Donncha Ó Briain:
Irish Traditional Music on Tin Whistle

Guest Musicians:
Mark Kelly: Guitar
Mick O'Brien: Uilleann Pipes/Flute
Tom O'Brien: Fiddle
Andrew O'Brien: Bodrhan
Dinny O'Brien: Accordion
Johnny Connolly: Melodeon
Charlie Lennon: Fiddle on track 13

Donncha Ó Briain was a member of the famous O'Brien family from Dublin. Despite suffering from muscular dystrophy, Donncha went on to become one of the best tin whistle players of his generation. Donncha died in 1990 aged only 30. Donncha Ó Briain was a member of the famous O'Brien family from Dublin. Despite suffering from muscular dystrophy, Donncha went on to become one of the best tin whistle players of his generation. Donncha died in 1990 aged only 30. Produced by the musician Paddy Glackin, the album will get a lot of airplay and reviews. While mainly a solo album of great virtuosity, Donncha is joined by family on two tracks and by guitarist Mark Kelly on another.

This recording represents the music of a young man with a spirit and a love for life. Every tune is played with conviction and sincerity – traits that can only be brought out by a musician who appreciates and understands the beauty and cruelty of life. ...... Paddy Glackin

New notes on this re-release...This recording represents the music of a young man with a spirit and a love of life. Every tune is played with conviction and sincerity - traits that cana only be brought out by a musician who appreciates and nderstands the beauty and cruelty of life. Being associated with this record was an unforgettable experience for me. I hope that its re-release will bring many hours of happiness and hope to all. Paddy Glackin

Audio

Track1: The Man Of Arran

Track 2: The Maid of Mount Cisco

Track 3: Tom Martin's Reel

Track Listing

1. Track1 The Girl Who Broke My Heart/Sean sa Cheo
2. 2. Brendan Coombe's; Port Uí Chaoimh (jigs) 2.04
3. The Boyne Hunt ; Mairí ar an gCarraig (reels) 1.54
4. Thomond Bridge ; An Londubh (hornpipes) 3.06
5. Port Sonny Brogan ; Tatter Jack Walsh (jigs) 2.04
6. The Maple Leaf; The Man of Arran (reels) 3.27
7. The Maid of Mont Cisco (ríl) 2.10
8. Ríl Tom Martin; Green Fields of Rossbeigh; Jenny Picking Cockles (reels) 3.44
9. Ríl Dharach de Brún; Slán le hÉirinn (reels) 3.19
10. Ní ar Chnoc nó ar Ísleacht (slow air) 3.48
11. Trim the Velvet; Scaipeadh na gCleití (reels) 1.56
12. The Butcher's March ; The Queen of the Rushes (jigs) 3.07
13. Kitty Gone a'Milkin'; The Flogging Reel (reels) 2.06
14. Sporting Paddy; Ríl Josie McDermott (reels) 1.58
15. The Wexford Hornpipe; Dunphy's (hornpipes) 2.59
16. Richard Dwyer's; Spike Island Lasses (reels) 2.50
17. Dublin Reel; Ivy Leaf 1.30
18. Seán sa Cheo; Dunmore Lasses 2.04
19. Tom Billy's Jig 1.37

Press Reviews

Despite suffering from muscular dystrophy, Donncha became one of the finest whistle players of his generation. In 1979 he recorded a highly acclaimed LP for Gael Linn which is now re-released as a CD with additional tracks which had been recorded by Raidió na Gaeltachta. Donncha passed away in 1990 aged 30.

The whistle playing of Donncha Ó Briain is most highly regarded in critical circles.  The Waltons Guide to Irish Music (2005) lists Donncha as being among the most famous tin whistle players of recent decades. Another measure of the calibre of Donncha’s playing is that he features in the tutor Irish Tin Whistle Legends by Tommy Walsh, a work which includes such luminaries as Mary Bergin, Paddy Moloney and Seán Potts. In his book The Essential Tin Whistle Toolbox, Grey Larsen documents and discusses many styles and approaches to ornamentation, including that of Donncha.

In 1980 Donncha received a People of the Year Award for ‘his triumph over disability, his musical prowess and the inspiration which he provided for so many.’ So taken with Donncha was Charlie Lennon that, in his honour, he composed the jig ‘The Flying Wheelchair’, a piece that has become established in the tradition.

This album is a masterclass of fine whistle playing and includes ‘The Dublin Reel’, ‘The Ivy Leaf’ and, one of Donncha’s favourites ‘Seán sa Cheo’. The original recording was produced by Paddy Glackin who has written:

This recording represents the music of a young man with a spirit and a love for life. Every tune is played with conviction and sincerity – traits that can only be brought out by a musician who appreciates and understands the beauty and cruelty of life.

On two of the tracks, Donncha is joined by members of his family. On ‘The Maid of Mont Cisco’, he is joined by on guitar by a young Mark Kelly who was a great friend of Donncha’s. The album also features Johnny Connolly’s playing of ‘The Flying Wheelchair’, the jig composed by Charlie Lennon in honour of Donncha.