Ireland is full of great musicians, but only a few set standards" said legendary producer, PJ Curtis. He was referring to Noel Hill who is from West County Clare. And what a night this promises to be. Noel is here in Boston for a surprise visit to the Irish Film Festival which is featuring a film on his life on the weekend of March 23rd. So this intimate concert has been added on. Do NOT miss this.
Noel's parents and grandparents were all concertina players. He lived in a house which was the last house in the area to hold the traditional Irish House dance, where musicians were always welcomed; particularly towards the end of the year when farm work was done. It was at these events that he learned his early tunes, rather than from the radio, books or records. He started playing at 9 and was lucky to have heard endless hours of Willie Clancy, Paddy Canny, Peter OLoughlin, Paddy Murphy, and Micky Hanrahan. Much of the music in his repertoire today comes from the music he learned as a child from these great players. Noel wanted to be a piper, but pipes were not readily available. He played the concertina which had been initially purchased for his older brother.
Here below is a brilliant reprise of a trio that initially dates back to the halcyon days of the mid 1970s. Noel, Tony Linnane and Alec Finn. This reunion happened in 2016.
The Burren Backroom series is now well established as one of the most sought-after boutique series of trad presentation in the world. It has already created already dozens of memorable, intimate, informal presentations held in a truly atmospheric space which was founded by well-known traditional musicians Tommy McCarthy and Louise Costello in Davis Square, Somerville, Massachusetts.
Hosted by Brian O'Donovan of A Celtic Sojourn on WGBH radio, these gatherings feature core performers from many aspects of traditional music as well as special guests, and conversations around the music. As is the custom of the Burren, it is anticipated informal and dynamic post concert sessions will be a feature.
Tickets prices vary and there is a $5 discount for WGBH Members. If you are a member, send an e-mail to celtic@wgbh.org and we will send you the code.
Seating is VERY limited and these events have been selling out, so get your tickets today!
Location
The Burren Backroom (View)
247 Elm Street, Davis Square
Somerville, MA 02144
United States
