Born in 1887 in Glountane, County Kerry, Pádraig O’Keeffe grew up with music in his blood. Classically trained, he could have taken a very different path, but the pull of traditional music – his music – was too strong to resist. What set O’Keeffe apart wasn’t just his skill with a bow; it was the way he taught and passed on the music of Sliabh Luachra.
Donegal fiddlers are known for their tight, rhythmically sharp playing. The bowing is often strong and deliberate, with a clear emphasis on rhythm to drive the tune forward. This makes Donegal music particularly suited for dance, where clarity and pulse are essential.
Donegal fiddlers are known for their tight, rhythmically sharp playing. The bowing is often strong and deliberate, with a clear emphasis on rhythm to drive the tune forward. This makes Donegal music particularly suited for dance, where clarity and pulse are essential.
The Cape Breton fiddle style is notable for its close ties to dance. Cape Bretoners value the music’s role in traditional step dancing and square dancing, so fiddlers often prioritise rhythm, lift, and energy in their playing.
Donegal fiddlers are known for their tight, rhythmically sharp playing. The bowing is often strong and deliberate, with a clear emphasis on rhythm to drive the tune forward. This makes Donegal music particularly suited for dance, where clarity and pulse are essential.
Traditional Irish music. Composer. Multi-instrumentalist.