In Search of the Craic

In Search of the Craic

by Colin Irwin (Author)

Synopsis

It travels well, but still there's nothing quite like hearing Irish music in Ireland. Not in big concert halls or grand arenas, or even the popular taverns on the tourist route, but in the small pubs in remote areas where the locals habitually gravitate for those informal sessions that invariably develop into a serious social occasion universally known as the craic. For those who play it, it's not a style of music, but a way of life, producing its own culture and characters. After 25 years visiting Ireland both as a music writer and a tourist, Colin Irwin goes in search of the craic. He talks to some of the leading Irish musicians like Christy Moore, Donal Lunny, Paddy Moloney, Martin Hayes, Andy Irvine, Cara Dillon, Paul Brady and Frankie Gavin about their experiences and they direct him to places where the craic is mightiest. This is the story of his journey into Ireland's musical soul and the extraordinary characters he meets along the way. But Ireland, being Ireland, nothing ever goes quite according to plan...

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
Edition: Revised edition
Publisher: Andre Deutsch Ltd
Published: 13 May 2010

ISBN 10: 0233002944
ISBN 13: 9780233002941

Media Reviews
'The funniest book I have read in a long time.' - Irish World 'A worthy addition to other rib-tickling tomes like McCarthy's bar and Round Ireland with a Fridge.' - Irish Post 'Part travelogue, part musical history... Irwin weaves a tale of discovery of an indefinable but utterly charming kind that is as unpredictable, rugged and compelling as the land itself. It's often said that performers in Ireland 'have the music'; Irwin has the words, and he [...] comes closer to defining the craic than he may care to admit. Superb.' - Record Collector
Author Bio
Colin Irwin has been writing about music for over 25 years. He was assistant editor at Melody Maker, and has contributed to such publications as the Guardian, Daily Telegraph and the Sunday Times. He's been a tv and radio presenter for BBC2 and BBC Radio 2 where he presented 5 series of Acoustic Roots. Previous publications include The Name of the Game: The Abba Story, Dire Straits, and he has contributed to Rough Guide to World Music and the Virgin Rock Yearbook.