Kevin O'Connell

bodhrán maker


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Discography
Here I offer some recordings over the years of notable bodhrán players in order to illustrate their different styles. Where I have obtained permission or am currently applying for it I have added a sample track. The format is RealAudio and can be played through RealPlayer (free download available). If visitors can help me to expand the list, please email me. I shall be most grateful.

John Reynolds

Pure Bodhrán - The Definitive Collection, Big Beat Music 2000

This CD features 19 players so it is difficult to pick a sample. I shall limit myself to two. I had to pick out John Reynolds playing to Dunmore Lassies in 1927. Download...

Robbie Harris

The second sample from the Pure Bodhrán album. Robbie Harris accompanies Peter Browne (accordion) and Charlie Foley (bass) playing Jig Jungle. Download...

Colm Murphy

An Bodhrán, Gael-Linn 1996

A celebration of Colm Murphy's contribution to the music, playing with the likes of Jackie Daly, De Danaan, and Máirtín O'Connor. In the sample he accompanies Conal Ó Gráda playing two reels, Lord Gordon's, Kiss the maid behind the barrel on flute. Download...

"I was... flying it", Damp in the Attic, Magnetic Music 1999

Colm Murphy playing with P.J. King, Martin Murray and Cyril O'Donoghue.
The sample is three reels: Crib of perches, Master Crowley's, Kit O'Connors. Download...

Tommy Hayes

Crossing the Bridge, Eileen Ivers, Sony Music Entertainment Inc.

Tommy Hayes is present on several tracks, but in the sample polka.com plays duet with Eileen Ivers. Download...

Mel Mercier

The Clare Shout, Bobby Gardiner

This CD is a personal production of the accordionist Bobby Gardiner. It involves family and friends to make a strong statement about the place of the music within the home. Mel Mercier plays various percussion on several tracks, but in the sample (Reel: The Boys of Ballysodare) accompanies Bobby  Gardiner's lilting on the bodhrán. Download...

John Joe Kelly

Before the Flood, playing with Steve Finn and Andrew Dinan, Smallworld Music 1998

In the sample John Joe Kelly performs a stunning solo, leading into The Big Reel from BallynaCaslly and Marion's Favourite. Download...

Clódagh Warnock

Deanta, Green Linnet 1993

Sample: Willie Taylor. Download...

Marc Duff

Sidewaulk, Capercaillie, Green Linnet

Sample: Fogsail an Dorus/Nighean Bhuaidh' Ruadh. Download...

Get Out, Capercaillie, Survival Records 1992

Jimmy Higgins

Blackwater, Altan, Virgin Records 1996

Jimmy Higgins is a guest musician on this album. On the sample track, 'stór, a stór, a ghrá, he also plays clay drums. Download...

Ivan Smyth

Champions of Ireland - Bodhran, Crashed Music/Connoiseur Records

I bought this album as a tape several years ago in Ireland. It has now been re-issued on CD by Crashed Music. Ivan Smyth, one time All Ireland Champion accompanies Graínne Kelly (tin whistle) and Rachel Smyth (piano) except for the sample track, where he plays solo. Download...

Christy Moore

Shadows on Stone, Matt Molloy, Virgin Records 1996

Christy Moore plays on several tracks of this album. Playing with his hand enables him to support rather than compete for attention. The sample track comprises of Garrett Barry's Jig and Paddy Rafferty's Favourite. Download...

Kevin Conneff

Santiago, The Chieftains, BMG Music 1996

Kevin Conneff remains one of my favourite players for his ability to lay down and maintain a solid rhythm for a band. This is well illustrated by the sample track from this CD - Arku-Dantza/Arin-Arin. By the way, the accordionist featured is Kepa Junkera. Download...

Rónán Ó Snodaigh

Lemonade and Buns, Kila, Kila Records 2000

A 'tonal' player par excellence. Kila are one of the most energetic and creative bands today. My recent stay in Dublin was marred by the fact that I was too late to get tickets for their St. Patrick's Day concert. The sample track is Where did you hide that train, Joe? Download...

Mind the Gap, Kila, Kila Records 1995

The sample track is Tickelled. Download...