RE: [Harp-L] Irish/Celtic Harmonica

["Steve Shaw" <moorcot@xxxxxxx>]

> I would second James Conway's and Winslow's advice, to
> listen to other instruments playing Irish/Celtic music. In
> particular, Sharon Shannon is worth checking out. She plays
> button accordian, and her music is impossible to forget,
> once heard. You can find her CDs at www.greenlinnet.com
>
> Tony Eyers


I think the very best of these non-harmonica albums, both to inspire and to 
get good tunes from, is "Music from Sliabh Luachra Vol. 6" which is a CD of 
Jackie Daly playing button accordeon (note correct Irish spelling, guys!) 
and concertina.  There is no accompaniment of any kind.  This is a wonderful 
album.  There are other superb recordings featuring Jackie Daly, including 
any by the group Patrick Street and a great old one featuring Jackie and 
Seamus Creagh on fiddle.  To get "Irish" into your blood you should also 
listen to anything by Planxty or The Bothy Band. By the way, a chap called 
Andy Irvine, who played in Planxty and Patrick Street and who also made a 
seminal album with Paul Brady, is one of the best harmonica players on the 
planet...and a great singer...and mandolinist...the bugger...

Sharon Shannon's early albums are her best.  She tends to get too carried 
away with "guest artists" etc. in later offerings and the albums lack focus.

Steve

http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/trad_irish_harmonica
HEAR my CD clips: http://www.gjk2.com/steveshaw/cd.htm
READ review of my CD: http://www.irishmusicreview.com/sshaw.htm