official release – Danny O’Flaherty https://dannyoflaherty.com more than just a musician Mon, 16 May 2022 20:14:57 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://dannyoflaherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cropped-harp-1-32x32.jpg official release – Danny O’Flaherty https://dannyoflaherty.com 32 32 215488819 The Spirit of Freedom https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/the-spirit-of-freedom/ https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/the-spirit-of-freedom/#respond Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:58:15 +0000 https://dannyoflaherty.com/?post_type=js_albums&p=2593 From time immemorial, the balladeer has been the purveyor of words and song to relate the drama of human experience.  Today, Danny O’Flaherty is the consummate balladeer, and that has never been better evidenced than in this series of songs that reveal the hardships and struggle of “…ordinary people just like you and me…” in the fight to establish American independence and the creation of the United States of America.  We have all seen in our history textbooks in school the words that stood out in bold dark print such as Lexington and Concord, Paul Revere, Bunker Hill, George Washington, Saratoga, Valley Forge, King’s Mountain and Yorktown but the names and places can mean nothing to us unless they are given real meaning, real life, and real evidence of why they should be remembered.  True to the balladeer, Danny brings to us that meaning, as well as the spirit, the pathos, and the inspiration of that generation of Americans at the moment of our nation’s founding.  Here will we hear the names of Peter Francisco, James Forten, and Molly Pitcher who were among the scores of “…ordinary people just like you and me…” who fought for freedom and liberty, but whose names have never appeared in bold print.

The lyrical line of the music, the imagery of the words, and congruent manner in which the two come together have always been a hallmark of Danny O’Flaherty’s work.  Most of these songs are written by Danny and his co-writers, and he uses his talents to express his love of this country, and to share that love and those talents with the rest of us.    Some of the songs are contemporary with the period of the American Revolution.  In some of the songs, children’s voices appear in the chorus but, make no mistake about it; this is a collection of music worthy of the attention of all ages.
Those who serve in the military today, and their families, will know what this music is about.  But for the rest of us, it is right and proper to be reminded that there have been and still are those in this country who have been willing to subject themselves to personal sacrifice, hardship, and uncertainty for those principles that are greater than life itself.
Listen to the songs.  let them become a part of your repertoire. Sing them while working and playing and you will have made these songs what they were meant to be – stories about how this counry came to be – by and for “…ordinary people-just like you and me…”
-John Douglas Hall
Track List
  1. Spirit of Freedom
  2. Boston Tea Party
  3. Peter Francisco
  4. James Forten
  5. Lexington and Concord (Interlude: The White Cockade)
  6. We Whipped the British at Lexington
  7. Bunker Hill
  8. Crossing the Deleware
  9. Valley Forge
  10. Molly Pitcher
  11. King’s Mountain
  12. Yorktown
  13. Yankee Doodle
  14. Saratoga
  15. The Constitution Song
  16. Miracle of Philadelphia
]]> https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/the-spirit-of-freedom/feed/ 0 2593 The Monster Picnic https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/the-monster-picnic/ https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/the-monster-picnic/#respond Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:57:22 +0000 https://dannyoflaherty.com/?post_type=js_albums&p=2591 When we wrote “The Loch Ness Monster’s Storybook”, we wanted children to try and understand how important it was to help one another, to respect the world we live in, and how one “Family” could make a difference!

This led to our recording of The Monster Picnic.  We hope that the children and their moms and dads enjoy singing along together.  The other songs are based on fairy tales, sea creatures, and other animals on our planet.

We hope you enjoy this CD as much as we enjoyed writing and recording it for you.  

We want to thank all the musicians, St. Rosalie Middle School, Little Oak Middle School, and a very special thanks to Misha for his creativeness and hard work.  To our own families, thank you for your support.

We hope this CD will bring you joy and inform us all about our fragile planet.

God Bless,

Danny and Khaetidawne

Track List

  1. Magic in the Air
  2. Nessette & Nestor’s Song
  3. The Monster Picnic
  4. Baby Brothers Coming Soon
  5. Sleepy, Sleepy
  6. The Leprechaun
  7. Magic Dancing Dragons
  8. The Big Blue Sea
  9. Buck & Emma
  10. The Silver Seahorse
  11. Waltzing with Blue
  12. Yellow Bus to the Zoo
  13. Farewell Song
]]> https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/the-monster-picnic/feed/ 0 2591 The History of Ireland in Word and Song https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/the-history-of-ireland-in-word-and-song/ https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/the-history-of-ireland-in-word-and-song/#respond Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:56:27 +0000 https://dannyoflaherty.com/?post_type=js_albums&p=2589 This collection of Irish songs with narration is an entertaining introduction to Irish history.  Discover in this brilliant mix of word and song(and inform your friends and family) just what Irish roots are all about.  Songs arranged and sung by Danny O’Flaherty, with a powerful narration by Maurice Franks.  Moving and Brilliant!

Track List

  1. Only Our Rivers Run Free
  2. Ireland from St. Patrick to Cromwell
  3. The Harp that Once Through Tara’s Halls (Oral Interpretation)
  4. The Harp that Once Through Tara’s Halls
  5. Ireland and Penal Laws
  6. The Wearing of the Green
  7. Ireland and the Great Hunger
  8. The Fields of Athenry
  9. Ireland and Independence
  10. Grace
]]> https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/the-history-of-ireland-in-word-and-song/feed/ 0 2589 The Celtic Folk – Volume I & II https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/the-celtic-folk-volume-i-ii/ https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/the-celtic-folk-volume-i-ii/#respond Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:55:23 +0000 https://dannyoflaherty.com/?post_type=js_albums&p=2587 Track List (Volume I)

  1. Belfast Strike
  2. Crazy Man Michael
  3. Selection of Hornpipes
  4. Nessie
  5. Streets of London
  6. Molly McGuires
  7. Mountains of Mourne
  8. James Larkin
  9. Cill Aodain
  10. The Consumption of Queen Victoria
  11. Only Our Rivers Run Free

Track List (Volume II)

  1. Love is Pleasing
  2. Banks of Roses
  3. Steve O’Donnell’s Wake
  4. Star of the County Down
  5. The Ballad of Yellow Ribbons
  6. The Leaving of Liverpool
  7. The Queen of Connemara
  8. Lass of Fifeo
  9. Jimmy Walen
  10. Bound Down for Newfoundland
  11. Poirtin Seatin an tSioda
]]> https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/the-celtic-folk-volume-i-ii/feed/ 0 2587 St. Patrick’s Day Anthem https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/st-patricks-day-anthem/ https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/st-patricks-day-anthem/#comments Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:53:53 +0000 https://dannyoflaherty.com/?post_type=js_albums&p=2585 This refreshing duo enjoy sharing their appreciation for traditional folk music with audiences around the country.  Their song selections exemplify their understanding of the deep roots of folk music and their respect for the strong traditions of this genre of music.    Each song is performed with a sincerity that revels the message and the story behind the song. Danny O’Flaherty and Noel Nash are two former members of the 1980’s folk group, “The Celtic Folk.” Each brings a unique talent and musical ability to their performances so audience members are in for a rare treat to hear them together on one stage!  Danny and Noel, as part of the Celtic Folk, performed together in Washington DC and New Orleans for over six years.

