This recording was made in 1963 in the home of Bridie Lafferty at Homefarm Road in Dublin. At that time Joe Cooley was visiting Ireland from Chicago, and brought along John Lavelle who he had been teaching in America. They joined up with Joe Leary and Ciaran MacMathuna caught them before they left Dublin. 

Several of the tracks in this recording were used to create the "Cooley" LP later published in 1975.

Unfortunately there are only two tracks of John Lavelle on the recording, but they are great tracks of music. It's interesting to hear John's take on Cooley's music -- it's undoubtedly got the same pulse and swing, and yet is so different from Tony MacMahon, despite both being heavily influenced by Cooley. Another neat chance to see how different people develop different personal musical styles regardless of their teaching.

Apparently at the time of this recording John had just been taught the Trip to Durrow by Aggie Whyte. It is said that Cooley had not yet learned it!

There are 3 additional tracks that are part of this recording but have somehow gone missing from my copy of it. If you have them, please do let me know so that I can make it complete -- I think the last couple tracks include duets of Joe and John.

Joe Cooley & John Lavelle: Live on Radio Eireann

Live on Radio Éireann

Ciaran MacMathuna: Welcomes Joe Cooley Home

Ciaran MacMathuna: Welcomes Joe Cooley Home

Colin Kadis