Evolving from a nation renowned for its “singsong” (aka singalong) and strong music culture, The Great Irish Songbook is a collection of iconic folksongs from the Irish tradition.
Featuring well-known and celebrated artists from a variety of musical backgrounds and countries, these songs have stood the test of time, anchoring a beloved genre of music that has organically gained in popularity internationally for decades now. Each featured performer is accompanied by the legendary Irish Folk band Dervish and friends.
An ambitious undertaking, the recording process happened over a 2 year period between Sligo where the band is based, and Dublin where producer Graham Henderson is located.
Developing the arrangements and recording the material was a labor of love. Dervish discovered that lovers of Irish traditional music are diverse, and at times unexpected. Most of the collaborators appearing on the album are artists Dervish met through 30 years of touring as a band, but some were new friends and came to the project for the love of these songs.
The Great Irish Songbook captures the imagination and widens the shelf space for Ireland’s greatest natural resource, its Folk music.
“It’s great to hear these classic Irish Folk songs given a 21st Century treatment. It sounds like they’ll be hits for another century at least!” —The Edge U2