Track List

  1. Cedar and Oak
  2. St. Patrick’s Day Anthem
  3. Down in the Valley
  4. The Scarecrow Song
  5. Hard Times
  6. The Hills of Connemara
  7. Somewhere in America
  8. The Soup Song
  9. Emigrant Eyes
  10. Yes, I Can
  11. Sweet Glencar
  12. The More Things Change
  13. The Parting Glass
]]> https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/st-patricks-day-anthem/feed/ 2 2585 Secret Garden https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/secret-garden/ https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/secret-garden/#respond Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:52:03 +0000 https://dannyoflaherty.com/?post_type=js_albums&p=2583 Though he may call Jasper, Texas home these days and his French Quarter pub has been long eradicated from the sonic landscape, Danny O’Flaherty is as much a New Orleanian as he is an Irish ex-pat. His best outing to date could be very well subtitled “The Hurricane Memoirs” as much of this material was inspired by the worst one-two knockout punch (Katrina, Rita) this nation has ever witnessed. (O’Flaherty evacuated when Katrina come stomping in, then weeks later while on tour in Ireland, his southeast Texas-based family evacuated again to escape Rita.).

The disc’s crown jewel, “Coming Home to You,” was literally written when O’Flaherty and son Liam evacuated that black Sunday, making the Crescent City reference “Will we ever see you like you were before?” that much more chilling. “Here in the Heart of Our Memories” serves as the cathartic answer song as the chorus cries out, “My dear, my dear, there’s nothing to fear. / It’s time to start over again.” Possibly the only Gaelic language recount ever recorded, “Droch Sceal Go New Orleans” (“Bad New For New Orleans”) was actually recorded for Irish television so every Gaelic speaker, regardless of ability, could comprehend Katrina’s destructive wrath. Throughout, O’Flaherty touches upon Irish culture while consummating the imagery with warm, reassuring, Irish-accented vocals that hover above all.

Dan Willging, Offbeat Magazine

Track List

  1. Legacy
  2. Flower Dance
  3. Eddie’s Song
  4. Secret Garden
  5. Stone Circle
  6. Ta Gra Am Duith I Gconai
  7. Yes I can
  8. Coming Home to You
  9. Here in the Heart of our Memories
  10. Droch Sceal Go New Orleans
  11. Minstrel Rhymes
  12. Sweet Jamie
]]> https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/secret-garden/feed/ 0 2583 Ride the Waves https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/ride-the-waves/ https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/ride-the-waves/#respond Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:51:14 +0000 https://dannyoflaherty.com/?post_type=js_albums&p=2581 The Celtic Folk first appeared on the western shore of the Atlantic a decade ago.  Since then, of course, Ireland’s premier balladeers have become a fixture on the American circuit.  Small wonder.  These remarkable musicians, reared in a Gaelic-speaking area alongside Galway Bay serve as ambassadors from an ancient folk tradition.  Unlike some urban Irish groups, who cross the ocean only to fee American audiences a make-believe diet of Shamrock-and Leprechaun music, The Celtic Folk always bring a taste of the real Ireland with them.

They often receive (deserved) praise for the loving care with which they play centuries-old music, but those of us who hear them in concert happily discover that the Irish tradition in which The Celtic Folk sing is a living one.  When inspired by what they see, like generations of fol-poets and musicians before them, the irrepressible Irishmen simply sit down and compose a lay so they can share their inspiration.

This album, unlike their five previous, is a collection of their own ballads and airs.  Some are from the folk memory of Celtic long Ago (Grace O’Malley, Fin n MacCumhal): some from the Gaeltacht of their boyhood(Mo Baile Baag,Achill Island, Sean agus Maire, The Cliffs of Aran); and some from the stories they have collected on their travels (Dowling’s Victory, The Road to Jaffa, Emerald of the West, Kibbuts Real, THe 8th of September and After, Asgard II).

Finally, then, an album if The Celtic Folk’s own songs.  Listen to the airs.  They have a way of bringing life to Old Story and Ancient Legend.  Listen to the lyrics.  The distinctly Gaelic turn of phrase will help you understand why, the world over, The Celtic Folk are perhaps the most warmly welcomed of any of Eire’s ambassadors.  

