Tom Delaney - The Lark's Call CD - Bouzouki: Alan Murray

 

I met Tom this summer several times in Dingle where he played together with his wife Caroline Keane in various pubs. Of course I bought this album from him on vinyl. The bouzouki player on the album is Alan Murray who at the time of recording was member of Fourwinds together with Tom, Caroline and Robbie Walsh. 

On the album you'll find a variety of tunes (jigs, reels, slow air) played so beautifully and with drive. 

You can get the album on bandcamp

Here's the website of Fourwinds

Here's a long comment on the album by Graham Brown

And isn't the cover beautiful? On the back you can see the "3 sisters" of Dingle. (Picture stolen from Custy's Music in Ennis where you can buy the album too)

Here are some clips of the album:

The Lark's Call - The Job of Journeywork, Dinny O'Brien's, The Pigeon On the Gate

Jim O'Connor's / My Former Wife / Kilglass Lake · Tom Delany

Aoibhneas Eillis Ni Chealaigh / Nora Crionna / Moss Martin's

Caroline Keane & Tom Delaney

Tom Delany is a highly regarded uilleann piper, bouzouki player, and singer from Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland. Born in France to an Irish father, he was immersed in Irish traditional music from an early age. 

He has released his solo debut album The Lark’s Call in February 2022, which has been praised for its blend of fluent piping, expressive whistle playing, and imaginative arrangements. He is also one half of the duo Caroline & Tom (with concertina player Caroline Keane), and a member of the band FourWinds. Tom regularly tours internationally and is noted for the emotional depth of his slow airs, as well as the vitality he brings to jigs, reels, hornpipes and other dance tunes.

Here are some videos in which you can see Tom playing his bouzouki.

Bothy Band Rooftop Session Tom Delany (Bouzouki) Brian O'Loughlin (Flute) Tadhg Mulligan (Fiddle)

My heart tonight's in Ireland 

Caroline Keane and Tom Delany live virtual concert at The Virtual Irish Festival of Oulu

he plays bouzouki on some tunes.

Caroline Keane & Tom Delany (Ireland) - full set, Shelter in Place Sessions

and also some tunes on bouzouki

Léna Descottes

Léna Descottes is a french concertina and bouzouki/Octave Mandolin player. There's not much information about her on the web. It seems she tunes her instrument in GDAE. She just released her latest video on youtube. Together with Camille Raibault on fiddle. They call themselves ÓRÓ. 

If you know more about her please write in comments!

Her YouTube Channel:

Here's the video. Tunes are: John O'Neill's reel & Hitler's downfall

Here's some more videos:

Tempest - CD

Formed in 2023, Tempest has quickly become one of the most exciting new voices in Irish traditional music. The band is composed of:

• Brendan Mulholland on flutes, bringing melodies and ornamentation to the fore 

• Blaithín Mhic Cana, whose expressive vocals draw on her native South Armagh singing tradition, especially the regional song lore 

• Aaron O’ Hagan, playing uilleann pipes along with flute and whistles, adding both tone and rhythmic drive 

• Luke Ward, on bouzouki and vocals, anchoring harmonic support and song texture 

Their self‑titled debut album was released on 1 February 2025. It has been widely praised by critics and the trad community for its confident presentation of both instrumental sets and song material rooted in Ulster’s musical heritage. 

Tempest’s repertoire embraces a balance of driving dance tunes and emotionally resonant songs. Their musical identity is firmly anchored in the heritage of Ulster—especially the northern province’s traditions—while also seeking fresh interpretations and energy.

Tempest Website

Tempest on Bandcamp

Macdara Ó Faoláin (Nuadan) - Collected Tabs

Macdara Ó Faoláin is a bouzouki‑player, multi‑instrumentalist and luthier from An Rinn, Co. Waterford. wlrfm.com+3The Irish News+3returntolondontown.org+3 

He is known for his innovative accompaniment style in Irish traditional music, combining deep harmonic awareness and delicate technique. The Irish News+3returntolondontown.org+3folkandroots.co.uk+3 

Mcdara has recorded and performed with many leading artists including Nuadan, Cormac McCarthy, The Friel Sisters, Derek Hickey and Nell Ní Chróinín. folkandroots.co.uk+3The Irish News+3Macdara Ó Faoláin+3 

As a native speaker of Irish, he also writes songs in Irish and builds instruments (mainly bouzoukis & mandolins), helping to sustain and evolve the tradition. The Irish News+2returntolondontown.org+2 

(written by chatgpt)

Here's a list of my Tabs:

- The Beautiful Goldfinch (Nuadan)

- The Muskerry Tram (Nuadan)

- The Stone Of Destiny (Nuadan)

- The Hills Of Larraga (with Oisin Morrison)

Donal Lunny - Collected Tabs

 Here you find a list of tabs I made of Donal Lunny's accompaniments.

