Clare is quite possibly the most musical county in Ireland. There are more musicans to the square mile
than anywhere in the world.
Doolin just down the road from the Cliffs was firmly put onto the global map of irish traditional music thanks to the
three Russell brothers; Packie, Gussy and Miko. They learned their musical talent
from their mother Annie and then as young men from older traditional musicians in the
area and so inherited the distinctive style and sound peculiar to Clare.
All this region of county Clare has strong celtic folklore influences and was regarded as a Gaeltacht (native celtic) area late into the 1970's.
The late Micho Russell was a wonderfull man, a fine miusican in the old style and an inspiration
to many younger musicians. He travelled the world playing his music,the seemingly simple, yet extremely subtle and
complex music of west Clare that he and his brothers, had recordered on an album,
'The Russell Family of Doolin, County Clare'.
Young, aspiring musicians came from Europe, America and Australia and were made welcome
before the days of organised sessions. The denim-clad visitors joined in, thrilled to
find music that was, and still is a living reality today.
The celebration of the musical heritage and the cultivation of the living tradition of
Doolin continues to grow. Foremost in the traditional music calendar in Doolin is the
"Russell Memorial weekend". This occurs during the last weekend of February
each year and is a festival of musical events organised by the Doolin Festival Committee.
Before his untimely death, Miko became an ambassador for Doolin travelling the world
playing his gentle music in his own inimitable style.
The links below will give you some background on Doolins musicians.
