P.J. Gaffney / Patrick Gaffney / Gaffny - fiddler

P.J. Gaffney / Patrick Gaffney / Gaffny - fiddler - I’ve not had much luck searching for information on this fiddler, a favourite of a fiddler I once knew in Ulster, Willie Johnston. Reviewing my notes and seeing his recommendation again I set out to do a search for more information, as well as any opportunities to hear this fiddler. I’ve only just managed to find two listens but nothing more - The Ward Irish Music Archives & Soundcloud: Patrick J. Gaffney: Paddy Ryan’s Dream (reel);

https://wardirishmusicarchives.com/Exhibits/Irish-Music-on-78rpm-Discs/McGraw-78-01-204-Patrick-J-Gaffney-Paddy-Ryans-Dream-reel.htm

https://soundcloud.com/ward-irish-music-archives/patrick-j-gaffney-paddy-ryans-dream-reel

and here, The Session Dot Org, & Soundcloud:
78rpm Disc of the Week: Patrick J. Gaffney: Plain Quadrille Intro: Mc Allister’s Fling/ The Girl I Left Behind

https://thesession.org/discussions/46692
# Posted by Ward Irish Music Archives - December 16th, 2021

I’m looking for any information on this fiddler, and/or additional audio…

https://soundcloud.com/ward-irish-music-archives/patrick-gaffney-the-southern-shore-hornpipe

Ceolachan, I have a photocopy of an old Library of Congress publication that later became the Richard Spottswood book “Ethnic Music on Records.” In it, Spottswood lists about 2 dozen recordings by Gaffney between 1920 and 1925 for labels such as Okeh, Columbia, and Harmony. On two of his early records he is backed on piano by John Muller, who also recorded with Coleman and Morrison, among others. For most of his other recordings the pianist is Susan Peters. It appears that a couple of his records were released under the name “Michael Mahaffey” on the Harmony label.
Also, the Oldtime Records collection “The Fiddler’s Delight” features one track of “Patrick J. Gaffny,” a Medley of Jigs identified as “Hide and Go Seek” and “The Top of Cork Road.” It was recorded in April 1923. Liner notes call Gaffney “one of the most recorded Irish fiddlers in the acoustic, pre-microphonic era” pre-1926.
I hope this helps. I could upload a photo of the Gaffney recs if someone could tell me how to add an attachment in comments.

Go raibh ma’agat / diolch / trugarez / danke / merci / grazia / thanks, contributions much appreciated…

I was able to do a little bit of research today and found this listing for Patrick Gaffney in the 1925 Columbia Records’ catalog of Irish recordings (https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp5sNrWumdc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link):

“Patrick Gaffney bears the distinction of being the first Irish fiddler to broadcast over the radio in this country, whose music was heard and enjoyed by people listening in Ireland. His violin music is typically Irish, and very popular with those people who like that type of entertainment.”

Ted McGraw also put together a great discography here: http://tedmcgraw.com/PtkGaffney.html

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

A Patrick for St. Patrick’s Day - Happy St. Patrick’s Day! - though belated in this case, it being after midnight…

Would you believe I’m struggling with crochet? - being the lefty I am… It’s a baby blanket… 😀 The expectant mother went to hospital today and my wife is pressing me to get a gear on. She’s done her half and now it’s my turn. I taught her how to crochet, but I haven’t picked up a hook in more than a decade. The offered up listens and added information is great. I’m still raking through my own archives. There’s got to be something more here somewhere… There must be a bio or an obit for Patrick Gaffney somewhere…

It’s a boy, but they still haven’t a name for him… 😏

Tomorrow is solid crocheting, with an occasional break for music and maybe a bit of steppin’ too?

Still hoping for and looking for information on P.J. Gaffney. Nothing so far in the O’Neill works I have here, but also looking into the family name, Gaffney. If and when I find out more I’ll add it here… I will see about adding the list and dates of his recordings found following the links above and elsewhere, much appreciated…

Difficulties with the birth, bless our N.H.S., and the crochet…

@ceolachan

If going by family name, maybe you should ask flute player Martin Gaffney if he knows anything that would help.
https://designworks.ie/about/

BTW, no mention in the Comapnion to Irish Traditional Music.

Yes, of course I meant Companion.

Yes, sadly, and I’ve two different editions - - - eight Gaffneys but no Patrick… I’ve just thought of someone else I know of who might be able to help, someone attached to the I.T.M.A. Fingers crossed they may have something in their archives? I soooo wish they weren’t so far away. I’ve yet to have the pleasure of a visit. However, I have plans to include them in my will. 😀

All kinds of distractions here - further complications with the new babe - worrying - all in our thoughts, hearts and prayers…

At least the crochet seems to be coming along, if very slowly. My dear wife has finished her half and is impatiently waiting for mine. How we’re going to join up two very different tensions and handedness, me being a lefty, it will be interesting, though with alternate directions I can always do another line or undo one to make for a good fit.

Fingers crossed the I.T.M.A. will have something to add here…

I’ve got some more info on Gaffney, stay tuned for our 78rpm disc this week ;)