Celtic Music: The Chieftains
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The Chieftains Began the Celtic Music Revival
The Chieftains are credited with bringing traditional Irish music to the world's attention. Paddy Molony got some musicians together in 1962 and they recorded an album that was at the time regarded as a one-time thing. But five years later, they got together again, and a second album followed in 1968. Harpist Derek Bell joined in 1973, but they weren't playing full time until 1975.
The Chieftains stuck with tradition through their first nine albums, although not without criticism from some purists who thought they weren't being true to it. The purists were probably far less enthralled when the group began expanding their boundaries with their tenth album, Cotton-Eyed Joe. Since then they've recorded with many artists from different genres of music, with one of their most recent collaborations being with American country and bluegrass performers on Down the Old Plank Road and Further Down the Old Plank Road.
The Chieftains stuck with tradition through their first nine albums, although not without criticism from some purists who thought they weren't being true to it. The purists were probably far less enthralled when the group began expanding their boundaries with their tenth album, Cotton-Eyed Joe. Since then they've recorded with many artists from different genres of music, with one of their most recent collaborations being with American country and bluegrass performers on Down the Old Plank Road and Further Down the Old Plank Road.
Paddy Molony and His Musical Friends
Paddy Moloney has been the band's leader, plus he composes or arranges most of the music. The band's lineup changed several times in the 1960s and 1970s, it became more stable in 1979 when flautist Matt Molloy joined, replacing Michael Tubridy. From then until 2002, there were six members:
* Paddy Moloney (uilleann pipes, tin whistle, button accordion, bodhrán)
* Matt Molloy (flute, tin whistle)
* Kevin Conneff (bodhrán, vocals)
* Seán Keane (fiddle, tin whistle)
* Martin Fay (fiddle, bones) (retired from band, 2002)
* Derek Bell (Irish harp, keyboard instruments, oboe)(died 2002)
Since 2002, the band has consisted of four members. Other musicians from the beginning until 1979 included:
* David Fallon (bodhrán)
* Ronnie McShane (percussion)
* Peadar Mercier (bodhrán, bones)
* Seán Potts (tin whistle, bones, bodhrán)
* Michael Tubridy (flute, concertina, and tin whistle)
* Paddy Moloney (uilleann pipes, tin whistle, button accordion, bodhrán)
* Matt Molloy (flute, tin whistle)
* Kevin Conneff (bodhrán, vocals)
* Seán Keane (fiddle, tin whistle)
* Martin Fay (fiddle, bones) (retired from band, 2002)
* Derek Bell (Irish harp, keyboard instruments, oboe)(died 2002)
Since 2002, the band has consisted of four members. Other musicians from the beginning until 1979 included:
* David Fallon (bodhrán)
* Ronnie McShane (percussion)
* Peadar Mercier (bodhrán, bones)
* Seán Potts (tin whistle, bones, bodhrán)
* Michael Tubridy (flute, concertina, and tin whistle)
The Chieftains (1963-1973) on Amazon
The Chieftains recorded their first album on the Claddagh Records label, which has kept most of the recordings available.
MP3 downloads, where indicated, are available in the United States only.
If you wish to order from Amazon.co.uk, please click on the appropriate text link in each CD's description. Clicking on the graphic or title of the CD links you to Amazon's US site.
MP3 downloads, where indicated, are available in the United States only.
If you wish to order from Amazon.co.uk, please click on the appropriate text link in each CD's description. Clicking on the graphic or title of the CD links you to Amazon's US site.
The Chieftains (1975-1978) on Amazon
The Chieftains (1979-1985) on Amazon
The Chieftains (1986-1988) on Amazon
The Chieftains (1989-1992) on Amazon
The Chieftains (1993-1998) on Amazon
The Chieftains (1998-2002) on Amazon
The Chieftains (2002- ) on Amazon
The Chieftains Videos
Videos of popular artists sometimes go missing on YouTube. If you click on a video and get a message that it is no longer available, please leave me a comment so I can replace it quickly.
The Chieftains & Freiends at Matt Molloy's Pub
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The Stone
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The Mason's Apron
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The Chieftains with The Corrs
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The Chieftains Links
- The Chieftains official website
- Biographies, tour dates, discography, photos, and more.
- Claddagh Records
- The Chieftains' home label since the beginning.
- Celtic Music lenses by MobyD
- A lens to help you find other Celtic Music lenses I've made.
- The Chieftains Videos on Page 2
- Videos of the Chieftains from YouTube.
- Music at Matt Molloy's
- Lens about the CD Music at Matt Molloy's and how it was recorded.
Share your thoughts on The Chieftains
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franstan
Aug 12, 2011 @ 4:41 pm | delete
- I am a great fan of The Chieftains
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elsahc Jun 1, 2011 @ 4:51 pm | delete
- Saw the Chieftains live several times, many years ago. They really helped to bring Celtic music to many ears.
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ChrisDay
May 20, 2011 @ 10:01 pm | delete
- Lensrolled to my Ireland Quiz and my St Patrick Quiz
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ChrisDay
May 20, 2011 @ 10:01 pm | delete
- Superb lens, thanks - great musicians and great music.
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LoKackl
Sep 24, 2010 @ 10:06 am | delete
- Finally! All you ever wanted to know about the Chieftans!
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MobyD
I'm very interested in Celtic music and have created a series of lenses about performers. See Celtic Music: Lenses (named Lens of the Day on March 16,... more »
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