Traditional values

The fallout continues to emerge from the Government’s decision to set up a special standing committee for ‘Traditional Irish Arts’ within the Arts Council. Nicholas Carolan of the Irish Traditional Music Archive, Katie Verling of the Glór Irish Music Centre, Muiris Ó Rocháin of the Willie Clancy Summer School, Gary Pepper of the Feakle Festival, and Altan manager Tom Sherlock have all spoken out publicly against it; about the only supporter of the measure, in fact, appears to be Labhrás Ó Murchú of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann – which, curiously enough, was also the principal backer of the plan when the government invited submissions on the proposal over a year ago.

The idea seemed to have been that traditional music would be grateful for the metaphorical pat on the head of being assigned its very own little committee. However, vociferous objections to being corralled in this manner have arisen from just about every segment of the business. As Terry Moylan, archivist for Na Píobairí Uilleann, wrote in a letter to John O’Donoghue TD, Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism, on behalf of the organisation’s more than 2,300 members (all uilleann pipers – a somewhat scary thought!): “By setting up sub-committees on ‘Innovation in the Arts’ and on ‘Traditional Irish Arts’, a false dichotomy is created between innovation and tradition. Situations would almost certainly arise where applicants for funding in the field of traditional music would find themselves falling between two stools as each of these committees referred applications to the other. It must be stressed that traditional musicians, singers and dancers are not antiquarian hobbyists. They are performing a modern music with ancient roots, not an ancient music.” Well said.

Moylan went on to suggest that the definition of what constitutes ‘traditional Irish arts’ could itself be used as a form of artistic censorship, and that the establishment of a Traditional Music Arts Council had already been “debated exhaustively in the traditional music community and on every occasion was rejected… We believe that it will inevitably lead to procedural and administrative difficulties and to a poisoned atmosphere on the Arts Council and, more importantly, within the traditional music community itself.” Other objectors to the plan have pointed out that the establishment of this new committee makes no provision whatsoever for increased funding for traditional arts (whatever they are), and that setting them aside from other art forms is patronising in the extreme and will have the effect of ‘ghettoising’ traditional music. A debate on the issue was scheduled to take place on November 28 at the Glór Irish Music Centre in Ennis – look for a full report in the next instalment of this column.

Also on the subject of Na Píobairí Uilleann, piper Néillidh Mulligan will be giving a master class in uilleann piping in the organisation’s headquarters at 15 Henrietta Street on Saturday, December 14, beginning at 11.00 a.m. Advance booking is strongly advised; for further details, ring Ciarán Somers on (01) 873 0093.

Belated congratulations to Oleg Ponomarev, better known as the violinist with Russian gypsy band Loyko, on the launch of his new band Kesha, whose material is described as “a revolutionary mix of Russian/Gypsy/Klezmer folk spiced with jazz and world music in a unique emotional and creative flow.” In addition to Oleg, the band also features the talents of Scottish jazz guitarist Nigel Clark, who used to play with ’80s outfit Hue And Cry, and Russian classical violinist Lev Atlas.

Anúna, the a cappella vocal group founded by Michael McGlynn, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. The ensemble’s next album Winter Songs won’t be available in shops until Christmas 2003; however, for those who can’t wait another year, the CD can be purchased now through the Web site www.anuna.ie. A limited number of copies will also be available at the Anúna concerts in Christ Church Cathedral on December 20 and 21. Essential Anúna, a ‘Best Of’ compilation, was launched in September, following the release of special 2002 editions of earlier records Anúna and Invocation. In December, Anúna finally pays its first visit to the USA in its own right (as opposed to with Riverdance, which the group left in 1996 after premiering Riverdance The Show at Radio City).

Irish singer/songwriter Marc Oliver penned the new single for Canadian singer Russ McIvor. Entitled ‘Tonight’, the track has entered the Canadian music charts at No. 45. Another of Marc’s songs, ‘Sweet Sweet Love’, was also recorded by McIvor on his new album Given The Chance, which is reportedly getting good airplay on Canadian radio. Marc is currently rehearsing his new lineup, ‘Finn’s Generosity’, and will be touring Ireland later this year, with new material written over the last two years at his studio in Trim, Co. Meath. A taste of things to come can be sampled at Marc’s regular Monday night slot at ‘The Soma Sessions’ in The Stables, Mullingar.

The final IMRO Monthly Showcase for 2002 took place at Dublin’s Holiday Inn on November 24 and was a rousing success – the gig was completely sold out. Ben Glover (pictured) opened the show, followed by Duncan Maitland (ex-Picture House, pictured), whose between song-banter kept one and all highly amused. Dawn Kenny commanded pin-drop silence during her performance of songs from her debut album Through The Loop. Finally, in a rare Dublin solo performance, special guest Mike Hanrahan played a storming set that left the crowd baying for more. Kerry GAA football manager Páidí Ó Sé was spotted in the crowd, no doubt checking out the talent for potential gigs at his famous Ventry watering hole. David Stark, publisher of music industry magazine SongLink International, was over from London to review the gig and said he was "very impressed" by what he saw and heard. Hold the front page David! Also in the audience was Nashville guitarist Philip Donnelly, in advance of his own show at the Holiday Inn on November 29. The next IMRO showcase will be on Sunday, January 26, 2003 – for details, check out the IMRO IMRO Web site www.imro.ie.