John Doonan - Flute for the Feis (1972)

A lovely album from piccolo player John Doonan, accompanied by Henry Eglington (accordion), Phil Murray (acoustic bass), and Dave Price (piano). Doonan, from Hebburn was All-Ireland and world piccolo champion, and played at Fiesanna and festivals the world over, competing and providing music for dance competitions, a fact that accounts for the preponderance of Set Dance tunes on this recording, and for the lovely Sean Nós dance steps that can be heard on track 10. Track 14 is an interesting example of Murray's lively bass playing, and pretty funky stuff considering how traditional is Doonan's North Connaught-influenced style of playing. All in all this album is a surprising little gem. [Ceol Álainn review]

1. Seán Maguire's/The Banshee [Reels]

2. The Hunt [Set Dance]

3. Smash the Windows/Off She Goes [Single Jigs]

4. Bonaparte's Retreat [Set Dance]

5. The Sport of the Chase [Slip Jig]

6. The Flowers of Antrim/The Quarrelsome Piper [Hornpipes]

7. The Coolin [Air]

8. The Fermoy Lasses/Sporting Paddy/The Dawn [Reels]

9. The Ace and Deuce of Piping [Set Dance]

10. Saddle the Pony/Shandon Bells [Jigs]

11. The Little Heathy Hill [Set Dance]

12. The King of the Fairies [Set Dance]

13. Eileen Aroon [Air]

14. Bonnie Kate/Jenny's Chickens [Reels]

link to the free album

John Doonan - Flute for the Feis