In these days of Coronavirus and social distancing (although, as social psychologists have rightly pointed out, we should talk about physical distancing and preserve social cohesion and solidarity), today's St Patrick's Day is certainly unusual. Parades are cancelled, pubs are closed or empty, gatherings are discouraged.
But Irish music can still help us through these challenging times. So I thought I'd create a thread of nice Irish tunes and associated bits of chat/craic to celebrate St Patrick's and lift the spirits. Additions will follow throughout the day. Would anyone like to join me?
To welcome you to the party, I thought this mandolin recording of Carolan's Welcome by David Hansen would be appropriate, in so many ways: O'Carolan is surely the most famous of Irish composers, and it always amazes me how a single person could have so much melody in them! This particular tune was played on the harp by Ramona Egle at my wedding, so I have fond personal memories of it. But, for the Mandolin Cafe, a mandolin recording is obviously better. And when I think about O'Carolan on the mandolin, I immediately think of David Hansen, whose characteristic mandolin & concertina style has been such a joy and inspiration to me in the Song-a-Week group.
So: Welcome to the virtual St Patrick's Day!
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