The Chieftains – The Celtic Harp – A Tribute To Edward Hunting (1993)

Produced by head Chieftain Paddy Maloney, The Celtic Harp is essentially a showcase for the very talented harpist Derek Bell. Bell handled all of the arrangements, as well as contributed harpsichord and tiompan to the proceedings. Fine solos from flute god Matt Malloy (“Parting of Friends/Kerry Fling”), vocalist Kevin Conneff (“Green Fields of America”), and pipe player Maloney (“T’Aimse ‘Im Chodladh”) give the album a definite Chieftain feel, but The Celtic Harp belongs to Bell, who infuses each note with the subtlety and grace of a true master. (by James Christopher Monger)

Like so many Americans I can trace some of my lineage to Ireland. Perhaps that’s why the Chieftains’ music resonates with me. I first heard of them in the late 1950’s when I became aware of American folk music and it’s strong Scots-Irish heritage. Today I’m a fan of many so-called American Roots acts / bands who are more than little influenced by Celtic music. The Chieftains are a way to understand the basis of much American music, great exponents of traditional Celtic music, and just plain fun to listen to. This album is almost entirely instrumental with one song that is as compact a lesson in Irish-American history as I’ve ever heard. I also strongly recommend the Chieftains 50th Anniversary album. (Stephen Rustad)

And here some informations about Edward Bunting:

Edward Bunting (1773–1843) was an Irish musician and folk music collector.

Bunting was born in County Armagh, Ireland. At the age of seven he was sent to study music at Drogheda and at eleven he was apprenticed to William Ware, organist at St. Anne’s church in Belfast and lived with the family of Henry Joy McCracken. At nineteen he was engaged to transcribe music from oral-tradition harpists at the Belfast Harp Festival in 1792. As Bunting was a classically trained musician, he did not understand the unique characteristics of Irish music, such as modes, and when transcribing tunes he ‘corrected’ them according to Classical music rules.

One proof of this is that some tunes published by him were in keys that could not have been played by the harpists. His notes on the harpists, how they played and the terminology they used is however invaluable, and also many tunes would have been lost if he had not collected them.

Bunting organised a second festival in 1813 and wrote to the Belfast Charitable Society, based at Clifton House, for support. This was granted and the proceeds of the festival were donated to the Charitable Society to help the poor of Belfast.

Bunting went on a number of collecting tours between 1792 and 1807, and was the first to transcribe music ‘in the field’ as played by the musicians. He realised the importance of the Irish words to the songs and Patrick Lynch was employed to collect these. Bunting, who lived in Belfast with the McCrackens until his marriage in 1819, moved to Dublin where he held the post of organist at St. George’s Church. He died in Dublin on 21 December 1843 and is buried at the Cemetery of Mount Jerome, Dublin.

Bunting’s papers were lost for many years, but were rediscovered in 1907 and currently reside in the Special Collections department of Queen’s University of Belfast. Donal O’Sullivan has restored the original words to the airs that Bunting published without the words. The Chieftains’ 1993 album “The Celtic Harp” is a tribute to Edward Bunting.

The first commercial recording of Bunting’s collection was Edward Bunting’s The Ancient Music of Ireland — the 1840 Edition (2010, 8-CD set, Trigon, 151 tracks) (by wikipedia)

So let´s celebrate the great Edward Bunting and o course this wonderful group from Ireland … The Chieftains !

Personnel:
Derek Bell (harp, dulcimer,harpsichord)
Kevin Conneff (bodhrán, vocals)
Martin Fay (fiddle)
Seán Keane (fiddle)
Matt Molloy (flute)
Paddy Moloney (uilleann bagpipes, tin whistle)
+
The Belfast Harp Orchestra condcucted by Janet Harbison (on 01., 04., 08. + 11.(tracks: 1, 4, 8, 11)

Tracklist:
01. MacAllistrum’s March – Máirseail Alasdroim (Traditional) 3.02
02. Tribute To Bunting (Traditional) 8.01
03. The Parting Of Friends / Kerry Fling (Traditional) 4.42
04. Planxty Bunting (Moloney) 4.47
05. Madame Cole (Carolan/Traditional) 2.45
06. The Blackbird (Traditional) 4.27
07. Táimse ‘im Chodladh (Traditional) 3.46
08. Sonny Brogan’s Mazurkas (Traditional) 2.55
09. The Wild Geese (Traditional) 6.32
10. The Green Fields Of America (Traditional) 5.40
11. Carolan’s Concerto (Traditional) 3.05
12. The Lament For Limerick (Traditional) 5.02

*
**

More from The Chieftains:

The Chieftains – 2 (1969)

Chieftains 2 is the second album released by the Irish musical group The Chieftains in 1969. It was Peadar Mercier’s album debut on bodhran.

