Track 153: Billy Caples: Bonny Kate/Merry Blacksmith (reels)

We revisit accordionist Billy Caples' recordings this week with a set of reels recorded with pianist Gene Frain. Caples' setting of the Merry Blacksmith is particularly lovely.

Recorded on the Irish Records label (I-3012). From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 03-281.

McGraw 78 03-281

Billy Caples: Bonny Kate/Merry Blacksmith (reels)

78rpm Disc 161: Seamus Ennis:  Miss Monaghan/The Merry Blacksmith (reels)

We're back after a bit of a holiday with a 78rpm disc from Seamus Ennis. On the heels of Na Píobairí Uilleann's release of Taisce Luachmhar (Valuable Treasure) – The Piping Album, this set of reels is another that was recorded for Bill Stapleton's Irish Recording Company and made their way to the States on this Presto instantaneous disc. The catalog number (1021-B) is consistent with Stapleton's other numbers during that time.

From the David Giovannoni Collection, DG 78 00-185.

DG 78 00-185

Seamus Ennis:  Miss Monaghan/The Merry Blacksmith (reels)

78rpm Disc 173: Seamus Ennis: The Connemara Whistler (reels)

We hear it's International Bagpipe Day (March 10), so here's a set of reels by Seamus Ennis recorded on 78rpm for Bill Stapleton's Irish Recording Company (that through some twist of fate ended up in the States and eventually into David Giovannoni's collection). The Connemara Whistler tune name is the only one that appears on the disc, but the second tune is another of Ennis' takes on The Silver Spear. The two tunes together are similar to Ennis' track featured on the recently released Taisce Luachmhar The Piping Album, but seem to be a different recording, labeled here as IR 1020-B for Stapleton's IRC.

From the David Giovannoni Collection, DG 78 00-183.

DG 78 00-183

Seamus Ennis: The Connemara Whistler (reels)

"The Swallow's Tail" by John McFadden.

This track is from the album The Francis O'Neill Cylinders: Thirty-two Recordings of Irish Traditional Music in America circa 1904 and is available for purchase on CD Baby here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/wardirish

Cylinder generously sponsored by Dave and Carol Wesolowski. 

http://archives.irishfest.com/Home/Music/Extended-CD-Track-Commentary-31.htm

The Swallow's Tail (Reel) - John McFadden

78rpm Disc 185: Austin Kelly and His All Ireland Irish Orchestra: The Duke of Leinster/Down the Broom (reels)

This set of reels from Austin Kelly and His All Ireland Irish Orchestra features a flute quartet, presumably members of Kelly's ensemble. The band was broadcast on WTEL in Philadelphia. The first tune is The Sligo Maid followed by The Duke of Leinster.

Released on the Aqua Record Company label (A-5001). From the David Giovannoni Collection, DG 78 00-003.

DG 78 00-003

Austin Kelly and His All Ireland Irish Orchestra: The Duke of Leinster/Down the Broom (reels)

78rpm Disc 197: George Ross: O'Brien's Fancy/Sally Gardens (reels)

This week's disc features accordion player George Ross on a set of reels recorded in 1956 and released on the His Master's Voice label (IP 1187). Piano accompaniment is from Stella Seaver. Ross was from Wexford and played in the Mayglass Ceili Band and the Loch Garman Ceili Band (https://thesession.org/discussions/31776). 

From the Comer Collection, Comer 78 00-096.

Comer 78 00-096

George Ross: O'Brien's Fancy/Sally Gardens (reels)

78rpm Disc 199: Michael Grogan: Blackthorn Stick/One-Horned Sheep (jigs)

This week's disc continues our accordion trend, this time with Michael Grogan on a set of jigs recorded in Dublin in 1942 and released on the Columbia label (IFB.399).

From the Comer Collection, Comer 78 00-030.

Comer 78 00-030

Michael Grogan: Blackthorn Stick/One-Horned Sheep (jigs)

78rpm Disc 203: The McNulty Family: Rattigan's Fancy/Blackberry Blossom (reels)

This week's disc again features the melodeon playing of Ann McNulty and the dancing steps of her daughter Eileen. The were recorded in 1942 and released on the Decca label (12258).

