John McKenna: The Buck from the Mountain

Traditional music recordings from the early 20th century were largely dominated by renowned Sligo fiddle players Michael Coleman and James Morrison. Leitrim flute player John McKenna, with his feisty, rhythmic and yet sweet-toned style, was what might be termed an "able dealer" in the musical sense. His duets with Morrison are a marvel, characterised by a shared appetite for musical agility and zesty pace on jigs and polkas. Their collaborations were intensely evocative and yet somehow timeless. This definitive collection includes some deliciously rare remastered recordings, along with a meticulously researched booklet that catalogues McKenna's life and picaresque times in both Leitrim and his adopted home of New York. The Buck from the Mountain is enriching addition to the archives and a lure to flute players and trad completists alike with an ear for the pure drop. johnmckenna.ie