Welcome to my website! As well as my continuing classes (which I love) at the Center for Irish Music in Saint Paul, April brings concerts on the east coast with my old music pal, accordion-player (and now author too!) Paddy O’Brien. Now that I look back I realize that my life has been intertwined with several accordion greats — among others, I can mention Dermot Byrne of Altan, who is TG4′s Irish traditional musician of the year, and my Trian pal, Billy McComiskey. On May 17th we have the launch of a CD from another great accordion-player I have been lucky enough to know and play with — the legendary Martin McHugh of Roscommon and St. Paul. The recording is a great representation of a very influential and much-loved musician and has been made possible through the hard work, generosity, and great musical support of our friend, Laura MacKenzie, who plays brilliantly with Marty and myself on the album.
“Lost River, Vol. 1” is the long-awaited second song album of Dáithí Sproule. Featuring songs in Irish and English, exquisitely arranged and accompanied on guitar, the album includes guest performances by Seamus McGuire, Peter Ostroushko, Tom Schaefer, Randal Bays, Liz Carroll, Billy McComiskey, Danielle Enblom, Laura MacKenzie, John Wright, Dean Magraw, James Kelly, Paddy O’Brien, and Altan. [click to continue…]