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.
I learned “The Maid in the Meadow” from Yvonne Casey’s first album. It is a great tune that you hear a good bit in sessions in the area. This reel is also sometimes called “The Dream of Home”, as collected by Breandán Breathnach.
I learned “Young Tom Ennis” from a session in McGann’s Pub with Yvonne Casey and Terry Bingham. This jig was recorded on the wonderful album “In Good Company” by Kevin Crawford, on which he plays this particular tune with James Cullinan, the great fiddle player who lives in Doolin also.
“The Kilcummin” is a tune I learned from a session in McGann’s Pub with Yvonne Casey and Terry Bingham. They played it as a jig, but I think it is also played as a slide.
I learned “The Jolly Tinker” from Yvonne Casey and Terry Bingham at a session in McGann’s Pub. It is a great 5-part session tune and lately I’ve heard it a lot as part of a set that Kevin Griffin, Noel O’Donoghue and Sean Vaughan play together : Colonel Frazer, The Bucks of Oranmore & The Jolly Tinker.
I learned this lovely barndance, “If There Weren’t Any Women In The World”, from a session with Terry Bingham, Yvonne Casey and Stéphane Germain at Fitzpatrick’s Pub back in 2012. I have played it with Terry on other occasions since and he likes to play it after a hornpipe called “Caisleán an Óir”.
I learned “Hold The Reins” from a session recording I made of a nice evening in Hotel Doolin back in 2008 with my friend Stéphane, Yvonne Casey and Terry Bingham. It was also recorded by accordion and concertina player from Chicago John Williams, who has spent a lot of time in Doolin over the years. It is also called “The Dublin Lads”.
“The Harvest Moon” is a reel that was composed by Paddy O’Brien. I first heard it on PJ Crotty & James Cullinan’s album, but I learned it through various sessions, with Stéphane, Yvonne Casey & Terry Bingham in particular. Adam & Dave Shapiro also recorded it on their album “Cape to Clare”.
“Dan Breen’s” is a reel I love playing very much. I learned it from a session with Yvonne Casey, Terry Bingham and Stéphane Germain. There’s a great version of this tune on the album “The Kilmore Fancy” by Catherine & John McEvoy as well.
I got “The Cavan Reel” at a session with Terry Bingham & Yvonne Casey at McGann’s Pub. Mary MacNamara also recorded it on her album “Blackberry Blossom”, and it is known as Mike Flannagan’s as well.
I learned “The Butcher’s March” from Yvonne Casey and Terry Bingham. They recorded this jig on the great CD in support of the Doolin Coastguards, back in 1994.
