Irish Music Stories Podcast: Recent Episodes

Shannon Heaton

The show about traditional music, and the bigger stories behind it. Host Shannon Heaton talks to musicians, dancers, and scholars about where Irish music has been, where it's going, and what it means to so many people around the globe. Whether you already play fiddle or know dance steps, or you don't know anything about traditional music, the emphasis of this show is creativity, community, and heritage.

View Details

What's up with "I Buried My Wife and Danced on Her Grave?" It's an old tune with an interesting title, with connections to blind pipers, Clare fiddlers, pookahs, and… wool pants. To close out Season 10 of Irish Music Stories, host Shannon Heaton unravels strands of melody and history, with help from the guitar player two rooms away.

_________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to https://shannonheatonmusic.com/ims

View Details

Episode 92-Eagles and Eggplants--Going for the gold year round...

Things change over the years. But a lot of the same stories (and tunes) just seem to keep coming up. Like a bad penny. Or a Golden Eagle. Host Shannon Heaton and flute player Kozo Toyota sail the golden, storied seas about a gold coin, a clipper ship, an eggplant, and a fiery little hornpipe.

_________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to ShannonHeatonMusic.com

View Details

As tunes and songs get passed around they transform. Airs and hornpipes turn into jigs or reels, entire parts get added or condensed, melodies change, words alter or are forgotten altogether (until the song becomes just a tune). In this episode, singer Niamh Parsons and host Shannon Heaton trace a tune and its words back to its source. It's a celebration of listening, and finding the story in a song together. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to https://shannonheatonmusic.com/ims/

View Details

For this episode of Irish Music Stories, host Shannon Heaton talks to Clare fiddler Sorcha Costello to dig down to the roots of a botanically named tune, And to explore the beauty of enduring classics. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to ShannonHeatonMusic.com

View Details

For this installment of Irish Music Stories, host Shannon Heaton tucks into an old jig that has become known as The Morning Lark. It's an exploration of cartoonists and journalists, and the power of names and name calling. Above all, it's a celebration of a little jig in D that continues to resonate and transform. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to ShannonHeatonMusic.com

View Details

Early 20th century musician George White painted the New York scene with dance tunes on his piccolo; and the tune bearing his name has gone on to enchant generations of Irish musicians. Well before that, a piper lured 130 children with his sweet playing (and his colorful clothes). There's no bankruptcy of mystery or chirpy melodies in this first episode of Season 10 of Shannon Heaton's Irish Music Stories.

_________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to ShannonHeatonMusic.com

View Details

As magical new Irish music podcasts emerge, as dark forces swirl around the world, and as much of the northern hemisphere enters into shorter, colder days, the Irish Music Stories re-investigates lore and mystery surrounding Irish fairies. With care and caution—and with young co-producer Nigel—fiddle players Tara Connaghan and Martin Hayes, singer Emily Smith, and storyteller Máirtín de Cógáin help explore songs and stories about the Sí. ________________________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to recent underwriters: Harish Babu Arunachalam, Paul DeCamp, Jonathan Duvick, Randall Semagin, Michael Voss, Heather Carroll, Robert Suchor, Ian Bittle, Adele Megann, Patrick OLeary, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Paul DeCamp, Karin Kettenring, and Rick Rubin

View Details

In this six-episode "Sidequest" series, Irish Music Stories host Shannon Heaton shares music from her "Perfect Maze" album (pollinator-inspired compositions for flute, strings, piano, and voice). And in keeping with the IMS mission, she also incudes stories that helped her navigate the whole project.

For this final (sixth) installment #6 she talks about the heartbreak and beauty of mortality, and (not so silly) naked rulers, and why there are no kings in the bee world. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to ShannonHeatonMusic.com

View Details

In this six-episode "Sidequest" series, Irish Music Stories host Shannon Heaton shares music from her "Perfect Maze" album (pollinator-inspired compositions for flute, strings, piano, and voice). And in keeping with the IMS mission, she also incudes stories that helped her navigate the whole project.

For installment #4 she talks of kings and royal roses, and spiritual leaders and mud-born lotus plants; and how it takes a team and timing for plants—and for humans—to transform. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to ShannonHeatonMusic.com

View Details

In this six-episode “Sidequest” series, Irish Music Stories host Shannon Heaton shares music from her “Perfect Maze” album (pollinator-inspired compositions for flute, strings, piano, and voice). And in keeping with the IMS mission, she also incudes stories that helped her navigate the whole project.

For installment #4 she breaks down one movement of her Flute Duel (with talk of cadenzas, Nuevo Tango influences, and butterfly flight patterns). She also shares stories about the ancient monarch butterfly’s namesake and its Mexican guardians. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to ShannonHeatonMusic.com

View Details

In this six-episode “Sidequest” series, Irish Music Stories host Shannon Heaton shares music from her “Perfect Maze” album (pollinator-inspired compositions for flute, strings, piano, and voice). And in keeping with the IMS mission, she also incudes stories that helped her navigate the whole project.

For installment #3, she highlights the Blue Dress motif, one of the recurring melodies on Perfect Maze. And she tells the story of weathering updates and tragedies of primates and men with a few different hues. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to ShannonHeatonMusic.com

View Details

In this six-episode “Sidequest” series, Irish Music Stories host Shannon Heaton shares music from her “Perfect Maze” album (pollinator-inspired compositions for flute, strings, piano, and voice). And in keeping with the IMS mission, she also incudes stories that helped her navigate the whole project.

For installment #2, she examines her Sweetest Blooms Suite and considers some of the dramatic Spring blossoms in Aristotle’s day. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to ShannonHeatonMusic.com

View Details

In this six-episode “Sidequest” series, Irish Music Stories host Shannon Heaton shares music from her “Perfect Maze” album (pollinator-inspired compositions for flute, strings, piano, and voice). In keeping with the IMS mission, she also incudes stories that helped her navigate the whole project.

For installment #1 host Shannon Heaton talks about finding her way through a tangle of old files (and political news) by writing stories. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to ShannonHeatonMusic.com

View Details

When you’re tracing a song through six generations, and you’re digging into distinct versions of dance tunes carried by players from East Clare, you never know what card games and shipwrecks you might also uncover. This special episode—the last new story for a while—weaves together stories from John Tunney and Mary MacNamara, who grew up around generations of music in rural Ireland, with the tale of an American kid who played cards with her grandparents.

  • Find Paddy Tunney’s (restrung) Stone Fiddle .. and news about future Tunney re-releases HERE.

  • Find Mary MacNamara’s Sundays at Lena’s HERE.

  • Listen to other episodes, and stay tuned to future Irish Music Stories endeavors (including the print edition of podcast highlights) HERE

___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters:Thank you to Sharon Murphy, Michael Craine, Jackson Galloway, Karin Kettinring, David Vaughan, John Ploch, Adele Megann, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Mike Voss, Isobel McMahon, Heather Carroll, Ian Bittle, Rick Rubin, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Chris Armstrong, Jonathan Duvick, Susan Walsh, and Bob Suchor.

View Details

What is the U.S. Electoral College? And what does it have to do with The Kesh Jig and The Humours of Glendart? This election adjacent exploration of two popular jigs takes a look at the stories behind jig (and Presidential) contenders, and the process used to choose a winner. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to https://IrishMusicStories.org ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: John Sullivan, Heather Carroll, Michael Craine, Adele Megann, Karin Kettinring, Paul Davis, Edward O’Dwyer, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Seamen, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

View Details

When you’re making an instrument, you’re forming something that can be used to design a melody. Or a musical life. This episode follows a precious flute’s unexpected journey. And flute makers Patrick Olwell and Eamonn Cotter, piper Colleen Shanks, and fiddle players Bob Childs and Pat O’Connor talk about what it’s like to carve an approach as musicians and craftspeople. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Lynn Stewart, Karin Kettenring, Julia Richards, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

View Details

Irish musicians, and writers, and home makers can all benefit by learning some rules and technical skills—and by allowing a little spontaneity and flexibility. But how much great technique do you need? Does that get in the way of the magic? In this episode, Nathan Gourley, Brendan Mulholland, and Sharon Murphy reflect on the alchemy of order and spontaneity: how rule following and rule breaking can make for a great journey; but how a total lack of plan can derail everything. _________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org ___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Michael Taylor, Edward O’Dwyer, Adele Megann, Peter Crimmin, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

View Details

Boston producer Brian O’Donovan made a lot of space for Irish music and culture. He was dedicated to sharing it widely. And though he presented music on formal stages and through his WGBH broadcast “A Celtic Sojourn,” casual, public Irish music sessions were ever important and enduring for him. This beloved leader lifted up traditional music. And he elevated the practice of ‘just going to the local pub’ into an act of radical community building. _________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

View Details

Could traditional music sessions exist without listeners? Are the non-playing listeners in public spaces important for tune players? Here’s a brief podcast adaptation of a video response to this intriguing little question! _________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters:

the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, Sharon Murphy, and Kerryleegh Hildebrandt

View Details

Communities. Forests. Families. All of these different ecosystems contain a lot of different components that weave and work together. And as people, plants, and pests carry on and creep around, rich and sometimes unlikely collaborations emerge. In this episode, with the help of Karine Polwart, Colin Farrell, and Steve Nardone, I’ll explore how friends, neighbors and families can blend; how humans and trees need and inspire one another; and how we also rely on birds, bees.. and rats. _________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters:  the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

View Details

In part one of the Fruitful Fells, we met modern and 19th century activists dedicated to making beauty available to current and future humans. In this episode, we learn how our heroes saved acres of woods and bushels of old ballads, and we follow enduring struggles in the crusade for preservation. As always, there’s plenty of beautiful music woven into these conversations with guests Mike Ryan, Alison Simcox, Douglas Heath, and Karl Alexander.
_________________
For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org
___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Gavin McNutt, Sharon Murphy, Brian Unitt, Ken Krause, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

View Details

There are little creatures, trees, ponds, and pedestrians all over the earth. And there are bushels of ballads about the charms of nature. And while there are ecological activists like Mike Ryan and 19th century Elizur Wright, and song collectors like Francis Child and Olive Dame Campbell who are out to enjoy and save the critters and the old songs… there are others who are less interested in preservation. This two-part story on the creation of Massachusetts’ Middlesex Fells Reservation takes a look at how trees, pedestrians, bikers, motorists, music collectors, and geese intersect. And sometimes collide.

_________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Laura Johnson, Steve Wilson, Michael Stoner, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

View Details

The weekly Irish music session is a specific niche affair, with a particular code of conduct. Gift giving also has its own rules, at least it has in the past. As older customs like traditional Irish music and wedding anniversary gifts have moved to the new world, have things adjusted? Does modern session behavior reflect wider social trends? Etiquette experts Barry Foy and Zina Lee walk me down the aisle of session (and wedding gift) etiquette, just a year before Barry’s Field Guide to the Irish Session celebrates its silver anniversary.

_________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters:  April Eight Songs & Stories Podcast, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Mike Lagana & Barb Moore, Joe Martin, Melissa Peabody, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss,  Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Lynn Hayes, Bob Suchor, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

View Details

New inventions and technology can make life—and Irish music—more convenient, more accessible, and sweeter…. and more complicated. This episode examines a few innovations like the washing machine, the personal computer, and to the electric bicycle—though you’ll have to go to Episode 18-Wax Cylinders to the World Wide Web for extensive chat about recording technologies… and also Episode 40-Irish Tunes in the Key of C-19.

There are also plenty of Irish tunes here that mention tech and innovations. (Because whether or not you’re actually thinking about short and long clicking sounds, if you call a tune The Telegraph, it’s still a reference to what was once a remarkable new way to transmit messages.)

For SHEET MUSIC, downloadable recordings, and videos of all the ORIGINAL TUNES in this episode, please visit the Original Tunes Page. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Linda Gore, Michael Stoner, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Lynn Hayes, Bob Suchor, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

View Details

Lunch routines, laundry, kid art supplies, spoons, and teacups are details of domestic life that don’t usually make it into the photo albums, or the tune titles. But they shape lives. And in the midst of the thousands of jigs and reels out there, the simple (and profound) cup of tea.. and the basket of turf are represented. Here’s a meditation on tunes with prosaic titles and the stimulating stories behind them.

_________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, sheet music to original tunes in this episode, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters:  Jocelyn Codner, Karin Kettenring, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss,  Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Lynn Hayes, Bob Suchor, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

View Details

Presenting concerts can be about a lot more than throwing someone onstage. Matt Smith manages Club Passim in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which has been the central venue and fountain of support for 20 years—and is now the official presenter—for Boston’s Celtic Music Festival.  For Matt, it’s all about creating opportunities for something special and unique to happen. Learn about where this little festival has been, and where it’s going, with or without your Mouse Pants!

_________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters:  Elisabeth Carter, Mark Haynes, Michael Craine, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss,  Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Lynn Hayes, Bob Suchor, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

View Details

Why did kids carry dead birds on sticks all over Ireland on the 26th of December? And what did this all have to do with first century Christian martyr St. Stephen? Just like traditional tunes, which can vary from player to player, the whole history of Wren Day depends on the storyteller. Learn more about the role a melody, a good story (or three), and a tiny bird has played in the centuries-long winter tradition of hunting the wren.

_________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters:  

John Kerr, Chris Armstrong, Marco Battaglia, Rudolf Tschachtli, Julia Richards, Nina Coyle, Michael Schock, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss,  Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Lynn Hayes, Bob Suchor, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

View Details

Loss can spark achingly beautiful music. It can also spark new forms of creativity for musicians. This episode is a meditation on the stubborn insistence and the transformative power of creativity, featuring beautiful conversations with Emmanuelle Le Blanc, Daniel Neely, Joe DeZarn, Tina Eck, and a poem from Brian O’Donovan. Here’s to sowing beauty and blooming from the muck of misfortune.

__________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters:  

Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss,  Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Lynn Hayes, Bob Suchor, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

View Details

Loss can spark achingly beautiful music. It can also spark new forms of creativity for musicians. This episode is a meditation on the stubborn insistence and the transformative power of creativity, featuring beautiful conversations with Emmanuelle Le Blanc, Daniel Neely, Joe DeZarn, Tina Eck, and a poem from Brian O’Donovan. Here’s to sowing beauty and blooming from the muck of misfortune.

__________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters:  

Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss,  Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Lynn Hayes, Bob Suchor, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

View Details

As tunes travel they change. And to turn an old Irish reel into an old time tune can involve adjusting notes to suit different instruments, using different techniques… and also digging into the non-musical stories. In this episode I tuck into some early railway stories while Agi Kovacs and Jesse Winch help me follow Paddy on the Turnpike, from North Galway to North Carolina. 

__________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters:  Laura Johnson, Frank Krygowski, Lynn Hayes, Mike Voss, Bob Suchor, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, John Ploch, Matt Jensen, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Gerry Corr, Jonathan Duvick, Brian Benscoter, , Finian McCluskey, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Matt Jensen and Suezen Brown

View Details

Beauty is in the eye of the (informed) beholder. Where many of us might overlook a grubby little copy book or an awkwardly named interlibrary loan, others can help us understand them as treasures that shine new understanding on Irish history. Learn how Laura Flanagan in Texas and Dáibhí Ó Cróinín made unexpected finds; learn more about special library collections from Aedín Clements; and take a side trip to Thailand (because even hard working researchers can use a break once in a while).
__________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Matt Jensen,  Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Andrew Westphal, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Gerry Corr, Jonathan Duvick, Sean Carroll, Brian Benscoter, Isobel McMahon, Finian McCluskey, John Ploch, Suezen Brown, and Bob Suchor.

