Irish Music Crash Course at Downey's

I took groups to Downey's Bar, for some good craic and music at the beginning of the trip. But, because of busy schedules, I hadn't returned until two nights ago, when Joe Power invited the entire group to see some traditional Irish music. The trad session night was completely different from the singing/music/poetry groups that happen in the loft of the bar. It was touching to see musicians be completely tuned into their craft while simultaneously finding rest in music. 

From having played marimba and bass drum in the Mercyhurst marching and pep bands, I know exactly how difficult it is to improvise a song. My jaw was literally on the floor when these musicians seemed to identify all of the notes, harmonies, and rhythms of the songs, and play them all together without so much as an afterthought. It helped me to learn that many of the musicians may know these sets of songs and tunes, which reflects how ingrained music is into Irish culture. I really wish there was some vehicle for fostering music and creative groups in America, though I've yet to find it like this pub scene. 

While there, I heard some Irish instruments for the first time, including the Uillean pipes (played by a bellow under the elbow), a harp (the national instrument), and the Bodhrán (a drum played perpendicularly). There was even a nationally renowned singer there for the night. All of the musicians were fantastic in their playing, and I could tell that each of them really enjoyed the songs and adding in their takes on the parts. For the most part, I also saw people switching through instruments, dancing, and singing. 

Many of the tunes turned later into drinking songs, where the audiences got involved in the singing and merrymaking. I loved this part, too, as it reminded me of the Clancy's Kitchen concert where the whole audience sang along. Though I'm not a concert-goer, I could never imagine something like this happening at the Erie Philharmonic. I sang in the choir for the Erie Philharmonic for a year and, even then, the passion we sang with pales in comparison to this group's sharing of it. 

I learned, by this experience, that music and passion is meant to be shared. The Irish make music that sounds of the heart. While it's tempting to harbor and develop, into perfection, the things we love and carry with us. But, it's even more rewarding to share these gifts with others, to test them through performance, and to expand upon them. This is something that I'm going to carry with me beyond the trip, and hope to continue learning the guitar and other instruments (of which I'm an amateur, still learning). I've missed making music, since leaving, and really want to get back to it. After seeing so many people play their own renditions, I'm hoping to do the same. 

I have to quote a drinking song, not because it's something we're learning but something we're living. I think the lyrics could be just as important as any piece of literature because people know it, share it, and understand it. Perhaps even the great Yeats or Heaney themselves shared in singing one of the songs, too. For what is literature meant for if not to be shared? 

In "Wild Rover," the chorus revolves around a ship that travels beyond the earth, and is then lost. I think it also revolves around life, and pursuing life even in the face of everyday death. For if we can't play the wild rover anymore, then what have we to live for? 

"I've been a wild rover for many's the year

and I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer

but now I'm returning with gold in great store
and I never will play the wild rover no more

And it's no, nay, never
no, nay never no more
will I play the wild rover
no never no more" 

The lyrics are living, sung, and real. I think this as good an example of literature as this night's musicians are passion.