Reelin’ in Tradition Sleevenotes - Introduction by Martin Hayes

For those who really know their traditional music, the Mulcahy Family must rank as one of the most impressive musical families in Ireland today. Their musicianship is of the highest order and their collective ensemble playing is flawless. This pristine recording powerfully showcases their incredible range of multi-instrumental talent and virtuosity.

There is one other thing that the connoisseur of traditional music also understands, and that is that this music is not just about achieving the highest level of technical mastery on one’s instrument. There is an unquantifiable essence that is far more important than any technical achievement.

I first became familiar with the music of Mick Mulcahy from his first solo recording which was made in 1976. I remember that both my father and I felt that his music had a great depth of feeling. That same feeling that first made an impression on me has been handed on to his daughters and now continues all the way through this fine recording.

Playing this music in a way that reveals its full potential requires a subtle understanding and a willingness to be open and receptive to the feeling of the music. There are many decisions and choices to be made which either help you get to the heart of the music or move you further away from that goal. You have to choose the melodies carefully as all melodies are not created equal, you have to know which notes are key to the tune and give them the attention they deserve or you will not reveal the tunes full potential. You must decide which tunes go together, what keys to play them in and at what tempo. These are just some of the initial choices, if you get them wrong it doesn’t matter how well you play your instrument.

The Mulcahys know this music and it is reflected in the choices they made on this recording. The tunes they picked are great, the interpretation and playing do the melodies full justice. This is a beautiful recording that takes you right to the heart of the music.

- Martin Hayes