'Classic Celtic Music' Digs Deep Into Tradition; Out Feb. 26th On Smithsonian Folkways In Time For St. Patrick's Day

Few genres carry such a rich and deep history as Celtic music, which reflects centuries of culture of the British Isles and Ireland as well as their North American inheritors. On February 26, Smithsonian Folkways will release the 20th compilation in its Classic series, ‘Classic Celtic Music from Smithsonian Folkways.’ Compiled by music historian and folklorist Richard Carlin, ‘Classic Celtic Music’ delves into this diverse world of musical traditions, and is sure to delight both longtime fans of the genre and newcomers alike.

Sneak Preview: Listen to three selections from ‘Classic Celtic Music from Smithsonian Folkways’: http://s.si.edu/gFWsB

Carlin’s 23 selections span a wide spectrum of sounds from the Celtic regions, contrasting better-known early recordings with some of the best contemporary interpreters. Styles ranging from Sligo fiddle tunes to Northumbrian piping to sean-nós singing are represented in this enjoyable introduction to the Celtic music riches of the Smithsonian Folkways archives.

Some of the selections, like Margaret Dirrane’s “’Twas Early, Early in the Spring” and Joe Heaney’s “The Rocks of Bawn,” date to the mid-1950’s, while others were recorded in the latter part of the 20th century. The tracklist includes a hearty sample of field recordings as well as a previously unissued tune, “Derry Hornpipe, recorded at the 1983 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC.

As with every compilation in the Smithsonian Folkways Classic Series, ‘Classic Celtic Music’ explores the breadth and depth of a genre while the liner notes offer insight into the cultural and historical contexts of each selection. During the last 10 years, Smithsonian Folkways has released critically acclaimed “Classic” compilations of bluegrass, folk, blues, maritime, old-time, and mountain music, among others.

‘Classic Celtic Music’ tracklist:
1. Love at the Endings / John McGrath’s Reel Kevin Burke 2:21
2. As I Roved Out Sarah Makem 0:54
3. Border Spirit Billy Pigg 1:20
4. ’Twas Early, Early in the Spring Margaret Dirrane 1:51
5. De’il Among the Tailors Bob Hobkirk 1:43
6. The Rocks of Bawn Joe Heaney 3:20
7. Whiskey Island Polka Pat O’Malley and Frank Keating 1:32
8. D-tigeas Ó Deabhasa (Children's Game Song) Sorcha Ní Ghuairim 1:03
9. Trip O’er the Mountain Willie Clancy 2:39
10. The Strayaway Child / The Lark in the Morning Michael Gorman and Margaret Barry 2:54
11. The Queen of May Shirley Collins 1:48
12. The Bonny Bunch of Roses Patrick Clancy 4:44
13. The Galway Rambler Tom Byrne 1:16
14. The Mountain Road Denis Murphy 1:03
15. Bushes and Briars Isla Cameron 2:14
16. Tifty’s Annie Lucy Stewart 4:34
17. The Pearl Wedding / Nancy Taylor's Reel Willie Taylor 2:38
18. Derry Hornpipe Joe Shannon and John McGreevy 4:23
19. With My Pit Boots On Louis Killen 1:46
20. The Young Sailor Cut Down in His Prime Harry Cox 1:54
21. Bonnie Kate /Jenny’s Chickens Jean Carignan 3:05
22. Glenlogie Ewan MacColl 5:12
23. Martin Wynne’s Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 Brian Conway, Pat Mangan, Felix Dolan 4:43

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