With fingers crossed -- does anybody here know where I could purchase a copy of the album “The Banks of the Shannon” by Paddy O’Brien and Seamus Connolly? My searches are only turning up reviews and other written information about the album, I can’t find it on iTunes, and the copy available on Amazon runs around $166… a little out of my price range.
You’d be very lucky to come across a copy these days, Lisa. The original recording was a 6-track “Extended Play” vinyl record. By a strange coincidence, I’m looking through old “Treoir” magazines from the mid-1970s at the moment. “The Banks Of The Shannon” E.P. was originally selling for £0.75. ! Later on, some extra tracks were added to make a full length CD recording, and that was subsequently released on the USA “Green Linnet” label. Here’s what their 1996 catalogue has to say :
“The triumphant release of a long-unavailable classic. This album combines 3 recording sessions : five sides from 78s recorded by seminal Tipperary accordionist Paddy O‘Brien, all 6 tracks from 1973’s ”The Banks Of The Shannon“ by O’Brien, fiddler Connolly and pianist [ Charlie ] Lennon : and 4 new cuts from Seamus. Time adds only lustre to the revolutionary playing in these legendary recordings”.
I’ll send you a PM.
Regards, Kenny
Hi Kenny, I got the EP from Comhaltas HQ in Dublin a number of years ago. Maybe the OP could contact them.
What “number of years ago” would that have been, Peter ? You’re quite right though - no harm at all in asking them. Hope you’re staying safe. No Willie Week this year, I’m afraid. Maybe next year. A’ the best.
Thank you both for the comments and suggestions! It seems like a real shot in the dark that the Dublin folks would still have a copy, but I’ll try them. Cheers from AK…