Intro to unknown Jig

The Parting Glass (Sandra Joyce & Donal Lunny)

You Lovers All (Frank Harte & Donal Lunny)

My friend chatgpt wrote a little text for me:

Dónal Lunny (born 10 March 1947, Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland) is a seminal figure in Irish traditional music—renowned as a bouzouki player, guitarist, composer, and producer. CFA Creative Futures Academy+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3

He was a founding member of several landmark bands, including Planxty, The Bothy Band, Moving Hearts, Coolfin, and Mozaik. CFA Creative Futures Academy+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3 Lunny is widely credited with introducing and popularizing the flat‑backed Irish bouzouki—modifying its design (via luthiers such as Peter Abnett) to suit the demands of Irish folk accompaniment. Wikipedia+2The Irish Post+2

Beyond instrument performance, he has worked as a producer and arranger, collaborating with both Irish traditional and international artists, continuously innovating across decades. allcelticmusic.com+2Wikipedia+2

Donal Clancy - Collected Tabs

The Maid On The Green

The New Broom

Dónal Clancy is one of the finest guitarists in Irish traditional music today. Raised in An Rinn, County Waterford, he comes from a legendary musical family—his father was none other than Liam Clancy of The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem.

Dónal began playing guitar at an early age and developed a style that blends technical precision with deep musical sensitivity. He was member of the acclaimed group Danú and has performed with The Chieftains, Eileen Ivers (Riverdance), and the Máirtín O’Connor Trio, among others.

In addition to guitar, Clancy plays bouzouki, mandolin, and other stringed instruments. His solo albums combine traditional ballads with elegant arrangements and modern virtuosity.

Through his music, he not only preserves his family’s rich musical heritage—he continues to shape and expand it.

Brian Miller - Collected Tabs

Here's a list of the tabs I made of accompaniments by Brian Millar.

John McCormick & Mary Vanorny with Brian Miller - In The Tap Room

 Lillies In The Field

The Black Haired Lass

Bag of Spuds

Brian Miller hails from Bemidji, in northern Minnesota. He developed a deep connection to Irish music early in life and has become known as a singer, guitarist, and bouzouki player dedicated to reviving traditional songs from the Great Lakes region—especially ballads once sung in lumber camps, aboard ships, and along the railroads.

Brian has performed with several notable groups, including Bua, Two Tap Trio, Chulrua, and the Máirtín de Cógáin Project. He is also an experienced educator and has taught for many years at institutions such as the Center for Irish Music in Minnesota.

His duo project The Lost Forty, with Randy Gosa, focuses on uncovering and performing Irish-influenced folk songs from the northern U.S., combining music with rich historical storytelling and cultural context.

What are you looking for? - Click here for tips

If you are looking for particular items you might look here:

Chords:

Chord Charts:

Right Hand Technique

Tabs:

- Donal Clancy

- Daoiri Farrell

- Alec Finn

- Matt Heaton

- Donal Lunny 

- Brian Miller

- Alan Murray

- Macdara O'Faoláin

- Eoin O'Neill

- Vincent Fogarty

Books

Tunebooks

Videos of full concerts

CDs, Vinyl or Downloads

Finger Practice Exercises

Daoiri Farrell - Collected chordsheets and Tabs

Over the years, I have collected several tabs and chord sheets from Daoiri Farrell. Over the last 10 years, he has undoubtedly become one of Ireland's most influential singers. I first met him in 2011 at a weekend workshop and was impressed by his manner and musicality. At the time, he was still relatively unknown and had just released his first CD, which I had to purchase immediately. I still have a video of him playing my bouzouki from Heiner Dreizehnter and singing the song ‘Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore’. I had requested this song because he had sung it at the ceilidh the night before. You can also find this video on YouTube.

Here are the links to my chordsheets and tabs:

A Pint Of Plain

Biddy Mulligan

Blackwaterside / New Tabs!

Bogie's Bonnie Belle

Boozin'

The Creggan White Hare

Galway Girl

The Galway Shawl

The Galway Shawl - Intro and chords

Fergie McCormack

John O'Dreams

The Little Drummer

McShane

The Mickey Dam

Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore and here

Pat Rainey

The Shady Woods Of Truagh

Sonny's Dream

Sweet Portadown

Tipping It Up To Nancy

Valentine O'Hara

The Wedding Above In Glencree

Windmills

Here's a link to a concert I filmed with his Trio in 2019. This is an excerpt, The Blue Tar Road.

Danny Diamond (fiddle) & Brian Miller (bouzouki) live at ‪@TheCelticJunction‬ , September 2024

Brian Millar is a musician based in St. Paul, Minnesota, known for his deeply rooted work in Irish traditional music. Originally from Bemidji, he fell in love with Irish sounds as a teenager at the Winnipeg Folk Festival and has since developed a rich career as a guitarist, bouzouki player, singer, and multi‐instrumentalist. 

