Check out The Bothy Band classic below!

The Flowers of Redhill (Reel)

It gives me great pleasure to launch 'SetantaBlog' with a classic tune from The Bothy Band collection. The Bothy Band were an Irish traditional band active during the mid 1970s. Formed by Dónal Lunny they quickly gained a reputation as one of the most influential bands playing Irish traditional music. Here's what Folkworld had to say about them:

    "Three decades ago, traditional Irish music underwent a major face-lifting. Though the members of The Bothy Band parted company after five years only, Irish music was different after their demise. Because of their unique sound and tight playing, The Bothy Band has been hailed as a rock'n'roll band in folk clothing (Irwin) and their performances like being in a jet when it suddenly whipped into full throttle along the runway. Most of today's Irish music groups were unthinkable if it wasn't for the Bothies. Imagine: no Altan, no Dervish, no Lunasa! So praise the Lord and let us remember!"

High praise indeed but 40 years later their legacy lives on and in many peoples eyes they were and still are the pinnacle of Traditional Irish Music Bands. Enjoy their version of 'The Flowers of Redhill' from their first album.

Bainigí sult as!

Enjoy,

John O'Brien

From 'The Bothy Band 1975' album, transcribed - John O'Brien