Irish-Australian Accordion: Recording of Fitzgerald family
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posted on 2020-10-06, 06:13 authored by Graeme Smith| Unpublished
field recording: Graeme Smith recording the Fitzgerald family. Australia, 14
April 1983. Cassette tape (side A only). Notes on cassette face: 'Teddy
Fitzgerald et al.' Notes: 'Paddy, Joe and John Fitzgerald arguably have been the most influential emigrant players of Irish music in Melbourne in the period from 1960 to 2020. Paddy was born Ballinakill, Co Galway in 1941. Family moved to Feakle, East Clare soon after. Learned accordion in family, active in 1950s in local CCE, and in ceili band 1957-59. He emigrated to Australia in 1959. Married Eileen Nash, from long standing pre WWW2 Irish music family in Melbourne. Parents and other siblings followed and emigrated to Australia 1963. Paddy formed bands, played for dancing, and was active in Irish sports teams. He is a musical leader in the formation of Melbourne branch of CCE in 1971. Played in bands with brothers, children and other musicians from Irish community. Becomes an important leader of Irish music sessions in Melbourne from 1990s onwards. Brother Joe, born 1944 in Clare. Emigrated to England and Australia a few years after Paddy, coming to Australia in 1963. Regarded by many as preeminent Irish accordion player in Australia, and respected in Ireland. John is a younger brother, highly gifted player of Irish dance music on many instruments. For comparative musical history and commentary see Smith 1997.' Notes sent to MAMU by Graeme Smith in July 2020. Reference: Smith, Graeme. “Modern-Style Irish Accordion Playing: History, Biography and Class.” Ethnomusicology, vol. 41, no. 3, 1997, pp. 433–463 |
