This recording is the result of a vocational project undertaken while studying at the University of Limerick Irish World Academy of Music and Dance immersed in the Masters of Arts in Irish Traditional Music Performance program, September 2008 to May 2009.

1. A Jig and a Jig – I don’t know the names of these tunes and neither did my University of Limerick classmate Cathal King, whose beautiful flute playing is featured here

2. The Battle of Aughrim Set – I played guitar and banjo on this one accompanying my classmate, Vera Craughwell, a lovely Piano Accordion player from Balinasloe, Co, Galway. I believe the first two tunes are named, “The Battle of Aughrim” and I don’t have a name for the third.
3. Tom Billy’s Set – Tom Billy’s, Sean Ryan’s, the Stone in the Field - the first two jigs I learned from the infamous De Dannan album, “Selected Jigs Reels and Songs (1977)” The Reel was taught to me by John Carty during my banjo lessons with him. Barry Lyons plays the tunes with me on fiddle while some lovely guitar accompaniment is provided by Michael Ó Súilleabháin.

4. Muireann’s Set – Out on the Road, Muireann’s Jig – the first jig is a composition by Liz Carroll, concertina player Niall Vallely composed the second. I am accompanying my good friend, Martin O’Brien from Taumgraney, East Clare.

5. Gminor with Jon – I don’t know the names of these tunes, but the name of the set is what Ciara O’Sullivan decided to call it. I accompany her beautiful harp playing here.

6. Broken Pledge Set – The Broken Pledge, Spike Island Lasses – Two reels that I love to play on the banjo. I am joined by Barry Lyons on fiddle and Michael Ó Súilleabháin on guitar.

7. The Swallow’s Nest – The Swallow’s Nest, Molly Ban, Paddy Canny’s Toast – three favorites in the key of G, played in a contemporary East Clare fashion. Martin O’Brien plays concertina, Adam Agee on Fiddle.

8. The Bear Island Set – The Mountain Lark, The Bear Island Reel – Ciara O’Sullivan taught me the first reel, I taught her the second. This set was an experiment to join the “bastard” banjo and the “angelic” harp – we thought it was very successful and plan to continue further research.

9. Reels to Jupiter – 4 reels played by Cathal King accompanied by yours truly – the only one I know the name of is the second, “The Mountain Top”.

10. Breton Set – Breton Ridée, Copper’s and Brass, Jame’s McMahon’s – The first tune I learned from guitarist Ed Boyd (Flook, Mike McGoldrick) in a Masterclass at UL. Adam chose the second tune and the third was taught to me by mandolin player Kevin Larkin which I then taught to Adam who taught it to Martin. Adam Agee on fiddle, Martin O’Brien on Concertina.

11. Barrack Street Set – The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire, The Humours of Barrack Street – one of my favorite sets of all time, I learned the first tune from an old friend and wonderful fiddle player Ellora Weston who picked up the tune in Italy. The second tune I learned from Ellora, as well, but also adapted versions from the playing of Liam O’Flynn and Tony McManus – this is from a live recording of a University of Limerick performance - Michael Ó Súilleabháin accompanies me, both of us playing guitar.

12. The Night Larry was Streched – The Night Larry was Stretched, The Mist Covered Mountain, The Banshee Wail – another East Clare-ish set of tunes with Martin O’Brien on concertina and Adam Agee on Fiddle

13. The Swedish Set – Swedish tune, The Humours of Tulla, The Man of the House, The Steam Packet, Amhran an Bha (also known as “Curraghs of the White Strand”) this epic set was developed by Martin O’Brien, Adam Agee and myself for a performance at the University of Limerick – this is a live recording from the performance. Martin and I learned the first tune from a fellow musician while staying at the Letterfrack Hostel in Connemara. The air at the end of the set I learned from the playing of box player Derrick Hickey.