuala Warfield passed away in Dublin
on March 1, 2006 after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband of
41 years, Derek and their 3 children. The Warfield family would like to
thank the many people around the world that have offered their prayers,
kindness and support at this time of loss. Remembrance arrangements are
being made by the family at this time and will be announced.
My condolences to Derek and his family.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
It's been a while since any update…here are a few tidbits.
Through the magic of the web I have re-connected with my old friend and (dare I say) mentor, Mick Fitzgerald. Mick is one the best singers, songwriters and guitar players I've ever met—and
I had the good fortune to spend time with him Dublin many years ago. He made me welcome at more sessions than I can remember; and taught me many songs—including—my favorite (still to this day), “Drink”. Mick is still going strong; released a solo CD a few years ago (available
here) and has become a very in demand film actor. Check out his website!
John O'Brien, Jr. has written a book called, Festival Legends, Songs and Stories and I highly suggest you visit John!
Also on the just written a book front, Connor Murray's Clancy Brothers Book is hot off the press and available through his site, oddly enough called, ClancyBrothersBook.com
The Beer Mats have revamped their site and I recommend you pay it a visit.
Charlie and the Bhoys also dropped me a line. You can see what the “Bhoys” are up to at their website.
Brian Bonner asked me to link up his site.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
NEW Gaberlunzie CD
Gordon & Robin have released a new live CD, “Gaberlunzie Live in Glenfarg”.
I'm not 100% sure if it has been offically released, as it's not listed on Gaberlunzie's website. Gordon Menzies sent me a copy, and I have been informed that you should contact Gordon directly ("g.menzies"AT"talk21.com") if you'd like to purchase a copy. I would recommend buying the CD for the 2 Matt McGinn tracks alone. A very enjoyable CD, in my humble opinion.
Tuesday, September 5, 2006
From the Independent
Iain Campbell MacKintosh, folk singer: born Glasgow 20 July 1932;
married 1956 Sadie Nelson (two daughters); died Glasgow 28 August 2006.
Although he was a late starter, Iain MacKintosh enjoyed a recording career that spanned some 14 albums over three and a half decades. He only occasionally wrote songs, but was known for his considered choice
of material by the likes of Eric Bogle, Alex Campbell and in particular Harry Chapin.
From the Scotsman
Iain MacKintosh
Folk musician
Born: 20 July, 1932, in Glasgow.
Died: 27 August, 2006, in Glasgow, aged 74.
IAIN MacKintosh, known as "the quiet man of Scottish folk", had the love and respect of his peers and of his audiences throughout Europe and America. He was regarded as the ultimate professional, although his stage presence was understated and seemingly without artifice. This
professionalism had been honed over his 30 years, or more, of playing folk
venues throughout the world and regardless of the country in which he was
touring, he could hold an audience enthralled with his remarkable choice
of songs and stories. Of the many countries he visited, his favourites
were Germany and Denmark. In Germany he toured at least twice a year,
sometimes as a solo performer, sometimes with Hamish Imlach and after
Hamish died, with Brian McNeill. In Denmark, the Tønder Festival became his main showcase and his yearly appearance at the Visemllen (the Song Mill) became valued as much for his performance as for the musicians and songwriters he introduced.
read entire article
…a Mudcat thread
concerning Iain's passing.
November 18, 2006
English Folksinger and Guitarist, Steve Benbow, passes away
According his website,
“Steve passed away on Friday 17th November 2006. He died from a heart attack, having suffered for several years with heart problems.” From The Guinness Who's Who of Folk Music, “…he started accompanying other singers until branching out on his own in 1957. … For a time he worked with the Steve Benbow Folk Four which included Jimmie Macgregor in the line-up. In the early 60s, Steve presented his own show Have Guitar Will Travel, on Radio Luxembourg, the only folk singer to be given a show on the station.”
Steve recorded more than 25 LPs, as well as collaborating, accompanying and arranging music with and for such artists as The Clancy Brothers, Dominic Behan and Christy Moore.
December 1, 2006
I received an email from English Folk singer, Derek Sarjeant. Visit his website for more information about Derek and his late wife, Hazel (formerly) King.