I think this is a first for Folk Radio, thanks to Finn Harper, who I first came across via Hoodman Blind, an Irish trio hailing from Limerick, Clare and Wexford who explore the boundaries of tradition. Finn Harper, on Button Accordion, was among their players, whose other string to his bow is his incredibly lifelike pencil portraits.
Below, you can watch him drawing Eamon Morrissey (I love how he makes the headstock appear out of focus). The music is courtesy of Daoirí Farrell performing Paddy’s Green Shamrock Shore. Daoirí has some live dates coming up; see below.
Finn on the commission:
This was a much-welcomed commission from some of the regulars of Larkin’s Pub in Limerick. The commission is of the unmistakable Eamon Morrissey, who changed the face of Larkin’s Pub in 2011 and created something very special there with musicians/singers and punters travelling from far and wide.
I played a weekly session there back in 2011/2012 when I was studying in Limerick, and the tunes, songs, pints & craic would always drive on late into the morning hours.
Eamon has a love of many musical genres, which is why you can usually find all kinds of musicians and instruments passing through. I’ve had some of my best memories in Larkin’s, and hopefully, I can call in the next time I’m back in Ireland.
Finn has exhibited in France, Italy, America and all over Ireland. You can find more information, including his contact details for commissions, here: https://www.facebook.com/finnharperartwork
You can also buy Hoodman Blind’s music on Bandcamp: https://hoodmanblind.bandcamp.com/album/hoodman-blind
Paddy’s Green Shamrock Shore
Paul Brady’s version of this song probably first springs to mind when mentioned (from Welcome Here Kind Stranger). Daoirí Farrell also recorded the song with the Irish band Lúnasa for their 2018 album Cas to coincide with their 20th anniversary. To celebrate, the five songs on the album included guest singers, including Tim O’Brien, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Eric Bibb, Natalie Merchant, and of course, Daoirí Farrell, singing the Paddy’s Green Shamrock Shore.
I prefer the solo version sung here by Daoirí, whose bouzouki is the perfect instrument of choice, along with a cracking voice, of course.
Daoirí has several dates coming up, including Sidmouth Folk Festival. See below:
Daoirí Farrell Tour Dates
10th July 2022
Ely Folk Festival
14-17th July 2022
CUMBRIA
The Irish Songs Workshop at Maddy Prior’s Stones Barn
31st July 2022
ROSTREVOR
Fiddlers Green Festival
4th August 2022
Sidmouth Folk Festival
23rd August 2022
INISHBOFIN
Murray’s Yard
2nd October 2022
Hartlepool Folk Festival