"Don Stiffe comes from the Headford area of Co. Galway and has been singing for most of his life, having toured much of Ireland, the United States and Europe with his songs, no matter where he goes he is always at home with his voice and his superb voice somewhere between the edginess of Sean Tyrrell and the deep clarity of Sean Keane, and that doesn’t do Don real justice, because his voice is uniquely his own.
Joined by Frankie Gavin, Cathal Hayden, Arty McGlynn, Sharon Shannon, Brian Duke, Carl Hession amongst others, the musical quality of the album is in the premier league. Style, taste, paste and final exaction are faultless and his choice of songs is inspired. He has a fondness for the songs of Richard Thompson and bookends the album with Waltzing for Dreamers and Dimming of the Day (fans may know the first songs from Four Men and a Dog).
Stiffe’s song writing gets a showcase too with four tracks which more or less deal with the emigrant’s plight in foreign lands, and he does so with wit and surety in his word pictures. His “Missing Galway” deserves to be a classic modern folk song (if you can rhyme Sharon Shannon with drinking Guinness by the gallon you are up there with the best of word smiths!). He turns his hand at the traditional Cragie Hill and makes it his own (aficionados will no doubt compare it favourably to Dick Gaughan’s version). Don also tackles Nat King Cole’s Mona Lisa, yes that old crooner’s smoothest of smooth little numbers, and you know what? Don makes it work, which is testament to his vocal talent and the empathy he has built with the band.
Don Stiffe is a class act and this is a class album."
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
Hey Don I thought I would drop by to see if you have any thing new with your music. I hope you and your family are doing ok and you have a great week ahead:) Take care,Slainte--C.K.M.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Thanks for your friendship I really appreciate it and I enclose a video of a live perfromance of Nancy Spain for you and your friends to enjoy Nancy Spain
Also if there is anybody interested in wedding ceremony music for a forth coming wedding you should check out www. brendanobyrne. com and find out about the wedding music service I offer. All the best Brendan
Hey don! did you make it home okay? ah the cruise was mighty! mammy's still talking about it! We were looking at all the snaps tonight, loads. we're off to alaska now one of the days. minus 25, lovely!!!!
Hi Don, the new song is deadly! waltzin for dreamers is one of my favourite songs, i heard years ago and had forgotten about it til i heard u with lunasa during the summer. smashing song! una :)
well don hows your tapot, new song is mighty good man yourself, ill see ya for a bit of turkey over the xmas, ill be home on 25th of november see you then ,
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