Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Matt Cranitch and Jackie Daly: Legends of the Sliabh Luachra Tradition of Instrumental Irish Traditional Music



 Sunday, October 5th, 5:00pm

  Suggested Donation: $15.00

Fiddler Matt Cranitch and accordionist Jackie Daly have become legends of the Sliabh Luachra tradition of instrumental music. This unique music stems from northwest Cork and east Kerry and provides a very distinctive style of performing and a source of inspiration for both musicians. They have toured together many times, releasing their first CD, The Living Stream, in 2010, as well as touring the US in 2011 during the Imagine Ireland tour.

Matt Cranitch, a native of Ireland, is a well known fiddler and teacher across the globe. He has won All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil titles, as well as The Fiddler of Dooney and Oireachtas Crotty Cup. He received a PhD from the University of Limerick for his study on the fiddle-playing tradition of the region. He was a consultant for the Geantraí series on TG4, has been an adviser to the Arts Council Deis scheme for the traditional arts (2005–2013), and has served on the board of the Irish Traditional Music Archive (2007–2010). He received the Hall of Fame Award from University College Cork in 2003 and is still teaching there. He is the author of The Irish Fiddle Book, published in 1988 (in its fourth edition). He has made multiple albums including three with Sliabh Notes, in addition to Éistigh Seal which consists entirely of slow airs. His most recent recording is The Living Stream with Jackie Daly.

Jackie Daly a native of Cork, has been described as arguably “the best accordion player in Ireland” by the New York Times. He was strongly influenced by Sliabh Luchra and has performed with many acclaimed musicians and groups owing to his versatility and desired talent, including previous MCTA performer Kevin Burke. He is also a highly valued teacher and received the TG4 Gradam Ceoil (National Music Award)in 2005, and the Kanturk Arts Festival Award in 2009.