MUSIC IN Doolin

 

Doolin

 

 

 

Doolin Music.

Clare is quite possibly the most musical county in Ireland. There are more musicians to the square mile than anywhere in the world. Doolin was firmly put onto the global map of Irish traditional music thanks to the three Russell brothers; Packie, Gussy and Miko. They learned their musical talent from their mother Annie and then as young men from older traditional musicians in the area and so inherited the distinctive style and sound peculiar to Clare.

 

The late Micho Russell was a wonderful man, a fine musician in the old style and an inspiration to many younger musicians. He travelled the world playing his music,the seemingly simple, yet extremely subtle and complex music of west Clare that he and his brothers, had recorded on an album, 'The Russell Family of Doolin, County Clare'.

 

Young, aspiring musicians came from Europe, America and Australia and were made welcome before the days of organised sessions. The denim-clad visitors joined in, thrilled to find music that was, and still is a living reality today.

 

The celebration of the musical heritage and the cultivation of the living tradition of Doolin continues to grow. Foremost in the traditional music calendar in Doolin is the " Russell Memorial weekend ". This occurs during the last weekend of February each year and is a festival of musical events organised by the Doolin Festival Committee.

 

Miko Russell

 

Before his untimely death, Miko became an ambassador for Doolin travelling the world playing his gentle music in his own inimitable style.

 

Live session recorded by RTE on February 17th 2007 in O'Connors Pub Doolin
The link uses Real Player and the session starts two minutes into the recording. On this programme there's music and song from those who now play regularly in O Connors with flute player Noel O Donoghue leading the house band.

 

The links below will give you some background on Doolin's musicians and where they play.