IrishMusicInfo
The Sunday Tribune Weekly Traditional Music Column by Fintan Vallely
991226
1999 began with important moments - the publication of the first ever all-party report on traditional music, and the signing up of Comhaltas Ceolt—ir’ ƒireann into copyright legislation with IMRO. Even if both these events were abysmally flawed by carelessness, mean exclusion and mis-representation, they do emphatically underline that Traditonal music has relinquished its worthy subversiveness, now accepting what was once seen as the recruiting sergeant's shilling and happily hopping in time to the batons of both state and commerce. This formalising of change of ideology is evidenced over the last twelve months too in the unprecedented amount of recordings on every instrument, in all styles by all ages. From the precarious, London-based Sin ƒ under bodhr‡n player Steaf‡n Hannigan to Denis McArdle's 'Folk' band here is a spectrum that has the parlour perfection of the Victorians and the abrasive self-centredness of teenage lads breaking the bonds. Fitting perhaps that Donal Lunny should so see his influence as mentor at the end of a century that brought the accordion to prominence. Appropriate too that Se‡n î Riada's ides might come of age in such technical perfection as Lœnasa, Nomos, Dervish and Dord‡n. Song, however seems to have been playing second fiddle, even if a wonderful re-release of Ring sean-n—s singer Niocl‡s T—ib’n has happened just in time to make him accessible again. Of the great groups of the 20th century several survive, longest running the Chieftains, then Boys of the Lough and De Dannann. The year has emphasised too the full gamut of commercialism - tune collections, literature, concerts, sessions, videos, practical, second and third level teaching, radio and TV performance, albums, touring abroad and even controversy - all at an unprecedented level of sophistication. But the old audience still holds its own, even if now in deep-pile, soft-couch suburban comfort. For Finbar Boyle at the premier record-shop Claddagh, in Dublin, can report that his best seller, and best record, has been that of Leitrim fiddler Brian Rooney, in his burst of glory possibly selling more than Martin Hayes's Live in Seattle. But Hayes wins hands down in the longer haul, the broader and international picture. In a field where a good total album sale may be 2,000 , and 5,000 is successful, 10,000 is excellent. Lœnasa have been among the best sellers too, their success, according to SŽamus U’ NŽill of Gael Linn, being the fact that they are out there gigging around Ireland. Maighread and Tr’ona N’ Dh—mhnaill are up at the top too, and in Cork, Ossian reports that locals hold their own - Matt Cranitch's Sliabh Notes, SŽamus Creagh and Aiden Coffey, have been their chart toppers. Bands Nomos and North Cregg are extremely popular too, but best selling album of all has been their tourist-oriented sampler Celtic Dream. Celtic Note in Dublin have a similar story, their own-label Osna and The Connerys selling best to this market. For them Riverdance, Christy Moore and The Bumblebees have done well, yet the old chestnuts like the Bothy Band and the Chieftains with all their still-available material top the 1999 list. Best-selling books - Ossian's Irish Tin Whistle Book and Steaf‡n Hannigan's Bodhr‡n Book - reflect the desire to do something, even if on a budget. Success or no, Ossian closes its retail Living Tradition shop in Cork at Christmas, a snip for any musician contemplating going out to grass: "This kind of shop needs someone young and enthusiastic" says proprietor Therese Loesberg after six years of building up this successful business.
©Fintan Vallely, IrishMusicInfo.com
Back to Sunday Tribune, 1999 master page