View Details

Beauty is in the eye of the (informed) beholder. Where many of us might overlook a grubby little copy book or an awkwardly named interlibrary loan, others can help us understand them as treasures that shine new understanding on Irish history. Learn how Laura Flanagan in Texas and Dáibhí Ó Cróinín made unexpected finds; learn more about special library collections from Aedín Clements; and take a side trip to Thailand (because even hard working researchers can use a break once in a while).
__________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Matt Jensen,  Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Andrew Westphal, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Gerry Corr, Jonathan Duvick, Sean Carroll, Brian Benscoter, Isobel McMahon, Finian McCluskey, John Ploch, Suezen Brown, and Bob Suchor.

View Details

It’s really exciting and important to have kids playing Irish music.  And it takes organization, skill, and willing adults to create learning opportunities for them. In this episode Annemarie Acosta, Lexie Boatright, Clare Cason, Oisín Mac Diarmada, Maisie Lynch, Eileen Estes, Agi Kovacs, Ken Fleming, and Aidan Flanagan—and very special guest students, parents, and community members—share ideas for building the next generation of Irish players and dancers, with and without support and acknowledgement from the rest of us…

View Details

Most Irish traditional tunes have names. Some go by many different names. So what’s in a name? Do names help us associate tunes with people, or remember vast numbers of melodies… or is there another agenda afoot? In this episode, Colm Gannon, Nic Gareiss, Mick Moloney—and renowned 20th century literary figures Dick and Jane—explore the meaning behind the names.

__________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Michael Maggs, Matt Jensen, Paul DeCamp, Gerry Corr, Jonathan Duvick, Sean Carroll, Brian Benscoter, Isobel McMahon, Mike O’Malley, Mike Voss, Finian McCluskey, John Ploch, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Suezen Brown, Bob Suchor, and Tom Frederick.

View Details

When flute player and police captain Francis O’Neill published his first and most extensive collection of Irish tunes in 1903, he included a LOT of tunes. Nicholas Carolan called it “the largest snapshot of this music ever taken in its 9,000 year history.” 120 years later, I revisit O’Neill’s two biggest books, to explore what’s in there, and what isn’t. With the help of authors Michael O’Malley and Ronan O’Driscoll, librarian Aedin Clements, and fiddle player/scholar Laura Flanagan. I attempt to deepen (and maybe even adjust) my perspective on this heavy piece of the Irish music foundation.

__________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Gerry Corr, Jonathan Duvick, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, John Ploch, Brian Benscoter, Chris Murphy, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Bob Suchor, Tom Frederick, Leslie Stack, Andrew Westphal, Roland Hebborn, Chris Armstrong, Ralf Wolfgarten, and James Falzone.

View Details

Most of the Irish traditional jigs and reels I play have associations, information, history, and sentiments bundled into them. Even these dance tunes that have no words carry so much. And everybody who plays these tunes bears and shares more than just a few notes and rhythms. In this episode, flute player and piper Emer Mayock, harp player Andrea Kiupel-Grona, and banjo/harmonica player Don Meade share Rose in the Heather and Maid of Selma lore.

__________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Gerry Corr, Jonathan Duvick, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, Kieran Jordan, John Ploch, Brian Benscoter, Chris Murphy, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Suezen Brown, and Paul DeCamp.

View Details

Irish Music Stories is the show about traditional music and the bigger stories behind it, like how important, ancient songs and little short folk ditties lodge in the heart, not the ears… or the eyes. In this episode, fiddle player Séamus Connolly shares early experiences of playing and collecting Irish music, and also recent challenges and insights. Also woven into the show are a few thoughts from Louis de Paor about tradition and innovation, and how the structure of old ballads and poems can resonate today.

__________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, John Ploch, Brian Benscoter, Chris Murphy, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Gerry Corr, Jonathan Duvick, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, John Kerr, Charlie Durfee, Bob Suchor, Maureen Callanan, Margaret Sloan, Donna Kolojeskie, Mark Haynes, Michael Schock, Rachel O’Meara, and Jock Harkness.

View Details

Learn how and why Shannon Heaton creates the Irish Music Stories podcast, as Matt Heaton turns the mic around in the sunroom studio. Tune into this Old-Time radio (half) hour celebration of community, DIY ingenuity, and weighted blankets. And learn about the future of IMS!

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.


Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Jeremy Hurley, Bob Suchor, Tom Frederick, John Ploch, Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, Sean Carroll, Jonathan Duvick, Chris Armstrong, Ken Doyle, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, and Gerry Corr.

View Details

Setbacks and surprises are inevitable. Weather and illness—and all sorts of other plan disrupters—are not always foreseeable or controllable. But when disappointment and disruption descends, we can regulate our reactions. Here’s a short follow up to last month’s episode about wellness and balance, including a spoiler about the big marathon (so if you missed Episode 56, check that out before you listen to this one!)

__________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Bob Suchor, Mark Haynes, Linda Gore, John Ploch, Brian Benscoter, Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, Sean Carroll, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Chris Armstrong, Ken Doyle, Rick Rubin, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast,  Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Emil Hauptmann, Randy Krajniak, Joel DeLashmit, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, and Loren Bookbinder.

View Details

For many Irish musicians, it can be a tricky and essential game to stay active and find balance between artistic, intellectual, social, and physical pursuits. In this episode, Aubrey Atwater, Evangelos Stowell, and Pa Sheehan share tales from the trails,  the barn, the pitch, and the gym to help “work out” some of the Irish music insights that can come to those who sweat.

___________________

For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Steve Wilson, Tom Frederick, Art Costa, Bob Suchor, Chris & the Murphy family, John Ploch, Susan Walsh, Ian Bittle, David Vaughan, Paul DeCamp, The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Jonathan Duvick, Joel DeLashmit, Gerry Corr, Chris Armstrong, Ken Doyle, and Rick Rubin.

View Details

Flute player John McKenna left troves of treasures when he recorded 78 RPMS in the 1920s; Na Píobairí Uilleann in Dublin helped preserve Irish piping; and Dr. Charles Heaton inspired his grandson to play piano with just eight bars of music. Legacy can nestle between bricks, on birch trees, and on manuscript paper… and it can bloom in surprising ways. In this episode, Liam Kelly, Ivan Goff, Julie Wood Merchant, Wes Merchant,  and Matt Heaton share stories about enduring gifts, with special music from organists Charles Heaton and Renée Anne Louprette.

View Details

Irish Music Stories is the show about traditional music, and the bigger stories behind it. Episodes are often 40-50 minutes long (and 51 seconds). Here’s a shorter installment. With help from Ellery Klein I delve into collective wisdom; and I revisit a poem that I aired back in Season One. This episode is 26 minutes… and 51 seconds long.

___________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Chris Armstrong, Margaret Finny, Ken Doyle, Susan Walsh, David Vaughan, Lynn Hayes, Brian Benscoter, John Ploch, Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, Joel DeLashmit, Gerry Corr, Michael Craine, Kevin Ryall, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast,  and The Sofia, Home of B Street Theatre.

For transcripts, playlists, bios, video links, and to donate to the project, please visit IrishMusicStories.org

View Details

For centuries, traditional music in Wales have endured empire, organized religion, and connections with port towns in Ireland, like Wexford and Cork. In this special IMS spotlight on Cymru, Rhodri McDonagh, Ceri Rhys Matthews, Angharad Jenkins, and Patrick Rimes explore how the Welsh language, the rhythms of industry, and the lyricism of the rural landscape have shaped the music—and the oxen traditions—of one of Ireland’s closest neighbors.

_______

Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Brian Benscoter, Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, Joel DeLashmit, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mark Haynes, John Ploch, Chris Armstrong, Ken Doyle, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, David Vaughan

Support the show and learn more at https://www.irishmusicstories.org

View Details

Plants can be carefully cultivated or can spread naturally. Songs, too, can spread deliberately or accidentally. Here’s a small sampling of just a few of the song collectors who helped preserve gardens of old English, Scottish, and Irish ballads that travelled to North America. Alex Cumming and Catherine Crowe help untangle a few strands of the bountiful musical harvest of folk history and culture preserved by Francis Child,  John Lomax, Helen Creighton, Elisabeth Bristol Greenleaf, Anne & Frank Warner, and Olive Dame Campbell (whose grave I’m determined to find by the end of the episode).


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Gašper Šinkovec, Sheila Worrall, Brian Benscoter, Marc Gunn, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Paul Grajciar, Elisabeth Carter, Jen and Bob Strom, Rick Rubin, Susan Walsh, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, John Ploch, Benjamin Ruth, Joel DeLashmit, Finian McCluskey, Jon Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, and Ian Bittle.

Support the show and learn more at https://www.irishmusicstories.org

View Details

If you want to share music with folks outside of your home, you gotta carry your instruments and gear (unless you’re live-streaming). And if you want to share podcast episodes along with show notes and other extras, you gotta build a site to share everything. Hear a bit about how guitarist Matt Heaton, fiddle player Laura Cortese, and flute player and podcaster Shannon Heaton have created their portable supply bases. And take in a Companion Chapter, from the new Irish Music Stories site.

___________________________________________

Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters:Nancy Kearney, Peter Lee, Tom Frederick, Brian Benscoter, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Gerry Corr, Joel DeLashmit, David Vaughan, Chris Armstrong, Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, Robert Levelle, Mark Haynes, Bob Suchor, Jon Duvick, Chris Murphy, Ken Doyle, Randy Krajniak, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, John Ploch, Charlie Durfee, and Ian Bittle.

———

Find transcripts, bios, related essays and videos, photos, artwork, playlists… and donate to IMS… at IrishMusicStories.org

View Details

How much power does a backdrop have? As the Irish Music Stories production team works to assemble episodes and bonus materials, Shannon explores the wooded hills of Medford, Massachusetts to find visual and organizational surrounds that look and feel like time-worn jigs, and ballads, and nights of music and dance.


Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Joel DeLashmit, Lynn Hayes, Paul Grajciar, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Emil Hauptmann, Randy Krajniak, Rick Rubin, Susan Walsh, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, John Ploch, Jon Duvick, Gerry Corr, Brian Benscoter, and Marc Gunn.


  • Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!

  • Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 50
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Free the Heel,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Grupai Ceol Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Sunny Banks Demo” #1, 2, 3 from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “G# Chimes” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Celtic Grooves” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Sunny Banks Demo” #4 from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

View Details

After a horrific week of social unrest in the U.S., and as Irish Music Stories begins a major overhaul, host Shannon Heaton offers a meditation on how cataloging and organizing can soothe the soul.

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Enda McGreevy, Rus Bradburd, Jeremy Keith, Kevin Doyle, Roland Hebborn, Christopher Stuart, Edward Schilling, Randall Semagin, Parker Abercrombie, Marji Gibbs, Sean Carrol, Peter Smith, Mike Voss, Ian Bittle, Brian Benscoter, Marc Gunn, Gerry Corr, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Rick Rubin, Kenneth Doyle, Susan Walsh, Emil Hauptmann, Chris Armstrong, John Ploch, Jon Duvick, Randy Krajniak, Joel DeLashmit, and Susan Walsh.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 49
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Perfect Maze,” from Perfect MazeArtist: Shannon Heaton with Emilie Catlett and Natalie Haas

Tune: “Dark Low Jig,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “G Meditation,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Haapvesi,” from January EPArtist: Assemble FKA Popcorn Behavior

Tune: “D Chimes” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

View Details

Trailer for the December 2020 episode of Irish Music Stories.

View Details

What’s up with stage banter? And why all the joking around between tunes in a session? Explore the on- and offstage chat that surrounds traditional music with Máirtín de Cógáin, Paddy League, Joanie Madden, Rus Bradburd, Liz Carroll, and Jean-Michel Veillon.

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Sharon Murphy, Bill Wolfe, John Kerr, Chris Murphy, Lynn Hayes, Meg and Harry Ferguson, Jack McCreless, Marco Battaglia, Joe Martin, Tom Frederick, Suezen Brown, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Emil Hauptmann, John Ploch, Rick Rubin, Gerry Corr, Jon Duvick, Randy Krajniak, Joel DeLashmit, Susan Walsh, and Jon Duvick.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Books Mentioned in IMS Episode 48

Bradburd, Rus. Paddy on the Hardwood. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2006.

Carson, Ciaran. Last Night’s Fun. New York: North Point Press, 1996.

Heaney, Seamus. “Digging.” Death of a Naturalist. London & Boston: Faber and Faber, 1966.

Music Heard on IMS Episode 48all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Redican's Jig / The Merry Old Woman Jig / The Chapel Bell” from boholaArtist: bohola

Tune: “Behind The Bush In Parkhanna/Battle Of Aughrim,” from Swimming Against The Falls/SnámhIin Aghaidh Easa
Artist: Joey Abarta

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Abbey Reel,” from Kitchen SessionArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “The House On the Hill,” from TriptychArtists: Laura Risk, Kieran Jordan & Paddy League

Recitation: “First You Must Learn the Grip,” from Forty Years of Irish PipingArtist: Seamus Ennis

Tune: “Mutey Big Build,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Bird in the Bush,” (with Beatboxing), from Live at Johnny D’sArtists: Isaac Alderson & Sam Amidon

Tune: “Dans Loudieg,” from PremièreArtists: Kornog

Tune: “War Hent Kerrigouarc'h/ Sheriffmuir,” from PremièreArtists: Kornog

Tune: “Barbra Streisand's Trip to Saginaw / Michael Connell’s,” from On the Offbeat
Artist: Liz Carroll

Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Modal Travel Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Polkas Medley: John Collins’ Fancy / Eileen’s Polka / Ned Kelly’s Polka,” from The Burren Backroom Series, Vol. 1 (Live)Artist: Sliabh Notes

Tune: “Kerry Reel,” from fiddler compArtist: Padraig O'Keefe

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Tonn Cliodhna,” from FYHArtists: Caoimhin O Raghallaigh & Brendan Begley

Tune: “Over The Moor To Maggie/Dowd's Number Nine,” Ómós Do Joe Cooley
Frankie Gavin, Paul Brock, and Charlie Lennon

Tune: “Rockabye by Firelight,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Pretty Girls of Mayo, the Steeplechase,” (AKA ‘Reel Cork, Like!’) from From Cork with LoveArtist: The Máirtín de Cógáin Project

Tune: Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Stage Banter: “How To Make Proper Tea!” from From Cork with LoveArtist: Máirtín de Cógáin Live

Tune: “Ballyea,” from Hangin' at the CrossroadsArtist: The Céilí Bandits

View Details

How do new traditional Irish and Scottish tunes come together? How do composers conjure melodies? Composers Liz Carroll, Dáithí Sproule, and Katie McNally share thoughts on creativity, the tune writing process, and the myths behind the music.

