Blarney Pilgrims Irish Music Podcast - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Blarney Pilgrims Irish Music Podcast — Music
Blarney Pilgrims Irish Music Podcast

The Blarney Pilgrims Podcast is a weekly journey to the heart of Irish music. We interview players of Irish music about how they first came to the music and the place it occupies in their lives now. We use the word ‘heart’ intentionally, because heart is what this music, and the people who play it, are all about. It’s a funny, warm and often unexpected journey – and the tunes are crackin’ too. NOTE: Hey there – it’s Darren and Dom here. So…we want to let you know that last week was the last episode (Ep 94) of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast for now. We’ve come to a point where we’ve both decided to take a long pause and focus on a few other things. Knowing how much the podcast means to you all, it’s a decision we’ve been really reluctant to take. What we DO know is how massively grateful we are for every text, every thumbs up, every raised eyebrow of support we’ve had over the past two years. You are all legends, and we’re forever in your debt. Thanks especially to everyone who’s become a Patron Saint and supported us through the toughest of economic times, and thanks most especially to the musicians. To those who have been so generous to share their tunes and stories with us, and to those who’ve welcomed us into pub sessions and festival gatherings and house sessions and campsite sessions. Wherever in the world we’ve chatted with players of the music, we’ve been made to feel like lifelong pals. It’s a testament to the open heartedness of the communities who keep the music going wherever they are, and we can’t thank you all enough. We hope this archive will remain of use to people even as we’re taking a pause. So – please do stay in touch, don’t be a stranger, and if you see us out and about, do say hello. And we’ll see you when we see you. Dom and Darren.

Latest Episodes:

Episode 64: Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh Interview (Hardanger d'Amore) Aug 24, 2020

Show notes

A pause in pandemic times and what you hear when you hear Seamus Ennis; Phelim O'Reilly, Anton McGowan and doorway street sessions; holding onto infectious rhythms from youthful summers. Theoretical physics and musical headspace. 'What is it? What was it?' The irresistible core at the heart of a great session. Schrödinger's Irish tunes, the real music in the solo players and the liberation to be found in lilting. Getting things out of the way as you look for the joy in the music, and falling for the hardanger fiddle.

In this episode Caoimhín plays:

04:55 - Shéamuis Mhic a Bháird
(which, drawing on TheSession.org, is also known as An Chéad Phunnann, Clare, The Clare, The First Sheaf, Jim Ward’s, Jimmy Ward J.G., Jimmy Ward’s Favourite, Jimmy Ward’s J.G., Port Shéamus Mhic A Bháird, Seamus’s, Tom Ward’s, Ward’s, Ward’s Favorite, Ward’s Favourite)

24.50 - Kitty Lie Over (from the playing of Seamus Ennis)

52.22 - The Lonesome Jig ('or an echo of it, anyway')

01:27:00 - Easter Snow (from the playing of Seamus Ennis)

01:43.25 - And two reels, Paddy Sean Nancy's (from the playing of Johnny Henry) and Sunny Banks.

You can find Caoimhín's recorded work via his website:
https://caoimhinoraghallaigh.com/

And then there's these:
The Gloaming
http://www.thegloaming.net/home

This Is How We Fly
http://thisishowwefly.net/

Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and Thomas Bartlett
https://www.caoimhinandthomas.com/

Laghdú: Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh & Dan Trueman
https://irishmusic.bandcamp.com/album/laghd

Thanks Caoimhín.

--

To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:

Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.com
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy

Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.

--

Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.

We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn’t keep putting out an episode a week. That’s why we’re asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims

So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head.

For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you’ll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don’t or can’t chip in.

And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do.

Darren & Dom

www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast

Episode 63: Áine Tyrrell Interview (Guitar, singing, banjo) Aug 18, 2020

Show notes

Welcome To Country; Ireland, history, emigration; who we are and where we belong. Finding culture, finding your self and finding the courage to take to the road. Away from suburban life and Tupperware. Gender disparity in Irish radio, Robert Kee and Fred Dibnah.

This is such a lovely chat - what better way is there to spend an hour?
Thanks Áine.

