Micho Russell

The Back of the Haggard (slide) | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Back of the Haggard (The)

I learned this slide from Eugene Lambe, a great piper and whistle player who did a huge amount of work recording the older musicians of North Clare back in the early 90s. Eugene himself learned “The Back of the Haggard” from the playing of Micho Russell.

Micho Russell's Mason's Apron (Reel) | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Micho Russell’s Mason’s Apron

This is Micho Russell’s version of “The Mason’s Apron”. I believe he learned it from one of his neighbours in Doonagore. This version is quite a common reel in sessions around Doolin and is one of the most famous tunes associated with Micho Russell.

Tatter Jack Walsh (Jig) | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Tatter Jack Walsh

“Tatter Jack Walsh” is a tune I learned from the playing of Micho Russell and his brother Gussie. They recorded it as a tin whistle duet on the LP “The Russell Family” back in 1975. There is also a nice variation of the second part that I learned from Noel O’Donoghue.

The Ivy Leaf | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Ivy Leaf (The)

“The Ivy Leaf” is a reel I learned through various sessions, but I associate it my friend Tom Delany in particular, as well as accordion player Seán Vaughan. Micho Russell recorded a version of this tune also.

Her Lovely Hair was Flowing Down Her Back | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Her Lovely Hair Was Flowing Down Her Back

“Her Lovely Hair Was Flowing Down Her Back” is a hornpipe I first learned from The Mulcahy Family on their wonderful album “Notes From The Heart”. I came across this tune many times and in different keys, so I transcribed two keys below, Aminor and Bminor. I think it is also played in Gminor sometimes.

The Heather Breeze | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Heather Breeze (The)

“The Heather Breeze” is one of the most common reel in sessions across Ireland. It is a very old tune which I have learned through sessions, but I associate it with Micho Russell and his brothers Packie and Gussie. They recorded it on the album “The Russell Family”.

The Green Groves of Erin | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Green Groves of Erin (The)

“The Green Groves of Erin” is a very famous reel which I learned through various sessions. Micho Russell recorded a lovely version of this tune, however I really associate with The Bothy Band, their version on the album “After Hours” is truly remarkable and a classic set.

The Mother And Child | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Mother And Child (The)

“The Mother And Child” is a reel I learned from the playing of Micho Russell. The tune is also known as “The Yellow Cow”. John Williams recorded a nice version of this tune on his first solo album as well.

Campbell's Reel | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Campbell’s Reel

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.

The Boy In The Gap | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Boy In The Gap (The)

This is a true Doolin classic. “The Boy In The Gap” is a reel that is very much associated with Micho Russell. He used to play it after another fine reel, “Seán Sa Cheo”, but these days you hear them the other way around most of the times.

The Battle of Aughrim | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Battle of Aughrim (The)

This is Micho Russell’s version of the famous march “The Battle of Aughrim”. It is not very different from the common version but I love Micho’s phrasing of the tune and thought I’d post his way of playing it.