Track List

  1. Asgard II
  2. (Poem) Fionn Mac Cumbal
  3. Mo Baol Beag
  4. Grace O’Malley
  5. Cliffs of Aran
  6. Sean Seagull
  7. Emeralds of the West
  8. Dowling’s Victory
  9. The 8th of September and After
  10. Sean Agus Maire
  11. Road to Jaffa, Kibbutz Reel
  12. Achill Island
]]> https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/ride-the-waves/feed/ 0 2581 Rainbow Flight https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/rainbow-flight/ https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/rainbow-flight/#respond Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:50:13 +0000 https://dannyoflaherty.com/?post_type=js_albums&p=2579 IT IS NOT SURPRISING that the Irish Echo’s entertainment critic reported that “this remarkable folk band’s calendar of special appearances (in America) is unprecedented for Irish musicians.”

The Celtic Folk’s special concert performances, coupled with their numerous American television appearances, led The Kerryman/Corkman to note approvingly last month that they are “one of the most consistently popular Irish groups on the US scene.”

The Irish Advocate had gone even further, noting last spring that “these men of the Gaelic West have been heard live by as many people as any Irish group that has ever crossed the Atlantic.”

Listen. It is all here: the melody and magic of their instruments, the tears and laughter of their lyrics, the care and respect for the music of the men themselves. If you can hear the Celtic Folk over the bellow of your own voice singing, you are listening to folk music at its very best.

Turlough Faolain

Track List

  1. When Margaret was Eleven
  2. Skim the High Waters
  3. Lady from Bendigo
  4. Love is a Game
  5. Scorn Not His Simplicity
  6. The St. Brendan Song
  7. Daddy’s Castle
  8. The Waiting Game
  9. The Night Ferry
  10. The Fureyman
]]> https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/rainbow-flight/feed/ 0 2579 Love Songs https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/love-songs/ https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/love-songs/#comments Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:49:14 +0000 https://dannyoflaherty.com/?post_type=js_albums&p=2577 Memories keep the heart alive; death comes when we remember no more.

We nurture love when we recall tender moments shared; such moments of wonder tug at our heart, urging us to create new memories of love.

Gifted singer/songwriter Danny O’Flaherty’s Gaelic soul soars on every passionate note in this tribute to loves lost, loves found, and loves fondly remembered.

Track List

  1. Gift of Love
  2. Blushing Bride
  3. Annie Laurie
  4. Dear Sarah
  5. Carrickfergus
  6. Remember
  7. Rainbow Flight
  8. Peggy Gordon
  9. Lakes of Ponchartrain
  10. Lady from Bendigo
  11. Missy
  12. Will You Go, Lassie Go
]]> https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/love-songs/feed/ 2 2577 Live at O’Flaherty’s Volume 4 – The Celtic Folk https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/live-at-oflahertys-volume-4-the-celtic-folk/ https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/live-at-oflahertys-volume-4-the-celtic-folk/#respond Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:47:57 +0000 https://dannyoflaherty.com/?post_type=js_albums&p=2575 Here’s a collection of songs, stories, and good humor in one of the rarest recordings in the ballad room at O’Flaherty’s in New Orleans.

Special thanks to Brendan Scott, Erin Seidiman, and Misha Kashkashkishivili for making this special night memorable and for you the audience–this wouldn’t be the same.

For almost sixteen years you’ve made every night in the ballad room very special–thank you for the memories.

Danny

Track List

  1. Darby Day in Ireland
  2. Traveling Man
  3. Old Dun Cow
  4. Loch Ness Monster
  5. Erin
  6. Dunne Song
  7. Angus
  8. Dear Boss
  9. O’Hooligan’s Ball
  10. Irish, They Drink Water
  11. Steve O’Donnell’s Wake
  12. October Roses
  13. Jigs
  14. Pub with no Beer
  15. Bleann an Bo
  16. The Keeper
]]> https://dannyoflaherty.com/js_albums/live-at-oflahertys-volume-4-the-celtic-folk/feed/ 0 2575