We’ve got a special treat for you on the first of October at 3.30 pm as we play host to Belgian guitar virtuoso, Jacques Stotzem, as he stops off at the RGML for an intimate show as part of his European tour. The gig is, as always, free of charge, so if you’re in the neighbourhood why not drop in and be part of a very special acoustic tribute to the late Rory Gallagher. Stotzem’s latest album, ‘To Rory,’ is a tribute to the great man himself and features acoustic versions of some of Rory’s best known tracks.
The following is from Jacques Stotzem’s press release and if you’d like to learn more, see the link to his homepage at the end. For a full list of events in the RGML please click here.
“To Rory” is Belgian guitar virtuoso Jacques Stotzem’s tribute to the late Irish rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Rory Gallagher. Honouring the 20th anniversary of Gallagher’s premature passing, Stotzem recalls his guitar hero’s dynamic playing and, as he says, “unmatched musicality,” by presenting the music on solo acoustic guitar. Fusing the powerful nature of Gallagher’s music with his own expressive playing, Stotzem pulls off this considerable feat with aplomb. Employing the dynamic, playful style that has become his trademark, Stotzem impresses with fast runs, groovy basslines, and percussive elements, all paired with a musical sensibility that allows him to interpret Gallagher’s powerful repertoire without sacrificing his own identity.
Skillfully using various fingerpicking techniques and even bottle-neck slide, Stotzem is equally adept at interpreting the driving beats found in Moonchild as he is at capturing the ballad feel of Wheels Within Wheels. “To Rory” is not only a homage to a legendary musician, it also affirms Stotzem’s own place as one of the leading European acoustic guitarists.
Formed in late 2014, Mile Twelve is a fresh, hard driving young band beautifully walking the line between original and traditional bluegrass. Based in Boston, Massachusetts and fast gaining recognition for their outstanding performances throughout bluegrass and folk circles, Evan Murphy, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Nate Sabat and BB Bowness create captivating songs and daring instrumental pieces from diverse influences. Banjo Luminary Tony Trishcka says, “Mile Twelve is carrying the bluegrass tradition forward with creativity and integrity.”
In May 2016 the band will embark on their first Irish tour and we are very excited to play host to them on Saturday 7th May. As usual with RGML gigs, there is no admission charge and the show will begin at 1.00 pm.
Boston’s bluegrass stars, Mile Twelve
If you would like to know more about the band, please visit their official website here:
A couple of weeks ago we were delighted to have Cork’s own, Discorde Quartet, performing in the City Library as part of an event to commemorate the centenary of the birth of poet, Seán Ó Riordáin.
They played a beautiful selection of Irish airs & melodies to a captivated audience and made a wonderful accompaniment to the Irish language poetry readings from Peann agus Pár.
We captured the performance on video and we thought it might be nice to share it with you.
Cork has a new string quartet featuring some very young, but very experienced and talented Musicians. Discorde Quartet will play their debut performance in Cork City Library, Grand Parade as part of the Seachtain na Gaeilge programme.
On Saturday 12th March at 3.00 pm, Cork City Libraries will celebrate the centenary of the birth of Seán O Riordáin with an event entitled ‘Ceol agus Filíocht.’
Discorde Quartet will play a selection of Irish Melodies while Irish Language poetry writing group, Peann agus Pár, will read from their own poetry and from the works of Seán Ó Riordáin.
From left to right: Meadhbh Campbell (Cello), Caoimhe Browne (Violin), Cian Adams (Viola) and Maggie O’Shea (Violin)
The first violinist, Maggie O’Shea, studied the Suzuki method and has been playing music since the age of 3. Maggie was a member of the Cork School of Music Orchestra, Cork Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland.
The second violinist, Caoimhe Browne, began violin at the age of 7 when she was inspired by watching a performance of Riverdance on the Late Late Show. She currently studies under the guidance of Gregory Ellis. She is looking forward to what this newly formed quartet will achieve in the future.
