Brian Conway, Sligo Fiddler
accompanied by Darin Kelly, guitar

Date: Sun., Jan. 9th, 2005

Admission: $10; children under 12 free

Coatesville Cultural Society

143 E. Lincoln Highway

Coatesville , PA 19320

[Library Guy Productions: (610) 486-2220]

Here's a review of Brian's long-awaited solo CD

Brian Conway, born and raised in New York, is one of those rare musicians who has developed a naturally Irish way of playing without having spent long periods in Ireland. This is his first solo release made up from studio sessions over a few years. All the tracks are top class and have a freshness and clarity which add to the enjoyment of the music.

It takes a special combination of circumstances to produce a fiddler of this maturity and style, and Brian has enjoyed his fair share of help and encouragement. His first teacher was Martin Mulvihill from Limerick. Brian's other big influence was Martin Wynne, one of Sligo's best-loved sons. As his experience and ability grew he became friends with Andy McGann, a man who in his early days met, studied with and played with some of the great names of the 78rpm era, including Michael Coleman, Lad O'Beirne & Paddy Killoran.

Kicking off with a set of reels, Brian's mastery of the instrument is obvious, as is the influence of Andy McGann. Anybody who has listened to McGann's playing will recognize the master's tricks; a wonderfully light touch on the bow that emphasizes the triplets and rolls and a fierce rhythm that bounces along without ever feeling hurried. What can't be learnt though, is the way traditional players introduce subtle variations in ornamentation and melody. Brian shows tremendous understanding of the possibilities in his use of rolls, triplets and the occasional drop to the bottom string to play a note an octave lower than normal.

The choice of tunes often has references back to those recordings that McGann made with Paddy Reynolds or Joe Burke, although they are not slavish copies. A brisker tempo than McGann's in the slip jig Barney Brallaghan show that Brian Conway is his own man. The McGann and Reynolds LP is also brought to mind when Conway plays a couple of duets with his guests. All three fiddlers join forces for one selection each of reels and jigs and their playing is wonderful throughout. This is a good example of how Irish music bridges the generations.

The sleeve notes on this CD are exemplary. Running to nearly 30 pages, they give a short biography of Brian and his musical influences and each selection of tunes is supported by some brief but informative notes.  If you see a copy of this CD grab it with both hands.  On Brian's web page you can hear sound clips:   www.brianconway.com