Why Is Irish Folk Music Often Confused with Bluegrass?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the similarities and differences between Irish folk music and bluegrass, as well as recommendations for Irish and Celtic music, particularly instrumental pieces. Participants share their thoughts on various artists and bands, exploring the cultural connections between these musical genres.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in Irish and Celtic music and seeks recommendations for musicians.
  • Another suggests the NPR program "Thistle and Shamrock" as a good resource for a blend of Irish music.
  • Several participants mention bands like The Pogues, The Mahones, and Planxty, highlighting their contributions to Irish folk and punk music.
  • There is a repeated emphasis on the desire for instrumental music rather than vocal performances, with mentions of The Chieftains and Planxty as examples.
  • One participant notes the connection between Irish folk music and bluegrass, mentioning that bluegrass has roots in Scotch-Irish traditions.
  • Another participant points out that bluegrass incorporates various influences, including blues, gospel, and jazz, alongside Celtic elements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the cultural connections between Irish folk music and bluegrass, but there is no consensus on specific recommendations for instrumental music, as some participants focus on vocal artists while others seek purely instrumental pieces.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the distinctions between Irish folk music and bluegrass, indicating that the discussion is ongoing and that various influences contribute to both genres.

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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