When Seán Ó Riada disbanded Ceoltoiri Chualann in 1969, several of the players wanted to continue the sound they had pioneered. The result was the reformation of The Chieftains. “The Foxhunt” had previously been known as a piper’s tune, but here it was given a full band treatment, and was widely played, as a direct result of this recording. (by wikipedia)

This is the real stuff, the very best of the group’s early albums and the best representation of the Chieftains’ original sound. If anything, the group is more confident the second time out, and the material, consisting of traditional airs, jigs, and polkas, is stronger than on the first album. Opening with the gorgeous double jig “Banish Misfortune, Gillan’s Apples,” which goes back to the time of the 16th century fiddler Raftery of Connacht, the record simply gets better all the way through. Though more familiar as a harp piece, “Planxty George Brabazon” (written by the harper-composer Turlough O’Carolan) comes off stunningly here played on pipes, flutes, etc., without a plucked instrument in sight; “The Foxhunt” is a great showcase for Martin Fay and Seán Keane’s fiddle skills; the mournful, somber, but beautiful “Am Mhaighdean Mhara” was the tune that Stanley Kubrick absorbed into his movie Barry Lyndon, and tells a magical story of torment and lost love. Production on the album is first-rate and, in particular, makes excellent use of stereo separation. (by Bruce Eder)

Personnel:
Martin Fay (fiddle)
Seán Keane (fiddle)
Peadar Mercier (bodhrán)
Paddy Moloney (uillean pipes, tin whistle)
Seán Potts (tin whistle)
Michael Tubridy (flute, concertina, tin whistle)

Tracklist:
01. Banish Misfortune / Gillian’s Apples 3.34
02. Seóirse Brabston (Planxty George Brabazon) 3.29
03. Bean an Fhir Rua (The Red-Haied Man’s Wife) 2.49
04. Pis Fhliuch (The Wet Quirn) (O’ Farrells Welcome to Limerick) 3.33
05. An Páistín Fionn (The Fair-Haired Child)/ Mrs. Crotty’s Reel / The Mountain Top 4.12
06. The Foxhunt 5.13
07. An Mhaighdean Mhara (The Sea Maiden) / Tie the Bonnet / O’ Rourke’s Reel 4.13
08. Callaghan’s Hornpipe / Byrne’s Hornpipe 3.13
09. Pigtown / Tie the Ribbons / The Bag of Potatoes 2.34
10. The Humours of Whiskey / Hardiman the Fiddler 2.54
11. Dónall Óg 3.54
12. Brian Boru’s March 3.12
13. Sweeney’s / Denis Murphy’s / The Scartaglen Polka 3.30

All songs are Traditionals

 

*
**

The Chieftains – Same (1) (1964)

The Chieftains is the first album released by the Irish musical group The Chieftains in 1964. The album is now sometimes referred to as The Chieftains 1 due to the numbering system of their later albums. It was one of the first folk albums to be recorded in stereo. (by wikipedia)

Paddy always had a vision from the mid 1950’s. A sound he wanted to create, a sound that had never been heard before. He knew it would take much experimentation with different combinations of instruments and so he formed several groups with other musicians in duets and trios. In particular he played with Seán Potts, Michael Tubridy, Matt Molloy and Seán Keane in various combinations who would all later become Chieftains. But it was not until he had formed the original line up for The Chieftains in 1962 that he finally achieved the sound that had eluded him, a sound created by Paddy’s inspired choice of instruments, styles and players. It was only at this point did Paddy feel ready to give his group the title The Chieftains (a name which was inspired by the Irish poet John Montague) and confident enough to take his band into studio to record the very first of many, award winning albums. This recording came about at the invitation of his good friend, the Hon. Garech a Brún for his record label Claddagh Records. (offical press release)

The debut album by the Chieftains, recorded when they were still a semi-professional outfit, is more restrained than their subsequent efforts. The opening number introduces each of the bandmembers, Paddy Moloney and Sean Potts on pipes, followed by Michael Tubridy on flute and David Fallon on bodhran, Martin Fay on the fiddle, and then Tubridy on the concertina. The group would later acquire what can only be called a more soulful approach, but the playing here was a revelation at the time, if only for its stripped-down authenticity. The music — mostly airs, reels, and jigs — and performances lack the otherworldly quality that characterized the Chieftains’ 1970s albums, but the melodies are still extremely pretty, and make up in immediacy and high spirits what they lack in mystique and mysticism. Martin Fay’s fiddle is more prominent here than on subsequent records, where Moloney’s pipes became the major voice within the group. Highlights include “Comb Your Hair and Curl It/The Boys of Ballisodare,” “The Musical Priest/The Queen of May,” “The Walls of Liscarroll,” and “The Connemara Stocking.” (by Bruce Eder)

