Exclusive to Irish Christmas in America

Track Listings

1. Reels - The Christmas Tree / The Ash Plant / The Morning Mist (02:59)
2. Song - Don Oíche Úd i mBeithil (03:01)
3. Set Dances / Single Jig - An Súisín Bán / The Hunt / Clancy’s (04:52)
4. Song – The Wexford Carol (03:51)
5. Hornpipe / Jig - The Wren Hornpipe / The Wren’s Nest (04:31)
6. Song - Oíche Chiúin / Silent Night (03:01)
7. Planxty James Connolly (03:15)
8. Air / March / Polka - The Snowy-Breasted Pearl / Freedom for Ireland (05:47)
9. Songs - Suantraí / Christmas Lullaby (04:16)
10. Mazurkas - Christmas in Spiddal / Twelve to a Bar (03:03)
11. Song: Auld Lang Syne (03:21)
12. Single Jig / Reels - Oíche Nollaig / Long Way from Home / The Coachman’s Whip (03:58)

Album Credits

Performers

Oisín Mac Diarmada Producer, Fiddle A graduate in Music Education from Trinity College Dublin/RIAM, Oisín has been described by The Irish Echo’s Earle Hitchner as “one of the most gifted and creative traditional fiddlers playing today.” Founder of noted group Téada, Oisín is also a regular solo performer, having appeared as guest soloist with the Southern Georgia Symphony Orchestra (USA) and Würtembergische Philharmonie Orchestra (Germany) along with an extensive recording history.

Caitríona Sherlock Vocals A talented young singer from Monaghan, Caitríona came to attention when winning All-Ireland titles for singing in 2013 & 2017. Since then, she has gone on to perform internationally with new vocal ensemble SYSTIR and Choral Scholars of University College Dublin, appearing frequently alongside Ireland’s leading instrumentalists and orchestras.

Gráinne Hambly Harp, Concertina From County Mayo in the West of Ireland, Gráinne is an internationally recognised exponent of the Irish harp. In 1998 she completed a Masters Degree in Musicology at Queen’s University Belfast, for which her main research topic was music collections and the harp in 18th-century Ireland. Since then, Gráinne has toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States, giving concerts, workshops and masterclasses.

Seán Gavin Uilleann Pipes, Flute Seán’s ornate and driving style on the flute and uilleann pipes reflects his lifelong immersion in traditional Irish music. He is a highly accomplished performer having toured extensively on three continents. Currently residing near Detroit MI, he remains firmly dedicated to playing and teaching traditional Irish music, reflected by his recent founding of the non-profit Irish Music Institute.

Samantha Harvey Piano An award-winning step dancer, pianist and accordionist, Samantha has performed throughout the world with Téada. Samantha performed in RTÉ’s Centenary 2016, broadcast live from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin and with both the Omaha and Nashville symphonies in A Celtic Journey.

Patrick Doocey Guitar From Foxford in Co. Mayo, Patrick is quickly becoming one of the most in demand accompanists on the Irish music scene today. Predominantly self-taught on guitar, Patrick’s exciting style on both nylon and steel string guitar combines influences from many genres and his talents can be heard on recent albums from Lúnasa, Kevin Crawford, Dylan Foley, and Colin Farrell.

Production Producer: Oisín Mac Diarmada Recording Engineers: Stephen Doherty & Tom Doherty @ Currinara Studio, Co. Mayo Martin O’Malley - Malbay Studios, Co. Clare Mixing Engineer: Stephen Doherty, Currinara Studio, Co. Mayo Inlay Design: Robert Hakalski, VM Digital Photography: Walter Petrule, Jeff Insel

Remembering Séamus Begley (1949 - 2023) We remember most fondly the legendary Kerry singer and accordionist Séamus Begley, who passed away earlier this year. Séamus played such a central role in Irish Christmas in America since joining the show in 2009, and was much loved wherever we travelled. It was a tremendous privilege to share the stage with such a uniquely talented musician, singer and personality, and we’ll certainly miss Séamus’ lovely presence and sense of fun on our touring travels. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

www.irishchristmasinamerica.com

New Christmas album from 'Irish Christmas in America'. Recorded LIVE at Old Town School of Music, Chicago. Featuring Séamus Begley (vocals, accordion), Niamh Farrell (vocals), Seán Gavin (flute, uilleann pipes), Gráinne Hambly (Irish harp, concertina), Samantha Harvey (piano, dance), Oisín Mac Diarmada (fiddle).

Sligo trio – Oisín Mac Diarmada, Daithí Gormley and Samantha Harvey – have just released a superb collection of music featuring the classic combination of fiddle, accordion and piano.

An essential collection for traditional music aficionados, the album features a wealth of rare tunes spanning the golden age of Sligo music, along with compositions from luminaries such as Charlie Lennon, Ed Reavy, Paddy O’Brien, John Brady, Tommy Maguire, Marty Fahey, Seamus Thompson, James Kelly, Paddy Gavin, Josie McDermott and Joe Liddy.