Influence of Irish Music in North America

Irish traditional music has had a profound influence on the folk music of North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, due to centuries of Irish emigration. This musical exchange resulted in a shared repertoire of songs and styles, blending Irish music with other cultural traditions to create new genres like Appalachian music, bluegrass, and country music.

Emigration and the Spread of Irish Music

• Irish emigration to North America was a defining feature of Irish history, with large populations settling in regions like:
  • Appalachian Mountains (USA).
  • Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario (Canada).
  • Major cities like Boston, New York, and Chicago.
• Irish emigrants brought their music with them, influencing the local music traditions they encountered and contributing to:
  • Appalachian "old-time" music.
  • American folk and country music.
  • Canadian fiddle traditions.

Similarities Between Irish and North American Music

Musical Structures and Ornamentation:

• Irish musical structures and forms, such as polkas and jigs, can be found in American tunes like "Fred Finn's Polka."
• Ornamentation: Techniques like slides, double stopping, and grace notes are common in both Irish and North American fiddling.

Appalachian Music:

• Similarities to Irish music include:
  • Double stopping in fiddle playing.
  • Modal ornamentation.
  • Singing styles resembling sean nós, with nasal tones and vocal improvisation.

Shared Repertoire:

• Songs brought by Irish immigrants became part of American folk traditions, often adapted with new lyrics or forms.
• Examples:
  • "Rose Connolly" (American folk song) was originally noted by Edward Bunting in Derry in 1811 as "Rosey Collolly."
  • The American ballad "The Streets of Laredo" is based on the Irish song "The Bard of Armagh."

Irish Influence on Canadian Music

Newfoundland and Quebec:

• The fiddling tradition in these regions reflects Irish influence, particularly from Michael Coleman, a Sligo fiddler whose recordings reached Canada.

Cape Breton:

• Irish settlers brought jigs, reels, marches, and slow airs.
• Fiddle players in Cape Breton still ornament tunes with grace notes, trebling, and double stopping, continuing Irish traditions.
• Notable tune: "St. Anne's Reel."

Notable Figures in Irish-American Music

Michael Coleman:

• Emigrated to New York in 1917 and made over 80 recordings during the 1920s and 1930s.
• His Sligo fiddling style influenced fiddling traditions in North America, particularly in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.

Patsy Touhey:

• Piper whose recordings brought traditional Irish music to American audiences.

Jean Ritchie:

• An American collector of Appalachian music, who traced its links to Irish melodies.
• Noted how Irish tunes were adapted with American words in the 18th century.

Irish-American and Irish-Canadian Festivals

Festivals in North America celebrate Irish music and its influence:

• The Ireland Newfoundland Festival: Alternates yearly between Ireland and Newfoundland, showcasing shared traditions.
• Irish musicians also perform at festivals throughout the USA and Canada, maintaining cultural ties.

Modern Connections and Legacy

• Irish and North American musicians share a common repertoire, with influences flowing in both directions.
• TV series like "Bringing It All Back Home" explore how Irish music has influenced and been influenced by North American music.
• Irish-American artists such as Eileen Ivers (fiddle) and Seamus Egan (multi-instrumentalist) continue to blend traditions, bringing Irish music to new audiences.

Exam Tips

• Emphasize Key Figures: Mention Michael Coleman, Jean Ritchie, and Patsy Touhey.
• Discuss Shared Repertoire: Highlight songs like "The Streets of Laredo" and "Rose Connolly."
• Identify Influences: Explain how Irish ornamentation and forms impacted Appalachian, bluegrass, and Canadian fiddle music.
• Mention Festivals: Include examples like the Ireland Newfoundland Festival. The influence of Irish music on North American traditions demonstrates the enduring legacy of Irish emigrants, whose music continues to shape the folk traditions of the USA and Canada.