Kitchen Sessions

Friday Night Recital

On Friday 5th October 2007, Strokestown will witness the very special magic that is the partnership of Sean Keane and Steve Cooney in what promises to be an unforgettable night of the highest quality music. Set in the unique atmosphere of Strokestown Park House this will be an occasion to savour and the experience is sure to linger in the senses for years to come.

Tickets for this special event will be very limited due to space restrictions so make sure you get your tickets early. Doors open at 9pm.

Seán Keane
Fiddle

The fiddle is the mainstay of most Scottish and Irish music and came into prominence in Ireland during the sixteenth century. It is exactly the same as a violin; fiddle is simply the term used in traditional music.

The instrument has dominated Irish dance music ever since, and every county in Ireland boasts its own style of bowing and fingering, as well as considerable cross-pollination with each other and with Scottish players. In earlier times, before the onslaught of mass media, it was easier to hear a musician's teachers and travels, but regional differences are often clearly audible even today.

Dubliner Seán was surrounded by traditional Irish music from an early age. Both 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 1960's, 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. Sean lives in Dublin with his wife Marie, and they have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

Steve Cooney
Guitar

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Steve started his professional musical career at the age of 17, playing for a while in the US before returning home, where he was in a number of rock bands, (Bushwackers, Fruitcake) and the successful folk/rock band, Red Gum. In 1981 he bought a one-way ticket to Ireland, from where his ancestors had come, where he busked and worked odd jobs for a few months, before joining Stockton's Wing as bassist with whom he stayed until 1981.

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.

Saturday Afternoon Recital

Feile Frank McGann have a very special treat in store for anyone who appreciates the best in music with the best fiddle playing to be heard over the weekend. In the special atmosphere of Strokestown Park, the unique genius that is John Carty will take us on a magical tour of traditional music at its very highest standards. The recital begins at 5pm.

John Carty

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. He joins many previous acclaimed winners all of whom are considered to be the leading exponents of their instruments within the Irish tradition. 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, two group albums and a sprinkling of recorded tenor guitar and flute music recordings under his belt so it's little wonder he should have joined such elusive ranks.

John performs regularly as a solo player and also with Chieftain’s flautist Matt Molloy exploring the North Connaught tradition they both love. He also tours with super group Patrick Street and his own band At the Racket. However, for the Feile Frank McGann kitchen Session, he will be joined by his brother James who released his debut recording, ‘Upon My Soul’ to high critical acclaim last year

James Carty

The flute is James’ chosen instrument and he plays with a very distinctive almost ancient style that belies his years. James 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. James’ animated and vivacious playing demeanour is guaranteed to set any musical scene alive and he is a most welcome visitor at any sessions he visits, particularly in his father’s home county of Roscommon. John and James will be joined by guitarist and singer, Francis Gaffney from Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

Francis Gaffney

He plays in the ‘open’ style tuning and has been involved for a number of years on John Carty’s fiddle recordings. He has featured on many other recordings including ‘The Flute Players of Roscommon’ and ‘The Way We Got Them’ His sensitive guitar style is the perfect backdrop for inventive musicians and he finds himself in huge demand and has accompanied some of Ireland’s finest musicians.