Carry The Tunes
Curated and produced by Sarah Searson is a collection of specially recorded concerts that trace the tradition across 100 years of music-making and sharing.
The the series was recorded in the legendary Cryan's Teach Ceoil in the heart of Carrick on Shannon. Each performance explores not only the music through its playing but through conversation and insight also peels back the layers of history that accompany each piece. Carry The Tunes embarks on a remarkable journey of discovery and rediscovery of the origins of the tunes and songs, how they have travelled across time and place to remain firmly rooted in the tradition.
This series was in part inspired by James Fraher and Gregory Daly’s 2020 publication 'In Nearly Every House' which contains biographies along with black and white photographs featuring over one hundred traditional musicians from counties Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, and Mayo.
As part of the Carry the Tune series, you can listen to an exclusive interviewwith the authors and Vincent Woods.
The Leitrim Influence. Video Link Here
Featuring Fionnuala Maxwell (vocal), Eleanor Smith (vocal/concertina), Clare Bohan (fiddle), John McCartin (guitar) and Liam Cryan (Bodhrán)
In this exploration of traditional song, Fionnuala is accompanied by a younger singer, whom Fionnuala has influenced through her teaching. The songs in this wonderful concert have been handed down and learned over generations and are to be found in community archives, the Dúchas collection and other online collections.
The North Connacht Influence Video Link Here
Featuring : Dylan Carlos (fiddle), Daithi Gormley (accordion), Clare Bohan (fiddle) John McCartin (guitar)
Exploring how the music of Michael Coleman and James Morrison has endured and continues to influence newer generations of musicians. The tunes are taken from Michael Coleman’s archive 78rpm recordings from the 1920’s. These recordings have had a strong influence on fiddle players. Daithi Gormley explored the connection with the other celebrated Sligo fiddle player James Morrison, who also emigrated to New York and in addition to Coleman, is well-known for his 78rpm recordings from the 1920s and 1930s. The players also referenced their different interpretations of a tune from Stephen Grier’s manuscripts and Dylan played homage to the Roscommon flute tradition, which has also influenced him as a fiddle player through his father John Carlos.
The McKenna Influence Video Link Here
Featuring Sean Gilrane (flute), Lorraine Sweeney (flute), Liam Kelly (flute), John McCartin (guitar) and Liam Cryan (Bodhrán)
This concert references tunes & archive recordings of John McKenna, whose recording career spanned from 1921 to 1937 during which time he recorded with New Republic, O'Byrne De Witt, Columbia and Decca Records, amongst others.
John McKenna was responsible for reintroducing Leitrim tunes such as "Lucky in Love", "The Sailor and the Rock" and the "Happy Days of Youth". His legacy of recordings made him one of the most influential flute players in Irish traditional music and that influence has been felt throughout subsequent generations of Leitrim flute players right up to the current generation of players including Packie Duignan and Mick Woods.
The Generational Influence Video Link Here
Featuring special guest Michael O' Brien (accordion) Oliver Loughlin (accordion), Breda Shannon (flute/concertina), Aisling Ní Choisdhealbha (fiddle)
The significance of “The Generational Influence” underpinned this highly enjoyable performance celebrating the importance of people like Michael O’ Brien to the tradition and music in his area and in the county of Leitrim.
Michael is not only a rich source of tunes, he is also a passionate advocate of traditional music who inspires and enthuses all who have had the pleasure of playing in his company, generously sharing, encouraging and influencing so many younger musicians. Hearing Oliver Loughlin, and many others, reference Michael’s influence in his musical development is testament to Michael’s importance to the music in Leitrim over many years.
Michael’s deep knowledge of Leitrim music and musicians also makes him an important keeper of stories so fundamental to our understanding of the broader context of how the tradition has survived. Hearing names such as Seamus Horan and Joe Burke recalled ensures that their legacy remains intact.
