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Reels: Collier​’​s​/​Hunter​’​s House​/​The Turning of the Tide

from Down the Lane by Floating Crowbar

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    DOWN THE LANE (2019)
    In making this recording, we decided to prioritize trying to capture the energy we aim for when we play live. It is a studio recording, but the basic tracks of all the instrumental selections were done playing together in the same room, without separation, without headphones, just rolling the tape (or whatever the digital equivalent is) and playing. We generally did three or four takes of each set of tunes and then picked the best. Other instruments, such as bodhrán or pipes, were added to the mix after we did the base recording. Recording the songs is a somewhat different process, as the vocals need to be recorded separately from the instruments. Certain “bits of tarnish” were left for the sake of honesty, as that was the best take we could get. We think the result captures the energy of our group dynamic, and sounds like us on a good night. We hope you enjoy it!

    Below, you’ll find short excerpts from each piece, along with credits and notes about the tunes and songs. For dancers, we have included the tempo (beats per minute) after each of the instrumental tracks.

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about

Séamus Connolly suggests this first tune may have come from “the coal mining and musical area of Arigna in County Leitrim.” There’s an older County Leitrim connection, as the reel appears in the c. 1883 music manuscript collection of Gortletteragh, Co. Leitrim by musician Stephen Grier, where it is entitled Hod Carrier’s Reel. (Hod carrying has more to do with the builder’s trade than mining, though) Researcher Conor Ward found a still earlier version in the Philip Carolan music manuscript collection, c. 1860s, of Crossmolina, Co. Mayo, where it was entered as Paddies Welcome Home or The Colier’s Reel. Regardless of its origins, it’s a great tune.

Hunter’s House was composed by fiddler Ed Reavy (1898-1988), who was born in County Cavan but who lived much of his life in Philadelphia, PA. With Maudabawn Chapel, Hunter’s House is his most frequently played tune in the tradition. Ed was another brilliant composer of truly compelling music. The first recording is Sean McGuire’s (Maguire) done in 1956 on a 78 RPM for His Master’s Voice.

The Turning of The Tide is a modern tune composed and played by Maire Breathnach. It’s a beautiful energetic tune that fits seamlessly into the tradition. It serves as a fitting close to a rousing set of reels.

Two or three times a year, we perform with a group of step dancers (most often The Haran Irish Dancers), and working with dancers has definitely influenced the way we play certain pieces. One thing they always need from us are reel sets at a brisk pace. We decided to record this set the way we play it for the dancers, including extra beats for a particular flourish they wanted at the end. James’ drumming in this set was inspired by, and comes closes to replicating, the sound of hard shoe dancers.

credits

from Down the Lane, released July 1, 2019
James: flute, bodhrán – Morgan: fiddle – Don: mandolin – Rick: guitar

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Floating Crowbar Spokane, Washington

Floating Crowbar plays a high energy mix of Irish instrumental music and songs drawn from traditional and contemporary sources. Coming from a wide variety of backgrounds and musical interests, they bring together their common passion for Irish music, good humor, mutual respect and friendship into a show that will be enjoyed by any Celtic music fan. ... more

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