The best way to support Áine is through her Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/ainetyrrellmusic

Her latest single is 'We Call You Now' - watch it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rVhzaPwbH4

And Áine has a gig (remember them?) coming up with the Bunyarra Culture Collective, at Brunswick Picture House, Brunswick Heads in NSW on Friday 21st at 7PM - details are here:
https://www.ainetyrrell.com/touring

The songs in this week's episode are:
In This House
As Clouds Collide
The Rising of the Moon (Padraig Perase and Siobhan O'Higgins)
Hope See Me Through

The Gender Disparity Report relating to Irish radio airplay is here, and it's kind of amazing:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAD_kmfQraE/LacXD6V8n_UGaOkS3r1Giw/view

And lastly, Áine on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AineTyrrellMusic

--

To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:

Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.fireside.fm
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy

Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.

--

Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.

We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn’t keep putting out an episode a week. That’s why we’re asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims

So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head.

For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you’ll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don’t or can’t chip in.

And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do.

Darren & Dom

www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast

Episode 62: Theresa O'Grady Interview (Banjo, tenor guitar, mandolin) Aug 10, 2020

Show notes

Sunday morning sessions at The Coach and Horses, Finsbury Park; summer road trips to Ireland and back, via relatives' houses, Fleadhs, sessions and the Holyhead ferry; learning to play in Anne Caulfield's house in Luton; competing and adjudicating; becoming a teacher of music and recording your first album. All that AND Barings Bank. Nick Leeson how are ye!

You can probably tell from the tape, this was a LOT of fun. Thanks Theresa.

Theresa's album, BANJO'ista, is a gem. Get it here, on her bandcamp page:
https://theresaogrady.bandcamp.com/releases

To follow Theresa or get in contact about lessons you can do so from here:
https://www.facebook.com/theresa.ogrady.31

You can also like and follow Theresa O’Grady Music here:
https://www.facebook.com/theresaogradymusic/

In this episode Theresa plays:

The Milky Way (Vincent Broderick) - 06:53

The Starry Lane to Monaghan (Ed Reavy) / Johnny Watt Henry's - 24:30

Two jigs - Padeen O'Rafferty / The Fox's Tail (Donal McKeague) - 44:50

O'Dowd's and another one we don't have a name for - 01:01:12

Sailor on the Rock / The Cavan Reel - 01:45:08

The Kilavel Jig / By Golly (Jimmy Neary) - 02:02:50

Theresa plays a tenor guitar and a mandolin, both made by Jack Spira in Australia:
https://jackspiraguitars.com/index.html

--

To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:

Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.fireside.fm
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy

Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.

...

Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.

We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn’t keep putting out an episode a week. That’s why we’re asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims

So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head.

For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you’ll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don’t or can’t chip in.

And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do.

Darren & Dom

www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast

Links:

Episode 61: Elaine O'Sullivan Interview (Accordion) Aug 03, 2020

Show notes

Teenage musicians, crackin the floor in a Drogheda pub and the Wednesday of the Fleadh; passing on the music; community and tunes in Hull, Leeds and the Coventry; the Holyhead night ferry; an English accent in border country, Crossmaglen sessions and the accordion as passport.

Elaine plays these tunes:

Two jigs - Kitty's Rambles (from Vincent Tighe) / Willie Coleman's
Two hornpipes: The Western / The Galway
Toss the Feathers / Grandpa Tommy's Ceili Band
O'Carolan's Draught / Flagstone of Memories (Vincent Broderick)
Apples in the Winter / Eddie Kelly's (from Hugie Gallagher)

You can connect with the South Armagh Traditional Arts Partnership here:
https://www.facebook.com/TraditionalArtsPartnership/

You can follow Elaine here:
https://www.facebook.com/elaine.osullivan.37

And you can also find loads of great videos from the Traditional Arts Partnership here. Including this one they put together for #RTÉVirtualFleadh
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=330638955010076
...

To listen, stream or download this podcast simply click a link below:

Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.fireside.fm
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy

Or alternatively, search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.

...

Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.

We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn’t keep putting out an episode a week. That’s why we’re asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims

So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head.

For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you’ll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don’t or can’t chip in.

And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do.

Darren & Dom

www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast

Episode 60: Daithí Gormley Interview (Accordion) Jul 27, 2020

Show notes

It doesn't get better than this.

