Oisín Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald & Michael Rooney

Present

Traditional Music on Fiddle, Banjo & Harp
Clo Iar Chonnachta CICD 144

Track listing 1. Reavy's / The Millener's Daughter. Reels 3.25 2. Bímis ag Ól / The Lark on the Strand. Jigs 3.30 3. The Pleasures of Hope / The Kilkenny Blacksmith / The Carraroe Reel. Fiddle Solo 4. After Janus. Air. Harp Solo. 4.47  5. Farewell to Erin / The Morning Star. Reels 2.41 6. Munster Grass / The Peacock's Feather. Hps. 4.36 7. The Humours of Kilclogher / Tell Her I Am. Jigs 4.27 8. The Blue Ribbon / Church Street Polka. Polkas 3.09 9. Tigh Rabhartaigh / Gort na Móna. Slip Jigs. 3.09 10. The Pride of the Bronx / The Humours of Scariff. Reels 2.46 11. Spórt. Jig 2.51 12. Tom Maguire's Fancy / The Flogging Reel. Reels 3.12 13. Tommy People's / Michael Dwyer's. Jigs 5.00 14. The Funny Reel / Billy McComiskey's. Reels. 3.51 15. The Mason's Apron / Fred Finn's. Reels. 3.29 16. Jimmy McHugh's / The Humours of Trim. Jigs 3.34 17. Caher Rua / Miss Lyon's Fancy. Reels. 3.55 Click on underscored titles to hear MP3 sound samples

Traditional Music on Fiddle, Banjo & Harp
Clo Iar Chonnachta CICD 144
Oisín Mac Diarmada fiddle, Brian Fitzgerald banjo & Michael Rooney harp.


...a variety of moods and tunes, expressed with great feeling and sensitivity by three young musicians of exceptional talent and skill. Their deep respect and love for the music, their perfect tone clarity and highly personal styles make for compelling listening.       - Paddy Ryan
 

Oisín Mac Diarmada
Oisín began playing the fiddle at an early age while living in Crusheen, Co. Clare. Following All-Ireland fiddle and duet titles at the age of 10, Oisín, upon moving to Sligo in 1989, became interested in the Sligo / Leitrim style of flute and fiddle playing. Oisín has recently completed an honours degree in Music Education in Trinity College Dublin / RIAM. In addition to regular performances and radio/television broadcasts in Ireland and abroad, Oisín was Senior All-Ireland Fiddle Champion in 1999.

Brian Fitzgerald
Brian Fitzgerald hails from Bulgaden, a small parish near Kilmallock in south County Limerick. His father, Tony, is a button accordion player, and consequently Brian was exposed to traditional music from the cradle. Family outings to music festivals and fleadhanna were frequent and Brian began playing music at the tender age of 8. Amongst those who have influenced his musical development, Brian cites his parents, Jimmy Condon, Willie Larkin, Siobhán Ní Chonaráin and Marcus Moloney. Brian, was Senior All-Ireland Banjo Champion in 1997.

Michael Rooney
25-year-old Michael Rooney comes from Scotstown in County Monaghan. He has been playing music from an early age and holds All-Ireland titles on concertina and harp both at senior and junior levels. He has composed two suites of music, and has also recorded an album of his own compositions, entitled ‘Ocras’. Micheál completed a Music Network Tour with Kieran Hanrahan, Mary Staunton and Tommy Hayes in May 2000 and will spend 2001 touring and playing music in America and Australia / New Zealand.

"Here are three accomplished musicians from different parts of Ireland gelling effortlessly together on this, their debut recording. The first thing that came to mind after hearing this very attractive sound of fiddle, banjo and harp was the dedication - a subconscious dedication that all true musicians carry with them throughout their lives. With this attribute, Oisin, Brian and Michael show they have immersed themselves in Irish traditional music through their tasteful and thoughtful material, always looking to enhance their chosen masterpieces. They are joined on this recording by Ireland's finest accompanists, adding the perfect individual complement on each track. Now listeners, put the album on, sit back and let the music do the talking". John Carty. Boyle. August 2000
 
 

Folk On Tap. March 2003
Taking Irish traditional music into the 21st century with amazing young talent. This CD does exactly what it says on the label. Excellent traditional music, well presented and well performed. For enthusiasts of this genre, this CD is a must. It is a serious study of some excellent tunes, presented by very professional and accomplished musicians. There is excellent variety in the structure and the music is obviously presented with great inner feeling. Ted Comben

Irish Dancing International Mag Dec/02
Phew! We almost got to the end of 2002 without our “Album of the Year", how remiss of us.
But we made it, and it is with great pleasure that we recommend unreservedly this excellent album of trad Irish music.

It’s been in the pipeline since the millennium and only came to our notice recently. It is surprising how many folk still haven’t heard; nay “discovered” this little masterpiece so, if you are one of these, well you are truly in for a treat.

