Titles Available
Here and There
Denis Ryan
Denis Ryan (formerly of Ryans Fancy) realizes his dream of recording with a gathering of his favourite musical friends and relatives - from both sides of the Atlantic. This dream can be heard on 'Here and There' Denis' latest solo album - below is a complete track listing.
Purchase 'Here and There' CD from Steamboat Music
Track Listing:
1. Reels: Farewell to Ryan's Fancy and the Tipperary Reel Composer: Jerry Holland Track 1: Reels |
I first met Jerry Holland in the early '70's at Mike MacDougall's place in Igonish, Cape Breton, and after I heard him play, he quickly became one of my favourite Cape Breton composers and fiddlers. It was a real treat to be able to perform with him at the University of Limerick Hall to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Limerick being chartered as a city. He wrote these when he got back home to Nova Scotia. We recorded this in the summer of '98 in Halifax. |
2. Eyes of Green Composer:
Allister MacGillivray |
I first heard this sung by the late Tic Bulter, a mutual friend of Allister and mine. We recorded this in my cousin Denis Carey's parlour in Newport, County Tipperary(my home town) on an afternoon in May '97. It was a pleasure to sing this with Milinda Allen, a new singer-songwriter from Limerick. We were also joined by Louis Roden, the first violin with the Irish Chamber Orchestra. |
3. The Halifax Hornpipe Composer: Denis Carey |
My cousin Denis said that he was inspired to write this one afternoon while strolling down Spring Garden Road in Halifax, his newly adopted second home. Recorded in Limerick, May of '99. |
4. Cape Breton Dream Composer:
Denis Carey & Bill Gough |
Jack Kellum, the producer of the Ryan's Fancy television series on CBS during the mid 70's, visited the Margaree area of Cape Breton with me to do some research. While there, we were very much inspired by the place and the people. I went back to St. John's, Newfoundland where I then lived and got together with my buddy Bill Gough and we penned it. This song reflects my feelings about my visit to the Cape. We recorded this in the Autumn of '98 in Halifax. |
5. The Newfoundland Polka Composer: Denis Carey |
You simply can't have a polka or a Newfoundland tune without the accordian. 'Say no more! We recorded this in the spring of '98 in Halifax. |
6. Raglan Road Traditional
Air Track 6: Raglan Road |
After a game of golf with the "Lahinch Crowd" , in the spring of '98, we hopped on a bus and rode through the Ring of Kerry. Needless to say, a singsong broke out. The "choirmaster" Dermot Kelly, a singer-songwriter himself, suggested that I sing this song. I'm now glad he did because it made the recording. This was the very first air I learned on the penny whistle. Recorded in Halifax in the summer of '98. Muriel's song. |
7. Three Reels Composer: Jerry holland |
The first reel, "Iggy & Squiggy" was made by Jerry. I was really looking forward to the chance to hear two of Nova Scotia's finest, Jerry and Scotty get together with two of Ireland's finest, the husband and wife team of Niall and Sandra, for this rousing set of reels, recorded at Denis Allen's house in Limerick, May '97. By the way, Sandra Joyce is my bodhran player. |
8. Liverpool Lou Composer: Denis Allen |
If there is one song that reminds me of my days with Ryan's fancy, it's this one. Recorded off the floor at Denis Allen's house, May '99. |
9. Minstrel's Lament Composer: Denis Carey |
This is a tribute to my dear departed friend, Jim MacNeill from Prince Edward Island. He was the first person I met on my initial visit there, twenty-eight years ago. Originally from Barra Island in Scotland, Jim loved celtic music and life itself. He always enjoyed the airy sound of the accordian along with the fiddle and whistle. Slainte Jim!! Recorded in Halifax of '98. |
10. Lonely in London Composer:
Denis Allen |
This song was partially recorded in Ireland and the rest in Canada. This is another gem from Denis Allen, and like some of his other songs such as Shannon River and Limerick You're a Lady, it has become a standard of Ireland. |
11. Jigs... A Live Session Traditional |
This was recorded live at Denis Allen's place in Limerick in May '97. It was great to have the new generation of Ryan's, Kenneth, Jamie and Tracey in on it. It was what it was...an informal live session. The first jig was made by Denis Carey. It's called Livvy's Jig. |
12. Love is Teasin' Traditional Track 6: Love is Teasin' |
What better way to finish an Irish Canadian project than with a good old sing song. We did this one also at Denis Allen's in Limerick live off the floor with my musical family. Here. And there. |
