Murphy, Denis / Julia Clifford - The Star Above The Garter CD (Mega Blowout Sale)
SKU
23-Claddagh 602438237784
“Denis Murphy and Julia Clifford, brother and sister, are heirs to the fiddle tradition of Sliabh Luachra, the mountainous area on the Cork/Kerry border. The album features just the two siblings' brilliant fiddles with no other accompaniment, and upon listening to the record you will realise nothing else is needed. Their dance music is music of the local sets but is played as much for the ear as for the feet, producing a range of emotions over the length of the record. Their airs are overpowering in their depth of feeling and for sheer traditional technique this is one of the best fiddle records ever made, with an equally as memorable album cover by celebrated French artist Catherine Folatre. 'The Star Above The Garter' has influenced traditional Irish fiddling since its release in 1969, still retaining the sense of that era whilst sounding innovative, and above all deserving to be heard.”
“Denis Murphy (b 1910) and his sister Julia Clifford (b 1914)were born to a Co. Kerry family of "music morning, noon and night." Their teacher was the legendary Padraig O'Keefe. Julia emigrated to Britain and played fiddle all her life, winning the All Ireland title and playing in numerous combinations and venues to an advanced age. Denis emigrated to America and played with a long list of musical heroes, James Morrison, Andy McGann, etc.
This seminal 1960s recording includes just their two fiddles, no accompaniment (nor needs any!) This is brilliant and pure Irish fiddling - fine reels, emotive slow airs, and polkas, including the now ubiquitous Ballysdesmonds 1,2,3. There is delicate ornamentation and technically fine playing, but this is not about showing off, this is about how tunes sound when they are played with love, respect, memory and sense of place. This recording is a cornerstone of any Irish music collection.”-Matthew McConeghy
- LabelCladdagh
- UPC602438237784