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Leslie Stack, Patricia P. Wilcox, Michael Craine, Mark Haynes, Emil Hauptmann, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvick, Suezen Brown, John Ploch, Joel DeLashmit, Let’s Learn Irish, and Ministry of Folk

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 47all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Bold Doherty,” from An Traidisiún BeoArtist: Angelina Carberry

Tune: “Golden Castle chimes… and Golden Castle,” from (Live in our Living Room)Artists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: The Dark Island,” from EncoreArtist: Celtic Fiddle Festival

Tune: “The Anniversary Reel/Out for the Night,” from Out for the NightArtist: Battlefield Band

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “The Wolf / The Duck,” from On the OffbeatArtist: Liz Carroll

Tune: “Limerick Lift Off,” from (Live in our Living Room)Artists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “As The Crow Flies,” from Half Day RoadArtist: Liz Carroll

Tune: “After Hours Theme” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Wild Swans at Coole,” from Living Room DemoArtist: George Keith

Tune: “Wild Swans at Coole,” from The Music of Ed ReavyArtist: Liz Carroll

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Last of the Leaves,” from Half Day RoadArtist: Liz Carroll

Tune: “Liz’s New tune,” from Living Room Demo (with chords from the Lower Level)Artists: Liz Carroll & Matt Heaton

Tune: “The Bag of Spuds,” from Notes From The HeartArtists: Mick, Louise & Michelle Mulcahy

Tune: “October Tune,” from Living Room DemoArtist: Dáithí Sproule

Tune: “Taylors Falls,” from The Crow in the SunArtist: Dáithí Sproule

Tune: “My Dearest Dear,” from TrianArtist: Dáithí Sproule and Trian

Tune: “Acadia March,” from The Bloom of YouthArtists: Childsplay

Tune: “D Chimes” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Planxty Charles Bunworth” from Ireland: Crossroads Of Art And Design, 1690-1840 - The MusicArtists: Liz Carroll, Liz Knowles, Catriona McKay, Kieran O'Hare

Tune: “Mutey Big Build” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “8645,” from Living Room DemoArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Lady Ginsberg,” from Living Room DemoArtist: Katie McNally & Neil Pearlman

Tune: “Jenny Dang the Weaver,” from Instructional VideoArtist: Hanneke Cassel

Tune: “John’s Theme” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

View Details

Learning just a few words in Gaelic is mannerly when visiting Ireland and Scotland. And it can be a way IN to cultural values and humor. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Séamus Ó Flatharta, Ciarán Bolger, Michael Coult, Julie Fowlis, Mary Jane Lamond, and Brian Ó hAirt help me understand connections between language and music. And how songs in Irish and Scottish Gaelic transmit emotion, carry history, and lift people up.

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Jane Knight, Tinka, Roland Hebborn, Marina Poggemann, Emil Hauptmann, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvick, Suezen Brown, John Plock, Joel DeLashmit, and Gerry Corr

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 46All music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Song: “Déirín Dé - The Last of the Light,” from Blackthorn: Irish Love Songs - An Draighneán Donn: Amhráin GráArtist: Susan McKeown

Song: “A Mhairi Bhoidheach,” from Lan DuilArtist: Mary Jane Lamond

Song: “Puirt-À-Beul Set: Fodor Dha Na Gamhna Beaga” from Gach Sgeul / Every StoryArtist: Julie Fowlis

Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Amhrán Pheadair Bhreathnaigh,” from Local GroundArtist: Altan (feat. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh)

Song: “Liontar Duinn an,” from Down the Green FieldsArtist: Bua (feat. Brian Ó hAirt)

Song: “Dh’ eirich mi moch madainn cheòthar,” from alterumArtist: Julie Fowlis

Song: “Báidín Fheilimí,” Irish Songs We Learned at School, Ar Ais Arís!Artist: John Spillane

Tune: “Dark Low Jig,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Bb Intro Groove,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “An Mhaighdean Mhara,” from Island AngelArtist: Altan (feat. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh)

Song: “Live Clip,” from The Burren PubArtist: High Time

Song: “An Tiarna Randal,” from SundaArtist: Hightime

Tune: “Grupai Ceol Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Enach Cuain,” from The Road From ConnemaraArtist: Joe Heaney

Song: “O Conamara,” from Live at Dean Cetner-Performing ArtsArtist: Hightime

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Washington Post March,” from Have A Little FaithArtist: Bill Frisell

Song: “Dh’èirich Mi Moch Madainn Cheòthar,” from alterumArtist: Julie Fowlis

Tune: “After Hours Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Beidh Aonach Amárach (There's a Fair Tomorrow),” from The Best of Altan - The SongsArtist: Altan (feat. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh)

Song: “Touch the Sky,” from Brave (Original Score)Artist: Julie Fowlis

Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “A ghoul leig dhachaigh dam nmhàthair mi,” from Gach Sgeul / Every StoryArtist: Julie Fowlis

Song: “A Mhorag 's Na Horo Gheallaidh, from Lan DuilArtist: Mary Jane Lamond

Song: “Air a' Ghille Tha Mo Rùn (It is the Lad that I Love),” from SeinnArtists: Mary Jane Lamond & Wendy MacIsaac

Song: “Chi Mi Na Morbheanna,” from Mouth MusicArtist: Talitha MacKenzie

Tune: Tune For Mairead & Anna Ni Mhaonaigh,” from Liz CarrollArtists: Liz Carroll and Dáithí Sproule

Tune: “Seinn O,” from Suas e!Artist: Mary Jane Lamond

Tunes: “Ifearnáin,” (Boys of Ballisoaire) from SunaArtist: Hightime

View Details

There’s no definitive Irish or Scottish music method book. A lot of seasoned practitioners learned their music in kitchens and pubs. So how do they bring that immersive, social learning approach into the classroom? In this episode, June McCormack, Michael Rooney, Alasdair White, Caroline Keane, and Tom Delany share ideas about teaching and learning traditional music.

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Finn Agenbroad, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvick, Suezen Brown, John Ploch, Joel DeLashmit, Chris Murphy, and Joe Martin

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 45all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “99 High,” from The Blue DressArtists: Shannon Heaton, Maeve Gilchrist, Paddy League

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “McIntyre's Fancy,” from Hup TermonfeckinArtists: June McCormack, Michael Rooney

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “G Chimes,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “D Mutey Big Build,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Graf Spey,” from Draíocht
Artists: June McCormack and Michael Rooney

Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Macalla Suite,” from Gradam Ceoil TG4Artist: National Folk Orchestra of Ireland, conducted by Michael Rooney

Tune: “Farewell To Erin, The Morning Star,” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpArtist: Oisin Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald, Micheal O'Ruanaigh

Tune: “Capt Murdo Kennedy of Kyle, South Uist Golf Club” from An Clar GealArtist: Alasdair White

Tune: “Cairistiona Chaimbeul” from Back of BoisdaleArtist: Joe Peter MacLean

Tune: “Quickstep & 9/8 Marches,” from James Duncan MackenzieArtist: James Duncan Mackenzie

Tune: “Kenny Gilles of Portnalong, from Scotland’s Big Session videoArtists: Lauren MacColl and Ewan MacPherson

Tune: “The Hairy Angler Fish…” from Room Enough for AllArtist: Battlefield Band

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “John Kelly's, Old Concertina Reel,” from Never Say Goodbye, Say Good LuckArtists: Caroline Keane and Tom Delany

Tune: “Métro Blues,” from Never Say Goodbye, Say Good LuckArtist: Tom Delany

Tune: “Modal Groove,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Mickey Callaghan's Slide/Winnie Hayes’s Jig,” from Kitty Lie Over
Artists: Mick O'Brien & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh

Tune: “The Murroe Polka / The Taur Polka / Mick Duggan’s Polka, from ShineArtist: Caroline Keane

Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Abbey Reel,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Reavy's - The Milliner's Daughter,” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpOisin Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald, Micheal O'Ruanaigh

Tune: ‘Ballybrolly Jig #1 (The North Star), from RubaiArtist: Flook

View Details

The topic of sustainable travel for touring musicians has been reframed, as Covid-19 has cancelled most music live music events for an unforeseeable amount of time. But as activity kicks up again, conversations about responsible, viable, grateful travel—and conservation—remain vital.

In this episode, I’ll revisit earlier chats with Liz about her environmental advocacy; Dana Lyn and Kyle Sanna about their musical show that pays tribute (and donates profits) to coral reef ecosystems; and beekeeper Ottavio Forte, whose bees I recorded for a forthcoming album of bee-themed music. And I’ll go back to 6th century Ireland, to offer some historical perspective on activism.

  • Learn more about Sustainable Touring Arts Coalition
  • Listen to/watch Dana Lyn & Kyle Sanna
  • Watch Beekeeping in Belmont

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Aubrey Atwater, Ed Schilling, John Bunch, Lynn Hayes, Finn Agenbroad, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvick, and Suezen Brown.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 44

Tune: “Trundle’s, Paddy Fahey’s,” from Making TimeArtist: Liz Knowles

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Strawberry Blossom / Mulhaire’s,” from The Coral Suite EPArtists: Dana Lyn & Kyle Sanna

Tune: “Apian Army,” from Perfect MazeArtist: Shannon Heaton and bees/strings

Tune: “D Chimes,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “D Big Build,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Silver Slipper / Aqualude,” from The Coral Suite EP
Artists: Dana Lyn & Kyle Sanna

Tune: "Wisteria," from Via Portland
Artist: O'Jizo

Tune: “The Humours Of Trim (AKA Rolling Wave),” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpArtist: Micheal O'Ruanaigh

Tune: “Sir Ulick Burke,” from Making TimeArtist: Liz Knowles

Tune: “Maidin Fhomhair,” from Live At Mona'sArtist: Eamon O'Leary and Dana Lyn

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Tuhy's Frolics / Rakes of Cashel,” from Making TimeArtist: Liz Knowles

Tune: “Fisher's Hornpipe,” from DanceArtist: Lissa Schneckenburger

Tune: “Gur Mise Tha fo mhulad,” from Making TimeArtist: Liz Knowles

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “The Gypsy Queen,” from RavenArtists: John Williams & Dean Magraw

Tune: “The Noodle Vendor,” from Perfect MazeArtists: bees, and strings

Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Brad’s Honeybees,” from Lovers’ WellArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Aoibhinn Crónán,” from Deadly BuzzArtists: Mick O'Brien & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh

Tune: “Bow for Rama,” from Perfect MazeArtists: bees, and strings

Song: “Beeswing,” from Land Of Fish And SealsArtist: Keith Murphy

Tune: “Queen of the Earth and Child of the Skies,” from The Western StarArtist: Eric Merrill

Tune: Intro to “The Beehive,” from RubaiArtist: Flook

View Details

The role of instruments in Celtic traditions can be fickle: newer voices (like the tenor banjo) are increasingly popular on festival stages; while ancient ones (like the harp) still hang on the outskirts when it comes to modern group projects. Find out how the banjo came into common acceptance in Irish circles from Daniel Neely, Enda Scahill, and Martin Howley… and learn about joys and challenges of outsider status from harpist Maeve Gilchrist, cellist Natalie Haas, and saxophone players Susan Lindsay and Isaac Alderson.

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Pat Wilcox, Soomee Han, Ken Doyle, Stephanie Reeve, Finn Agenbroad, Mark Haynes, David Vaughan, Gerry Corr, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvik, and Suezen Brown.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 43

Tunes: “The Big Reel Of Ballynacally/The High Hill/Flash Away The Pressing Gang,” from Sunny Spells And Scattered ShowersArtist: Solas

Tune: Professor Cherry, from Ports of CallArtists: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas

Tune: “D Chimes,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Taste of Gaelic,” from The Cabin SessionsArtists: Mairi Rankin & Eric Wright

Tune: “February Bright,” from 20 Chandler StreetArtist: Maeve Gilchrist

Tune: “Zayante,” from Home RecordingArtist: Alfredo Rolando Ortiz

Tune: “G Meditation,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Harp Glissando demonstration,” from How to play Glissandos on the Harp
Artist: Christy-Lin

Tune: “Waimea Rising,” from Vignette
Artists: Maeve Gilchrist & Viktor Krauss

Tune: “The Castlebay Scrap/Stuarts Rant,” from Play On LightArtist: Síleas

Tune: “The Blue Dress,” from The Blue DressArtists: Shannon Heaton & Maeve Gilchrist

Tune: “Tom Maguire's Fancy, The Flogging Reel,” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpArtists: Oisin Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald, Micheal O'Ruanaigh

Tune: “Following the North Star,” from Freedom HighwayArtist: Rhiannon Giddens

Tune: “The Miller Of Drone/Pauline Conneely's/Finbar Dwyer’s,” from An Traidisiún BeoArtist: Angelina Carberry

Tune: “Medley,” from live footage from 1928 (presented by Vitaphone)
Artist: Fabulous Ingenues

Tune: “Seamus Connolly's/Brid Harpur’s,” from Traditional Music From Doolin Co. ClareArtist: Kevin Griffin

Tune: “The Rookery,” from Music class at 2014 Milwaukee Irishfest Summer SchoolArtist: Martin Howley

Tune: “The New Irish Barn Dance,” from 1929 recording
Artists: The Flanagan Brothers

Tune: “Sailor on the Rock,” from Fleá Ceoil (1964 recording from Gael Linn)Artist: Barney McKenna

Tune: “Bill Cheatum / Kitchen Girl,” from Live in GalwayArtist: We Banjo 3

Tune: Martin Wynnes #2 / Martin Wynnes #1 / The Coalminer,” from Roots of the Banjo TreeArtist: We Banjo 3

Tune: “Splendid Isolation,” from At the RacketArtist: At the Rocket

Tune: “Mutey Big Build,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Siege of Ennis No. 3,” from B Side of Copley Record #9-178
Artist: Johnny Powell and his Irish band

Tune: “Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria,” from Bach: Goldberg Variations (For Saxophone Quartet)Artist: Danish Saxophone Quartet, Christian Hougaard, Torben Snekkestad, Jørgen Ole Bove & Per Egholm

Tune: “Rhythm Is Our Business,” from 1935 Hits (Remastered)Artist: Jimmy Lunceford and His Orchestra & Willie Smith

Tune: “Abbey Reel Meditation,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Sixteen Jolly Ravers,” from From the Green to the BlueArtist: The Lindsays

Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Aunt Jane’s Trip to Norway,” from The Blue DressArtists: Shannon Heaton & Maeve Gilchrist

Tune: “Jane’s Reel,” from Simon Chrisman & Wes CorbettArtists: Simon Chrisman & Wes Corbett

Tune: “Stah Wahs,” from banjo outtakeArtist: Matt Heaton

View Details

Trailer for the June 2020 episode of Irish Music Stories 

View Details

Persistent infections like Covid-19 … and social injustice.. and racism… loom large. And still, these little Irish jigs and reels are forming bridges across oceans. What happens when people fall in love with a foreign music culture and pull themselves out of their comfort zones to travel and learn to play? Learn about the perspective Irish music has offered Guillermo Del Val Rodriguez, Santiago Molina, Gregor Brinkschulte, Alasdair Fraser, Rolf Wagels, Kerstin Otten, Brent Cassidy, Andy Xuhang, Alex Navar, hatao, Geoffrey Lim, Ted Cizadlo, and Andy Linton.

There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below.


Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Ryne VanHorn, Dan Kaufman, Finn Agenbroad, Rex Edwards, Michael Craine, Bruce Douglas, Nancy Kearney, Paul Fackler, Art Costa, Linda Hammond, Chris Murphy, David Vaughan, Gerry Corr, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvik, and one anonymous donor.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Read about the Irish flute mask (mentioned in the episode) by Lisa Danforth HERE

And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami, with support from Tomoaki Hatekeyama HERE.


