Cheers to Spring!

Spring is slowly making its way through the nation's capital: the cherry blossoms are starting to poke their heads out, the daffodils are in full bloom, and the first warm breaths of sunshine are a welcome relief to the stinging wind we've had all winter.

To celebrate, here's a fittingly celebratory tune to listen to while sipping that first cold beer of the season. This unreleased track was recorded by Ralph Rinzler at The Bedford Arms in Camden Town, London, 1965. Other tracks from this recording session were released on Folkways FG 3575, Irish Music in London Pubs. We can deduce from the other tracks on this album that the musicians featured are Michael Gorman (fiddle) Margaret Barry (banjo), Tommy McGuire (melodeon), Pat Howley (flute [?]), and Paddy Breen (tin whistle/flageolet [?]). Pat Howley and Paddy Breen both played the flute and the flageolet, so we are less sure of their role in the recording. Can you detect any additional instruments?




Luckily, this track adapts equally well to climates still looking for their first signs of spring. Listen while sitting in front of a nice fire with friends, and of course, while enjoying a nice pint.

Sláinte!

This recording is a part of the Moses and Frances Asch Collection. You can listen to samples of the other tracks from the recording on the Smithsonian Folkways website. For more field recordings by Ralph Rinzler, his audio recordings are also a wonderful source.

-Cecilia Peterson, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections