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Sleeve Notes
John Aspell, Michael Murray and Paddy Ryan first came together one night in early 1967. Their purpose … ? To form a folk group with a view to entering a local Ballad Competition in their native Wexford. The trio decided on the name, "Emeralds Folk Group", and as such they emerged as outright winners of the contest. Inspired and encouraged by their instant success, John, Michael and Paddy began to accept bookings throughout Ireland and soon they made their debut on television and radio.
Now things began to move quickly for them and they were invited to spend three weeks in America, touring major centres in New York, Boston, Chicago etc. Around this time, "The Emerald Folk Group" decided that the "folk" tag was giving audiences a wrong impression. Far from being bearded long-hairs, dolefully mourning the fate of "Barb’ry Allen" — as any people expected — the three clean-cut Wexford men presented a fast-moving show which won-over their American audiences completely! So, they abbreviated their name to "The Emeralds" and continued to create sparkle and excitement with appearances on both RTE and BBC Radio and Television, and TWO concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall among countless cabaret and theatre shows!
On this album, recorded live at a Wexford hotel, The Emeralds have returned to where it all started for them a little over three years ago. The audience is made-up of local friends and devoted fans — the people who encouraged and supported them in those early days. Hear how they rise to the trio and listen as the vast assembly joins in on the various familiar songs which started the boys on the long road to fame. This is the real magic of a "live" show, full of genuine affection, friendliness and warmth … this is the unique magic of "The Emeralds"!!
Brian O’Brien