Music Heard on IMS Episode 40
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Migratory,” from tricolor BIGBANDArtist: tricolor

Tune: “The Flight of the Earls (El Vuelo De Los Condes),” from Brotherhood of Stars (A Irmandade Das Estrelas)
Artist: Carlos Nuñez

Tune: “Kiss the Maid Behind the Barrel,” from Living Room recordingArtist: Guillermo Del Val Rodriguez

Tune: “The Golden Ticket,” from The Western StarEric Merrill

Tune: "Para Ani,” from Historia
Artist: Santiago Molina with Félix Pérez guitar

Tune: “Foliada!” from Ports of CallArtists: Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas

Tune: “G Meditation,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Masters of Consequence,” from HorizonArtist: Cara

Tune: “Bb Intro,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “44 Mill Street,” from The Blue DressArtist: Shannon Heaton, Maeve Gilchrist, Paddy League

Song: “Ich weiß ein fein brauns Mägdelein,” from DuoGudrun Walther & Jürgen Treyz

Tune/Song: “Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow”
Artist: Droichead

Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Nocturne,” from Songs From a Secret GardenArtist: Secret Garden

Tune: “Larry Lavin’s Choice,” from Galleon Flute Demo VideoArtist: Blayne Chastain

Tune: “Planxty Fitzgerald,” from Traditional Irish Music on pipa guitar, live at Bray Mermaid Arts Centre
Artists: Liu Fang and Michael O'Toole

Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

“Midnight Walker,” from Celtic Graces: A Best of IrelandArtist: Davy Spillane

“Desvairada,” from Brazilian Choro he posted on YouTube (used with permission)
Artist: Cillian King

Tune: “月をさがして” (Looking for the Moon) from Songs of Raindrops and BreezeArtists: hatao & nami

Tune: “Grupai Ceol Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Polkas,” from Mapo FMArtist: Seul-Ki and Ceoltoiri Korea

Song: “Runaway,” from Forgiven, Not ForgottenArtist: The Corrs

Tune: “Belle of the South Shore,” from B&BArtist: tricolor

Tune: “D Mutey Big Build,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Out on the Ocean,” from Live In SeattleArtists: Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill

Tune: “Woo Dr Hythm,” from This is How we FlyArtist: This is How we Fly

Tune: “The Banshee, Swinging on a Gate,” from Live at the Welsh DragonArtist: Wellington Slow Session

Tune: “Twins' Dance Party / Sylvia's & Mikey's Reels,” from RavenArtists: John Williams & Dean Magraw

View Details

What do rampant evictions, military ship collisions, and Christmas trees have to do with jigs and reels? Learn how Gaelic culture resonated in Canada’s “New Scotland,” and down in the Boston States, from singer Mary Jane Lamond and fiddle players Troy MacGillivray, Andrea Beaton, Alasdair Fraser, Katie McNally, and Lee Cremo.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters:

Peter Lee, Gabriele Clemens, Loretta Egan Murphy, John Boyce, Sol Foster, Paul Grajciar, Lisa and Bryon Giddens-White, Jen Strom, Chris Murphy, Pat Wilcox, Suezen Brown, Lance Ramshaw, Mark Haynes, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Gerard Corr, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, and Jon Duvick.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 40
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Blue Bonnets Over The Border/Khazi,” from Happy Daze
Artist: Battlefield Band

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “The B Minor Cut,” from Cuts
Artist: Andrea Beaton

Song: “Fail il o agus ho ro eile” c/o An Drochaid Eadarainn’s site Artist: Mìcheal Eòin Chaluim Sheumais Mhóir (Mickey John H. MacNeil of Jamesville)

Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: Robert Cormack of Aberdeen,” from Musical Ties
Artist: Troy MacGillivray

Tune: “Holy Strathspeys Pat,” from Off the Floor
Artist: Wendy MacIsaac

Tune: “Down the Burn, Davie Lad,” from The Boston States
Artist: Katie McNally

Tune: “Wapikatji’j,” from Traditionally Yours: Mi’kmaq Drums, Young and Old
Artist: Michael R. Denny

Tune: “Donald & Gordon’s” from Pìob is Fidheall
Artists: Kenneth & Angus MacKenzie

Song: “Seinn O,” from Suas e!
Artist: Mary Jane Lamond

Tune: “Out on the Ocean,” from License to Drive 'Er
Artist: Andrea Beaton

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: "Rockabye by Firelight,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Constitution Breakdown,” from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings (Creation's Journey: Native American Music)
Artist: Lee Cremo

Tune: “Grupai Ceol Memories,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Taste of Gaelic,” from The Cabin Sessions
Artists: Mairi Rankin & Eric Wright

Tunes: “Tom Ward's Downfall/Lucy Campbell,” from Green Grass Blue Grass
Artist: Brock McGuire Band

Song: “Rinn Mi Corr is Naoi Mile (I Travelled more than Nine Miles),” from Seinn
Artist: Mary Jane Lamond

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “The Barren Rocks of Aden / Mairi’s Wedding” from Live at Celtic Colors (Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney: Big Ceilidh at the Big Fiddle at, October 2018)
Artist: Cape Breton University Pipe Band

Song: “A Mhorag 's Na Horo Gheallaidh,” from Lan Duil
Artist: Mary Jane Lamond

Song: “A flaisgaich oig a S'cheanalteadh (My cheerful young man),” recorded by Sidney Robertson Cowell, 1939.
Artist: Mary MacPhee
c/o Library of Congress

Song: “An Nochd Is Trom Tha Mo Cheum (Tonight My Step Is Heavy),” from Làn dùil
Artist: Mary Jane Lamond

Tune: “Farewell,” from Coffee and the Mojo Hat
Artists: Neil Pearlman and Nicole Rabata

Tune: ‘Silver and Stuff,” from Ports of Call
Artists: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas

Tune: “The Second Star Hornpipe Set (Howie MacDonald piano),” from The Judique Flyer
Artist: ‘Buddy MacMaster

Tune: “Blue Bonnets Over the Boarder,” from Close To the Floor
Artist: Ashley MacIsaac

View Details

How are traditional musicians and dancers continuing creative careers and group music events during the Covid-19 pandemic? How is social distancing affecting the jigs and reels? In this unexpected open of Season Four of Irish Music Stories, musicians from Ireland, England, Belgium, Sweden, and the U.S. address on and offline strategies… from a safe distance.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Chris Murphy, John Kerr, John Pradarelli, Sharon Murphy, Finn Agenbroad, Charlie Durfee, Mark Johnson, Will Coleman, Gary Usher, Dana Griepentrog, John Plock, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 40
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Haapvesi,” from January EPArtist: Assembly

Tune: “Cat’s Meow,” from An Irish HomecomingArtist: Cherish the Ladies

Tune: “Dark Low Jig,” from Irish Music Stories Production MusicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Midnight Sojourn Intro,” from Kitchen SessionsArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Bb Shuffle,” from Kitchen SessionsArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Irish Music Stories Production MusicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production MusicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Ciuri Ciuri,” from March 14 video on Sicilian balconyArtist: Italian Neighbors

Tune: “Mångatskrinna,” from All in AlwaysArtist: Laura Cortese

Tune: “Noisy Curlew,” from Dear Old Erin's Isle: Irish Traditional Music from AmericaArtists: Eileen Ivers, Seamus Egan

Tune: “Humours of Ballyconnell,” from JamKazam recordingArtists: Pete Strickler, Dirk Mewes, Kevin Rumery

Tune: “Griffenfelt,” from March 31, 2020 Virtual Quarantine videoArtist: Folk All-In Band... watch VIDEO HERE!

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Irish Music Stories Production MusicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Pound the Floor” from Irish Music Stories Production MusicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Father Kelly’s Reel,” from Tune.Supply MusicArtists: Caitlin Warbelow & Chris Ranney

Tune: “Travel Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production MusicArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Oran Na Maighdean Mhara,” from Four / 4Artists: Kirstan Allstaff

Tune: “Paddy Canny's Toast,” from A Sweetish TuneArtist: Noctambule

Tune: “The Hunt Set Dance,” from An Irish HomecomingArtist: Joanie Madden & Michael Holland

Tune: “Johnny Going to Ceilidh,” from demoArtists: Flynn Cohen & Matt Heaton

Tune: “Lord McDonald’s” from Boston College Irish Fiddle FestivalArtists: assembled fiddle players

Tune: “Foggy Dew,” from MBM Performs Irish ClassicsArtist: Music Box Mania

Tune: “The Blackbird,” from Cover the BuckleArtists: Seán Clohessy, Sean Mccomiskey, And Kieran Jordan

Tune: “Ratholdran Castle,” from Trian IIArtist: Trian

Tune: “Cats Meow,” from Joanie’s Living RoomArtist: Joanie Madden

View Details

What’s a soccer ball, a school uniform, and a wedding dress have in common? New York-based fiddle player Eileen Ivers helps jar memories and connections, with a jig she wrote for her granny, in this month’s off season installment.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to Charlie Durfee, Desmond O'Hagan, Pat Wilcox, Paul Grajciar, Peter Crimmin, Susan Walsh, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, Gerry Corr for underwriting this episode. And this season of podcast production. One more tune tale in April… then full episodes coming in May!

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 39
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Apples in Winter” from An Nollaig: An Irish ChristmasArtist: Eileen Ivers

Tune: “G Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “After Hours Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Canbrack Girls,” from Live in Eileen’s KitchenArtist: Eileen Ivers

Tune: “Harmonics Fails,” from outtakesArtist: Matt Heaton

View Details

Are all traditional tunes created equally? And if they aren’t, what happens to the, um, lesser tunes? Do they end up like lost dryer socks? Chicago-based accordion player Jimmy Keane reflects on the room of bad tunes, and shares one of his loveliest compositions in this month’s off season installment.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to John Ploch, Finn Agenbroad, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, Gerry Corr for underwriting this episode. And this season of podcast production—another exaltation of full episodes coming your way in May!

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 38
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Redican's Jig / The Merry Old Woman Jig / The Chapel Bell” from boholaArtist: bohola

Tune: “G Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Horse Keane’s Hornpipe,” from Live with Jimmy & DennisArtist: Jimmy Keane & Denis Cahill

Tune: “Moving-On Song,” from boholaArtist: bohola

View Details

What do you do when language just can’t capture how hilarious—and important—an encounter in Ennis, County Clare was? Write a tune about it. That’s what Brendan Tonra did. Pianist Helen Kisiel recounted one of those tune memories in this month’s off season installment.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to James Supplee, Brian Murchison, Michael Todd, Robert Levelle, Mike O'Malley, Parker Abercrombie, Rayburn Vrabel, Mark Haynes, Susan Walsh and Peter Kasin, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, Gerry Corr for underwriting this episode. And this season of podcast production, as I line up another year of episodes!

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org

* * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 37
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated*

Tune: “The Phoenix,” from January EPArtist: The Assembly (FKA Popcorn Behavior)

Tune: “D Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Ennis Encounter [impressions],” from Parlor Session
Artist: Helen Kisiel & Shannon Heaton
Composer: Brendan Tonra

Tune: “Ennis Encounter,” from Kitchen Session
Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Boston Sligo Reel”
Artist: Brendan Tonra & Helen Kisiel
Composer: Brendan Tonra

Tune: ”When the Saints Go Marching In,” from Field in Autrans, FranceArtist: The New Hot 5

View Details

Where do the tunes come from? When does inspiration hit? Shannon learns that it's all about timing, in this short story about a jig by accordion player Billy McComiskey.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to Chris Murphy, Naka Ishii, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, Gerry Corr, and one anonymous donor for underwriting this episode.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 36
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Free the Heel,” from Kitchen SessionArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: "Hometown Lullaby," from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: "The Priest and his Boots," from Cover the BuckleArtists: Seán Clohessy, Sean Mccomiskey, Kieran Jordan

Tune: "D Chimes," from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: "Poor Timing," from Kitchen SessionArtists: Billy, Sean, and Mikey Mccomiskey

View Details

What’s up with the endless cups of Irish tea? Is there something genuinely nourishing about a pile of french fries and melted cheese? Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Matthew Olwell, Jamie McClennan, and Matt Heaton help me digest the meaning behind the menu. And I’ve also got tasty tales from Kevin Doyle, Liz Carroll, John Williams, and Kathleen Conneely.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to Mark Johnson, Lynn Cox, Sharon Murphy, Valerie Watt, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, and Gerry Corr for underwriting this episode.

Please CLICK here to support Irish Music Stories

* * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 34
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated*

Tune: “Free the Heel,” from Kitchen SessionArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Grupai Memories,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Soggy’s Slip Jig,” from A Lovely MadnessArtist: Beoga

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Trip to Birmingham,” from CybertradArtist: Matthew Olwell

Tune: “Ratholdran Castle,” from Trian IIArtist: Trian

Tune: “Bodhrán and Beatbox,” from CybertradArtist: Matthew Olwell

Tune: “Last of the Leaves,” from Half Day RoadArtist: Jake Charron

Song: “Silver Dagger,” from The Grass is BlueArtist: Dolly Parton

Tune: “Austrian Waters,” from Runaway SundayArtist: Altan

Song: “Beidh Aonach Amárach,” from AltanArtist: Altan

Tune: “Vivienne’s Jig,” from In TransitArtist: Jamie McClennan

Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “G Chimes,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “The Duke of Leinster,” from Ten Years Of Céilí House, With Kieran HanrahanArtist: Mícheál Ó'Raghallaigh

Tune: “Demon Ducks of Doom,” from In TransitArtist: Jamie McClennan

View Details

Are Irish fairies REAL? And if so, could there be Sí folk living in New England?? Fiddle player Martin Hayes, singer Emily Smith, and storyteller Máirtín de Cógáin help me and this month’s co-producer Nigel Heaton investigate songs, stories, and possible gateways to the Otherworld.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to Jonathan Duvick, Mark Haynes, Chris Murphy, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, and Gerry Corr for underwriting this episode.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 34
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Song: “Edwin of the Lowlands Low,” from Tell You in EarnestArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Waimea Rising” fromVignette
Artists: Maeve Gilchrist & Viktor Krauss

Tune: “Rockabye by Firelight,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “As I Roved Out,” from CrossroadsArtists: Mairtin O'Connor, Seamie O'Dowd & Cathal Hayden

Tune: “As the Crow Flies,” from Half Day RoadArtist: Liz Carroll

Tune: “Abbey Reel,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “The Song of the Seal,” from Seal Maiden-Celtic MusicalArtist: Karan Casey

Tune: “G Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Lilting Banshee,” from The Otherworld - Music And Song From The Irish TraditionArtist: Robert Harvey

Tune: “Port Na Bpucai,” from Live In SeattleArtists: Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill

Tune: “Mist Covered Mountain,” from Martin HayesArtist: Martin Hayes

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

tune: “The Wee Folks Thimble,” from Living Room Tommy Peoples composition partyArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “The Quiet Glen,” from The Quiet GlenArtist: Tommy Peoples

Song: “The Wife of Usher’s Well,” from Fairest Floo’erArtist: Karine Polwart

Tune: “G Meditation,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Three Ravens / The Raven's Return,” from 3 RavensArtist: Malinky

Song: “Queen of the Fairies,” from Macmath: The Silent PageThe Macmath Collective

Tune: “The Lone Bush,” from As it happenedArtists: Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh & Danny O Mahony

Tune: “D Big Build,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "The Wolf/The Duck," from On the OffbeatArtist: Liz Carroll

Tune: “Awakening,” from RavenArtists: John Williams & Dean Magraw

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

View Details

What do the Irish music and dance worlds think about practicing? Fiddle players Fergal Scahill, Finn Magill, and Rose Flanagan; banjo player Martin Howley; cellist Natalie Haas; flute player Nicole Rabata; and dancer Kieran Jordan share thoughts about woodshedding in the trad world.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to, George McAvoy, Michael Craine, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter. Joe Garrett, Gerry Corr, Daniel, and one anonymous donor for underwriting this episode.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 33
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tunes: “Tap Room, Mountain Road, Galway Rambler” (reels), from Rehearsal Recording, c. 2009
Artist: Dan Gurney (accordion), Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Steps: isolated foot track from “Mountain Ramblier,” from Lovers’ Well
Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton with Kieran Jordan (feet)

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “The Priest And His Boots,” from Cover the BuckleArtist: Seán Clohessy, Sean Mccomiskey, And Kieran Jordan

Tune: Intro reel groove from Rehearsal RecordingArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “G Meditation,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Dark Low Jig,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Horizons,” from BranchesArtist: Andrew Finn Magill

Tune: “Megan & Jarrod,” from Ports of CallArtist: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas

Tune: “Mini Thanks,” from Flying Pizzicato
Artist: Stephen Katz

Tune: “Mutey Big Build,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Rockabye by Firelight,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Bill Cheatum / Kitchen Girl / The Donegal Lass,” from Live in Galway
Artist: We Banjo 3

Tune: “The Blackbird,” from Cover the BuckleArtist: Seán Clohessy, Sean Mccomiskey, And Kieran Jordan

Tune: “Galway Rambler, Mountain Road,” from Live in Germany
Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton with Kieran Jordan

Tune: “Tracing the Lines,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Air Tune,” from Roots of the Banjo TreeArtist: We Banjo 3

Song: “More than a Feeling,” from BostonArtist: Boston

View Details

Why learn old songs from your neighbors, when the airwaves are brimming with NEW music? And how can a rooster’s crow affect singing technique? Hear stories behind Len Graham’s life of song in this month’s Cuppa Tea chat. No matter the aperture, apertoire, or repertoire, Len’s got a story (and a song) to suit the situation.


