FREEDOM is the feeling that Irish music creates for me, and sometimes the trappings of too much information and detail about dance and music can strangle that sense of liberation.
So, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite music dance tracks with you with the minimum amount of fuss.
One of the wonderful things about dancing at home is that you get to choose the music. Don’t get me wrong. When I’m at a céilí or workshop, I’m happy to accept the music that has been chosen by others. Most of the time.
But when I’m at home, I go through phases of being absolutely in love with different tunes, different musicians and combinations of music and far beyond the usual recorded music specifically for set dances. Don’t you find that, too?
Some of the talented folk that really lift me are:
Andrew MacNamaraDawn
ArcadyAfter The Ball and Many Happy Returns
Martin dancing and Mark playing
Border ColliesUnleashed!
Dennis Liddy & Elvie MillerTradaree
FeenishRabharta
Four Men and a DogBarking Mad – should be called Four Mad Men and a Mad Dog!
Jack Talty and Cormac Begley Na Fir Bolg
Mary MacnamaraBlackberry Blossom and Traditional Music of East Clare
Máirtín O’Connor & Friends Crossroads
Micheál O’RaghallaighThe Nervous Man and Inside Out
Sharon ShannonSharon Shannon
Sliabh Notes Along Blackwater’s Banks
10 Years of Ceili House with Kieran Hanrahan (RTE) – Liz Doherty & Fiddlesticks medley: gives orchestral music a whole new meaning!
But a real treat is to have people play for you, in your own home! We are lucky enough to have talented and generous friends Mark (flute photo above), David (fiddle) and Ann (accordion) and Denis (banjo photo below) from Canada who occasionally are available to play for us
And look, it doesn’t matter whether you are a plumber, an electrician or a rocket scientist, come as you are, throw a few shapes and enjoy yourself!