John Colfer
JOHN COLFER "SWINGING ON A GATE WITH AN IRISH MANDOLIN"
The dance tunes would be reasonably familiar to the traditional ear, with their melodic qualities at this stage well established. Hearing them played on Mandolin would perhaps be less familiar.
The tunes have been gleaned somewhere along the way with the exception of Ed Reavey's collection of compositions."Where The Shannon Rises" (1971). This tune seems appropriate to include as Kinvara Co. Galway, has been home for some years now. In this set I have also included another barn dance (Gan Ainm) which I named "Porters Gate" the landmark enterance to the Hook Peninsula Co. Wexford , where I first started playing Mandolin - and was born.
A flat back 12 string Mandolin was my first instrument presented to me by my mother who used to play traditional Melodeon, which sort of rhymes with Mandolin!
A number of tunes by Turlough O'Carolan's (1670-1738) Irish Harpist and composer are also included. The usual interpretation of O'Carolan's music tends more towards the "courtly" approach and would be in keeping with his interests in the Italian Baroque style at the time. The present album may have released more of the traditional strand to O'Carolan's music. (John Colfer)
Tunes on this CD are:- John O'Connor/Ode to Whiskey/The Hunt/Job Journeywork/Bumper Squire Jones/Henry McDermott Rowe/Taimse im Codladh/Cui Aodha/The Kilfinora/Going to the Well/Princess Royal/Constantine Maguire/Porters Gate/Dances at Kinvara/George Brabazon/Mrs Maxwell/Dunphy's/Showmans Fancy/John Drury/Se'Fath mo Bhuartha/Cronins/Swinging on a gate/The cow that ate the blanket/Old Joe's/Julia Clifford/Loftus Jones.
Tel (508) 429-2269 Master card, Visa, Discover or check accepted. $15.00 P.P.
Or mail address:- Kinvara Music 235 Shawfarm Rd Holliston, MA 01746
STOP PRESS!!!!!!!
"THE ATLANTIC JOURNEY"
Just released another John Colfer Mandolin Album. This time this is a colaboration with James Kane (harmonica player) This CD album was recorded in Kinvara Co. Galway and is a great album of Irish jigs reels & hornpipes. It Features other well know West of Ireland musicians. John Colfer on Mandolin, banjo, mandola, & tenor guitar,Stuart Cowell on guitar, bass, keyboards and Piano, Andy Solberg on classical guitar, Maria Tecce on vocals& bodhran.
The revues on this album have been astounding. Just a great exciting album!
The following tunes are featured on this CD
Mug of Brown Ale/Mouse in the cupboard (double Jigs)
The Bird In the Bush/Maid of Mount Cisco (reels)
Poor Wayfaring stranger (vocals Maria Tecce)
Stack of Barley/Maid will you marry me
The Killaloo Boat/Kanes Jig (Double jigs)
Shenandoah (vocals Maria Tecce)
Slane/Margarets waltz (air/waltz)
The Rakes of Kildare/The Kesh/ (double jigs)
Pretty Maggie Morrissey/Plains of Boyle/Off to California (hornpipes)
GREAT DEAL!!!! YOU CAN HAVE BOTH OF THE ABOVE CD ALBUMS FOR ONLY $25.00 post paid in U.S.A. or Ireland add $5.00 for shipping other countries
Kinvara Music
235 Shawfarm Rd
Holliston
MA 01746
Tel 508) 429-2269
Fax (508) 429-0761
The Irish times. Review says! "Great CD albums with excitement and great ornamentation"
The West of Ireland music review magazine. "Unbelievable performances from Colfer & Kane"
Email: w1066@gis.net