From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 00-619.

McGraw 78 00-619

The McNulty Family: Rattigan's Fancy/Blackberry Blossom (reels)

78rpm Disc 216: Irish Barn Dance Boys (aka Paddy Killoran & His Pride of Erin Orchestra): Apples in Winter (jigs)

It's a snowy day here in Milwaukee, so this first jig on this 78rpm disc from the Irish Barn Dance Boys is apt. Several Crown reissues on the Varsity label (like this one) features Paddy Killoran & His Pride of Erin Orchestra under the Irish Barn Dance Boys moniker. The second tune here is known as The Trip to Sligo or Rose of Lough Gill.

Spottswood lists this one as being recorded in March of 1932, so this is quite possibly the band (or an approximation) that traveled to Dublin for the Eucharistic Congress in June of that year. Other musicians on that trip included Jack Healy (saxophones, vocals), Jim McGinn (piano), Paul Ryan (clarinet, violin), and Michael "Whitey" Andrews (guitar, banjo). 

Released on the Varsity label (7009). From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 01-166).

McGraw 78 01-166

Irish Barn Dance Boys (Paddy Killoran's Pride of Erin Orchestra): Apples in Winter (jigs)

78rpm Disc 219:  The McNulty Family: The Flowery Dell/Miss Drury's Reel

Here's another feature for Ann "Ma" McNulty's accordion work, recorded in 1941 and released on the Decca label (12255). The set of reel also features step dancing, likely from Eileen McNulty.

From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 00-620.

McGraw 78 00-620

The McNulty Family: The Flowery Dell/Miss Drury's Reel

78rpm Disc 229: Conlon & Morrison: Old Man Dillon/The Rose in the Heather (jigs)

Check out this week's featured 78rpm disc by Peter J. Conlon and James Morrison! Enjoy their incredible accordion and fiddle performance recorded in 1928 and released on the Columbia label (33318-F).

From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 03-248.

McGraw 78 03-248

Conlon & Morrison: Old Man Dillon/The Rose in the Heather (jigs)

78rpm Disc 230: Seamus Ennis: The Groves Hornpipe Medley

Here's another 78rpm disc that was recorded by Seamus Ennis for Bill Stapleton's Irish Recording Company that made its way to the States on this Presto instantaneous disc. This is the Grove Hornpipe/Dwyer's Hornpipe set that was recorded later by Ennis on the Pure Drop album.

From the David Giovannoni Collection, DG 78 00-182.

DG 78 00-182

Seamus Ennis: The Groves Hornpipe Medley

78rpm Disc 231: Garyowen Irish Recording Orchestra: The Bridge of Athlone (jig)

Here's another disc from the Philadelphia-based Garyowen Irish Recording Orchestra led by Mike Matthews.

Released on the Tara label (431-A). From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 00-815.

McGraw 78 00-815

Garyowen Irish Recording Orchestra: The Bridge of Athlone (jig)

78rpm Disc: Paddy Killoran's Irish American Serenaders: The River Shannon/Tumble Down Shack in Athlone (fox trots)

This 78rpm disc features another of Paddy Killoran's ensembles that recorded for the Decca label in the 1930s, the Irish American Serenaders. Although several recordings by this band featured vocals from Jack Healy, this one is an instrumental arrangement of two popular Irish American songs that Killoran and company increase the tempo into fox trot territory. As mentioned before, this band often played for both Irish and American popular dances in the halls of New York, so this could be an example of the material they played for the latter. 

Recorded in 1937 on the Decca label (12113). From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 01-162.

McGraw 78 01-162

Paddy Killoran's Irish American Serenaders: The River Shannon/Tumble Down Shack in Athlone

78rpm Disc: Liam Walsh: An Rogan File (The Poet's Choice) (set dance)

Recorded in 1933 featuring Liam Walsh on uilleann pipes and released on the Decca label (F.3815).

