Irish Pandora

One night, when avoiding Spanish vocabulary for my summer class, I decided to turn on Pandora. I came across the Celtic Radio station and am (somewhat) expectedly obsessed. While I love nearly every song on the channel, I am most taken away by the more traditional pieces - the ones that, (to a novice American kid) sound bluegrassy, and really get the heart racing and the feet tapping. The jigs, reels, and hornpipes are all wonderful and as I facetiously expressed to my father, "This is the music of my soul!"

Americans, in their diversity, have a whole variety of music that could be considered "American." Aaron Copeland's classical compositions are often said to embody the American spirit and feeling. However, others would look to jazz for this authenticity - especially those Americans in the Kansas City Area, where I was raised and reside. Country fans and musicians identify with the cowboy aspect of America's society claiming they know what American music sounds like, and even others identify with Blues or perhaps most popular Rock and Roll.

I love that Ireland's musical heritage is seemingly more focused and allows easier source identification. Irish music explores the wide capabilities of bagpipes, fiddles, guitars, tin whistles, flutes, harps, etc. and when these come together, I cannot help but feel in tune with and in awe of their production.

While I have been trained in various instruments throughout my life and in singing, I have limited experience in music considered specifically Irish in sound and spirit. Before I begin my fall semester, I will be participating in a three-week workshop where I will be introduced to traditional Irish music and instruments. During the first semester, I will be furthering my education by taking a class in modern Irish music as well.

I write and record original pieces of music posting the final products to my SoundCloud page. Hopefully I will be able to infuse my personal recordings with some of the technique and culture I learn while abroad!

Wanting to hear a sample of the music I discuss?

Here are some links:

Traditional Irish Jig (Clare's Jig, Swallowtail Jig, Tenpenny Bit)

Cheap Flights For 50p - Irish - Really Funny - Hilarious

An Irish Flash Mob!

An American interpretation by my favorite music group, Barnaby Bright:

"Donol Ogue" from the album "The Longest Day"

And for modern Irish music, check out Steaphan Hanvey on SoundCloud or by going to his website.