Sounding Oriel
This is a demo research recording made in the summer of 2015, recorded by producer Stephanie Caffrey. The tracks explore different aspects of the musical heritage of the Oriel region that we have explored and include new and old repertoire including compositions by ourselves.
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1. The Gates of Mullagh / Ronnie Coopers / The Blueberry Bush
Three reels from the wonderful Armagh fiddle player and composer Josephine Keegan.
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2. The Man from Newry / Shoreside Strolls
A hornpipe from the O'Neill collection, a likely reference to 'The Scribe', James O'Neill who brought his music from Co. Down to Chicago where he collaborated with 'The Chief', Captain Francis O'Neill. It is followed by a hornpipe composed by Adèle.
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3. The Rose of Ardee
A song from the locality that appears in a number of ballad sheets.
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4. Around and About / The Thingemy Jig
Two jigs from the imagination of Josephine Keegan.
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5. Bríd Óg Ní Mháille
An Irish language song recorded by groups as diverse as Altan and The Corrs.
6. Mick Rooney’s Hornpipes
Two hornpipes from the nearby Sliabh Beagh region that has been studied in depth by Dr Seán McElwain.
7. Jenny’s Welcome to Charlie / The Boyne Hunt
Two reels that make reference to aspects of the history and geography of the region - Bonnie Prince Charlie, whose grandfather James II fought at the Battle of the Boyne.
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8. The Mountains of Mourne
A song from Percy French.
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9. Life is for Living / Life is for Learning
Two jigs composed by Adèle.
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10. Blue Boats
A strathspey and reel composed by Daithí.
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Additional musicians: Derek Farrell (drums, track 2) and Martha Guiney (flute, track 7).
Recorded and mixed by Stephanie Caffrey at Dundalk Institute of Technology.
All tracks traditional except The Gates of Mullagh, Ronnie Coopers, The Blueberry Bush, Around and About, The Thingemy Jig (all Josephine Keegan); Life is for Living, Life is for Learning, Shoreside Strolls (all Adèle Commins), Blue Boats, Lough Ennell (both Daithí Kearney).