O’Carolans Draught – 2006
Programme note
It’s an ill-wind that doesn’t blow some good. In March 1983 my bouzouki was damaged in a car accident. In seeking its repair, I met its maker,Joe Foley, and we struck up a friendship that has lasted ever since. Joe made most of the instruments I use on this album (Mandolin, Mandola, Bouzouki and Guitzouki) in addition to maintaining my banjo and guitars. I thank Joe for his on-going support and helpful suggestions.
Over three months I worked with Paul Johnson, often late into the night, producing O’Carolan’s Draught. This is our first studio collaboration. We enjoyed the experience and not least the many frustrations and surprises that attend such an undertaking. Paul joins me on keyboards on As I Roved Out.
This album, O’Carolan’s Draught, emerged from a desire to learn some new melodies from the huge repertoire of Turlough O’Carolan. The initial flame fanned into a brighter fire when I thought to hold a concert in July 2006 with our group Celtic Drift, to celebrate some of his music.
A special word of thanks to Tom Russell for lead vocal on Roisin Dubh and to Marie Askin for keyboard on tracks 4.8.10.12 & 14
The album also has four songs and a bonus track Annette, an original composition inspired by O’Carolan. This track, dedicated to a good friend Annette Boglev, whom I met in 2003 at St. Bonaventure’s University, NY., also features on Logs for the Fire, my third original album, launched at the July concert. To bring the musical picture full circle, Annette was born at the time of the car accident in March 1983. Around each coincidence does life revolve.
Pace e Bene!
Paschal
July 2006
©2006 Paschal McDonnell
Arranged and Produced by Paschal McDonnell and Paul Johnston
All titles traditional except Track 15 by Paschal McDonnell
All rights of the owner of the sound recordings and performances reserved
Recorded, mixed, designed by Paul Johnston, NL Sutdio, Tullaghan
