Legendary Irish Fiddler, Kevin Burke - former member of the Bothy Band and Patrick Street, Ireland’s Traditional Musician of the Year in 2016 (Gradam Ceoil) and a recipient of USA’s Nationa Heritage Award - has made a 6 film series depicting intimate, unscripted music evenings in his 120 yr old cottage in the West of Ireland.
Each of the 6 evening sessions is hosted by Kevin and features 2 guest musicians: -
Sharon Shannon (accordion) & Sean Smyth (fiddle);
Seamie O’Dowd (fiddle, guitar, harmonica, vocal) & Rick Epping (concertina, harmonica, vocal);
John Carty (fiddle, banjo, tenor guitar) & Rosaleen Stenson Ward (accordeon, concertina);
Leonard Barry (pipes) & Mick McAuley (accordion, guitar, vocal);
Josephine Marsh (accordion, fiddle) & Mick Kinsella (harmonica);
Nuala Kennedy (flute, vocal) & A.J. Roach (banjo, vocal).
Kevin’s traditional cottage in rural Mayo is very reminiscent of the places where he spent so much of his childhood in the late 1950’s and learned so much of his music. There have been many changes since then regarding the ways traditional music is learned and presented so Kevin has invited some renowned musician friends to his cottage for an ‘old style’ evening of fireside music and conversation.
I have been friendly with Mick and Leonard for many years and was very keen to have them both in the cottage series. I was unsure how they’d feel about appearing together but when I approached them, much to my surprise, I discovered they were old friends and had been room mates for years! I was delighted to host them in the cottage and privileged to be able to bring them back together for an evening. Enjoy their great music.
