A Night of Lively Irish Fare

Tucked away on a cozy side street in the north end of Middletown, Wesleyan University's Green Street Arts Center showed its true colors and presented an early St. Patrick's Day treat with three native Irish musicians, playing together for two lively sets of original and traditional Irish fare. 

Playing in the second floor performance studio, the musical trio were comprised of John Doyle, acoustic guitar; and brothers Cillian Vallely, uilleann pipes and low whistle flute; and Niall Vallely, concertina.   Over the years, all three have had separate musical paths but have played together often, including recording an album called "Callan Bridge" in 2002. 

The trio created an interactive experience with a full house of 100 people, clearly explaining the meaning behind every tune they performed.   All three are unique and talented musicians; on this night, however, it was as much about the traditional styles, back stories and substance of the Irish musical tradition.  Niall presented the majority of the commentary, though all three emoted their appreciation and knowledge of the art and a respect for their predecessors and mentor.

Based on the style of Doyle and the Vallely brothers, the night had a mix of the Vallely's traditional instrumentals and Doyle's storytelling.   Together, the evening provided the  audience a flavor for the many styles of Irish traditional music, from jigs to marches and slides.  This was intermixed with Doyle's stoic, yet entertaining ballads and steady rhythmic guitar playing. 

The traditional jigs were instrumentals composed in a classical style with multiple songs within a title.  The Vallely brothers took the lead on these pieces.  Some were original compositions from their album, others were their interpretation' of traditional folk tales.

One of these classics, played near the beginning of the first set, was a march in 6/8 time called "Alistrum's March," which includes the pieces "Allistrum’s March 1 & 2"  and "Johnny Loves Molly."  It is a composition about the Battle of Cnoc na nDos in North Cork in the 18th Century.

A little more of the comedian and storyteller in the trio, Doyle, a musician at the forefront of  Irish traditional music in America, sang some entertaining originals and songs by some of his mentors and influences.   He sang a song about the hardships of an immigrant coming from Ireland to the  United States during the Gold Rush and one about a failed attempt by his great grandfather to come to America in the early 1900's. 

Doyle quipped to the audience that, "You came to the wrong place if you were looking for happy, uplifting songs."  With that, he jumped into a traditional Irish song called "Captain Glenn" about a doomed sea ship that sailed away with a murderer on board.  Now as ominous as that sounds, most of the tunes this night,  even good old "Captain Glenn," had a very bright and rhythmic melody, with an uplifting beat and as with all jigs, they had a very merry and danceable feel.   

Saturday night's event was a presentation of The Wesleyan University T. Viswanathan World Music Archives Fund and The Middletown House Concert Series.