“Connaughtman’s Rambles” is one of the most famous traditional Irish tunes and you can hear it at sessions all over the world, including in Doolin!
I associate this tune with Kevin Griffin, one of Ireland’s top banjo player who I am lucky to play with here in Doolin. Kevin actually recorded it on his album “Traditional Irish Music from Doolin, Co. Clare”.
“The Glen of Aherlow” is a great reel composed by Sean Ryan, fiddle player from Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. I associate this tune with my friend Paolo Cerato, an accordion player from Italy who has been living in Co. Clare for many years.
“Dowd’s Favourite” is a very beautiful reel which I associate with the playing of Paddy Carty. It is also simply called “Dowd’s” or “O’Dowd’s” and was recorded by Tommy Peoples on his album “The Iron Man”. I am not really sure where I originally learned this tune though, I think it might have been from my friend Damian Werner.
This is a reel I learned from the old LP “The Russell Family”, featuring Micho, Packie & Gussie Russell. This particular tune is played on the recording by Micho and Gussie, both on tin whistle. I haven’t heard it in session that much, but it’s a nice tune nonetheless.