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to hatao, Chris Murphy, Justin Anderson, Lynn Hayes, BrotherHug, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, and Gerry Corr for underwriting this episode.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org

* * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 32all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated*

Song: “The Wheels of the World,” from Do Me JusticeArtist: Len Graham

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Fair Rosa,” and “Early in the Morning AKA When I Was Young,” sung live in the Lounge for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Len Graham

Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “As I Roved Out” excerpt, sung live in the Lounge for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Len Graham

Song: “As I Roved Out,” from The Heart Is TrueArtist: Sarah Makem

Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Now Westlin Winds" (AKA Western Winds), sung live in the Lounge for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Len Graham

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “The Moorlough Shore,” sung live in the Lounge for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Len Graham

Tune: “The Girl that Broke My Heart,” from Celtic Mouth MusicArtists: Joe Holmes & Len Graham

Tune: “Farewell to Whiskey,” from The Star Above the GarterArtists: Denis Murphy & Julia Clifford

Song: “Rambling Irishman,” from The Best of DeDannanArtist: DeDannan

Song: “New York Bay,” from Max Hunter Collection #455 (c/o Missouri State University, Duane G. Meyer Library)Artist: Bertha Lauderdale

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “The Parting Glass,” from After DawningArtists: Joe Holmes & Len Graham

Song: “Ye Lovers All,” from Ye Lovers AllArtist: Len Graham

Tune: “Bb Intro Groove,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Fox and the Hare,” from When I Was YoungArtists: Len Graham and Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin

Song: “Where the Moorcocks Crow,” from The Road TakenArtists: Len Graham & Brian Ó Hairt

Song: “The Keeper of the Songs,” from live at WGBHArtist: Robbie O’Connell

Song: “The Lowlands of Holland” [intro and outro only], sung live in the Lounge for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Len Graham

Tune: “The Blackbird,” from The Star Above the GarterArtists: Denis Murphy

Song: “The Royal Blackbird,” sung live in the Lounge for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Len Graham

Song: “The Parting Glass” [outro lilting], from After DawningArtists: Joe Holmes & Len Graham

Tune: “The Blackbird,” from Cover the BuckleArtists: Seán Clohessy, Sean Mccomiskey, And Kieran Jordan

Song: “Rooster Crow,” recorded by Benjamin Nelan
used under Creative Commons license

View Details

How do Scottish and Irish music intersect? How are they distinct? And why do so many trendy tunes come from Scotland? Host Shannon Heaton talks with Aaron Jones, Ed Pearlman, Natalie Haas and Hanneke Cassel to learn what it means to be a traditional Scottish musician today—in Scotland, and in the States. Warning: this episode contains very few mentions of haggis… or kilts.


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to Sharon Murphy, Mike Lagana, Brian Edmiston, Michael Craine, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, and Gerry Corr for underwriting this episode.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 31
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Medium Man,” from Happy DazeArtist: Battlefield Band

Tune: “Hector the Hero Medley,” from 2015 Worlds CompetitionArtist: Inveraray District Pipe Band

Tune: “Lady Carmichael,” from ThunderstruckArtist: Gordon Duncan

Tune: “A Modal Groove,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Strathspey,” from Celtic Mouth MusicArtist: John Macdonald

Tune: “Bb intro,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Lon-Dubh,” (the Blackbird), from Lon-DubhArtist: Julie Fowlis

Tune: “The Anniversary Reel,” from Out for the NightArtist: Battlefield Band

Song: “Star o’ the Bar,” from Four on the FloorArtist: Old Blind Dogs, feat. Aaron Jones vocals

Tune: “Nonna Pina / Space Ghettos,” from Free OneArtist: Kinnaris Quintet

Tune: “The Burrian,” from Arc LightArtist: Lau

Tune: “Scraping the Barrel,” from The Arms Daughter’s DealerArtist: Shooglenifty

Tune: “G Meditation,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Open to the Elements,” from Between Wind and WaterArtist: String Sisters

Tune: “Cuffe’s,” from On the EdgeArtist: Ed Pearlman and Neil Pearlman

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “The 24th Guards Brigade At Anzio,” from Happy DazeArtist: Battlefield Band

Tune: “Cathkin Braes,” from Another GemArtist: Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain

Tune: “Run to Fly,” from Run to FlyArtist: Alba’s Edge

Tune: “Travel Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Leather Britches,” from Aereo-PlainArtist: John Hartford

Tune: “After Hours Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Will Ye Go Lassie, Go,” (AKA Wild Mountain Thyme), from Wild Mountain ThymeArtist: The McPeake Family

Track: “Scottish Reel Rhythm Demo,” from Instructional VideoArtist: Hanneke Cassel

Tune: “Mutey Big Build,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “The Low Hum,” from California CallingArtist: Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards

Tune: “Crabbit Shona,” from The Red House – The Heritage of the Scottish FiddleArtist: Chris Duncan, Catherine Strutt & Julian Thompson

Tunes: “Jig Runrig, The Ramnee Ceilidh,” from Highlander’s Farewell
Artists: Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas

Tune: “Adelaide / Keeping up with Christine,” from Ports of CallArtist: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas

Tune: “Ron Burgundy Tribute: The Glass Case of Emotion/Sweet Grandmother's Spatula,” from SilverArtist: Hanneke Cassel

Tune: Jenny Dang the Weaver,” from Jam at PDB c/o IsabelleArtist: Students and Faculty

Tune: "Miller of Drone," from Tall TalesArtist: The McKassons

Tune: “Black Bread,” from Journey BegunArtist: Athena Tergis & Laura Risk

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Julia Delaney,” from Jam at PDB c/o IsabelleArtist: Students and Faculty

Tune: "Brooklyn’s Lullaby," from Lullabies for LoveArtist: Hanneke Cassel

Song: Bonny Labouring Boy, from A Different LifeArtist: Emily Smith

View Details

Is there something strange about speaking Japanese, and removing your shoes BEFORE tucking into a set of Irish reels? Host Shannon Heaton travels around Japan with Tokyo-based trad band tricolor to learn more about the Irish and Celtic music scenes in the Land of the Rising Sun… and discovers heaps of common ground, social culture, and cake. Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to Gerry Corr, Chris McGlone, Sally Tucker, Jeremy Keith, David Vaughan, Chris Murphy, Brian Benscoter, and Joe Garrett for underwriting this episode.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 30
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Feed the Duck a Mandarine,” from Live at 求道会館
Artist: John John Festival

Tune: “Lorient,” from キネン (kine), translation: AnniversaryArtist: tricolor

Tune: “D Big Build,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Bluebells are Blooming,” from Thousands of FlowersArtist: Tomoyo Sugai

Tune: “Red Yellow Blue,” from キネン (kine), translation: AnniversaryArtist: tricolor

Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Aghaidh Jhanuis,” from GuitarscapeArtist: Hirofumi Nakamura

Tune: “Mill Na Máidí,” from Harvest StormArtist: Altan

Song: “Messed Up Mind,” from After the Rain Clouds GoArtist: Akeboshi

Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme from ‘Titanic’),” from Titanic (Music from the Motion Picture)Artist: James Horner & Céline Dion

Tune: “G# Fade In and Out,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Roundabout,” from Via PortlandArtist: O'Jizo

Tune: “An Paistin Fionn,” from Gathering CloudArtist: Toyota Ceili Band HP

Tune: “Father O’Grady’s Trip to Bocca,” from Session at An SolasArtist: Tokyo Session musicians

Tune: “Noisy Curley,” from Session at The GnomeArtist: Kyoto Session musicians

Tune: “Trip to the Jacks, Where is the Cat,” from Music from Sliabh LuachraArtist: Jackie Daly, with dialog/welcome from employees at Disney Sea Cape Cod Village

Tune: “D Major Walk Down,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Bonny Bunch Of Roses/The Ashgrove,” from Swimming Against The Falls/SnámhIin Aghaidh EasaArtist: Joey Abarta

Tune: “Heartstrings,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Soul Cake,” from Broadway's Carols for a Cure, Vol. 16, 2014Artist: The Broadway Cast Of "The Last Ship,” feat. Sting

Tune: “Grupai Ceol Memories,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Bb Whistle Set,” from Kitchen Recording circa 2008
Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “さかさまの道,” (Tune translation: Another Road), from 雨つぶと風のうた Songs of Raindrops and BreezeArtists: hatao & nami

Tune: “月をさがして,” (Tune translation: Looking for the Moon), from 雨つぶと風のうた Songs of Raindrops and BreezeArtists: hatao & nami

Tune: “Meditation,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “ちゅうちゅう奥さんのポルカ,” (Tune translation: Mrs. Tittlemouse's Polkas) from enishiArtist: hatao

Tune: “Dark Haired Lass/Biddy from Muckross,” from BlackwaterArtist: Altan

Tune: “Anniversary Reel,” from tricolor BIGBANDArtist: tricolor

Track: “Tawny Owls 2,” from stereo field-recording of two male Tawny owlsArtist: Benboncan, used by attribution license

View Details

Was Robert Burns cooking up exciting new stuff when he wrote, “best laid schemes o’ mice an' men gang aft a-gley?” Well, Irish Music Stories is! After hitting a snag in the SECOND Tuesday publishing schedule, IMS will seize the opportunity to launch a short series of travel episodes. Stay tuned for a music tour of Japan and Scotland. You don't even have to pack a bag.

As always, episode playlist below.


Thank you for listening! And Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 29B
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Free the Heel,” from Kitchen SessionArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: “Migratory,” from tricolor BIGBANDArtist: Tricolor

View Details

How do artists paint trad? And how do they capture the sounds and feelings—and the bigger stories behind Irish music and dance—in two dimensions? In conversations with Brian Vallely, James Gurney, Vincent Crotty, and Catharine Kingcome, host Shannon Heaton explores Travelling pipers, a dilapidated hotel in the Hudson Valley, Dudley Street dance hall in post WWII America, and a country home in County Clare.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Special thanks to everybody for listening. And thank you to Robert McOwen, Lance Ramshaw, Chris Murphy, Richard Kuhwarth, Mark Haynes, John Kerr, Will Coleman, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, and Gerry Corr

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 29
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Free the Heel,” from Kitchen SessionArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: “Dear Irish Boy,” from Swimming Against The FallsArtist: Joey Abarta

Tune: “The Bull’s March,” from The Raven's RockArtist: Cillian Vallely

Tune: “Silver,” from SilverArtist & Composer: Hanneke Cassel

Tune: “Grupai Ceol Memories,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Montage: Montage from The Travelling PeopleArtists: Various members of English Traveller Community, Produced by Ewan MacColl, Peggy Seeger & Charles Parker

Tune: “Dark Low Jig” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: “Wicklow Hornpipe,” from Swimming Against The FallsArtist: Joey Abarta

Song: “Terror Time,” from The Travelling PeopleArtists: Joe Heaney (voice)
Composer: Ewan MacColl

Tune: “Mutey Big Build” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Song: “Will Ye Go Lassie, Go,” from Wild Mountain ThymeArtist: The McPeake Family

Tune: “A Chailleach Do Mharais Me/The Gold Ring,” from The Celtic Uilleann Pipes Collection - Volume 1Artist: Brian Vallely

Tune: “Meaning of Life” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: “Rakish Paddy,” from The Last of the Travelling PipersArtist: Felix Doran

Tune: “Drifting Clouds,,” from The Joy of First Year PianoComposer: Denes Agay
Artist: Nigel Heaton

Tune: “Song of Dinotopia,” AKA Lift up your heads, Ye mighty Gates (Hymn #436) AKA TRURO, from Episcopal HymnalComposer: Lowell Mason (1792-1872), words Georg Weissel (1590-1635)
Artist: Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Pound the Floor” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: Jackie Coleman’s” reel from Music at Matt Molloy’sArtists: Matt Molloy & Friends

Tune: “Siege of Ennis,” from Copley Records release
Artist: Johnny Powell and his Band

Tune: “Leaving JP” from SilverArtist & Composer: Hanneke Cassel

Tune: “Liam O’ Súilleabhaín & Brístí Breaca” AKA Bill Sullivan’s & Britches Full of Stitches from Jackie Daly Agus Séamus CreaghArtist: Jackie Daly & Séamus Creagh

Tune: “Job of Journeywork,” from Cover the BuckleArtist: Séan Clohessy, Sean McComiskey & Kieran Jordan

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: “Slow Reel,” from January EP
Artist: The Assembly

Tune: “Kiss the Maid Behind the Barrel,” from House SessionArtists: Boston and Clare musicians

Tune: “Doberman’s Wallet,” from Malden Fiddle lessonArtist: Tommy Peoples

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: “The Traveller,” from Kitchen SessionArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Wild Irishman & The Sailor’s Bonnet,” from Paddy KeenanArtist: Paddy Keenan

Poem: “No Fixed Abode,” from Kitchen SessionArtist: Anne Marie Kennedy

View Details

What happens when songs are written with the backdrop of moss covered trees, hillside cottages, and ravens on top of stone walls? And what happens when people play tunes together for hour after hour? (Hint, they need to eat…). Travel with host Shannon Heaton to the charming crow-filled Scottish town of Thornhill. And meet Emily Smith, Jamie McClennan, whom you’ll hear in later IMS episodes.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Special thanks to everybody for listening. And thank you to Jamie McClennan and Matt Heaton for production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 28
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “G Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Song: “Three Ravens,” from Three RavensArtist: Malinky

Tune: “B Minor Fantasia,” from Living Room SessionArtists: Matt Heaton guitar, Jamie McClennan fiddle

Tune: “Rose in the Heather,” from Living Room SessionArtists: Matt Heaton guitar, Jamie McClennan fiddle

View Details

What happens when ‘trad’ musicians are ALSO fluent in non Celtic traditions? When you’re dealing with cultural traditions (with all the music and the community and social expectations), how do you manage without fumbling or getting sacked? Host Shannon Heaton explores the art and sport of playing on different teams with Paddy Panayotis League, Maeve Gilchrist, Andrew Finn Magill, Hanz Araki, and Nicole Rabata. And revisit February 3rd, 2019… Superbowl 53…. the day Boston, Massachusetts made history.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Special thanks to Asa Duffee, Sharon Murphy, Kevin Doyle, Mark Haynes, Lynn Cox, David Vaughan, Gerry Corr, Brian Benscoter, and Joe Garrett for supporting this episode. for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 27
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “My Love is in America,” from deargaArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “D Big Build,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: “Crowley’s,” (reel), from Milton Ceili
Artist: Joey Abarta (pipes), Nathan Gourley (fiddle), Natasha Sheehey (accordion), Devin McCabe (piano), Paddy League (drums); field recording by Kieran Jordan