He has played with bands such as Bua, The Two Tap Trio, and in recent projects like The Lost Forty (with Randy Gosa), bringing to light song traditions from the Great Lakes region and lumber camps. Miller also teaches Irish music, and his accompaniment style—especially on guitar and bouzouki—is admired for its intricacy, drive, and deep sense of tradition.

His website

Here's a link to an older interview with Brian Millar

Danny and Brian play some Reels: Paddy Fahy's / The humours of Carrigaholt / Felie's Fancy (comp. Arty McGlynn) / The Grand Canal

Another set of Reels: 

The Three Scones of Boxty / The Long Slender Sally / The Colliers'

 ‘A que por muy gran fermosura’ is the title of Cantiga 384 from the Cantigas de Santa María, a collection of songs praising the Virgin Mary written during the reign of Alfonso X the Wise. This cantiga tells the story of a devout monk who wrote the name of Saint Mary in three colours to honour her great beauty, and how the Virgin appeared to him in a dream to thank him. 

The tab is in the video. I tabbed it with Tabledit. If you like you can download it here

Bouzouki Workshops with Luke Ward - The Blacksmith - Andy Irvine's Version

Some time ago, I reported on the workshops that Luke Ward offers on Patreon. He offers two different series, one for beginners and a second for advanced players. He publishes a workshop twice a month. So far, he has devoted himself to various topics related to accompanying tunes. Mainly accompaniment in different keys. 

Now he has turned his attention to accompanying the song “The Blacksmith” in Andy Irvine's version. He sticks pretty closely to the version Andy plays live. He shows the intro and the accompaniment for the verses. Of course, there is also tablature for it. 

So if you've been hesitating to sign up, now there's one more important reason to do so. It's worth it!

Here's the link!

Here's a little excerpt of the tab, hope Luke doesn't mind.

Online Bouzouki Workshop: Less is More: Tasty Accompaniment Suggestions for Bouzouki and Guitar with Randy Clepper, Oktober 02, 2025

 

On Thursday, October 02,2025 there will be an online workshop for Bouzouki with Randy Clepper. 

If you want to improve your bouzouki playing or expand your possibilities, you should definitely sign up. 

Payment is based on the principle of pay what you can. The default amount is $25.50, but you are free to choose any amount you like. 

Perhaps you shouldn't just choose $1, because then there is a possibility that such workshops might not be able to take place in the future. 

You can enroll here or just click on the picture on the left.

And by the way, if you play any other instrument, there are lots more workshops on offer here.

Here's the announcement from the website:

Strumming away at chords certainly has its place, but there’s a whole gamut of options that can be employed in Irish music accompaniment. We’ll explore a palette of ideas including partial chords, countermelodies, how melodies inform accompaniment, rhythmic choices including minimal (the oft-quoted “music is the space between the notes” can be applied to accompaniment as well as to melodies). Demonstrations will be primarily on the bouzouki but the concepts apply to guitar and other forms of accompaniment. Instructor: Randy Clepper

Who's this for: Bouzouki, guitar, other accompaniment instruments

Level: Advanced Beginners/Intermediate/Advanced Will this class be taught by ear, with sheet music, or both? By ear Cost: Pay what it's worth to you. (The checkout page defaults to $25, but that's not the suggested price...choose what works for you. Thanks!)

Video: Registered students will receive the class recording immediately after the class, so feel free to sign up even if you can't attend live. ___________________________________________________________________ Instructor bio: Randy Clepper is an in-demand player of the Irish bouzouki, guitar, and tenor banjo. He performs and tours regularly with several artists including fiddler Bella Issakova and fingerstyle guitarist John Sherman. Randy performs and teaches at festivals around the country and has been called upon to accompany many well-known traditional players. Randy also hosts the popular Trad Nua Celtic concert series at Natalie's Live Music in Columbus, Ohio, where he has featured many of the scene’s finest traditional touring acts. Check out Randy's work here: www.randyclepper.com

Danny Diamond & Brian Miller - Live (UCC TradSoc Lunchtime Concert, 29th of March 2023)

A concert of Danny Diamond (Fiddle) and Brian Millar (Guitar, Bouzouki) which was available only on Facebook until now.

Here's a bit of information which I had asked AI to write for me:

UCC TradSoc is University College Cork’s Traditional Music Society, bringing students together through Irish music, song, and dance. Open to all skill levels, they host weekly concerts, pub sessions, and workshops throughout the year. 

Their highlight event is TradFest, a lively annual festival featuring gigs, lectures, and session trails. The society also promotes Irish music globally, with performances in countries like Malaysia and South Africa. 

Whether you're a musician or just love the tunes, TradSoc offers a warm, welcoming space to celebrate Ireland’s living musical tradition.

Here's the link to their YouTube Channel