The Boys Of The Lough are one of Celtic music's preeminent folk ensembles, with a long history and a shifting lineup that has included many of trad music's finest musicians, Scottish and Irish alike. Fiddler Aly Bain, piper Cathal McConnell, and Robin Morton were founding members, while guitarist Dick Gaughan was with the band for a year or so in the early 1970s. Robin Morton went on to found the Temple Records label, while Aly Bain stayed with the band for several decades, later members included Dave Richardson and Christy O'Leary, and many others... Here's a quick look at their work...
Cathal McConnell & Robin Morton "An Irish Jubliee" (The Mercier Press, 1970) (LP)
(Produced by Michael O'Donnell)
Proto-Loughian tracks from two of the band's founders, with Cathal McConnell on tin whistle and flutes, Robin Morton playing the bodhran and concertina, and both men as vocalists on the songs, which alternate on this album with various types of instrumentals. Though recorded in 1969, this album was not released until the following year, on a small label from Cork, giving Ireland (and the world) a glimpse of things to come...
Boys Of The Lough "Boys Of The Lough" (Trailer Records, 1973) (LP)
(Produced by Bill Leader)
Scottish troubadour Dick Gaughan was only with this band briefly -- along with fiddler Aly Bain, Robin Morton and Cathal McConnell -- but his contributions were wonderful. Mainly traditional music from Scotland and Ireland, nice to hear the sometimes-downbeat Gaughan working with such a lively, sprightly group... A legendary album, sadly long out of print (as are many of the releases on the Trailer/Leader label...) Definitely worth looking for, though!
The Boys Of The Lough "Second Album" (Trailer/Rounder Records, 1973) (LP)
The Boys Of The Lough "Live At Passim's" (Transatlantic/Philo Records, 1975) (LP)
The Boys Of The Lough "Lochaber No More" (Transatlantic/Philo Records, 1976) (LP)
The Boys Of The Lough "The Piper's Broken Finger" (Transatlantic/Philo Records, 1976) (LP)
The Boys Of The Lough "Good Friends - Good Music" (Philo Records, 1977)
Quite a lovely little album, with Aly Bain's fiddle front and center, often with a twin fiddle provided by one of the album's many guest performers. These 1977 recordings include a parade of great talent from both sides of the Atlantic, including folks such as Tom Anderson, Tony McMahon, Louis & Willie Beaudoin, Kenny Hall and Jay Ungar joining a core group of Robin Morton, Cathal McConnell, Dave Richardson and Aly Bain, roaming from the highlands to the Louisiana swamps... Crisp, delectable musicianship and a fine attention to detail throughout... Recommended!
The Boys Of The Lough "Wish You Were Here" (Transatlantic/Flying Fish Records, 1978) (LP)
The Boys Of The Lough "Regrouped" (Topic/Flying Fish Records, 1980) (LP)
The Boys Of The Lough "In The Tradition" (Topic/Flying Fish Records, 1981) (LP)
The Boys Of The Lough "Open Road" (Topic/Flying Fish Records, 1983) (LP)
The Boys Of The Lough "To Welcome Paddy Home" (Lough/Shanachie Records, 1985)
The Boys Of The Lough "Far From Home" (Shanachie Records, 1986) (LP)
The Boys Of The Lough "Farewell And Remember Me" (Shanachie Records, 1987)
Multi-instrumentalist John Coakley rounds out the group on this gorgeous set of doleful songs and instrumental outings... This set is quite soulful and rich, with fine vocals by Cathal McConnell and Christy O'Leary. This disc's a gem... well worth checking out!
The Boys Of The Lough "Sweet Rural Shade" (Lough/Shanachie Records, 1988)
The Boys Of The Lough "Live At Carnegie Hall" (Lough/Sage Arts Records, 1992)
The Boys Of The Lough "The Fair Hills Of Ireland" (Lough/Sage Arts Records, 1992)
The Boys Of The Lough "Midwinter Night's Dream" (Blix Street Records, 1996)
Christy O'Leary, Cathal McConnell, Dave Richardson and Aly Bain comprise the band this time 'round, and to tell the truth, this Christmas-themed set seems a bit flat. It's well-played and all, but lacks a certain spark. Or maybe I'm just not into the proper, mellow holiday spirit... If I give it another listen in the Yuletide and change my mind, I'll letcha know.
The Boys Of The Lough "The West Of Ireland" (Lough Records, 1999)
The Boys Of The Lough "Lonesome Blues And Dancing Shoes" (Lough Records, 2002)
The Boys Of The Lough "20" (2005)
The Boys Of The Lough "Midwinter Live" (Lough Records, 2010)
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