Andy McGann
October 5th, 1928 - July 14th 2004
Ed Reavy and Andy McGann in Philadelphia
Andy McGann
October 5th, 1928 - July 14th 2004
As far as Irish fiddling goes, Andy McGann is something of a national treasure. He is a very special link from the past masters of
the Sligo-style, to some of the best players of today. In one sense, you could say the music passed through him, from them to us, but that's only part of the story.
Having gotten his tunes directly from the Sligo tradition, including many directly from the most famous of them all, Michael Coleman,
Andy carried on the tradition and passed it on to others. He has had a direct influence on the playing of
many great fiddlers including
Brian Conway, and Patrick Mangan to name just two.
Through the kindness of Andy McGann, and the help of Brian Conway, I am able to post some unreleased tracks from
a performamce with Felix Dolan on Piano. There are so many great moments that it was difficult to choose. So, let's
start with his opening jigs and then his first set of hornpipes.
(or is that just one big hornpipe...? You decide!)
Here, live from "The Eagle" June 12, 1992, is Andy McGann and Felix Dolan.
Jigs: The Gander - The Grey Goose
Some recordings to look for:
Andy McGann with Paul Brady - Shanachie Records
Andy McGann with Paddy Reynolds - Shanachie Records
Andy McGann - Joe Burke - Felix Dolan - Tribute to Michael Coleman - Green Linnet Records
My Love is In America - Boston College Fiddle Festival - Green Linnet Records