I met Oisin over at the fleadh in Listowel, where, like many other brilliant musicians, he was generously giving a week of his time to teach fiddle at the Scoil Eigse Workshops. A most popular fiddle class indeed, his reputation obviously preceding him. Oisin is but a boy! At least in Looks, but he has packed in a lot. He’s got an Hons. Degree in Music from Trinity College, Dublin and is an Examiner for Comhaltas/ RIAM Traditional Music Exams.

But all that aside, he is a master fiddler, with a style of his own. Brought up in Clare, with all that implies for Irish fiddle “duchas”, he moved to Sligo for his teen years – both these styles, of necessity, will have rubbed off on him and help produce his own unique blend. Oisin, in concert has this unsettling habit of looking about, and he ignores the chin-rest!
But, the music that drops into and out of that soundbox is quite exquisite. It is flowing, faultless, totally composed in pace and an absolute delight to the years.

Clo Iar Chonnachta, that dynamic young trad record label wanted Oisin to do a solo album, but he had other ideas! He fancied teaming up with two other All-Ireland champions, Brian Fitzgerald, banjo player from Limerick, and Michael Rooney, harpist from Monaghan, to produce an “all strings” affair – and what a masterstroke!

This review hasn’t the space to elaborate on the bumper 17 tracks worth of excellent music, but it’s all there. The album has a most striking feature, unlike any other that I know, that is it’s slow/ measured pace. Reels, jigs and hornpipes are all subjected to this treatment and some may find it unsettling, but you know what? It’s cool and sounds so right.

The is album is a one off. Brian and Michael are highly involved in Irish music, but they are also both teachers in Dublin, where as Oisin has moved on with his new band, Teada. Incidentally, there is some very nice background accompaniment on the album from Teada members, Tristan Rosenstock, bodhran, and John Blake, guitar.

Fantastic traditional Irish music of a serene and reflective hue, cleverly played, engineered and arranged by three young All-Ireland Champions in total harmony. I cannot fault it in concept nor delivery, and we at IDM are delighted to call it our Album of the Year. Donal Lynch.

The LivingTradition. Review July 2001
The title says it all – this is straight Irish trad from three rising stars, fine old tunes with simple but effective arrangements. The sleeve notes tell you all about the three young musicians: all are senior Irish champions with blossoming careers in traditional music. Oisin Mac Diarmada is a fiddler from West Clare, and plays in the flowing style of the area. Brian Fitzgerald’s Limerick banjo owes more to the players of the early 20th century that to contemporary stars like Gerry O’Connor or Iain MacLeod. Micheal O’Ruanaigh (Mickey Rooney to you) is an exquisite harpist from somewhere in Carolan country who has won numerous awards and is one of the most promising young Irish musicians at the moment.
The predictable format of reels, jigs, reels and more reels is broken by a few slower forms. There’s a lovely pair of hornpipes from Brian, two very fine Sligo polkas from Oisin, and a couple of Michael’s own slip jigs to conclude a triptych of solo tracks in the middle of the CD. Michael also plays the only slow air on this album, another of his own compositions and a welcome addition to the harp repertoire in the Carolan style. The rest of the recording consists of solos, duets and trios, half of them with discrete acoustic accompaniment.
One of the nicest aspects of this CD is that many of the tunes are taken at a relaxed pace, some extremely slowly like Farewell to Erin or The Humours of Kilclogher. This provides welcome variety, and allows the musicians to put more expression into the music. Peadar O’Riada’s jig, Sport is a perfect example, with Oisin and Michael slowing it right down to produce an altogether different interpretation. Not that these chaps can’t crank up the pace: Reavy’s The Pride of the Bronx and the rather disconcerting Tom Maguire’s Fancy are all fast enough for most tastes.
With seventeen tracks lasting well over an hour, ten pages of informative notes, and first class traditional music throughout, this album has to be high on my list of recommendations for lovers of Irish music. As the man said, it does exactly what it says on the box.  Alex Monaghan

Hot Press Irish Music Magazine.
The tide of burgeoning traditional talent is rising so high these days that we're in danger of drowning in it. Not a bad way to go, I'd hazard, especially when it rises as many boats and sailors as it has lately.
Oisín Mac Diarmada (fiddle), Brian Fitzgerald (banjo), and Micheál Ó Ruanaigh (harp) are yet another trio of young Turks whose grasp of the music is firmer and stronger than many who went before.
 With roots in Clare, Limerick and Monaghan, these boys make full use of their gene pool, tapping into a rake of tunes by everyone from Ed Reavy to Willie Clancy, and more contemporary musicians such as Peadar O Riada.
A democratic spirit suffuses their debut, with fiddle, banjo, and harp trading centre-stage, observing all the finer points of proportional representation. Banjo and fiddle partner sit cosily on the set of jigs 'Bímis ag Ól / The Lark on the Strand', while Micheál Ó Ruanaigh shines with an air of his own composition, 'Aghaidh Jhanuis'. With echoes of 'Bruach na Carraige Báine' whispering at its edge, it's a piece all at one with the past and yet comfortable enough to let go and navigate its own path too.
Ultimately there's a restraint and parlour room courtesy that somehow muzzles the full potential of these three. But as a whistle-wetter, it admirably serves its purpose. Technical prowess, musical fortitude by the bucketload; all that's left is for Mac Diarmada, Fitzgerald and Ó Ruanaigh to spread their wings a little wider and take a flight path of their own choosing. Something hints that this might not be too far away.Siobhán Long