Tune: “Travel Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: “Midnight Sojourn Intro,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: “Sarki Syrto,” from Traditional Music and Songs From KalymnosArtists: Paddy Panayotis League, Irene Karavokiros & Michalis Kappas

Song: “Roisin Dubh,” from The Man of Songs
Artist: Paddy Tunney

Tune: “Dark Low Jig,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Song: “Asa Branca,” from O Nordeste Na Voz de Luiz GonzagaArtist: Luiz Gonzaga

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: “99 High,” (polka by Randal Bays) from The Blue DressArtist: Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Waimea Rising,” from VignetteArtists: Maeve Gilchrist & Viktor Krauss

Song: “Gringo De Sunga,” from Brazilian Strings TrioArtists: Ted Falcon, Andrew Finn Magill & Nando Duarte

Tune: “Grupai Memories,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Song: “A Beautiful Ending,” from BranchesArtist: Andrew Finn Magill

Tune: “Travel Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Tune: “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” from November 9 2013 Veteran’s Day ParadeArtist: Camas High Marching Band, recorded by daveincamas, licensed under the Attribution Noncommercial License

Song: “Valentine O’Hara,” from Foreign ShoreArtist: Hanz Araki

Song: “E Ten Raku,” from Field RecordingArtists: Koto 5 & Koto 6

Tune: “ Come West Along the Road” (Reel), from Field RecordingArtists: Various Session players, recorded at a house party in Melrose, Mass

Song: “Our Captain Cried,” from At Our Next MeetingArtist: Hanz Araki

Song: “Mon Ran Dawk Kam Tai,” from Tell You in EarnestArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tunes: “Armorica/Laridé/Les Vieux Loudéacs,” from ArmoricaArtist: Nicole Rabata

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Song: “Nansai Og Ni Obarlain,” from Triptych
Artists: Laura Risk, Kieran Jordan & Paddy League

Song: “Um a Zero,” from Benedito Lacerda e PixinguinhaArtists: Benedito Lacerda e Pixinguinha

Tune: “Aunt Jane’s Trip to Norway,” from The Blue DressArtist: Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Bb Intro Groove,”from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton guitar

Song: “The Creel / Out the Door and over the Wall,” from The Missing Liberty TapesArtist: Paul Brady

Tune: “Imperial March,” from The Auburn University Marching Band, Highlights of the 1998 SeasonArtist: Auburn University Marching Band & Dr. Richard D. Good

View Details

What happens when old traditional music and dance move onto modern concert stages? Do Celtic traditions get a big boost? Do they lose anything on the road to the performing arts center? Journey with host Shannon Heaton as she speaks with Jean-Michel Veillon, Matthew Olwell, Steph Geremia, Kevin Crawford, Herschel Freeman, Eileen Ivers, Mick Moloney, Brian O’Donovan, and Rory Makem about how ‘trad’ continues to change, dissolve, evolve, and inspire.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Special thanks to Thomas Madden, Andy Kruspe, Danny Horton, Chris Murphy, Kathleen Biggins, Ted Coyle in honor of Lynn Cox, Gerry Corr, Brian Benscoter, and Joe Garrett for supporting this episode. for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 26all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “My Love is in America,” from deargaArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Dans Loudieg,” from PremièreArtist: Kornog

Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Grupai Memories” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Ton DÈrobÈe,” from PremièreArtist: Jean-Michel Veillon with Kornog

Tune: “D Big Build,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Scottish (Live),” from Live au Cornouaille
Artist: Bagad Kemper

Song: “Tri Martolod (Live),” from Alan StivellArtist: Alan Stivell

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “G Meditation,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Flute Duet,” from Christmas Celtic Sojourn, 2007Artist: Louise Mulcahey and Shannon Heaton

Tune: “The Cameronian,” from fiddler compArtist: Michael Coleman

Song: “Mountain Dew,” from Irish Drinking SongsArtist: The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem

Tune: “Dark Low Jig,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Linnane Terrace,” from The Open RoadArtist: Steph Geremia

Tune: “Eanáir,” from LúnasaArtist: Lúnasa

Tune: “Dans An Dro,” from PremièreArtist: Jamie McMenemy & Soïg Siberil with Kornog

Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Riverdance Medley,” from Eurovision Song Contest
Artist: Katie McMahon with Anúna, with musicians who are mostly unattributed online (would have been Bill Whelan on keyboard with, probably, fiddler Máire Breathnach, sax player Kenneth Edge, and others)
Composers: Michael McGlynn, Bill Whelan

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Apples in Winter,” from An Nollaig: An Irish ChristmasArtist: Eileen Ivers

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Trip to Birmingham,” from CybertradArtist: Matthew Olwell

Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Jesuitmont,” from PremièreArtist: Kornog

Song: “Anarchy In the UK/Silver Spear Mash up,” adapted from Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex PistolsArtist: SP + SH

View Details

Want a sneak peek of future IMS episodes? Tune in to hear a bit about instruments on the fringe of the session; Scottish, Cape Breton, and Irish music connections; the long (global) reach of Celtic traditions; practice habits of traditional players and dancers; the intersection between food, drink, and traditional music; and musical connections to the Overworld!


Special thanks to Susan Walsh, Peggy Bogardus, Nathan Weston, Gerry Corr, Brian Benscoter, and Joe Garrett for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 25
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “G Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “My Love is in America” from DeargaArtists: Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar & bodhran)

Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “The B Minor Cut,” (strathspey) from CutsArtist: Andrea Beaton

Tune: “A Beautiful Ending,” from BranchesArtist: Andrew Finn Magill

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Blue Dress Waltz,” from The Blue DressArtists: Maeve Gilchrist (harp), Shannon Heaton (flute)

Tune: “Aimee and Shodekeh,” from Cybertrad (by Matthew Olwell) Artists: Aimee Curl (bass), Shodekeh Talifero (voice)

Tune: “Reavy’s,” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpArtists: Oisin Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald, Micheal O'Ruanaigh

Tune: “Across the Border,” (by Koji Nagao) from tricolor BIGBANDArtist: Yuka Nakafuji and Tricolor

View Details

What was the earliest Irish music live streaming event? Billy McComiskey revisits the night TWO accordion giants gave a concert in the Catskills while a landlord in NYC tuned in; and Rose Flanagan remembers how her dad and his buddy learned tunes on their bikes, for this short between-season installment.


Special thanks to Rolf Wagels, Gregor Brinkschulte, Robert Levelle, Sharon Murphy, Brian Benscoter, Billie Neal, and Joe Garrett for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 24
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Tap Room” from Session in the KitchenArtists: Dan Gurney (accordion), Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “After Hours Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Behind The Bush In Parkhanna,” (fling) from Swimming Against The FallsArtist: Joey Abarta

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Humours of Tulla” (AKA first tune from “The Cooley Set”), from CrossroadsArists: Mairtin O'Connor, Seamie O'Dowd & Cathal Hayden

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Reavy’s,” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpArtists: Oisin Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald, Micheal O'Ruanaigh

View Details

What’s a sure-fire way to make your season bright? Check out this PLAYLIST and collection of mini-stories from Laurel Martin, Kevin Crawford, Daithi Sproule, Maeve Gilchrist & Nic Gareiss, Trad Youth Exchange, Liz Carroll, The Makem and Spain Brothers, and Cherish the Ladies.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Special thanks to Susan Bippus, Joseph Garrett, Lynn Cox, Billie Neal, and Brian Benscoter for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 23
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Free the Heel,” from Session in the KitchenArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Grupai Ceol Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tunes: “The Newtown Bridge, The Thrush in the Bush,” (Jigs) from Larks & ThrushesArtist: Laurel Martin (fiddle)

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tunes: “Tommy Peoples’, The Long Drop, Callaghan’s,” (Reels) from In Good CompanyArtists: Kevin Crawford (flute), Tommy Peoples (fiddle), Arty McGlynn (guitar), Jim Higgins (bodhran)

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Golden Slumbers,” from OverlandArtists: Daithi Sproule (voice, guitar), Randal Bays (fiddle)

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “The Sand Hunter,” from Celtic Colours LIVE Vol. 2Artists: Maeve Gilchrist (harp), Nic Gareiss (feet)

Tune: “Grupai” reprise from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tunes: “Sean Bui, Tatter Jack Walsh” (Jigs) from From Tulla To Boston: Live At The BurrenArtist: Trad Youth Exchange

Tunes: “Barbra Streisand's Trip to Saginaw, Michael Connell’s,” (Reels) from On the OffbeatArtists: Liz Carroll (fiddle), Sean Óg Graham (guitar), Trevor Hutchinson (bass)

Tune: “John’s Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Ha’penny Bridge,” from Home Away from Home (Live from the Mother Lode Theatre In Butte, MT)Artists: The Makem and Spain Brothers

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tunes: “Old Maids Of Galway, Flooded Road to Glentease, Sunny Banks, Free and Easy,” (Reels) from An Irish HomecomingArtists: Cherish the Ladies

Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Lucky Dozen, the Skylark,” (Mazurka & Reel) from Blue Skies AboveArtist: Shannon Heaton (whistle), Matt Heaton (guitar), Paddy League (drums)

View Details

What’s the secret formula for parent-performers? With Chicago-based box player John Williams and Boston guitarist Matt Heaton share two unique approaches to keeping the music and the insight factory going strong, while still tucking in to family. (Hint: it works for non-parents, too.) Host Shannon Heaton’s conversations with these wildly inventive musicians might inspire you to hustle, to do your best, to keep learning, and to avoid drinking unsavory water.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Special thanks to Michael Wilson, Aubrey Atwater, Adrian Glover, Billie Neal, and Brian Benscoter for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 22
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: Tap Room,” from Session in the KitchenArtists: Dan Gurney (accordion), Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “John’s Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Meaning of Life” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Cuckoo Waltz” from Plays Polka HitsArtist: Frankie Yankovic

Tune: “Midnight Sojourn Waltz intro” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “McGreevy's Favorite/Hold The Reins,” from John WilliamsArtist: John Williams

Song: “Ni Na La,” (AKA Nil Na La) from SolasArtist: Solas

Tune: “After Hours Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Triumph Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Twins' Dance Party / Sylvia's & Mikey's Reels” from Raven
Artists: John Williams & Dean Magraw

Tune: “My Love is in America,” from Dearga
Artists: Matt Heaton (guitar), Shannon Heaton (flute)

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Don’t Drink the Water (That Your Butt’s Been In)” from Toddlerbilly RiotArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Jackson’s Jig,” from Kitchen Session Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Shoe the Donkey,” from Kitchen SessionArtist: Matt Heaton (banjo)

Tune: “Travel Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Lover’s Lament,” from Lovers’ WellArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton with Nic Gareiss (feet)

Song: “Happy Holidays,” from Snow Day!Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Road to Garrison,” from Dearga
Artist: Matt & Shanon Heaton with George Keith (fiddle)

Tunes: “The Big Reel Of Ballynacally/The High Hill/Flash Away The Pressing Gang,” from Sunny Spells and Scattered ShowersArtist: Solas

Tune: “Spoon Breaker Jam,” from Live from the Living RoomArtist: Nigel Heaton

View Details

What do Benjamin Moore paints have to do with Irish bands, modern performance practice, and gender balance? Insights from Karan Casey, Brian Ó hAirt, Laura Cortese, Nic Gareiss, Ellery Klein, and Dr. Lisa Coyne uncover different shades of inclusivity in the Irish tradition, 150 years after house paint titans Benjamin and Robert Moore emigrated from County Monaghan to Brooklyn, New York.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Special thanks to Scott Maurer, Davy McDonald, Roberta Zukauskas, Billie Neal, and Brian Benscoter for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 21
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Leaving the Station,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Following the North Star,” from Freedom Highway
Artist: Rhiannon Giddens

Tune: “Silver,” from Silver
Artist & Composer: Hanneke Cassel

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Rambling Irishman,” from Best of DeDanaanArtist: DeDanaan

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Petronella,” from Dance
Artist: Lissa Schneckenburger

Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Dobbin’s Flowery Vale,” from An Spealadóir
Artist: Bua

Tune: “First Date,” from Lovers’ WellArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: The Sister's Cat (jigs) from Music in the Glen
Artist: Music in the Glen (Conor Lamb, Brendan Mulholland & Deirdre Galway)

Song: “The Song of the Seal,” from Seal Maiden-Celtic Musical
Artist: Karan Casey

Tune: “Shady Spot,” from Blue Skies AboveArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Dance: “Thunderstorm,” from RiverdanceArtist & Choreographer: Michael Flatley and company

Song: “Injured Shoulder,” from Emma Beaton & Nic GareissArtist: Emma Beaton & Nic Gareiss

Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Abbey Reel," from Kitchen Session Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: “Never Gonna Be Alone,” from Dark Horse
Artist: Nickelback

Tune: “Mr Oconnor-The Broken Pledge,” from A Sweetish TuneArtist: Noctambule

Song/Tune: “Mouth Music,” from Factory Girl - EPArtist: Rhiannon Giddens

Tune: “The Chair Dance,” from An Irish HomecomingArtist: Cherish the Ladies

View Details

What’s the story with traditional music and dance camps? And with Irish, Scottish and New England fiddling gatherings in every time zones, who heads to these annual events? Host Shannon Heaton talks with Mick Moloney, Kathleen Conneely, Seamus Connolly, Lissa Schneckenburger, Robbie O’Connell, Kevin Crawford, Cecilia Farran, Deirdre Cronin, Fiona Howell, and Brennish Thomson about what motivates instructors and students. Whether you already play or dance trad (or you’ve never had a Stroopwaffel) these stories might inspire you to pack your own flashlight and tune notebook in search of connection, creativity, and community.

Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below.


Special thanks to John MacDonald, John Kerr, Sharon Murphy, Paul DeCamp, Billie Neal, and Brian Benscoter for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 20
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune:"Pound the Floor," from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune:"Hometown Lullaby," from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "The Collier's Reel," from Classics of Irish Piping Artist: Leo Rowsome

Track: "Halloween_Street02," from FreeSound
Artist: Pooleside, licensed under the Attribution License

Tune: "Kitty in the Lane," from Beginish Artist: Paul O'Shaughnessy

Tune: "The Blackbird and the Hen, from Uncommon Bonds
Artist: Mick Moloney

Tune: "Abbey Reel," from Kitchen Session Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Reel Beatrice/The Abbey Reel," from Liz Carroll
Artist: Liz Carroll & Dá¡thí­ Sproule

Tune: "Heartstrings Theme," from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "A Week Before Easter," from Recollections Vol 1 Artist: Robbie O'Connell

Tune: "Meaning of Life," from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Free the Heel," from Rehearsal
Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: "Megan & Jarrod," from Ports of Call Artist: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas

Tune: "John's Theme," from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Eugenia's Waltz," from Dance Artist: Lissa Schneckenburger

Tune: Session Reel
Artist: Baltimore musicians, including Sean McComiskey, Josh Dukes, Laura Byrne (playing the part of Red Sox bleachers musicians)

Tune: "Mountain Lark," from Carrying the Tune Artist: Kevin Crawford

Tune: "Dermot Grogan's" from The Coming of Spring Artist: Kathleen Conneely

Tune: "Slip Jig Dreams," from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Larry Get Out of the Bin / Elzic's Farewell," from Rubai Artist: Flook

View Details

How did fiddle player and composer Liz Carroll get her groove? How does anybody living a creative life manage? Liz’s thoughts about weathering different creative chapters, appreciating different styles, and savoring all the little moments are an antidote to the frazzled, the doubters, the unsure.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Special thanks to Brian Benscoter, Scott Maurer, Michael Wilson, and Billie Neal for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 19
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Drying Out,” from Dear Old Erin's Isle: Irish Traditional Music from AmericaArtist: Liz Carroll (fiddle)

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “King of the Fairies,” from Cover the BuckleArtist: Sean Clohessy (fiddle), Sean McComiskey (accordion), Kieran Jordan (feet)

Tune: “Boys of Bluehil,” from Acadia Trad School Concert
Artist: Jimmy Keane (accordion)

Tune: “Monemohill Reel & The Brocca Reel,” from A Friend IndeedArtist: Liz Carroll (fiddle), Marty Fahey (piano)

Tune: “The Lough Derg Cross (Air)” from Religion, Metalwork, And Ceramics
Artist: Liz Carroll and Friends

Tune: “After Hours Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “The Ash Plant,” from The Windy GapArtist: Laurence Nugent with Kevin Henry (flutes)

Tune: “April's Fool,” from Acadia Trad School ConcertArtist: Jimmy Keane (accordion), Liz Carroll (fiddle), John Doyle (guitar), Matt Heaton (bouzouki)

Tune: “The Western Reel/The Road To Recovery,” from Liz CarrollArtist: Liz Carroll (fiddle), Daithi Sproule (guitar)

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “The Diplodocus//The Gandy Dancer/,” from TrianArtist: Trian AKA Liz Carroll (fiddle), Billy McComiskey (accordion), Daithi Sproule (guitar)

Two Polkas: “Sock In The Hole/The Hole In The Sock,” from Liz CarrollArtist: Liz Carroll (fiddle), Daithi Sproule (guitar)

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “The Rock Reel, The Morning Dew, Reeling On The Box,” from Lake EffectArtist: Liz Carroll (fiddle), John Doyle (guitar)

Tune: “Air Tune,” (composed by Liz Carroll), from Roots of the Banjo TreeArtist: We Banjo 3

View Details

Is there magic in the medium? Do different recorded formats influence how we hear and absorb traditional music? Are we missing out on anything now that it’s much easier to record and FIND recordings online? Jeff Kszaiek, Kieran Jordan, Happy Traum, Steph Geremia, Kirsten Allstaff, Elizabeth Sweeney, Jacob Deck, and Natalya Kay help host Shannon Heaton explore early wax cylinder recordings, VR music sessions and YouTube videos, and the special in-between realm of the cassette tape.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Special thanks to Brian Benscoter, Mark Haynes, Chris McGlone, and Billie Neal for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 18
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Scotch Mary” (Reel) from The Francis O’Neill Cylinders: Thirty-two Recordings of Irish Traditional Music in America circa 1904Artist: Patsy Touhey, James Early & John McFadden

Tune: “Scotch Mary,” from JolieArtist: Nightingale (accordion Jeremiah McClane, guitar Keith Murphy, fiddle Becky Tracy

Tune: “Mick Finn’s” aka “Killavil Reel,” from Session Tape at Cruise’s Pub
Artist: Siobhan Peoples (fiddle), Murt Ryan (accordion)

Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton, guitar

Tune: “Grupai Ceol Theme,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton, guitar

Tune: “Chief O’Neill’s Favorite” (hornpipe), from instructional book Oil for the Chain
Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Monaghan Jig,” from The Francis O’Neill Cylinders: Thirty-two Recordings of Irish Traditional Music in America circa 1904Artist: Patsy Touhey

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton, guitar

Tune: “The Blackbird,” from Cover the Buckle
Artist: Kieran Jordan (feet), Sean Clohessy (fiddle), Sean McComiskey (accordion)

Tunes: “The Beauty Spot/The Ballnahoun Reel/The Cashmere Shawl,” from John WilliamsArtist: John Williams (accordion) — and Dean?

Tune: “Modal Groove,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Linnane Terrace, from The Open RoadArtist: Steph Geremia

Tune: “Bobby Casey’s” from The Green MountainArtist: Pat O'Connor (fiddle)

Tune: “Whistling Postman,” from Boston Session at Kitty O’Shea’sArtist: Sean Gannon (accordion), George Keith (fiddle)

Tune: “Whistling Postman, from CarouselArtist: Seamus Maguire (fiddle)

Tune: “Whistling Postman, from Last Night’s FunArtist: John Carty (fiddle)

Tune: “Pearl O'Shaughnessy's Barndance, from GallowglassArtist: Kirsten Allstaff

Tune: “Trip to Durrow,” from Shannon’s sunroomArtist: Jacob Deck (whistle) with Shannon assist on flute

Tune: “Eanáir,” from LúnasaArtist: Lúnasa

View Details

Why do old ballads endure? Does it make sense to sing about Willie and Mary, when our playgrounds are filled with Ozzies and Loxleys? Do we really need to say “my love is like a red, red rose,” or can’t we use a modern metaphor and call her really hot? Laura Cortese, Cathy Jordan, Sam Amidon, Robbie O’Connell, and Karan Casey help host Shannon Heaton explore old ballads in a dating app era.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Special thanks to Brian Benscoter, Pat Wilcox, Mike Schock, Billie Neal for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 17
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Song: “Lovely Annie,” from Tell You in Earnest
Artists: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Song: “Shanagolden,” from The Thrush in the Storm
Artist: Dervish (Cathy Jordan singing)

Song: “Sabai Sabai”
Artist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Low Hum,” from California Calling
Artist: Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards

Song: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Banks of Red Roses,” fromHappy DazeArtist: Karine Polwart with the Battlefield Band

Song: “After Hours Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Jersey City,” from Nic Gareiss & Emma BeatonArtists: Nic Gareiss & Emma Beaton

Song: “Lily-O” from Lily-O
Artist: Sam

Tunes: “Jackie Coleman’s Reel” from Music at Matt Molloy’sArtists: Matt Molloy and co.

Song: Streets of Derry” from Bright Sunny SouthArtist: Sam Amidon

Song: “Pretty Fair Damsel” from I See the SignArtist: Sam Amidon

Song: “The Green Gowned Lass,” from Thrush in the StormArtist: Dervish

Song: “Érin Grá Mo Chroí,” from Midsummer’s NightArtist: Dervish

Tune: “The Rolling Wave,” from Thrush in the StormArtist: Dervish

Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Once There Was a Little Girl” from Children’s Songs and StoriesArtist: Ed McCurdy

Song: “The Keeper of the Songs,” Live at WGBHArtist: Robbie O’Connell

Song: “The Winning Side,” from The Rights of Man: The Concert for Joseph DohertyArtists: Robbie O’Connell, Mick Moloney, Jimmy Keane

Song: “Siúil Arun” AKA Johnny’s Gone for Soldier, from SolasArtists: Solas

Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Ae Fond Kiss,” from Ships in the ForestArtist: Karan Casey

Song: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” from I Am…. Sasha FierceArtist: Beyoncé

View Details

What exactly IS folklore… and tradition (in 2018)? Host Shannon Heaton talks with accordion players Billy, Sean and Mikey McComiskey and folklorist Maggie Holtzberg about stories that transcend the bellows of the button box. Learn why it’s important to “sustain, enshrine, and pass on living traditions.”

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Special thanks to Susan Walsh, Chris Stuart, Brian Benscoter, Randall Semagin and Sebastian Winterflood for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 16
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Free the Heel” (reel), from Rehearsal, circa 2013
Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “St. Patrick’s Day,” from Cover the BuckleArtists: Seán Clohessy, Sean Mccomiskey, Josh Dukes, Matt Mulqueen, Kieran Jordan

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Pound the Floor ,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “The Blackthorn” from Joe Cooley
Artist: Joe Cooley

Tune: “The Diamond,” from Out of the BoxArtist: Billy McComiskey

Tune: HORNPIPE from Live at Millennium Stage
Artist: Billy, Sean, Mikey, Pat McComiskey

Tune: “After Hours Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: Silver Spear, from Kitchen Session
Artist: Sean McComiskey, Cleek Schrey

Tune: Ratholdran Castle, from Trian II
Artist: Billy McComiskey, Liz Carroll, Daithi Sproule

Tune: “When the Cock Crows it is Morn” from Live at Millennium Stage
Artist: Sean McComiskey, Josh Dukes

View Details

What’s at the core of Irish dance music? Host Shannon Heaton talks to Eileen Ivers, Nic Gareiss, Marla Fibish, and Jimmy Keane about trad ‘feel’ and how our instruments, our bodies, our intentions, our culture, and even magical forces shape our rhythmic sense.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Special thanks to Art Costa, Eoin Stan O'Sullivan, Holly Foy and John Hruschka, Peter Bartman, and Brian Benscoter for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 15
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Maid Behind the Bar,” flute rhythm demo
Artist: Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Apples in Winter,” from An Nollaig: An Irish ChristmasArtist: Eileen Ivers

Song: “Only Love" from Change of SeasonArtist: Daryl Hall & John Oates

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Paddy Canny’s Toast” from A Sweetish TuneArtist: Noctambule (Marla Fibish, Bruce Victor)

Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist/Composer: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Man of Few Words” from Foreign FieldsArtist: This is How We Fly

Tune: “Maid Behind the Bar,” quarter-size fiddle demo
Artist: Hannon Sheaton

Tune: “Travel Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist/Composer: Matt Heaton

Tune: “After Hours Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist/Composer: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Yellow Tinker,” from Cormac Begley 2017
Artist: Cormac Begley

Tune: “Boys of Bluehill, Westport Jig,” from Live at the Acadia Trad SchoolArtist: Jimmy Keane

Tune: “House of Ancestors,” from Volume 1: Sound Magic
Artist: Afro Celt Sound System

Tune: “The Boy in the Boat” (reel), from Rehearsal recording from circa 2008
Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

View Details

What did Irish Boston look like in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s? What were the days of social dance halls all about? Host Shannon Heaton talks to Sue Lindsay, Joanie Madden, Kevin Doyle, Helen Kisiel, and Brian O’Donovan about this colorful time in Irish American history… and about immigration in an Irish key.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Special thanks to Michele Sims, John Mullen, Kerstin Otten, Brian Benscoter, William Dodd, Jack McCreless, Mark Johnson for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 14
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Free the Heel” (reel), from RehearsalArtist: Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist: Matt Heaton

Song: “I’m Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover,” from The Big Brass Band from Brazil (1948)
Artist: Art Mooney, vocals, with Mike Pignatore, banjo
Composer: Mort Dixon and Harry M. Woods.

Tune: “Celtic Reprise” from Production Music made for Irish Music Stories
Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Song: “Thousands Are Sailing to America,” from Parallel Lines
Artist: Andy Irvine
Composer: Traditional words, music by Andy

Tune: “Abbey Reel” (reel) from Kitchen Session
Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Buttons and Bows"
Artist: Gene Autry
Composer: Music by Jay Livingston, lyrics by Ray Evans.

Tune: "Inisheer," from Ireland’s HarvestArtist: Joe Derrane

Tune: Siege of Ennis
Artist: Johnny Powell Band

Tune: Ennis Encounter (Jig)
Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton
Composer: Brendan Tonra

Tune: “Rambling Man” (reel) from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “After Hours Theme,” from Production Music made for Irish Music Stories
Artist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Kevin Keegan’s,” from Galway AfternoonArtists: Joe and Joanie Madden

Song: “‘Neath Her Shawl of Galway Grey"
Artist: Connie Foley, with Mickey Carton’s Orchestra

Tune: “Tom Ashe’s March, Black Haired Lass, Spike Island Lasses ” from Kitchen session
Artist: Dan Gurney (accordion), Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Cape Breton Breakdown”
Artist: Jerry’s Hayshakers

Tune: "Quinn of Armagh," from Banks of the ShannonArtist: Seamus Connolly

Tune: “Cat’s Meow,” from An Irish HomecomingArtist: Cherish the Ladies
Composer: Joanie Madden

Tune: “Shoe the Donkey,” from Kitchen session
Artist: Matt Heaton (banjo)

View Details

What’s up with the word ‘Celtic,’ and what does it have to do with Irish music? Why does the C-Word sometimes come off as non-specific, simplistic, or academic? Host Shannon Heaton unpacks the meaning and mysteries of Celtic culture with Seamus Egan, Neil Pearlman, Marc Gunn, Ellery Klein, and coffee drinkers at Mystic Roaster in Medford, Mass.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Special thanks to Brian Benscoter, Kevin O’Neil, Rex Edwards, and Hannah Derusha for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 13
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Free the Heel” (reel), from Rehearsal
Artist: Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Many Splendored Celtic Music Fantasia,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist/Composer: Ryan Beveridge

Tune: “Many Splendored Acoustic Reprise,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist/Composer: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Hugo’s Big Reel,” from The Turning TideArtist: Solas

Song: “Weep Not for the Memories,” from Brothers McMullen SoundtrackArtist: Sarah McLaughlin
Composer: Seamus Egan

Tune: “Hector the Hero Medley,” from 2015 Worlds CompetitionArtist: Inveray District Pipe Band

Tunes: “Jig Runrig, The Ramnee Ceilidh,” from Highlander’s Farewell
Artists: Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas

Song: “Jedi Drinking Song Prequel,” from Sci Fi Drinking Songs
Artist/Composer: Marc Gunn

Tune: “Fingerstyle Fantasia,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist/Composer: Matt Heaton

Song: “The Call,” from The Greatest Journey – Essential CollectionArtist: Celtic Woman
Composer: David Downes

Song: “A Place in the Choir,” from The Very Best of Celtic Thunder
Artist: Celtic Thunder

Song: “Johnny Tarr,” from Special ReserveArtist/Composer: Gaelic Storm

Song: “Kiss Me I’m Irish,” from Bring Yer Wellies
Artist/Composer: Gaelic Storm

Tune: “Marie’s Cabin, Rachel on her Feet,” from Salt & Pepper
Artist/Composer: Ellery Klein

View Details

What’s on tap for Season Two of Irish Music Stories? In 2018, host Shannon Heaton will explore mid century Dance Halls; old ballads in a millennial world; Irish summer schools; the HEARTBEAT of traditional music and… the C-Word. (Um, ‘Celtic’…)

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Special thanks to Brian Benscoter for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


MUSIC heard on IMS Episode 12
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Free the Heel” (reel), from rehearsalArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Song: “Saro,” from All is Well Artist: Sam Amidon

Tune: “Oil for the Chain” (jig), from dearga Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

View Details

Why listen to Irish Music Stories? The common thread of this month’s stories is, of course, Irish music. But it’s not the only thread. Digging into stories—whether they center around Irish music, chess, or ballet—uncovers real struggle and triumph. And it gives us all something to cheer about, something to remember.

Here are memorable stories from Season One and a gentle remix of “Trip to Sligo,” the story of Cormac Gaj and his Irish music journey.


