| Michael Gorman, a close associate of Michael Coleman before the latter emigrated to America, was a key figure in the great music tradition of southern Sligo. His music, together with that of his nephew Michael (flute), his brother Martin (voice) and neighbours Tom Gannon (fiddle) and Gerry Whimsy (tin whistle), typifies that tradition's classic period of creativity and definition. His later major contribution to Irish music-making in London is reflected in recordings with Mick Flynn (flute), Margaret Barry (voice & banjo), Jimmy Power (fiddle), Paddy Breen (flageolet), Tommy Maguire (accordeon) and Patsy Goulding (piano).
This release is a 2-CD set together with an extensive 56 page booklet, containing an in depth essay by Reg Hall which describes the music and its social context and significance in detail. Recordings include solos, duets, small groups, bands, songs and on-location recordings, and serves as a definitive illustration of the great creative Sligo tradition.
"This is one of the most fascinating, inspiring series of recordings, coupled with some of the best researched, lucidly written and important essays on traditional music that it’s been my privilege to come across" Folkwrite |
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