Cian Adams, who plays the viola, has been playing music since the age of 6. He studied under maestro Constantin Zanidache. He performed in the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland. He has been a member of many quartets including the Prima Vera Quartet.
Meadhbh Campbell started cello at the age of six, and is currently studying with Chris Marwood. She has enjoyed playing in a variety of chamber music groups from the age of ten and is a former member of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland.
Cork teen expounds the value of music from a bygone age
Kate Lehane is a fourteen year old from Cork who isn’t obsessed with One Direction or 5 Seconds of Summer but would rather spend her time listening to Frank Sinatra or Elvis Presley! Kate feels that something is missing from modern music that can only be found in the great songs by the legends of the past. She also believes in the power of music as a unifying force and as a means of bridging the gap between the generations.
As she tells us herself:
‘I’ve always wanted to do something for the older generation as there isn’t much for them to do these days. I think it is really important to create a positive relationship between young people and the older generation. I once heard an old song I liked on the radio which made me listen to older music and since then I love music from bygone days from all the greats like Frank Sinatra and Elvis. I think older music has more meaning and feeling and you can’t help but sing along! Music these days is always the same. There are no surprises, whereas old music has swing, jazz, blues, doo-wop, soul. I could listen to these songs over and over again and they never become boring.’
Kate comes from a family who have long been involved in Cork musical circles. Her late great grand-uncle, Tadhg O’Driscoll, was a well known and well loved character who worked tirelessly in the promotion of ‘Gramophone Circles’ in the city.
A flyer from 2008 for one of Tadhg O’Driscoll’s recitals in Cork City Library.
Kate feels that her family and upbringing have been immensely important in nurturing her love and appreciation of music:
‘My granddad also influenced me with his knowledge of music. My great grand-uncle, Tadhg O Driscoll always loved to make the older generation smile, even though most of the time he was older than them! When he went into a room their faces would light up! He sang and made them want to sing. It’s weird how just a little bit of music can mean so much to people and make them smile. Tadhg was one of the first to play records in Cork for people’s enjoyment. It was called a ‘gramophone circle’ and was enjoyed in the Cork Library for many years. It still goes on today. I remember many Sunday mornings with my granddad and Tadhg. He would be sitting with his dogs and eating his cake, making funny jokes, singing and telling stories. Now I’d like to follow in his footsteps and make the older generation smile, not with jokes but with music!’
Kate will present a selection of her favourite music in the Rory Gallagher Music Library on Friday, 19th February at 11.30 am. All are welcome!
In the spirit of all things nostalgic, Kate will present her musical selection on vinyl, rather than CD. In an era where digital streaming ‘on the go’ seems to be the accepted norm for musical consumption, it’s refreshing to find someone so young who is encouraging us to sit back and take the time to enjoy music as it should be enjoyed.
On the 27th August 2015 Johnny Campbell was good enough to agree to a ‘Question & Answer’ session in the City Library, Grand Parade, Cork. We managed to capture about half an hour of the event on camera, where Johnny talks about meeting Rory, growing up as a musician in Cork, and travelling with Rory to Hamburg, Germany, as part of a stripped down version of the Impact Showband.
If anyone would like to read a short article about this era of Rory Gallagher’s career then please click here:
This year’s Cork Rocks for Rory weekend was a great success and attracted Rory Gallagher fans from all parts of the globe to the city on the Lee Delta!
The Rory Gallagher Music Library played host to the fabulous Dave McHugh who played an acoustic set of blues tunes which inspired Rory himself. This is Dave’s own rendition of ‘Gamblin’ Blues’, a tune associated with the great Lil’ Son Jackson and which features on Taste’s record, ‘Live Taste’. Rory played a smokin’ hot version of this tune at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 on his Fender Telecaster.
Jimmy Crowley to launch new book ‘Songs from the Beautiful City : The Cork Urban Ballads’ at Cork City Library.