Special thanks to Brian Benscoter, Isobel McMahon, Peter Bartman, and Brandon Kennedy for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music and Poetry Heard on Episode 11-Return to Sligo
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “The Tap Room” (reel), from rehearsal
Artist: Dan Gurney (accordion), Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories
Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Travel Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Grupai Ceoil Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Closing Tune: “Black Rogue” (jig), from rehearsal
Artist: Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

PLUS this ADDITIONAL MUSIC HEARD in original broadcast of Episode 01:

Tune: “I’m Waiting for You” and “The Magpie’s Nest” (reels), from The Banks of the ShannonArtist: Seamus Connolly (fiddle), Charlie Lennon (piano)

Tune: “The Imperial Set” (first tune is “Follow Me Down to Milltown”), from Live in LisdoonvarnaArtist: Kilfenora Céilí Band

Tune: “Jennifer Molloy’s” (Jig), from From Tulla to Boston: Live at the BurrenArtist: Mary MacNamara (from the Trad Youth Exchange)

Tune: “Joe Cooley’s Reel,” from From Tulla to Boston: Live at the BurrenArtist: Tulóg and Realta Gaela (from the Trad Youth Exchange)

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “High Part of the Road” (Jig), 1976 field recording made by Liz Carroll
Artist: Bridge Céilí Band

View Details

What does the Irish language have to do with the Beatles? If it hadn’t been for an unlikely stew of songs of pop music and songs learned in the Gaeltacht, singer and guitarist Dáithí Sproule might never have opened his heart to harmony and arranging. Host Shannon Heaton’s conversation with Dáithí details a beautiful integration of Irish and Beatles songs, with a mandate of beauty, respect, and mindfulness.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Special thanks to Brian Benscoter, David Laveille, Parker Abercrombie, and Brad Anderson for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 10 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Cup of Tea” (reel), from Rehearsal Recording, 2017
Artist: Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: "Beidh Aonach Amárach," from Best of Altan
Artist: Altan featuring Mairéadh Ni Mhaonaigh

Air: “Johnny Seoighe,” (instrumental version of the song), from the Crow in the Sun, 2008Artist: Dáithí Sproule

Song: "Blackbird," Lon-dubh downloadArtist: Julie Fowlis

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Johnny Seoige,” from Trian, 1992Artist: Trian featuring Daithi Sproule, Liz Carroll, Billy McComiskey

Tunes: “Dark Haired Lass, Biddy from Muckross” (reels), from Blackwater, 1996Artist: Altan

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “Grapefruit Moon,” from Overland, 2004
Artist: Randal Bays & Daithi Sproule
Composer: Tom Waits

Song: “My Dearest Dear,” from Trian, 1992Artist: Trian featuring Daithi Sproule, Liz Carroll, Billy McComiskey

Tunes: The Stage; the Western,” from Traditional Music of Ireland, 1995Artist: James Kelly, Paddy O'Brien & Daithi Sproule

View Details

Why do traditional musicians place a premium on humor and social rapport? Rory Makem, John Doyle, John Williams, Aidan Collins, Pauline Logue, Lisa Coyne, and Siobhan and Brendan McKinney help Shannon investigate the deep wellspring of Irish wit. Whether you already have an arsenal of quick comebacks, or you’ve never heard Irish people slag each other, this episode digs behind the banter.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Special thanks to Matt Barlow, Brian Benscoter, and Mark Johnson for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 09 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tunes: “Tap Room, Mountain Road, Galway Rambler” (reels), from Rehearsal Recording, c. 2009
Artist: Dan Gurney (accordion), Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Ramblin’ Man” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “John’s Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Sabai Sabai” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Hometown Lullaby” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song/Tune: “Dawn Song and The Killavil” from Rehearsal recordingArtists: Dan Gurney, Shannon Heaton, Matt Heaton

Tune: “Abbey Reel: from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Travel Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Song: “The Hawk And The Crow,” from The Light And The Half-Light, 2004Artists: Sean Doyle with John Doyle

Song/Tune: “Mountain Dew,” from Irish Drinking SongsArtists: The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem

Song: “Parting Glass,” from Live Farewell Concert at EnVie, Boulder, CO, 2001
Artists: Siucra featuring Beth Leachman Gadbaw

View Details

How does Irish dance connect with traditional music today? And what’s up with all the different types of social, performative, and competitive trad dance? Kieran Jordan, Liam Ó Scanláin, the Glencastle Irish Dancers, and Jimmy Keane help host Shannon Heaton detangle a few musical threads in Irish dance today.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Special thanks to Seán McGinnis, John Kerr, Brian Benscoter, Davy McDonald, and two anonymous donors for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 08 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tunes: “Mount Phoebus Hunt and The Hunted,” from Cover the buckleArtists: Seán Clohessy, Sean McComiskey, and Kieran Jordan

Tune: “Tracing the Lines,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “The Three Sea Captains,” from Cover the buckleArtists: Seán Clohessy, Sean McComiskey, and Kieran Jordan

Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tunes: “Reagan’s, Shepherd's Daughter, Rolling In The Hay, Colonel Rodney,” from boholaArtists: Jimmy Keane, Sean Cleland, Pat Broaders

Tune: “The Sand Hunter,” composed by Maeve Gilchrist from Celtic Colours Live, Vol. 2 (2013)Artists: Nic Gareiss, Maeve Gilchrist

Tune: “Munster Buttermilk,” from Solo FiddleArtist: Sam Amidon

Tune: “Miltown Girls,” from Solo FiddleArtist: Sam Amidon

Tune: “Breath, Body, Movement,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: "The Priest And His Boots," from Cover the buckleArtists: Seán Clohessy, Sean McComiskey, and Kieran Jordan

Tunes: “Anlon McKinney, Mind the Dresser,” composed by Liz Carroll from Christmas Celtic Sojourn Live 2010Artists: Nic Gareiss, Liz Carroll

View Details

What’s the buzz behind the uilleann pipes? Here’s the story of Irish piping: how the chanter, drones, and regulators hum together…. and how the lure, the lore, and the love of the uilleann pipes go for The Rowsome family, Tim Britton, Tom Rota, Patrick Hutchinson, and Isaac Alderson.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Special thanks to Brian Benscoter and two anonymous donors for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 07 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “Silver Spear,” from Kitty Lie OverArtists: Mick O'Brien & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Tom Billy's Butcher's March,” from Swimming Against the FallsArtist: Joey Abarta

Tune: “Triumph Theme” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Tune: “Padraig O'Keefe's 1 & 2/The Humours Of Ballydaly” from Notes from the HeartArtists: Louise and Michelle Mulcahy

Tune: “The Praties are Dug and the Frost is All Over” from 40 Years of PipingArtist: Seamus Ennis

Tune: “Pipe Solo - Slow Air” from Standing Barefoot at the AltarArtist: Tim Britton with Chulrua

Tune: “McFarley’s/Mill Na Maídí” from Harvest StormArtist: Altan

Tune: “Jackson’s Frieze Coat” from Irish Wind MusicArtist: Bill Ochs

Tune: “Kesh Jig” from In ConcertArtist: Bothy Band

Tune: “The Old Coolun” from Take Me TenderArtist: Jimmy O’Brien Moran

Tune: “Garret Barry’s/The Bucks of Oranmore” from In ConcertArtist: Paddy Keenan with the Bothy Band

View Details

What’s up with Irish ‘backing’? How does accompaniment fit in the melodic Irish tradition, and how does it feel to invent chords for Irish tunes and songs? Accompanists Matt Heaton, Neil Pearlman, Keith Murphy, and John Doyle talk about share their thoughts on culture, conversation, and the role that guitar, bouzouki, piano, and harp (and flow state) play in Irish music.

There’s plenty of music here, too. Credits below.


Special thanks to Patrick O’Leary, Art Costa, Paul Willson, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 06 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Song: “Lily of the West,” from Lovers’ WellArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton (this track with Keith Murphy)

Tune: “Mist Covered Mountain and Tell Her I Am,” from DeargaArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

Tune: “Run to Fly,” from Run to FlyArtist: Alba’s Edge (feat. Neil Pearlman)

Tune: “The Phoenix,” from January EPArtist: Assembly (feat. Keith Murphy)

Song: “Buonaparte,” from Bound for CanaanArtist: Keith Murphy

Tune: “The Rock Reel Set,” from Lake EffectArtist: Liz Carroll with John Doyle

Tune: “Johnny Going to Ceilidh,” from DemoArtist: Matt Heaton, Flynn Cohen

View Details

How does Irish music get handed down? Host Shannon Heaton travels to New York, County Galway, and Boston to talk with musicians about how they learned their music, and how this has led them to pass it on. Hear stories about from Rose Flanagan, Margie Mulvahill, Patty Furlong, Séan Clohessy, Séamus Connolly, and Josie and her dad John Coyne.

The stories here go way beyond jigs and reels. And there’s plenty of music, too. Playlists and much more at IrishMusicStories.org


Special thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org

View Details

Can you really open a pub with a tune and a dream? Siobhan and Brendan McKinney and Tommy McCarthy, owners of two of North America’s most esteemed Irish pubs, talk about what happened to them when they put the music and the welcome first.


Special thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for supporting this epiosode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 04
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “The Boy in the Boat” (reel), from Rehearsal recording from circa 2008
Artist: Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Meaning of Life Theme,” from Production Music made for Irish Music Stories
Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "My Love is in America "(reel), from Pajama Sessions
Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Lord McDonald (reel)," from The Enduring Magic (coll. of restored original recordings from c. 1944)
Artist: Michael Coleman (fiddle), Ed Geoghegan (piano)

Tune: "Sabai Sabai," from Pajama Sessions
Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)
Composer: Matt Heaton

Tune: "Jackson’s Jig," from Pajama Sessions
Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Abbey Reel," from Pajama Sessions
Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Ramblin’ Man Theme," from from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Meaning of Life Reprise," from from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Marty Fahey March," from Chief O’Neill’s Pub session
Artist: Brendan McKinney (flute), Siobhan McKinney (flute), John Williams (piano)

Tune: "Si Beag Si Mor," from Pajama Sessions
Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar), Shannon Heaton (flute)

View Details

Why do people all around the world head out to Irish music sessions. Big-hearted session hosts Tina Lech, John Williams, Eoin O’Neill, and Brian Conway help host Shannon Heaton decode what their weekly gatherings in Boston, Chicago, Clare, and New York mean to them—and to all the regulars. Boston producer Brian O’Donovan, fiddle teacher Laurel Martin, and flute players Melissa Foster and Scott Boag also weigh in.


Special thanks to this month’s supporters: Patrick O’Leary, Art Costa, Paul Willson, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

And please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music Heard on IMS Episode 03 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: "The Tap Room & Galway Rambler" (reels), from rehearsal recording
Artist: Dan Gurney (accordion), Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Song: "Sunday Bloody Sunday," from WarArtist & Composer: U2

Song: "I’m Shipping up to Boston," from Warrior’s Code
Artist: Dropkick Murphys
Composer: orig. lyrics by Woody Guthrie

Song: "Whiskey in the Jar," recorded on three different Dubliners albums
Artist: Dubliners

Song: "Orinoco Flow" (Sail Away), from WatermarkArtist & Composer: Enya aka Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin

Tune: "Jim Donohue’s & Maud Millar," from Session at the Druid
Artists: George Keith (fiddle), Tina Lech (fiddle), Shannon Heaton (flute)

Tune: "Blackhaired Lass," from Session at the Druid
Artists: George Keith (fiddle), Adam Cole Mullen (fiddle), Shannon Heaton (flute)

Tune: "Hometown Lullaby," from Production music made for Irish Music Stories
Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Rainy Day," from Session at the Druid
Artists: Kathleen Conneely (whistle), Declan Foley (fiddle), Mikey McComiskey

Tune: "Out on the Ocean," from Session at Celtic Knot
Artists: John Williams (accordion) et al

Tune: "John’s Theme," from Production music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Bucks of Oranmore," from Session at Celtic Knot
Artists: John Williams (accordion) et al

Tune: "It Goes As Follies & Eddie Duffy’s," from The Blue DressArtist: Shannon Heaton

Tune: "After Hours Theme," from Production music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Fasten the Leg on Her & Wandering Minstrel," from Session at Dunne’s
Artist: Brian Conway (fiddle)

Tunes: "Rakes Of Clonmel, The Kiltimagh Jig, Ned Coleman's Jig," from Steam
Artist: John Williams

View Details

What’s it like to have a head full of songs? Waterford singer Karan Casey talks about Irish songs, and how learning a song from someone is really about making connections. This conversation urged host Shannon Heaton to listen–and sing–just a little more. There’s also a poem from Louis De Paor, and plenty of music (full playlist below).


Special thanks to Karan for the great chat. Thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

And please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music and Poetry Heard on IMS Episode 02
all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Song: "Sailing Off to the Yankee Land," from Exiles Return
Artist: Karan Casey (voice), John Doyle (guitar)

Song: guitar interlude to the Nightingale
Artist: John Doyle (guitar)

Song: "The Wounded Hussar," from My Name is Napoleon BonaparteArtist: Frank Harte

Song: "How High the Moon," from The Legendary Decca RecordingsArtist: Ella Fitzgerald
Composer: Nancy Hamilton & Morgan Lewis

Song: "Peigin Lettermore," from Celtic RootsArtist: Kids arranged by Donal Lunny & Mike McGoldrick

Song: singing classical excerpt
Artist: Karan Casey’s students

Song: "Song of the Seal," from Seal Maiden-Celtic MusicalArtist: Karan Casey

Song: "King’s Shilling," from live in our interview room
Artist: Karan Casey
Composer: Ian Sinclair

Song: "A Stor Mo Chroi," from live in our interview room
Artist: Karan Casey

Poem: "Didjeridu," recited during interview
Performer & Poet: Louis de Paor

Tunes: "First House in Connaught Reel Set," from Hangin’ at the CrossroadsArtist: Ceili Bandits (Yvonne Casey, fiddle; Eoin O’Neill, bouzouki; Quentin Cooper, dijeridoo)

View Details

This inaugural episode investigates why 400,000 people–and a band of kids from Boston–ended up at the All Ireland music competition in Sligo. With visits to Boston, Dublin, Clare, and Chicago,host Shannon Heaton digs into what the competition meant to all the kids, parents, and teachers who were involved in the qualifying round in New Jersey, and the big summer Fleadh in Ireland.

Meet young piper Cormac Gaj, teachers at Comhaltas Music Schools, concertina player Mary MacNamara in Tulla, and fiddle player Liz Carroll… and there’s a Yeats poem here, too, recited by Anne Marie Kennedy.


Special thanks to David Laveille and the nice pals at the Sonic Soiree for encouraging Irish Music Stories. Thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

And please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!


Visit IrishMusicStories.org


Music and Poetry Heard on Episode 01-Trip to Sligo all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: “The Tap Room” (reel), from rehearsal, circa 2009
Artist: Dan Gurney (accordion), Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Grupai Ceoil Theme,” Production Music made for Irish Music Stories
Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “I’m Waiting for You” and “The Magpie’s Nest” (reels), from The Banks of the Shannon, Green Linnet 1993
Artist: Seamus Connolly (fiddle), Charlie Lennon (piano)

Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “Travel Theme,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “The Imperial Set” (first tune is “Follow Me Down to Milltown”), from Live in Lisdoonvarna, (Torc Music, 2002)
Artist: Kilfenora Céilí Band

Tune: “Jennifer Molloy’s” (Jig), from From Tulla to Boston: Live at the Burren
Artist: Mary MacNamara (from the Trad Youth Exchange)

Tune: “Joe Cooley’s Reel,” from From Tulla to Boston: Live at the Burren
Artist: Tulóg and Realta Gaela (from the Trad Youth Exchange)

Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: “High Part of the Road” (Jig), field recording made by Liz Carroll (1976)
Artist: Bridge Céilí Band

Tune: “Seamus Connolly’s” (Jig), from Traditional Music from Doolin Co. Clare
Artist: Kevin Griffin with Eoin O’Neill, Sharon Shannon

Poem: “The Song of Wandering Aengus,” recited in Kennedy’s kitchen
Artist: Recited by Anne Marie Kennedy
Poet: William Butler Yeats

View Details

Trailer for the November 2017 inaugural episode of Irish Music Stories.

View Details

A preview of the Irish Music Stories podcast, the new show about traditional music... and the bigger stories behind it. Music credits and much more at IrishMusicStories.org