The annual temporary migration of visitors from all over the world bearing musical instruments took place last weekend to Clare for the annual
Ennis Trad Festival. The middle room of
The Rowantree Cafe was packed for the launch of two CDs by master traditional musicians.
Pat Costelloe introduced
Eamonn Cotter who was launching his second CD ,
The Knotted Chord. Renowned not only for his prowess as a player but also as a fine crafter of wooden flutes, Eamonn was accompanied by his sister Geraldine . His rendition of the air
Aisling Geal was a highlight. Daughters Sadhbh and Grainne joined their dad for a number before the party made way for fiddle player
Eileen O Brien . Andrew McNamara introduced the Tipperary fiddler who has published a volume of her father, Paddy O'Brien's tunes in tandem with a solo fiddle recording Aon le hAon . She was also beautifully accompanied by a family member, her daughter Jennifer Minogue on piano . There was a feeling of a house party in the elegant period drawing room as extended family and local musicians gathered to support the musicians. Again it was the airs that I enjoyed most, particularly
Easter Snow.
Musicians formed a huge circle in Glor foyer on Monday at lunchtime for one of the final day events and many made their way upstairs to view the late
Jean Regan's exhibition of paintings. Later in the evening, a disgruntled punter looked balefully on another large gathering in The Poet's Corner pub in The Old Ground Hotel . 'The trouble is' he said ruefully, 'that everyone with a few tunes thinks they can be a participant'. There were some frayed tempers elsewhere he reported as named session musicians couldn't get seats in their designated venues. Nebulous as it may be, there would seem to be a session etiquette. Perhaps the organisers should issue some guidelines.
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| Circular Session |
Related articles from The Journal of Music
http://journalofmusic.com/radar/eamonn-cotters-new-flute-album
http://journalofmusic.com/radar/eileen-obriens-album-her-fathers-tunes
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