Jimmy Crowley is a man who needs no introduction to Corkonians and little introduction to the rest of ye! The renowned balladeer has been singing songs from his native city for decades and many of these are to be enshrined in his new book which will be officially launched on Thursday14th May at 7.00 in the City Library, Grand Parade.
The book will be launched by Mick Moloney, NYU and John Dolan, Features Editor at the Cork Evening Echo.
Bígí linn mar sin le h-aghaidh oíche cheoil is scéalaíochta ó dhuine de na ceoltóirí is cáiliúla na cathrach seo!
Don’t miss what promises to be an unforgettable night of story and song with one of Cork’s most celebrated bards. For more information please visit Jimmy’s website: http://www.jimmycrowley.com/
The Rory Gallagher Music Library has established very strong links in the areas of Bluegrass and Country music over the years with regular performances by domestic and international acts. As part of our Country Music Recital Programme we are delighted to host an in house performance by the Martin Gilmore Trio. The show will take place in the Music Library at 11 am and will be free of charge so don’t miss this golden opportunity to experience the amazing musicianship of this band!
Martin Gilmore
Martin Gilmore is a man with stories to sing and tunes to play. His love of history is blended into original songs taking audiences on journeys to places in time that may have faded in memory.
Each time Martin performs listeners get to see a craftsman at work. Stellar musicianship, engaging stage presence and genuine passion for performance come together when Martin sings and plays.
Wrap a lifetime of exposure to musical genres of bluegrass, folk, jazz, Irish, classical, rock and roll and the influences merge when he steps on stage. Performing with the Colorado based bluegrass band “Long Road Home” (Pete Wernick, Gene Libbea, Justin Hoffenberg, Jordan Ramsey), Martin’s lead singing gives that band it’s signature.
When he is not performing, he can often be found conducting workshops at festivals, teaching lessons at various venues around the Denver metro area or working as a studio musician and producer.
Nick Amodeo
Nick Amodeo is a multi-instrumentalist who’s focus is making honest, soulful music. Playing everything from reggae bass to bluegrass mandolin to honkytonk guitar, Nick continuously reinvents himself, keeping an open ear and a welcoming attitude to all styles of music. He is the 2005 Rockygrass mandolin champion, and has performed over the years as a sideman for the celebrated blues artist Otis Taylor. Nick was featured on Downbeat Magazine’s 2007 Blues Album of the Year; Otis Taylor’s “Definition of a Circle” and has toured throughout North America and Europe, sharing the stage with such legends (and personal heroes) as Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite, Chuck Campbell, and Ron Miles. Nick has also had the opportunity to teach music at Naropa University and Swallow Hill Music School, and is currently a popular instructor on Jamplay.com. Nick is originally from Des Moines, Iowa but now lives in Denver, Colorado.
Ian Haegele
Ian Haegele comes from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and currently lives in Boulder, Colorado. In high school, while taking private lessons and studying the bass and playing in orchestra, jazz band, and a performing around Wisconsin in a bluegrass/folk trio, he decided that he wanted to pursue a career in music. After high school he moved to Boulder to study double bass performance at the University of Colorado, graduating with his Bachelor’s degree in 2014. When he wasn’t practicing and studying music at school, he was pursuing his love of bluegrass and American acoustic music, playing in various pickup groups, going to local bluegrass shows, picks, and festivals, playing music with friends gained from said events, and learning as much as he could about the Front Range bluegrass/acoustic music and it’s musicians and fans. Even though Ian graduated, you can still find him doing all of those things. Otherwise, you might find him hiking. Upon graduating, he began pursuing music more intently and started playing with Golden-based bluegrass/acoustic country band, Thunder and Rain. Even more recently, he joined forces with the Martin Gilmore Trio as well as Martin’s other band, Long Road Home and has really been relishing the many musical opportunities that have been coming his way, helping him start his career and live his dream.
For more information about the band please visit their website:
Rory Gallagher Music Library 