| The majority of my work as a solo
performer includes Irish tunes & songs, American folk songs, drinking
songs, and sea chanteys. This repertoire includes a wealth
of songs and ballads about immigration, living life, having fun,
and dying (but not always in that order).
In addition to solo performances, I also play in
several bands including All For Me Grog, and The Cartel. I am able to provide pretty much any size ensemble for any occasion.
Go to my Bands Page for more information.
Irish Music
I play traditional Irish tunes on mandolin and tenor banjo, including
jigs, reels, hornpipes, and other forms. I have picked up all
music I play in the traditional way...wherever I can. I have learned
scores of tunes from other musicians, books, and extensive research.
The bulk of my repertoire comes from fife and drum music which
crosses over with Irish music extensively.
Drinking Songs
I sing songs that range from relatively tame to bawdy. I've been
collecting drinking songs for decades now. Some are Irish-Anglo
in origin and some American. Most of my drinking songs have been
researched and collected in the field...so to speak.
Sea Chanteys
Sea chanteys are the work songs used by sailors in the Golden
Age of Sail to provide a rhythmic cadence for their various tasks
and duties. They also helped break up the monotony and provide
entertainment. Chanteys vary in structure to correspond with the
various types of work performed on a ship.
I spent five years on the staff at Mystic Seaport
as a seaport chanteyman. I've been singing chanteys for as long
as I've been singing drinking songs, and I've collected most of
my chantey's the same way I got my drinking songs...in the field.
Read my bio to find out more about my experiences as a seaman
and as a ship builder.
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