'A good reel would wipe the cobwebs off his heart.' Last Night's Fun and Joe Cooley, a -kick-you-in-the-chest-kind-of-accordion-player.' Looking for the ghosts of James Morrison and Michael Coleman on the streets of New York City. Translating the music of the fiddle into the language of the box. A grandmother's recordings a treasure trove for the aspiring Daithí Gormley and the chancey nature of recording in the studio.

'There's only one trick to becoming a great musician - you figure out what you're not able to do, and don't do it.' Finbarr Dwyer's advice to Daithí.

Daithí's album with Catherine McHugh is
‘Fiddling without a Bow – Irish Traditional Music on Button Accordion’
https://daithigormley.bandcamp.com/

And his book 'Fiddlers of Sligo Tunebook' compiled with Oisin Mac Diarmada, is available here:
https://custysmusic.com/search?q=Daith%C3%AD+gormley&type=product

The tunes Daithí plays:

Last Night's Fun
The Templehouse Reel and an unnamed reel, from the playing of Michael Joe and Larry MacDonagh
The Spike Island Lasses and Farewell to Leitrim
Tell Her I Am and Tatter Jack Walsh
My Love is Fair and Handsome followed by The Maid of Mount Cisco (composed by Paddy Killoran)

And finally - it's hard to do justice to Ciaran Carson's last collection of poems, which we mention during the chat,
'Still Life.' It's shot through with sorrow and love, and a savouring of the last of life.
https://www.gallerypress.com/product/still-life/

Ciaran Carson also wrote what many regard as the best book on Irish music yet written, 'Last Night's Fun.' Which happens to be the name of the tune with which Daithí began todays episode, talking about the legendary Joe Cooley. Thank you, Daithí.

--

If you'd like to check it out, this is Craig Ferguson's 2010 monologue on Brittney Spears and addiction that Darren mentions. It's powerful, and worth the watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=7ZVWIELHQQY&feature=emb_logo

To see some of the Irish Music Legends work go here:
instagram.com/irishmusiclegends/
facebook.com/irishmusiclegends

--

To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:

Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.fireside.fm
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy

Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.

--

Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.

We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn’t keep putting out an episode a week. That’s why we’re asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims

So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head.

For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you’ll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don’t or can’t chip in.

And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do.

Darren & Dom

www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast

Episode 59: Jason Rouse Interview (Uilleann Pipes) Jul 21, 2020

Show notes

Discovering the uilleann pipes on a road trip to Donegal; oils on metal; generative art and music; not settling in Northern Ireland; MIDI pipes and the Cardiff scene; restoration and the mysterious conversations which only pipers understand.

Thoughtful and engaging stuff.

In this episode Jason plays:

The Rocks of Bawn followed by Kitty Got a Clinking Coming from The Fair
Two reels, one of which is Scotch Mary
An unnamed tune and...
When The Cock Crows It Is Day

To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:

Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.fireside.fm
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy

Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.

Check out Jason's various work here:
http://www.jasonrouse.co.uk/

And his Instagram feed here:
https://www.instagram.com/sionrouse/

...

Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.

We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn’t keep putting out an episode a week. That’s why we’re asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims

So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head.

For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you’ll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don’t or can’t chip in. And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do.

Cheers and gesundheit.

Darren & Dom

www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast

Episode 58: Kevin Crawford Interview (Flute, whistle) Jul 14, 2020

Show notes

Taking on the old tunes. Records on the wall. The art and laughter of Michael Grinter. The Teetotallers, that Gort Tape and the Irish music scene in 80s Birmingham. Living in America. The birth of Lúnasa. And the rise and rise of TV snooker and Irish music. Gold.

The incredibly talented and generous Kevin Crawford joins us for a mammoth chat down the line from Brooklyn, New York. Honestly the man is as good a storyteller as he is a player. You're in for a treat with this one.

To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:

Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.fireside.fm
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy

Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.

During the episode Kevin plays:

Old John's / The Longford Tinker
City of Savannah / James Hanley's
Dear Irish Boy / The Hole In The Boat / Sally Sloane’s
Dan Collins / The Caravan
Hula Hoop / Mary Bergin's Gan Ainm

To buy Kevin's music go here:
https://www.lunasa.ie/music
http://compassrecords.com/artist/kevin-crawford/

To follow Kevin Crawford on socials go here:
https://www.facebook.com/kevin.crawford.106
https://www.instagram.com/lowwhistle17/

To follow Lúnasa go here:
https://www.lunasa.ie/
https://www.facebook.com/lunasaband/

Right so, that's it for another week. Kevin thank you so much for all your time and effort.