Magpie Magazine. Arts Magazine for the West of Ireland
 As a trio, Oisin, Michael and Brian find an easy musical companionship together, their instruments and approach to music being complementary. It's working out so well they intend to formally perform as a trio with some tour plans already in the pipeline. Another common bond between them is that apart from the music, all three are teachers by profession.
Harry Bradshaw produced the album and Oisin described him as very accommodating and great to work with in studio, never pushing any particular angle on the musicians. The tunes are a mixture of old and new, quite a few of them being composed by living musicians; Michael and Oisin contributed some of their own too. I asked Oisin if this was his first attempt at composition. "No", he said, "but it's the first one to go public!" Judging by the quality and calibre of both compositions and performance of these musicians on this debut album, there will certainly be much more to go public with in the future!
They are about to record a music video for a new TG4 series and reaction to their album has been excellent so far. Paddy Ryan on the album sleeve notes describes them as "gelling effortlessly together", their music being "tasteful and thoughtful".
He sums it up when he says, "Sit back and let the music do the talking! Ita Kelly

Irish Music Magazine.
The performance itself was assured and enjoyable. The three have played as a unit now for some years, and it showed in their tight playing and the manner in which they complimented each other's style.
While technically adept they are much more than that too, as they allowed room for feeling, touch, and individual interpretation of music from the likes of Ed Reavy, Willie Clancy and John Kelly. They were ably assisted by lively guitar playing from John Blake, and some sensitive bodhrán work from Tristan Rosenstock. As one critic on the night pointed out, they were able to put their own unique individual slant on the music in a manner normally only associated with older musicians."
Excerpt from Live Review of Album Launch to a sold out capacity audience of 350 people at the Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin.

 Dublin's Event Guide
The rather formal title of this C.D. is matched by the restrained and studied playing of the protaganists, but this should not be seen as a criticism. In fact hearing musicians playing within themselves, with respect for the music in a world where speed and abandonment is often the norm, is admirable. Given that these three musicians are all in their twenties, the approach is all the more remarkable.
Driven by the jaunty and sensitive fiddle playing of Oisín Mac Diarmada, the album weaves and saunter's it's way through seventeen tracks and almost sixty-five minutes of music, no shortage of material here.
No less than seven tracks are sets of reels - the staple diet of the trad player."The Masons' Apron', that oh so well hackneyed piece is given new lease of life by Oisín, in a set that includes "Fred Finn's Reel", a tune named after and associated with the Great Sligo fiddle player from Killavil. Monaghan Harpist Micheál Ó Ruanaigh is featured on a beautiful composition of his own entitled "Aghaidh Jhanuis", a slow air full of feeling that demands repeated listening. Micheál's skills as a composer are also featured on a number of slip jigs, "Tigh-Rabhartaigh" and "Gort na Mona". this is a musician to watch out for.
Brian Fitzgerald's banjo playing compliments the fiddle and harp extremly well. in the wrond hand's, the tenor banjo can be a dangerous weapon, but Brian's straightforward and sympathetic style is just what is required here. Finaly, plaudits must go to Clo Íar Chonnachta for an all round quality production with informative sleeve notes and an attractive cover design.   Pat Mahoney
 

 Irish Music Magazine.
 "Three extraordinary young musicians, and an album that will surely stand the test of time."

 R.T.É. Radio 1
 "A most unusual, but a very attractive combination of instruments”. Áine Hensey