Personnel:
David Fallon (bodhrán)
Martin Fay (fiddle)
Paddy Moloney (uilleann pipes, tin whistle)
Seán Potts (tin whistle)
Michael Tubridy (flute, concertina, tin whistle)

Tracklist:
01. Sé Fáth mo Bhuartha / The Lark On The Strand / An Fhallaingín Mhuimhneach / Trim the Velvet 8.07
02. An Comhra Donn / Murphy’s Hornpipe 4.21
03. Cailín na Gruaige Doinne (The Brown-Haired Girl) 2.51
04. Comb Your Hair And Curl It / The Boys of Ballisodare 3.15
05. The Musical Priest / The Queen Of May 3.38
06. The Walls Of Liscarroll Jig 2.44
07. An Dhruimfhionn Donn Dílis 3.03
08. The Connemara Stocking / The Limestone Rock / Dan Breen’s 2.53
09. Casadh an tSúgan 3.47
10. The Boy In The Gap 1.22
11. Saint Mary’s, Church Street / Garret Barry, The Battering Ram / Kitty goes a-Milking, Rakish Paddy 6.54

All songs: Traditionals

*
**

James Galway And The Chieftains – In Irleland (1987)

James Galway, known worldwide for being one the best professional flautists of modern times, joins traditional Irish band The Chieftans for an unconventional mix of classical flute and Irish pub music. In addition to several well-celebrated Irish tunes including {&”Danny Boy”}, {&”Give Me Your Hand”}, and {&”Crowley’s Reel”}, James Galway and the Chieftains in Ireland also feautures the relationship built between the unlikely combination throughout their many rehearsals, a biography on Galway as presented by Derek Bell, and performances from venues as informal as local pubs to the internationally famous Grand Opera House in Belfast, Ireland. (Tracie Cooper)

Andyou will hear a real beautiful rendition of “Danny Boy.”

Personnel:
James Galway (flute, whistle)
Paddy Moloney (pipes, whistle)
Seán Keane (fiddle)
Martin Fay (fiddle, bones)
Matt Molloy (flute, whistle)
Kevin Conneff (bodhrán)
Derek Bell (harp, tiompán, harpsichord)
+
National Philharmonic Orchestra
Na Píobairí Uilleann Set Dancers

Tracklist:
01. Roches Favourite (Set Dance) (Traditional) 3.30
02. Fanny Power; Mabel Kelly; O’Carolan’s Concerto  (O’Carolan) 6.45
03. Carrickfergus (Air) (Traditional) 3.54
04. Down By The Sally Gardens (Air) (Traditional) 2.53
05. Give My Your Hand (O’Cathan) 3.44
06. She Moved Through The Fair (Flute Solo) (Traditional) 1.56
07. The Red Admiral Butterfly (Slip Jig) (Traditional) 5.47
08. Danny Boy (Air) (Traditional) 3.20
09. Crowley’s Reel (Traditional) 3.26
10. Tristan And Isolde (Moloney) 3.31
11. Alleluia (Traditional) 4.53
12. When You And I Were Young, Maggie (Traditional) 2.26
13. The Humours Of Kilfenora; The Independent (Hornpipes) (Traditional) 4.46
14. Avondale (Air) (Traditional) 2.31
15. Up And About (Kerry Slides) (Traditional) 3.55

*
**

The Chieftains – The Wide World Over (2002)

In the Chieftains’ four decades of recording, they’ve changed labels a handful of times, and each label has seen fit to record at least one or two collections of the band’s output under their tenure. At this point they have so many best-ofs and greatest-hits compilations, it’s tough for the listener to know the best of what they’re actually hearing. New millennium — new collection: the band’s longtime label, RCA Victor, has done the Celtic community a favor by releasing a collection that deals more with the band’s journey through their different phases as opposed to trying to reassemble a hits package. The end result is almost like listening to a radio station that only plays Chieftains songs. There are some live tracks, their countrified romp through “Cotton-Eyed Joe”; Van Morrison’s adult-contemporary “Shenandoah”; an unusual introduction of the bandmembers in Chinese; appearances from Sting, Diana Krall, and Art Garfunkel; and a couple of new recordings. The breezy cover of “Morning Has Broken” fares better than the hybridized “Redemption Song” (in fact, it’s a challenge to think of any instances of a successful Celtic/reggae alloy). The album will be enjoyed by Chieftains fans as a fun collection of songs they have never heard back-to-back before, and those looking for a greatest-hits collection will have plenty of other places to look. (by Zac Johnson)

