Tripping Up The Stairs by Toraigh

These events are primarily for the enjoyment of the musicians but listeners and dancers are also welcome. Toraigh performs at all of those events and venues at which music is appropriate including festivals, celebrations, weddings, pubs, churches, campfires, schools, universities, family gatherings and anywhere lively tunes and beautiful ballads are wanted.

Song Notes

1. Newry Town (2:54)

An outlaw pleases his wife by giving her the money he steals but she loses her valuable source of support when he's captured and meets his fate

2. Brennan on the Moor (2:52)

The traditional story of a clever man led astray by a cleverer woman ...

3. Cobbler's Daughter (2:24)

A troubling but perky song about a strange and tragic event in a young woman's life

4. The Thugamar Fein an Samradh Linn Set (4:21)

A haunting slow air followed by two jigs, the first, Blarney Pilgrim, made famous by the popular movie, Titanic, ending with Donneybrook Fair

5. Green Grow the Rushes (3:42)

A lyrical love song, penned by renowned Scottish poet, Robert Burns, borrowing from the arrangement by Cherish the Ladies, dedicated in gratitude for the mentorship from the leader of that group, Joannie Madden

6. Star of the County Down (1:56)

A love song with rhythm and verve, which still retains its freshness and charm in spite of years of familiarity

7. Maid Behind the Bar Set (2:10)

Two reels: the first, Maid Behind the Bar, a lilting tribute to those who serve so we can imbibe; the second, a tune that belies its title, Drowsy Maggie, with its rugged and relentless rhythm

8. Song For Ireland (5:12)

A tribute to some of the things that make Ireland dear, written by Phil Colclough, made famous by Mary Black and Dick Gaughan

9. Scatter the Mud Set (3:06)

Three jigs: the albm titletune, Tripping up the Stairs, flanked by Scatter the Mud and the Kesh Jig

10. The Diggers (2:04)

A song about a group of poor farmers who unsuccessfully attempted to resist English occupation in the mid-17th century; written by Leon Rosselson; arrangement derived from a live performance by Karen Casey and John Doyle

11. Wild Colonial Boy (3:09)

An Irish immigrant to Australia meets an untimely end to his outlaw life

12. The Planxty Mrs. O'Connor Set (3:52)

A Turlough O'Carolan harp tune followed by two jigs, Tobins ending with the high spirited but minor-keyed Cliffs of Moher

13. Ploughboy Laddies (4:06)

A beautiful but sad tale about a young lass betrayed by faithless young lads

14. Road to Lisdoonvoorna Set (2:29)

Two hard driving jigs, Road to Lisdoonvoorna and well-known Morrison's

15. The Old Chemise (1:33)

A comic tale of trouble involving a used undergarment

Acknowledgements

Thanks to all who have inspired, supported and encouraged our music including Bud & Marian Dennis, Dave & Wendy Hawkins, Cindy & Steve Matyi, Joannie Madden and especially those who attend our seisíuns and performances and buy our CDs and MP3s.

Credits

Recorded in the College of Musical Arts at Bowling Green State University.

Recording engineer: Mark Bunce. Produced by Bob Midden & Mark Bunce with the assistance of Mary Dennis.

Lead Vocals: Mary Dennis - Newry Town, Cobbler's Daughter, Green Grow the Rushes, Ploughboy Laddies, The Old Chemise; Bob Midden - Brennan on the Moor, Star of the County Down, Song for Ireland, Wild Colonial Boy

Backing Vocals: Mary Dennis, Bob Midden, Mark Bunce

Violin & Bodhran: Mary Dennis

Flutes, Whistles & Bass Guitar: Bob Midden

Six String Acoustic Guitar: Jack McMahon except Song For Ireland - Tom DelGreco

Piano & Electronic Keyboard: Mick Gilliam

Photos, Artwork & Layout: Bob Midden & Mary Dennis

Disc duplication & packaging: Discmakers

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