Liscune, as with many traditional Irish music ensembles, was formed from session play. In the Irish music tradition a session, or seisiúin as it is presented in the Irish language, is an informal gathering of traditional Irish musicians in a Public House (Pub), someone’s home, barn, or just about anywhere where people can gather and the music can be played.
Colleen and Ray have been playing together in sessions in the Bergen County, NJ, Rockland County, NY, and NYC area for over a half a decade. Ed first joined them in a session at the Porter House in Montvale, NJ nearly three years ago. All three together continued the session at Fitzgerald’s Harp ‘n Bard in Clifton, NJ starting in the late Summer of 2004 and now regularly host a session at Fennell’s in Pearl River, NY on Wednesday evenings.
The band’s repertoire includes the traditional tune forms of Jigs, Reels, Polkas, Hornpipes, and Waltzes. It also includes traditional Ballads and Songs. A strong tradition in Ireland for seemingly countless generations has been the gathering of the community, again at the Pub or someone’s barn or home, for an evening of dance and what the Irish call “Craic†(music, talk, camaraderie, and an overall general good time). Often times, in the early days, the music at these dance gatherings was preformed by a lone itinerant musician, perhaps a fiddler, a piper, or someone lilting. The nineteenth century saw the advent of ensemble playing at these gatherings. Such ensemble playing has been met with great favor in the evolution of the tradition as the tradition is indeed a living, evolving folk art.
Liscune is available for Private Parties, Cultural Events, Concerts, Dances, and Pub Performances. Contact Ed (201) 424-6141 for booking details.
Sláinte agus SÃocháin!