Personnel:
Derek Bell (cláirseach, oboe, keyboards, tiompán, vocals)
Kevin Conneff (bodhrán, vocals)
Martin Fay (fiddle, bones, vocals)
Seán Keane (fiddle, tin whistle, vocals)
Matt Molloy (flute, tin whistle, vocals)
Paddy Moloney (uilleann pipes, tin whistle, button accordion, bodhrán, vocals)
+
Anúna (vocals)
Jean Butler (dancer)
Ry Cooder (electric guitar, mandocello)
Elvis Costello (vocals)
Art Garfunkel (vocals)
Diana Krall (vocals, piano)
Ziggy Marley (vocals, guitar, percussion)
Joni Mitchell (vocals)
Van Morrison (vocals)
Carlos Nunez (bagpipe)
Sinéad O’Connor (vocals)
Linda Ronstadt (vocals)
Ricky Skaggs (vocals)
Don Was (percussion)
+
Belfast Harp Orchestra
Chinese Ensemble
Cincinnati Pops Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel
Los Lobos
The Corrs
The Rolling Stones

Tracklist:
01. March Of The King Of Laois (Traditional) 4.25
02. The Foggy Dew (feat: Sinéad O’Connor) (Traditional) 5.01
03. I Know My Love (feat: The Corrs) (Traditional) 3.27
04. Cotton-Eyed Joe (feat: Ricky Skaggs) (Traditional) 2.45
05. The Magdalene Laundries (feat: Joni Mitchell) (Mitchell) 4.57
06. Live from Matt Molloy’s Pub (Traditional) 2.21
07. Shenandoah (feat: Van Morrison) (Traditional) 3.52
08. The Munster Cloak (Traditional) 6.12
09. Morning Has Broken (feat: Art Garfunkel / Diana Krall) (Traditional) 2.55
10. Morning Dew /Women Of Ireland (P.Moloney) 2.57
11. Mo Ghile Mear (feat: Sting) (P.Moloney/Traditional) 3.20
12. Carolan’s Concerto (feat: Belfast Harp Orchestra) (Traditional) 3.02
13. Guadalupe (feat: Los Lobos / Linda Ronstadt) (Traditional) 3.31
14. Full Of Joy (feat: Chinese Ensemble) (Traditional) 3.24
15. Here’s A Health To The Company (Traditional) 3.03
16. Chasing the Fox (feat: Erich Kunzel / Cincinnati Pops Orchestra) (P.Moloney/ Traditional) 4.11
17. Long Journey Home (Anthem) (feat: Anúna / Elvis Costello) (Costello/P.Moloney) 3.20
18. The Rocky Road To Dublin (feat: The Rolling Stones) (Traditional) 4.17
19. Redemption Song (feat: Ziggy Marley) (B.Marley) 4.22

*
**

James Galway & The Chieftains – In Irleland (1987)

This album is the Chieftains first of their two albums with classic musician, James Galway. This album has a selection of slower airs and other tunes. The National Philharmonic Orchestra also appear on the album and join James Galway on two tracks, Danny Boy, and When You and I Were Young, Maggie. James Galway adds a nice, more classical element to the traditional sound of the Chieftains. A video was also released documenting the making of this album with cuts from the studio, concert hall and a live session at the home of one of the Chieftains.

This a brilliant mixture of Irish Folk and some very nice classical elements … You should gives this album a try !

Recorded at Windmill Studios, Dublin, January 1986 and CBS Studios,
London, June 1986.
Track 15 recorded live at Windmill Studios with dancers participating.

Personnel:
Derek Bell (harp, dulcimer, harpsichord)
Kevin Conneff (bodhrán)
Martin Fay (fiddle, bones)
Seán Keane (fiddle)
Matt Molloy (flute, tin whistle)
Paddy Moloney (tin whistle, bagpipes)
+
James Galway (flute, tin whistle)
+
National Philharmonic Orchestra
+
Na Píobairít Uilleann Set Dancers, Dublin (tap dancers)

Tracklist:
01. Roches Favourite (Set Dance) (Traditional)  3.29
02. Fanny Power; Mabel Kelly; O’Carolan’s Concerto (O’Carolan) 6.43
03. Carrickfergus (Air) (Traditional) 3.53
04. Down By The Sally Gardens (Air) (Traditional) 2.53
05. Give Me Your Hand (O’Cathan) 3.13
06. She Moved Through The Fair (Flute Solo) (Traditional) 1.56
07. The Red Admiral Butterfly (Slip Jig) (Traditional) 5.47
08. Danny Boy (Air) (Traditional) 3.19
09. Crowley’s Reel (Traditional) 3.25
10. Tristan And Isolde (Moloney) 3.31
11. Alleluia (Traditional) 4.13
12. When You And I Were Young, Maggie (Traditional) 2.35
13. The Humours Of Kilfenora; The Independent (Hornpipes) (Traditional) 4.45
14. Avondale (Air) (Traditional) 2.32
15. Up And About (Kerry Slides)  (Traditional) 3.32

*
**