Sleeve Notes
Carolan
A name from the Mists of Irish History
This is not an album of the music of Carolan. In fact none of his compositions are included. Rather the title is a reflection of the great debt owed to this man by all lovers of Irish music.
Turlough Carolan was born in 1670 and despite losing his sight in his youth, he passed the remainder of his life as a wandering musician. Many of his most popular songs and airs were written in honour of the generous hospitality he received from a series of famous patrons.
Carolan was undoubtedly the most famous composer and harpist Ireland has ever produced. Although he died in 1736 the legacy of his music has been drawn on down through the centuries by all those involved in furthering Irish music in its many forms.
For us all, Ireland is "the land of Carolan".
Bob Lynch
Bob Lynch — True Dubliner
Bob Lynch first came to the attention of the public when he was an original member of The Dubliners. But although the group were then on the brink of their international break-through, Bob's spirit lay more in his own songwriting. So sacrificing certain fame and fortune Bob left the Dubliners and set off along the dusty roads of North America.
In Canada Bob received the solo acclaim he so richly deserved. His songs were recorded by several artists, and two reached the top-sellers' charts there. As a performer he made quite a name for himself with his unique style and distinctive treatment of songs which have been battered into submission in the hands of less - subtle musicians and singers.
Now Bob is back in Dublin "the town he loves so well". He feels particularly determined that the Dublin he was born in shall retain its character and its heart.
On this album he takes us on a grand tour of Ireland - The Land of Carolan, his choice of songs taking us from Dublin to Derry, through old songs and new. with a couple of traditional instrumentals thrown in "as a bonus", and even including one of his latest compositions "Poor Old Dublin Town".