Ceol Cois Trá, the first of a series of traditional music concerts, was held in Sandymount Community Centre back in late November to a packed audience. A mix of seasoned music lovers, newcomers, and young kids were all in attendance, eager to enjoy this lively gathering, which celebrated the rich heritage of folk music and newly composed music with Cormac Breatnach on whistles and Martin Dunlea on guitar.
We were all captivated by the beautiful, harmonious blend of traditional folk music, with a twang of feisty Spanish vibes in some songs, alongside the delicate lightness of the whistle, carrying the melody with an almost ethereal quality, while the guitar provided a groundness with warmth and depth. Together, this duo formed a perfect balance of timeless tunes while connecting with the audience through what this music creates between the performers and listeners.
Cormac Breatnach was immersed in the Irish musical tradition from early childhood, and throughout his long career he has played with artists as diverse as Elvis Costello, Sonny Condell, and Donal Lunny among others, and has recorded many albums to date. Cormac’s music is highly influenced by jazz and blues, but he also embraces his Spanish roots.
Martin Dunlea, a Cork-born, self-taught guitarist and singer who plays in standard and open tuning, mostly fingerstyle. He played in folk rock and blues bands in Ireland, UK and the USA from his early teens to his late twenties. He is an extraordinary guitarist who feels the magic of tradition in every chord and he has made the transition from jazz to trad. Martin is also a composer and has appeared on notable TV and radio programmes.
Cormac and Martin recorded their first duet album entitled, “Music for Whistles and Guitar” in 2004 and they played songs from that album on the night which was a combination of the perfect balance where the whistle danced freely above the strumming of the guitar, that evoked a sense of nostalgic storytelling, enhancing cultural preservation; these performers had the audience hooked from the get-go. They also had their CD on sale where it was snapped up by everybody (myself included!) This was an evening of just being in the moment, allowing the mind to quiet and the simplicity of listening to live traditional music also fostered a calm presence and balance in the room which can be central to mindfulness.
Ceol and Wellness Cois Trá is an initiative of the Sandymount Community Centre to attract and support more music and cultural performances and activities in our community. The Sandymount Community Centre aims to connect and bring together people in the local communities and through this to foster community spirit and to provide a sense of inclusion and belonging.
Special thanks to the Chairperson of the Sandymount Culture Programme, Cormac McGinley, who also joined in for one song with the lads and wowed the crowd with his technical mastery of the flute translating in an eloquent display.
If you would like more information on the Sandymount Culture Programme, please check out the website and social media platforms or pop into the centre in Newbridge Avenue.
