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Sleeve Notes
"I don't know this guy Patrick Street but, I tell you, the boys in his band are r-e-a-l-l-y good". This was over heard just a few minutes before the start of the very first concert on the very first tour ever played by Patrick Street in 1986. Well, Patrick never did show up but the "boys" are still doing fine without him."
McKenna's Jigs — These three jigs were recorded back in the '20s by John McKenna, the great Leitrim flute player (and, about seventy years later, by Patrick Street!)
The Raheen Medley — The first two tunes came to us from the harmonica playing Murphy family from Wexford, Phil, John & Pip; the third tune is from another wonderful musician with the name Murphy, Dennis "the Weaver" Murphy, the renowned fiddler from Kerry.
Braes of Moneymore — One of the myriad of emigration songs from all over Ireland. This song was learned from the singing of an old man in the north of Ireland. We changed the tune around a bit and Andy added a verse. Moneymore is in County Derry.
My Son in Amerikay — Learned from Eddie Butcher many years ago. Both Frank Harte and Len Graham tell us it was written by Alf McLoughlin, one-time Chief Librarian of the National Library in Dublin, who they say is alive and well and living somewhere in Galway.
Bring Back the Child & Paidin O'Rafferty — Two jigs from County Kerry.
Wild Rover No More — This version of The Wild Rover, which always seems much more in keeping with the sentiment of the song than the better known fast ballad, was learned from Sean Corcoran who collected it from the singing of Mrs. Carolan of Drogheda. Mrs. Carolan's maiden name was Usher and, apparently, this was the favourite song of her late brother "Pap" Usher.
Unnamed Slide, Johnny O'Leary's Slide & Micho Russell's Slide — The title of the first tune is unknown to us. The second is named after the great accordion player from Rathmore, County Kerry. The Russells of Doolin, County Clare were an immensely talented musical family and Micho's music and singing, as well as his charm, made him a much-loved character in the traditional music world.
Jack The Bridge, Cul Aodh Polka & The Salmon Tailing Up the River — Jackie learned these tunes as a youth playing at 'crossroads dancing.'
Stewball and the Monaghan Grey Mare — This race took place on the Curragh of Kildare, probably around the beginning of the 19th century. The ballad makers must have been especially pleased to see the favourite — Miss Griesel in this version — beaten by the unfancied Stewball. The song, along with the Irish emigrant, went to America where it entered both the black and white folk traditions, once again proving how the common people associate with and champion the underdog. The versions of Eddie Butcher and A.L. Lloyd inspired Andy to concoct this song. Thanks to Frank Harte of Dublin for providing the sources.
Music for a Found Harmonium — This intriguing piece was written by the late Simon Jeffes from The Penguin Cafe Orchestra. Arty McGlynn introduced it to Patrick Street who recorded it on Irish Times (GLCD 1 105) in 1990. Many people have recorded versions since then, and it has become a very popular favourite.
The Holy Ground — Fine poetry from our old friend Gerry O'Beirne, once a bachelor of this parish!
McDermott's Reel, The Plough and The Stars & Miss McLeod's Reel — Josie McDermott was from Ballyfarnon on the borders of Sligo and Roscommon. He was a well-known, well-loved, and very influential musician in the locality. The Plough and the Stars is the title of a famous work by playwright Sean O'Casey. The symbol (also known as "The Starry Plough") was designed for James Connolly's Irish Citizen which took part in the 1916 Rising, and of which O'Casey was the secretary. It is not known who wrote the tune. This version of Miss McLeod's Reel comes from Armagh.