Till next time, good luck.

Darren & Dom

--

Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.

If you liked this episode and think you got some worth from it, then please pledge at any level over at www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims.

If you can't afford to pledge on Patreon, and we totally understand if you can't, all is not lost. You can still support the show by sharing it on your socials, posting about it in your favourite forums or simply by telling your mates about it down the pub.

www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast

Episode 57: Aifric Boylan Interview (Fiddle) Jul 06, 2020

Show notes

Competing in your first Fleadh, hearing the ocean in the music and searching out the rarest old tunes. Learning from older players, driving to sessions with your dad and a road trip to a Belfast terraced house in search of a fiddle.

In this episode Aifric plays:
The Golden Castle / Mickey Callaghan's Fancy
Rolling in the Ryegrass and Woman of the House (Thanks Jond from the session.org for your help with the names)
O'Donnell's Lament
The Battle of Aughrim
Fitzgerald's / An Paistin Fionn (The Fair Haired Child)

To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:

Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.fireside.fm
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy

Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.

--

We know it's a tough time so we hope you can hang in there with us. If you liked this episode and think you got some worth from it, then please pledge at any level over at www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims.

If you can't afford to pledge on Patreon, and we totally understand if you can't, all is not lost. You can still support the show by sharing it on your socials, posting about it in your favourite forums or simply by telling your mates about it down the pub.

www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast

Episode 56: Luke Plumb Interview - Part 2 (Mandolin and singing) Jun 28, 2020

Show notes

'The artist is like a blind caterpillar at the end of a leaf reaching out into the darkness.' Staring The Reaper Down. Life in music, Shoogelnifty and Sandy Bell's in Edinburgh. All night sessions in Borneo, Pretty Peggy-O and teaching Andy Irvine bouzouki parts to an audience including...er...Andy Irvine.

In this episode Luke plays:

The Log Cabin and Bean A' Ti Ar Lar
Pretty Peggy-O
The Battle of the Somme (Retreat March)
The Cornerhouse, The Lady's Pantalettes and The Bird in the Bush

To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:

Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.fireside.fm
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy

Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.

To follow Luke go here:
https://www.lukeplumb.com/
http://shoogle.com/
https://www.facebook.com/luke.plumb.18

To buy his incredible music go here: https://lukeplumbmusic1.bandcamp.com/

Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you next week.

All the best,

Darren and Dom

--

We know it's a tough time so we hope you can hang in there with us. If you liked this episode and think you got some worth from it, then please pledge at any level over at www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims.

If you can't afford to pledge on Patreon, and we totally understand if you can't, all is not lost. You can still support the show by sharing it on your socials, posting about it in your favourite forums or simply by telling your mates about it down the pub.

www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast

Episode 55: Luke Plumb Interview - Part 1 (Mandolin, singing) Jun 24, 2020

Show notes

The real deal. Part one of two. Incredible playing and great chat: the painters of ancient Egypt and the joy of playing in an orchestra; De Danaan, Planxty and Schubert; Martin Carthy and Nic Jones and the thrum of existential rhythm.

Truth be told, we don't have much to add to this show - it'll all in the tape. Next week: Shooglenifty and living in Scotland, the moments in a gig that a musician lives for, coming home to Australia and recording an album with Andy Irvine.

In this episode Luke plays:
Three jigs (un-named)
Three reels: McGreevey's, The Sweetheart and Miss McGuiness
and
Wrackabello (from the playing of Martin Carthy)

To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:

Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.fireside.fm
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy

Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.

Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you next week.

All the best,

Darren and Dom

--

We know it's a tough time so we hope you can hang in there with us. If you liked this episode and think you got some worth from it, then please pledge at any level over at www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims.

If you can't afford to pledge on Patreon, and we totally understand if you can't, all is not lost. You can still support the show by sharing it on your socials, posting about it in your favourite forums or simply by telling your mates about it down the pub.

www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast

Special Guest: Luke Plumb.

Related Podcasts