Ryan’s Fancy - The Green Shores of Fogo

re: Ryan’s Fancy - The Green Shores of Fogo

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 23:35:52 GMT

Bob's entries are always a delight to read because the interweave the music with his memories and thereby breath life into artists I might never have heard of otherwise, nor thought to try out. But he sneaks in little gems of insight about the connections between music and culture that really stick with you, especially if you are a musician yourself. I have to say that his nugget of thought about "preservation" of folk music is right on the mark. In the education field, teachers like myself are constantly searching for ways to make the material "relevant" to the students. If you want to engage a group of students and keep them motivated, you have to find a way to connect them in a personal, exciting way to the topic at hand. Just telling someone "it's important" doesn't make them want to remember it or continue it. Folk music isn't any different. The way a musician puts his or her own meaning into the traditional music, rather than just trying to copy it precisely breathes life into a song whether it's 5, 10, or 100 years old.

re: Ryan’s Fancy - The Green Shores of Fogo

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:15:54 GMT

I love reading Bob's material. He is very intelectual and his thoughts open up a whole new world for me. I would love to hear some clips of Ryan's Fancy but I am not sure where to find it. I was hoping to hear it when I went to the Avondale link but could not find it. I would love to have link added next time where we could hear all of the great music and the great artists Bob shares with us.

re: Ryan’s Fancy - The Green Shores of Fogo

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:46:17 GMT

I agree with both of the above comments. I love Bob's writing style!
I also would love to have a clip of the songs Bob speaks of...share the joy!
Thanks Bob for inspiring me yet again!
t

re: Ryan’s Fancy - The Green Shores of Fogo

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 06:51:12 GMT

It's a great commentary Bob. I grew up with Ryan's Fancy on the record player and I love them. I don't know what made these sons of Ireland stop in Newfoundland to ply their trade but I am really happy about it. They are at least as good as the Clancy brothers I think and could have achieved more fame elsewhere.

I have their cd "Songs from the Shows" but I am wondering why aren't the earlier records available on CD? I would gladly plank down good money for all of them.

re: Ryan’s Fancy - The Green Shores of Fogo

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 22:05:26 GMT

I was fortunate enough to meet Fergus and Dermot after a show at O'Reilly's while I was in St. John's last year. Even just knowing who they were, without knowing much of Ryan's Fancy's music, I was a little star-struck. Dermot signed my bodhran and chatted with me about music and life for a few minutes, and I wish I had taken the time and much more so, the nerve, to hang about and talk with he and Fergus for pint or 2 or 5.

I wonder if there is any way those of us in the US can see these old shows from the CBC.

Thanks Bob, as always, for your musical insights and musings. I learn alot reading your blogs. :) If ya ever want a production intern, lemme know. :) Cheers!

re: Ryan’s Fancy - The Green Shores of Fogo

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 08:42:18 GMT

Just learned of Dermot O'Reilly's untimely death. Bob's words here speak volumes of what he and Ryan's Fancy have meant to Great Big Sea and Newfoundland folk music in general.

I raise a glass to Mr. O'Reilly now and will offer a prayer for the repose of his soul in the morning...Fare thee well, friend of our much beloved traditional music, and thank you for blessing us with your talent.

Jo Martin