From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 00-536. Click here for the other side of the disc: https://soundcloud.com/ward-irish-music-archives/liam-walsh-the-walls-of-limerick-reels

McGraw 78 00-536

Liam Walsh: An Rogan File (The Poet's Choice) (set dance)

78rpm Disc: The McNulty Family: The Half-Door (song with dancing)

This 1936 recording of The Half-Door features Peter McNulty on vocals and fiddle, Anne (Ma) McNulty on accordion, and step dancing from Eileen McNulty. The song was originally written and recorded by Shaun O'Nolan in 1926 as "Close The Half Door" on the Columbia label. The Cartlanna Sheosaimh Uí Éanaí site has a lovely version of the song by Joe Heaney, although he noticeably changes the first line of the second verse to "She'd a basket placed upon her knees" from the original "She'd a bodhrán upon her knees" present in O'Nolan's and the McNultys' version. (https://www.joeheaney.org/en/half-door-the/)

Released on the Decca label (12072A), from the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 00-544.

McGraw 78 00-544

The McNulty Family: The Half-Door (song with dancing)

78rpm Disc: Eddie Herborn: Rackety Jack and the Ha'Penny (reels)

This set of reels by accordion player Eddie Herborn was recorded in 1923 and released on the O'Keh label (21021). First tune is a version of the Glen Allen- although Paul Groff points out it’s closer to Killavil reel (Cill Abhaill) and the second one is the Maid that Left the County (the Honeymoon).

From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 03-181.

McGraw 78 03-181

Eddie Herborn: Rackety Jack and the Ha'Penny (reels)

78rpm Disc: Jerry O'Brien: Gypsy Hornpipe

Accordion player Jerry O'Brien recorded this version of the Gypsy hornpipe for the O'Byrne De Witt label (9-101), which was later re-released on the Copley label. O'Brien, originally from Kinsale, arrived in Boston in the early 1920s and recorded with O'Leary's Irish Minstrels. John Connors provides piano accompaniment on this recording.

From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 03-276.

McGraw 78 03-276

Jerry O'Brien: Gypsy Hornpipe

78rpm Disc: Leo Rowsome and His Irish Pipers Band: Bonnie Kate/Miss Monaghan's/The Blackberry Blossom (Reels)

Here's a set of reels from uilleann piper Leo Rowsome's band recorded in 1931. This was released on HMV (I.M. 372).

From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 00-539.

McGraw 78 00-539

Leo Rowsome and His Irish Pipers Band: Bonnie Kate/Miss Monaghan's/The Blackberry Blossom (Reels)

78rpm Disc: John Griffin: My Auld Skillara Hat (song)

Roscommon-born flute player and singer John Griffin recorded "My Auld Skillara Hat" in July of 1928. Interestingly, fellow flute player and singer John Sheridan recorded the song in May of the same year.

Jim Carroll points out that the song was originally written as "My Old Killarney Hat' by Dublin baritone, Leo Maguire, who was also the composer of the Whistling Gypsy (via the Clare County Library: xhttps://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/songs/cmc/auld_scolaire_hat_scleary.htm).

Released on the Columbia label (33270-F). From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 02-097.

McGraw 78 02-097

John Griffin: My Auld Skillara Hat (song)

78rpm Disc: Michael Grogan: The Cliff/Harvest Home (hornpipes)

Here are a couple hornpipes from accordion player Michael Grogan, recorded c.1938 in Dublin for the Regal Zonophone label (IZ 947). Ted McGraw points out that Grogan, from Mullingar in Co. Westmeath, was one of the few B/C players of the time.

The Cliff hornpipe is known by a number of other names (Higgins', The Ruby, and The Standard to name a few). It was recorded by John J. Kimmel in 1909 and Michael Coleman in 1921. 

From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 03-163.

McGraw 78 03-163

Michael Grogan: The Cliff/Harvest Home (hornpipes)

78rpm Disc: Martin Flaherty and his Orchestra: Flaherty's Favorite/The Girl from Lettermore (polkas)

Here's a set of polkas recorded by accordionist Martin Flaherty and his band. Susan Gedutis mentions in "See You at the Hall" that Flaherty's group included George Derrane (brother of Joe) on banjo, guitar, and tenor saxophone as well as Tommy McSharry on piano. The second tune is also known as The Little Diamond.

Released on the Copley label (9-188). From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 00-750.

McGraw 78 00-750

Martin Flaherty and his Orchestra: Flaherty's Favorite/The Girl from Lettermore (polkas)

This tune, played by Touhey, was issued on a 78rpm commercial disc in 1924 (after Touhey’s death).

This track is from the album The Francis O'Neill Cylinders: Thirty-two Recordings of Irish Traditional Music in America circa 1904 and is available for purchase on CD Baby here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/wardirish

The Maid on the Green (Reel) - Patsy Touhey

This is a masterly performance by Cronin, in a rich style that might once have been common throughout Munster.

This is one of the instances where we can match a notation in O’Neill with a sound recording of the same tune being played by the performer who contributed it.

This track is from the album The Francis O'Neill Cylinders: Thirty-two Recordings of Irish Traditional Music in America circa 1904 and is available for purchase on CD Baby here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/wardirish

Banish Misfortune (Jig) - Edward Cronin

Recorded on August 22, 1981 at the first Milwaukee Irish Fest, these tracks are from the Traditional Irish Music Workshops presented at the festival. These were recorded on cassette tape by Dave Sergeant. 

The Flute and Tin Whistle Workshop featured Charlie Coen, Frankie Gavin, and Tim Britton discussing and demonstrating flute and whistle in Irish music.

The full access copy brings together the entire workshop on one digital file. 

IFFD CS 00-002



Irish Flute and Tin Whistle Workshop - 1981 Milwaukee Irish Fest

Here's another set of reels by Myles O'Malley, this time a solo set to feature his whistle playing.

These were recorded in New York on September 2, 1936 with Eileen White on piano (who also recorded sides with Frank Quinn). 

From the Michael and Mary Comer Collection, Comer 78 00-087.

For more information about Myles O'Malley, visit: https://books.google.com/books?id=TtO3jbQ1YZ0C&pg=PA23&lpg=PA23&dq=myles+o%27malley+whistle&source=bl&ots=GxrVUWxebK&sig=CjjoGenNSAMyHSbHy_LXtHMapL4&hl=en&sa=X&ei=XnCHU-3zFYSVyAT1uoGYBg&ved=0CCAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=myles%20o&f=false

Myles O'Malley: The Swallow's Tail/The Heather Breeze (reels)

Recorded in April 1925 for the Columbia label, 

Many Irish Americans are familiar with the song "MacNamara's Band" written by Shamus O'Connor and John J. Stamford and popularized by the likes of Bing Crosby. Apparently the song was inspired by Limerick brothers Patrick, Michael, Jack, and Thomas McNamara who played in the St. Mary's Band. After Patrick and Thomas immigrated to the US in the early 1900s, their groups became known as "McNamara's Band" and inspired the famous song.

In later years, the brothers along with Eileen, Patrick's daughter, on piano recorded as the McNamara Trio for the Victor, Vocalion, Columbia, and Beltona labels. This recording is an example of the trio.

The first tune appears to be what is called "Mouse in the Cupboard" today, followed by "Kerrigan's," a version of "The Kesh."

More info: http://limerickslife.com/limericks-mcnamaras-band-immortalised-by-bing-crosby/

From the David Giovannoni Collection, item DG 78 00-038.

McNamara Trio - Kerrigan's Jig/Mouse In The Cupboard (Jigs)

One of the 78 rpm recordings on our 2016 World Fiddle Day Playlist.

We hope to provide more information about this disc soon, This appears to be a test or radio pressing found in the David Giovannoni of the Dublin fiddle player Tommy Potts for the Irish Recording Company (IRC). The IRC was founded by Bill Stapleton in the years following WWII.

Item DG 78 00-178 in the David Giovannoni Collection at the Ward Irish Music Archives, Milwaukee.

