Because Ideas Matter...
The faculty and staff of Butler University's College of Liberal
Arts and Sciences presents
Recommended Readings
Joe Holmes: Here I Am Amongst
You
by Len Graham, Four Courts, 2010
Reviewed by George Geib
Joe Holmes (1906-1978) was one of the great
traditional musicians of County Derry, Northern Ireland. As
both a singer and a fiddler, he possessed a highly varied
repertoire of tunes, ballads, and entertainments that made him a
welcome performer throughout the island. Len Graham was a
close friend of Holmes who collected much of this work in both
recorded and print versions. This delightfully illustrated
print collection is an extensively annotated compilation of eighty
songs, fifty-three fiddle and dance tunes, and an introduction to
Christmas mumming. Holmes performed with, and frequently
influenced, many of the leading artists of the Celtic
revival. Thistle and Shamrock listeners will recognize some
old favorites, but should be surprised by the amount of new and
unexpected material. Holmes learned many of his favorites
from his mother, who in turn drew heavily upon nineteenth century
broadside ballads and community dancing. The feel of an
earlier Ireland is very real and immediate. Biography,
history, and musical archive, this volume is well worth a
visit.
- George Geib is Professor of History at Butler University.