Why Is Irish Folk Music Often Confused with Bluegrass?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the similarities between Irish folk music and bluegrass, highlighting their shared origins from Scotch-Irish settlers in the Appalachians. Participants recommend various Irish folk and punk bands, including The Pogues, The Mahones, and Planxty, as well as instrumental music from The Chieftains. The NPR program "Thistle and Shamrock" is suggested as a resource for exploring Irish and Scottish folk music. The conversation emphasizes the cultural connections and influences between these two genres, particularly in terms of instrumentation and musical style.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Irish folk music and its cultural significance
  • Familiarity with bluegrass music and its historical roots
  • Knowledge of key Irish folk bands such as The Pogues and Planxty
  • Awareness of traditional Irish instruments and their roles in folk music
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the NPR program "Thistle and Shamrock" for curated Irish and Scottish folk music
  • Research the musical contributions of The Pogues and their influence on punk and folk genres
  • Investigate the history and evolution of bluegrass music and its Celtic influences
  • Listen to instrumental tracks by The Chieftains and Planxty to understand traditional arrangements
USEFUL FOR

Music enthusiasts, cultural historians, and anyone interested in the connections between Irish folk music and bluegrass will benefit from this discussion.

noblegas
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I heard a sample of music of what I thought to be irish and celtic music in some commercial for irish beer and liked the music, but I am not familiar with any irish and/or celtic folk musicians; any recommendations
 
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NPR has a good program called Thistle and Shamrock that would give you a good blend. I'm sure they have it as a podcast.
 
Probably the most famous Irish folk and rock band is called The Pogues.
This song, Dirty Old Town, is a fairly common one. Their rendition of Waltzing Matilda is also pretty big. Just a warning, the lead singer is not very pretty lol.


There's a band that I have seen referred to as Irish Punk though they are really just upbeat folk called The Mahones. Of course The Pogues often get referred to as punk too.
C_-Hpb0I_bE[/youtube] If you are...nds like Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys?
 
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Actually , I was talking about irish/celtic instrumental music not actually irish/celtic singers;
 
Yay for Flogging Molly!
 
noblegas said:
Actually , I was talking about irish/celtic instrumental music not actually irish/celtic singers;
Then you should hie thee to YouTube and look up the Chieftains. Traditional instrumentation and arrangements.
 
noblegas said:
Actually , I was talking about irish/celtic instrumental music not actually irish/celtic singers;

Oops, well Planxty has some instrumentals I believe. Other than that all that I posted is about all of the irish music I know.

Edit: They don't actually start playing until about two minutes in but this is some instrumental by Planxty, even includes an Irish bagpipe...
fyE3Mye-eks[/youtube]
 
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noblegas said:
Actually , I was talking about irish/celtic instrumental music not actually irish/celtic singers;

Do you know about celtic women? I love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVpZgTpM4qM", and also all the group:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fo1nf15bPg

If this is what you looking, you would really like Enya too:
 
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Though Mary Black is better-known for her English-language Irish-themed songs, her band delves into Irish folk, again with traditional instrumentation and arrangements.

 
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  • #10
http://www.barelyirish.com/" is a Pittsburg Pa based Celtic band that my son is in.
 
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  • #11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEZIKSm78k8
 
  • #12
http://thistleradio.com/

Here's a link to the aforementioned radio program. I really think you'll like it as far as true irish/scottish folk
 
  • #13
Would Celtic Metal count? :biggrin:

Actually, I do recall listening to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evocation_I_-_The_Arcane_Dominion" . Rather melodic and a lot of classical instruments, with very little vocals. Not sure if this is what you're looking for.
 
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  • #14
binzing said:
http://thistleradio.com/

Here's a link to the aforementioned radio program. I really think you'll like it as far as true irish/scottish folk

Thanks for posting that link! I was listening to that tonight while working on lectures. One of the shows on there finally answered a long time question I had, which was why can't I ever really tell the difference between Irish folk music and bluegrass music. For some goofy reason, it never occurred to me that bluegrass originated from the Scotch/Irish people who settled in the Appalachians.
 
  • #15
Moonbear said:
Thanks for posting that link! I was listening to that tonight while working on lectures. One of the shows on there finally answered a long time question I had, which was why can't I ever really tell the difference between Irish folk music and bluegrass music. For some goofy reason, it never occurred to me that bluegrass originated from the Scotch/Irish people who settled in the Appalachians.

You're welcome. Yeah bluegrass is another genre i enjoy and its definitely got its similarities.
 
  • #16
Moonbear said:
why can't I ever really tell the difference between Irish folk music and bluegrass music. For some goofy reason, it never occurred to me that bluegrass originated from the Scotch/Irish people who settled in the Appalachians.

Yup, well that's one of the influences of bluegrass especially the fiddle tunes & celtic ballads, other equally important influences include blues, gospel, country, English ballads & jazz. Early bluegrass may have only included celtic, blues & gospel singing, but today BG incorporate elements of all that I have mentioned.
 

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