Tommy Potts: Pigeon on the Gate/The Tarbolton (reels)

To mark the 2018 World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, here are digitized copies of two 45rpm discs recorded by fiddler Eugene O'Donnell of traditional Irish tunes. These were released on the Leprechaun Records label and are from our newly accessioned Ted McGraw Collection. This disc is object McGraw 45 00-001.

O'Donnell, born in County Derry, moved to Philadelphia in 1957 and remained active in that Irish music community. He was among the musicians that Mick Moloney recruited for Green Fields of America, and performed at the first Milwaukee Irish Fest with that group (as well as teaching on the workshop stage).

McGraw 45 00-001

Blackthorn Stick/Frost Is All Over (Jigs): Eugene O'Donnell and Gerry Wallace

Touhey’s performance of this jig is a dazzling feat of virtuosity. Some of the outstanding stylistic features are the unusual crans on the second-octave E, and the fluent use of notes at the top of the upper range of the uilleann pipes chanter, including the rarely heard top D.

Touhey’s version contains four parts; three parts are given in O’Neill’s collections. The popularity of this tune today is due to the fact that the tune was recorded by the fiddle player Michael Coleman on a commercial 78rpm disc in New York in 1921. Coleman played four parts, and it has long been assumed that the fourth part was composed (or at least added) by Coleman himself; Coleman’s fourth part is regarded by traditional musicians as quite challenging. This recording reveals that Touhey played that fourth part, in a version even more elaborate than Coleman’s.

This track is from the album The Francis O'Neill Cylinders: Thirty-two Recordings of Irish Traditional Music in America circa 1904 and is available for purchase on CD Baby here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/wardirish
http://archives.irishfest.com/dunn-family-collection.htm

The Monaghan Jig - Patsy Touhey

Track 93: Paddy Killoran and Michael Andrews: The Geese in the Bog (jig)

Today's disc is from Paddy Killoran's recordings from the Decca label, featuring Michael "Whitey" Andrews on tenor guitar accompaniment. Andrews' son, Mike Jr., remembers that his father took great pride in his rhythmic sense, and said that “his job is to hold the beat steady” in the band. Andrews is rock steady on the rhythm of this jig, yet sensitive enough to emphasize the downbeat of each two measure phrase rather than each downbeat. He does punctuate the downbeat heavy nature of the last measure of each part, complimenting the melody.

The tune itself is not the popular session tune named Geese in the Bog, but a multi-part major tune sometimes referencing a variety of "Lark" names -- The Lark's March, Lark in the Bog, and the Mountain Lark among them.

Recorded in 1936 and released on the Decca label (12077). 

From the Irish Fest Collection, object number IF 78 01-237

The Geese in the Bog - Paddy Killoran and Michael Whitey Andrews

From the Ted McGraw Collection, object id McGraw 78 00-936. This was recorded on April 4, 1937 in New York with Myles O'Malley, the described "Tin Whistle King" of the 78rpm era. Spottswood lists Johny Connors as the pianist.

McGraw 78 00-936

Myles O'Malley: Four Hand Reel/The Ivy Leaf

Track 56: Paddy Canny: Aonach Bheal Atha Na Slua (reels)

Today's disc is from fiddler Paddy Canny with a set of solo reels - Lord McDonald's/Ballinasloe Fair. These were recorded in 1958 and released on the Gael Linn label (Gael Linn CE18).

From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 01-279.

McGraw 78 01-279

Paddy Canny: Aonach Bheal Atha Na Slua (reels)

Established in 1992, the Ward Irish Music Archives houses the largest public collection of Irish music in America. It is named after John J. Ward Jr., father of Irish Fest founder Ed Ward. The archive currently consists of more than 40,000 Irish music recordings and pieces of memorabilia ranging from rare 78 rpm's, LP's and sheet music to song books, instruments, and concert memorabilia. Many of the archives items are extremely difficult to find today, and our diverse collections focus on subjects such as Irish traditional music, Irish folk songs, Scottish music, and Irish contributions to American popular music.

Popular tracks by Ward Irish Music Archives