Sean Nós Abu !
[Óró, shey do vaha wallya, oro, shey do vaha wallya]Now here is a song to sing Galway style. I’m starting with the chorus.. From an old Jacobite Tune in Ireland put to new words in early 20th century. An unofficial anthem of independence.
Top 10 Sean Nós Finalists for 2010/11
We have songs in Irish, English and 1 instrumental !
From Ireland, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas & Connecticut :
Peneleapaí with ‘The Leaving of Limerick’.
Renata with (An Raibh Tú ar a gCarraig )
Skibereen (Mike)
Karen with ‘Red is the Rose’
Liza with instrumental ‘An Poc Ar Buile’ (Mad Puck Goat)
Maria with “Óró Sé do bheatha ‘bhaile”
Harpin’ Hank Hogan with ‘Dilan O' Deamhas’ (as Gaeilge)
Renata with “Ar Bruacha na Laoí”
Mike with ‘Over The Mountain‘
Peneleapaí with 'Mo Ghile Mear' (as Gaeilge).
Mike with ‘Roisin Dubh’ (as Gaeilge/ in Irish).
Old Ballymoe, County Roscommon.
What Is Sean Nós ?
We’ve started up a small Sean Nós group, and may have learned a bit:
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1) There are several styles of Sean Nós
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2) It was originally sung solo in Irish.
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3) It is not the ‘English’ style of song.
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1) Some vary style for each verse sung.
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2) Some do not vary in volume.
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3) Sean Nós can use English language
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4)Today some sing it in groups, with all kinds of music and outside influences.
This is a tribute to the original song.
Most of that is ‘Sean Nós Nua’ !
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1)Transmitted orally for centuries, we
find Queen Elizabeth I had some
Sean Nós songs put in written form.
I wonder how that worked out !
9) Singer sometimes keeps his back to
the audience, perhaps to focus on the
song and get a good sound...
Sean Nós on the Web:
See Wikipedia
First Group Song
Our Irish Song Festival
The Fest
After launching shows on Irish genealogy, and on the Irish in America, I picked a third series. I knew the older generations loved some of the ‘Tin Pan Alley’ songs, though I did not fully know why. It would be the perfect opportunity to find out in season one. We would also travel back to earlier forms of Irish music.
How It’s Done
We have adopted a ‘Chat & Sing’ style for this broadcast. We rely on singers here at the Irish Roots Cafe; and throughout the world. We might talk of the singers experience and the history of the song, if known. Then sing the song! It’s all done in an informal, backstage way.
Amateurs & Veterans
Interviews take place either at the Cafe itself, or by phone or Skype. This way, those overseas can ‘phone it in’ so to speak. We want to get a feel for what Irish song means to beginners as well as to the veteran musician. You can call our recorder at 816-256-3360 and leave a message or a song... English language is fine !
Each Season Differs
Season one features guest host Peter Reilly Adams, with appearances by Connie Dover, and author Ed Kneafsey, from England. We cover some of the great Irish ballads of the early 20th century. We also include songs from the 19th century, with roots in Ireland. Several are sung in the Irish language. So it is a mix of Irish-American and Irish song.
Season Two features Michael Collier with recitation and history of Irish dance; Emily on the harp; and Adam on ethnomusicology and song !
Many of these selections and accompanying history are featured in our publication: “Irish Song, Singers and Sheet Music” v1..
Sean Nós: Season 3
The ‘Song Festival’ entered its third season in 2010. This year focuses on the old style form of Irish singing, known as ‘Sean Nós’. It was traditionally sung solo, in the Irish language, and in the Irish way, as opposed to the English Ballad, etc.... Perhaps the best way is to listen to the songs as they are being sung live on our podcasts, or better yet, in Ireland.
Mike O’Laughlin
Click Link Below to listen to the Song and Recitation Festival
Seasons One; Two; and Three:
Our Songs for 2012
A boatman from Co. Mayo tries to convince his love to elope with him. He is master of a great boat, and even her mother says it would be a good idea (according to him) !
From the Highland Sessions.
Illustrations of some guests and authors interviewed here: http://www.irishroots.com/content/view/102/155/
(left to right) Peneleapaí; Karen; Renata; Liza & Brass; Maria; Hank.
(right) Host:
Mike O’Laughlin
Song and Recitation
‘She’s My Love’ by Kathleen Macinnes
A ‘waulking’ song.
Traditional Sean Nós and Early Irish Ballads
“ Were You At The Rock? ” Code words
let the Irish know it was safe to meet.
Si do mhamo i
My practice version right here at the Cafe.
Our rough cut version, in English !
Tale of the Irish famine and troubles.
Bean Pháidin