The Barleycorn
For Folk Sake
1975 - Dolphin DOLM 5016 LP
Side One
Donegal Danny (Phil Coulter)
Drops of Brandy (Slip Jig)
Belfast Town
Lilting Fisherman/Sackows (Jigs)
Ireland Live On
Oh, Ro My Johnny
Side Two
Easter Time/Freedom Sons (Tommy Makem)
Paddy Ryan's Dream & Primrose Lass (Reels)
Buachaill On Eirne
Showman's Fancy (Hornpipe) & The Plough and the Stars (Reel)
Sing All Your Troubles Away
Farewell to Nova Scotia
Credits
Liam Tiernan: Vocals & Guitar
Brian McCormick: Vocals & Bass
John Delaney: Banjo, Mandolin & Vocals
Paul Anderson: Fiddle & Whistle
Produced for Dolphin Records by the Barleycorn at Trend Studios, Dublin
Photography: Jim Travers
Cover Design: Paul Archer
Sleeve Notes
The standard of entertainment demanded by the public is continually changing which creates an ever-present challenge for artists and groups in their efforts to achieve or maintain success.
For a group like Barleycorn this challenge is greater than for most since they came on the scene with a dramatic suddenness and a specific line in material and presentation.
Over the years they have maintained their attraction while changing musically, vocally and visually.
This album though essentially different from any of their other albums, is a true reflection of the present successful Barleycorn. The fiddle, after three years now an integral part of the group's sound, is to be heard for the first time on this album masterfully played by Paul who began to study classical music at the early age of eight, but soon found his love for traditional music and song taking priority. He blows a good whistle too, as can be heard on the "Drops of Brandy" when John plays a duet with him to get your hands clapping. Barleycorn's musical horizons have broadened as can be heard from their choice of songs and tunes presented on this album with the feeling and emotion evident in all of their music.
Audiences, too, are now as international as the group's repertoire and the boys are regularly to be found on stages throughout North America and Britain when they are not keeping feet tapping on the home circuit.
The songs lead off with Brian singing Phil Coulter's "Donegal Danny" which will always be a topical story in this seabound island of ours. "Belfast Town" sung by Liam again hits at a problem which, hopefully, will soon be just a bad memory. "Easter Time/Freedom Sons" will bring back memories but will also give strength. Hope is always round the corner and the delightful "Buachaill on Eirne" and "Sing All Your Troubles Away" point to the crack in the dark clouds.
The included twelve tracks provide a patch work picture, in sound, of the Barleycorn. So have a listen, then, "For Folk Sake", go to the show. Barleycorn will be as happy to see you as you will be when you have seen them.