Concertina Music From West Clare
Elizabeth Crotty
RTE 225 CD
Concertina Music From West Clare
Elizabeth Crotty
RTE 225 CD
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Tracks
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We are delighted
to announce our release of this fine recording from RTE.
Concertina
Music From West Clare
Elizabeth Crotty
ON Wednesday 18
August, RTÉ Radio's Libraries and Archives will re-issue the highly acclaimed
CD Elizabeth Crotty, Concertina Music from West Clare, five years after RTÉ
first launched the CD at the Eigse Mrs Crotty in Kilrush. Mrs. Elizabeth Crotty
(1885-1960) was one of the most popular and influential traditional musicians
of recent times and the re-issue comes in response to the original production
becoming entirely sold out.
The interest in the CD is testament to the enduring quality of Mrs. Crotty's concertina playing, whose fame was established in traditional music circles even before RTÉ's Ciaran Mac Mathuna first arrived in Kilrush in 1955 with the Radio Eireann Mobile Recording Unit.
Ciaran recorded her many times and he and RTÉ's Sean Mac Reamoinn broadcast her music regularly on their radio programmes, introducing her to a nationwide audience. Her playing has influenced many contemporary musicians, including the Chieftains, and her name is commemorated in competition trophies and as far as a Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann club in Michigan, USA.
The CD contains
31 tracks of her music and is accompanied by Michael Tubridy's original liner
notes from the first release. When first released in 1999, the CD was warmly
received;
Press
Reviews
www.liveireland.com
The RTE Series sends along two pieces of excellence for the true trad aficionado.
We briefly, previously mentioned Elizabeth Crotty-Concertina Music From West
Clare. This lovely lady is gone for some time, but we still have this. She is
revered by concertina players around the world, and rightly so. Elegant playing,
and a treasure house of rare tunes, seldom if ever heard. It is a double album,
and therefore a fitting tribute. There are 31 tunes. As is so often the case
with RTE albums, the sleeve notes alone are worth the price. Written by Michael
Turbidy, these notes give an unprecedented insight into the woman, her music
and her quiet power in the tradition. I have had a Smithwick’s in her pub
in Kilrush. The spirit of the woman is everywhere. There is also a festival
that bears her name. She is a real, true legend. See, when all these young musicians
spend years studying the Masters---one of them is Elizabeth Crotty. The real,
true deal. All the way to the ground. A true foundation touchstone. Bill
Margeson
"This is breathtaking
music…here is a magnificent example of a traditional musician in full control.
The CD … deserves the highest praise" Roger Digby,International
Concertina Association.
"Over the
past few years RTÉ have released some superb archive material, from some
of the most celebrated names ever to have graced the Irish airwaves. The name
of Mrs Crotty is no mean addition to a small but splendid catalogue." Fred
McCormick, Musical Traditions Magazine
www.LiveIreland.com
The RTE
has released a wonderful salute to Elizabeth Crotty, the iconic concertina player
from West Clare. Gone now for many years, this album is a loving tribute to
that kind, gentle and marvelous concertina player who is so revered---and rightly.
True, true trad at its best. A wonderful lady and a wonderful album from the
RTE. Crotty’s Pub is still there in Kilrush, and her spirit can still be
found there after her passing 49 years ago---and it can also be found on this
album. Wonderful. Thank you, RTE. Bill Margeson