The McKenna Influence

“The McKenna Influence” Featuring Sean Gilrane (flute), Lorraine Sweeney (flute), Liam Kelly (flute), John McCartin (guitar) and Liam Cryan (Bodhrán)

This concert references tunes & archive recordings of John McKenna, whose recording career spanned from 1921 to 1937 during which time he recorded with New Republic, O'Byrne De Witt, Columbia and Decca Records, amongst others. John McKenna was responsible for reintroducing Leitrim tunes such as "Lucky in Love", "The Sailor and the Rock" and the "Happy Days of Youth". His legacy of recordings made him one of the most influential flute players in Irish traditional music and that influence has been felt throughout subsequent generations of Leitrim flute players right up to the current generation of players including Packie Duignan and Mick Woods.