Chapter 9—‘Not the Same, but Just as Nice’: Traditions and
Transformations in Irish Music
Audiovisual Resources
The following audiovisual items are of particular relevance to this chapter. Portions or complete versions of these productions may be available via VOD (Video on Demand) providers as well as in their conventional DVD or VHS formats. Please see the Chapter 2 “Audiovisual Resources” section of this Online Learning Center for an extensive list of VOD providers.
The Best of Riverdance. 2005. Kultur Video. DVD. 113 mins.
An onstage and behind-the-scenes look at the hit Broadway Irish dance-and-music spectacle (first released in 2000). Highlights include dance performances by Michael Flatley and Jean Butler and a documentary history of the Riverdance phenomenon.
The Chieftains Live Over Ireland: Water from the Well. 2001. Image Entertainment Studio. VHS and DVD. 88 mins.
Narrated by Paddy Moloney. Shot in homes, pubs, church halls, and other settings all over Ireland, this DVD is a kind of “back-to-the-roots” retrospective of the group filmed thirty-five years into its storied career. Lots of traditional music, stories, and behind-the-scenes footage. Guest appearances by Altan, Van Morrison, and the Los Angeles-based band Los Lobos.
Far Away from the Shamrock Shore: The History of Irish Music in America. 1994. Lake Productions. VHS. 53 mins.
This documentary film presents the Irish influences in American music with historical footage, interviews, and live performances. Performers include The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, Boiled in Lead, Clairseach, and others.
From a Whisper to a Scream. 2001. Directed by David Heffernan. Distributed by Winstar/Fox Lorber, New York. 3 videos, 156 min.
Three-part series tracing Irish popular and rock music from the 1950s to 2001.
From Shore to Shore: Irish Traditional Music in New York City. 1993. Cherry Lane Productions. VHS. 57 mins.
Examines Irish traditional music in New York City throughout the twentieth century with a focus on continuity and change. Includes historical photographs and film footage and contemporary interviews and performances.
Gael Force. 2000. MVP Home Entertainment, distributed by Image Entertainment. VHS and DVD. 100 mins.
A collection of live performances from Dublin’s Point Theatre featuring the Chieftains, Sinead O’Connor, Clannad, Christy Moore and other performers.
Irish Traditional Music: Traditional Time – The Next Generation. 2000. Fieldstone Entertainment. DVD.
Features performances by several younger generation Irish groups who are carrying on the Irish music tradition. Groups include Four Men and a Dog, Devana, and the Border Collies.
JVC Video Anthology of World Music and Dance, Europe I. 1990. Distributed by Rounder Records. Vol. 20. VHS.
Anthology includes an uilleann pipes performance (20-1) and an Irish folk dance accompanied by concertina (small accordion-type instrument used in Irish music) (20-2). Accompanying guide provides contextual information.
Music of Ireland: Welcome Home. 2010. Elevation Group. DVD.
A celebration of contemporary Irish music with performances and interviews with artists such as The Chieftains, The Clancy Brothers, U2, The Dubliners, Riverdance, Bob Geldof, Ronan Tynan, and Sinead O’Connor.