- It's a shame that the "Ireland In America" program is no longer on KDHX. Bernie McDonald did a good job for years playing Celtic music, and a lot of his choices were not the most obvious ones. I remember one St. Patrick's Day when McDonald told the audience about St. Patrick's life. It's one thing to read about someone's life, but a life like St. Patrick's, from the fifth century, which includes a hard stretch of captivity and unbreakable faith, despite what he went through, comes across more effectively when someone tells it.
- "The Village Folk Show," which SiriusXM carries on its station, The Bridge, was particularly enjoyable Sunday. The host, Mary Sue Twohy, interviewed the members of Solas. The band's live performances impressed me. "As I Went Out Walking" and "Lay Me Down" were among the highlights. "Hugo's Big Reel" was an example of joyous fiddling. On a noncommercial FM station, it would segue well with "River Of Fallen Stars" by The Kennedys. "All These Years," a delicate, solemn piece for violin, was another standout.
- Something that "Drowsy Maggie" by The Chieftains and "Man Of Arran" by Niamh Parsons have in common: Both tunes allow each member of the band a chance to shine. In each case, it's the Celtic equivalent of a jazz band giving each member a chance to improvise a solo.
- Although I wouldn't usually encourage people to drive while playing music at top volume, it would be refreshing, at least once, to hear someone drive past while blasting a jig or reel. How often do you ever hear that happen?
Thursday, March 17, 2016
St. Patrick's Day music and radio musings
Thoughts related to the music of today's holiday:
