Introduction (by Charlie Lennon - June 2001)
Mayo has produced many fine musicians over the years. Now for the first time we have the opportunity to hear the creative works of North Mayo man Vincent McGrath on this 28-track album. He has chosen the two-row accordian as the means of expressing this new material, comprising Reels, Jigs, Hornpipes, Flings, Polkas, Barn Dances etc. In truth we hear with these compositions the distant strains of fiddle music and my mind turns to the opportunities they present for embelishment and ornamentation in the North Connaught tradition of fiddle and flute.
I suppose it's not surprising when one discovers that Vincent's Uncle John played fiddle with the greats of New York in the heady days of the 1920's. Not only that but he supplied them with material which has become part of the tradition. Vincent's father and uncle Mike also played fiddle, small wonder that this music carries the message though in such an evocative way. This album has therefore the dual role of providing both an enjoyable listening experience and also a rich source of original material for musicians hungry for new tunes in the old tradition.