Chieftain’s fiddle player, Sean Keane will open the musical events of Féile Frank McGann on Friday October 5th. In an eagerly anticipated recital with international guitarist Steve Cooney, Keane is expected to enthral trad followers with his musical genius. The recital starts at 9 pm. Dubliner Seán was surrounded by traditional Irish music from an early age. Both his parents were traditional fiddlers and he began playing the fiddle at a young age. He attended Dublin School of Music where he received classical training, but soon became one of Ireland’s most talented young fiddlers, winning awards and such honours as the All-Ireland Championships and the Fiddler of Dooney competition, from which he earned the title of master fiddler. A member of Ceoltóirí Cualann in the 1960s, Seán also performed with some of the trios and duets formed by Paddy Moloney in the 60’s. It was 1968 before he joined The Chieftains on invitation from Paddy. He has recorded a well-received solo album, ‘Seán Keane’ and a duet album with fellow Chieftain Matt Molloy, ‘Contentment is Wealth’. He has also recorded with Mick Moloney and his brother, James Keane on the album ‘Reel Away the Real World’ in 1980. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Steve Cooney started his professional musical career at the age of 17, playing for a while in the US before returning home. In 1981 he bought a one-way ticket to Ireland, and soon after his arrival he joined Stockton’s Wing as bassist. Since then he has popped up all over the place, with a major contribution to Sharon Shannon’s first album, and performances and recordings with Dermot Byrne, Altan, Martin Hayes and others. While guitar and rock guitarists have raised eyebrows in traditional Irish music in the past, Cooney is no noise machine. His technique is excellent, and his understanding of traditional music and accompaniment is attested to by the number of traditional groups and albums he has contributed to. On Saturday Afternoon 6th October, the second Feile Frank McGann Kitchen session will see Roscommon based John Carty play in a very special recital together with his brother James. Born in London, fiddler John Carty has established himself among the elite in Irish traditional music and as a staunch supporter of its preservation John was recognised as one of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians in 2003 when he was awarded the Irish Television station, TG4’s Traditional Musician of the Year in 2003. Soon after settling in Boyle, Co Roscommon, Carty released his 1994 debut banjo album, and over the next 12 years has recorded three solo fiddle albums, one further solo banjo albums and two group albums. His brother James, a renowned flute player, has become one of the mainstays of the session scene in London and his session in the Auld Triangle is the first port of call to many visiting musicians. John and James will be joined by guitarist and singer, Francis Gaffney from Boyle, Co. Roscommon. John Wynne, on behalf of the organising committee, stated that the Kitchen Sessions have become highly popular among the traditional music scene. Tickets, for each recital, which cost €20 euro, are limited, so intending patrons are advised to pre-book their tickets to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available by contacting (086) 8546433, (086) 3750298 or by emailing info@feilefrankmcgann.com
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