The Irish Voice, US Newspaper.
Three of Ireland's best young traditional musicians recently combined to make a great new recording with a highly unusual combination of instruments. Oisín Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald and Micheál Ó Ruanaigh: Traditional Music on Fiddle, Banjo and Harp is remarkable for more than its distinctive instrumentation. All three performers are talented twenty-somethings and each has developed a very personal approach to his instrument. Their recording, a beautiful blend of solo, duo and trio tracks is sure to rank high on many lists of this years finest Irish discs.
Oisín Mac Diarmada, born in Clare and raised in Sligo, won the senior All-Ireland fiddle championship in 1999. That he would do this eventually was more or less a foregone conclusion for those who have been listening to Oisín's development over the past decade. Oisín has performed on Irish TV and radio onnumerous occasions and no doubt influenced a bit by Martin Hayes, he is an ultra-smooth and rhythmically relaxed fiddler. He employs few of the flashy ornamental rolls and bowed triplets beloved by most Irish players, instead stressing the melodies themselves while giving his own stamp to the tunes with slyly modern rhythmic syncopation.
In tenor banjo player Brian Fitzgerald, Mac Diarmada found a highly compatible musical partner Fitzgerald has the same laid-back rhythmic sensibility and is similarly sparing in his ornamentation.
Most Irish banjo players try to stuff as many triplets into a tune as they possibly can. Fitzgerald prefers to demonstrate that the banjo can also carry a flowing melodic line without resort to razzle-dazzle plectrum gymnastics. Monaghan-born Micheál Ó Ruanaigh is an extraordinary harpist. Backing fiddle and banjo, he is an accompanist of great delicacy but can also join in as a full melodic partner, playing nicely ornamented reels and jigs with perfect accuracy. Ó Ruanaigh has composed two suites of music for the harp and recorded and album of his own compositions. He shows off his own material here on a beautiful slow air and a set of original slip jigs.  Don Meade

 Ethnomusicologist
A lovely new CD- if an unlikely combination of instruments at first glance (but it works)- by a very talented group of young musicians who have become quite well-known. Oisin, from Clare, who is in much demand as an instructor at summer schools and who won the Senior All-Ireland title in 1999, has lovely intonation and a very distinctive style, with a great flair for using syncopations and crafting tune settings. Brian, from Limerick, also an All-Ireland champion (1997), has a straightforward style (and the crispest triplets in the business), achieving a rare balance between virtuosity and clarity.
Micheál, from Monaghan, holds All-Ireland titles on both concertina and harp. His playing as an accompanist or melody player, of dance tunes as well as of the newly-composed slow air "Aghaidh Jhanuis", compliments perfectly that of the other musicians.
Additional musicians Séamus Quinn (piano), John Blake (guitar), Junior Davey (bodhrán) and Tristan Rosenstock (bodhrán) contribute flawlessly. The repertoire is well-chosen and well-"traced" as well. Most recommended! Philippe Varlet.

The Irish Times (Irish Broadsheet Newspaper)
In a world gone mad, these guys produce a remarkably aisy, vital recording from very different strings: Mac Diarmada's sidestepping fiddle, which took a Senior All-Ireland last year; Fitzgerald, who won his banjo heats in 1997; and the beatific new Senior Examiner, the Monaghan harper Michael Rooney.
More interested in slow nuances than rockified play-acting, they re-sedate oft-adrenalised tunes like'The Humours of Kilclogher'. Fitzgerald executes a laidback 'Munster Grass', Mac Diarmada cuts old-style mischief from polkas and a Tommy Peoples jig, while Rooney daintily twinkles a Begley-coloured air of his own, his harp constantly jewelling the mix with a swoony ould lilt.
How were young men e'er reared so well-adjusted?    Mic Moroney.

Taplas. February/March 2001
We need music to live, in the same way we need air and food. If the air is polluted or the food full of nasty additives, we feel stifled. In the same way, music must be pure and unhindered by cheap gimmicks to warm the soul.
These three young Irish musicians achieve just that. They know the meaning of good tunes and they play them with respect, love and sensitivity.
There is as much variety as you want. Take, for example, the mellow and reflective, Aghhaidh Jhanius, written by Micheal for his Millennium Suite, which is followed by two robust reels, Farewell to Erin and The Morning Star.
If you love a good tune, you’ll love this album. There are old favourites, like The Mason’s Apron and The Lark on the Strand, and others less familiar.
You cannot fail to relish the way the boys play jigs, reels, hornpipes and polkas –
they just relax into the natural rhythm inherent in the form, with no need to steamroller along at 100mph. The three have very individual styles, but gel together perfectly. This is an album to treasure and come back to again and again. Delyth Jenkins
 

Traditional Music Maker.  February 2001
Whilst we may not be big on original titles, to misquote a TV advert, this is exactly what it says on the cover.
Done with enough panache and taste to ensure that matters never slip into Irish by numbers, Rooney’s harp playing is at once delicate and distinctive, the perfect foil is Fitzgerald on banjo which rattles along at once earthy and raucous.
The real find though is Oisin Mac Diaramda whose fiddle is so sensitive it’s enough to make grown men weep. Listen to the set of hornpipes and reels lead off by The Pleasures of Hope, and you'’l know why he'’ the Senior All Ireland Champion.
To say mores superfluous, just to add if you’ve one ounce of love for Irish music, then this is tailor made for your CD player. Via the ever reliable Copperplate Distribution.   Simon Jones.