Folktrax-073: Johnny & Michael Doherty, The Fiddler & The Fairy

First published by Peter Kennedy as a Folktracks Cassette, 1975

Notes: Two brothers, one a pedlar and the other a tinsmith, both fine fiddlers and storytellers, who come from the Finntown region of Donegal. On side A (1 - 8) for every fiddle tune Johnny can provide a good story. Michael tells more stories on Side B (9 - 16), including some of the parables fo the local St. Columkille.

15 folk tales and 15 tunes…

THE DOHERTYS can truly claim that their fore-fathers were minstrels to the Princes of Donegal. Their father, who was known locally as the “King Fiddler”, was a traveler, a general dealer, respected as much for his knowledge of horses as for his ability in handling a violin. His wife came from the talented musical family of O’Connells. They had six daughters and four sons, Johnny being the youngest, John, Hughie, Mickey and Simey (the last also being recorded by Peter Kennedy in 1952) all of whom played the fiddle.

All of these tracks were recorded in 1952.

Thanks Scutcher, appreciated…