Search - De Danann :: Collection

Excellent instrumental tracks, mediocre vocals

Michael | Placerville, CA USA | 09/01/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have this album four stars based on the strength of the instrumental tracks. I would rank their jigs and reels on all of the De Danann albums as Hall of Fame quality for traditional Irish Music.



De Danann was named after "Tuatha De' Danann" ( pronounced Too-ah De Dan an) the ancient Irish tribal ancestors that worshipped Danu, the goddess of dance. The start of De Danann was the album "Frankie Gavin and Alec Finn" recorded some time in the early 1970's after their playing together at Hughes Pub in Spiddal, County Galway, over several years. Through all of their years together, the trademark sound of De Danann was a bouncy fast pace with superb fiddle (Gavin) and Bouzouki (Finn). They were joined by one of the very best and early pioneers of the tenor banjo, Charlie Piggott, and one of the very best and early pioneers of the bodhran, Johnny McDonagh. Charley developed the triplet style of banjo playing, and without Johnny McDonagh the bodhran would most likely not be as popular as it is today. Jackie Daly on excellent button accordian joined the group. The musicians are among the best of the best in their separate instrument categories.



When Johnny McDonagh left, we went on to record Feodoga Stain I and II (whistle music) with Mary Bergin, the second album being ground breaking hall of fame style tin whistle and bodhran music. He later recorded two excellent albums with Arcady, After the Ball and Many Happy Returns. De Danann replaced him with Colm Murphy.



Playing along is much more fun that reading sheet music. The Sessions.com on the internet provides online sheet music, lyrics and chord tablature for most of the well known tunes free of charge online.



Amazon may want to consider making all De Danann instrumentals available on MP3 download format. The Mist Covered Mountain is one of their first and best albums and is currently available for MP3 download.



De Danann has retired now. Charlie Piggot lost several fingers on one hand in a tragic accident. Frankie Gavin and Alec Finn are still playing at Irish concerts and pubs together. Johnny McDonagh is still playing at Irish pubs. Their instrumentals together are real Irish heritage that should be saved and respected. Jackie Daly has recently retired from Patrick Street."