Inside the Banjoverse

Four time BBC Radio award winner Mohsen Amini from Glasgow, Scotland is one of the fastest growing names in the traditional world. He continuously tours with firebrands Talisk & the supergroup Imar, appearing in all corners of the globe at world leading festivals including closing out Saturday nights main stage at the 2019 Cambridge Folk Festival, three back to back years at Philadelphia Folk Festival, four at Tønder Festival and five at Celtic Connections. https://www.talisk.co.uk/about/ https://www.imarband.com

The podcast is taking a short break as We Banjo 3 heads out on our first major tour in 2 years. I will be producing more podcast episodes later in Spring.However, I am also launching a brand new Patreon channel focused entirely on Irish tenor banjo and this podcast. If you'd like to support the channel and the podcast please head over to www.patreon.com/endascahillbanjo

The podcast is taking a short break as We Banjo 3 heads out on our first major tour in 2 years. I will be producing more podcast episodes later in Spring. However, I am also launching a brand new Patreon channel focused entirely on Irish tenor banjo and this podcast. If you'd like to support the channel and the podcast please head over to www.patreon.com/endascahillbanjo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This time I'm in the hot seat on the I Want You To Meet podcast with Jasmine Faulk DickersonMake sure to check out Jasmine's other shows https://www.jasminfaulkdickerson.com/iwantyoutomeetPart of PAntheon Podcasts

This time I'm in the hot seat on the I Want You To Meet podcast with Jasmine Faulk Dickerson Make sure to check out Jasmine's other shows https://www.jasminfaulkdickerson.com/iwantyoutomeet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The last from the American Banjo Museum series, the Superfluous Fifth String is banjo supernova Kieran Hanrahan. Broadcaster, radio host and tenor banjo player, Kieran is a renowned musician and founder of famed Irish band Stockton's Wing. Hanrahan is also an assistant lecturer at the Conservatory of Music and Drama at Dublin Institute of Technology where he works in the Traditional Music program

The last from the American Banjo Museum series, the Superfluous Fifth String is banjo supernova Kieran Hanrahan. Broadcaster, radio host and tenor banjo player, Kieran is a renowned musician and founder of famed Irish band Stockton's Wing. Hanrahan is also an assistant lecturer at the Conservatory of Music and Drama at Dublin Institute of Technology where he works in the Traditional Music program Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pauline was born in Bedford, England, the daughter of Irish parents from Connemara and Longford, raised in a family steeped in Irish music, dance and culture. As a young girl she achieved great success, becoming a champion Irish step dancer before turning her focus to music. Under the tutelage of legendary musician Brendan Mulkere, Pauline honed her love of the banjo, eventually earning her status as renowned banjo player. She founded the band Chicago Reel, who feature regularly at Irish festivals around the Midwest and East Coast. She frequently shares the stage with Grammy-nominated fiddler Liz Carroll, as well as many respected artists performing on the world stage today, including John Doyle, The Chieftains, Cherish the Ladies, Sean Keane, and Mick McGoldrick.Part odf Pantheon Podcast

Pauline was born in Bedford, England, the daughter of Irish parents from Connemara and Longford, raised in a family steeped in Irish music, dance and culture. As a young girl she achieved great success, becoming a champion Irish step dancer before turning her focus to music. Under the tutelage of legendary musician Brendan Mulkere, Pauline honed her love of the banjo, eventually earning her status as renowned banjo player.  She founded the band Chicago Reel, who feature regularly at Irish festivals around the Midwest and East Coast. She frequently shares the stage with Grammy-nominated fiddler Liz Carroll, as well as many respected artists performing on the world stage today, including John Doyle, The Chieftains, Cherish the Ladies, Sean Keane, and Mick McGoldrick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damien O'Kane is a brilliant banjo player. And a fine guitarist. And an ingenious arranger. Not to mention an accomplished tunemaker, researcher, bandleader and accompanist of rich imagination and fearless vision. Hailing from Coleraine in Northern Ireland, Damien now lives in the UK with his wife, folk singer Kate Rusby and their two children.Part of Pantheon Podcasts

Damien O'Kane is a brilliant banjo player. And a fine guitarist. And an ingenious arranger. Not to mention an accomplished tunemaker, researcher, bandleader and accompanist of rich imagination and fearless vision. Hailing from Coleraine in Northern Ireland, Damien now lives in the UK with his wife, folk singer Kate Rusby and their two children Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holder of 7 “All Ireland” titles and the first Irish banjo player to play the hallowed Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Martin grew up on a steady diet of Irish and American folk, love of music passed down by his father, Martin, a great folk singer. He has performed with the Chieftains, Carlos Nunez, Mumford and Sons, Ricky Skaggs, and Steve Earle amongst others. He once asked president Obama to hold his banjo, Barrack politely declined, most likely as the banjo is quite heavy. Martin, alongside Enda, has forged a new path in Irish banjo and together they've pioneered a new arena of technical skills. With We Banjo 3, he's been afforded the opportunity to hone his stagecraft and legendary banter - he knows all the sports teams and regularly attempts local language lore, often to clumsy mirth-making results. Martin believes that folk music is an antidote to social ills

Holder of 7 “All Ireland” titles and the first Irish banjo player to play the hallowed Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Martin grew up on a steady diet of Irish and American folk, love of music passed down by his father, Martin, a great folk singer. He has performed with the Chieftains, Carlos Nunez, Mumford and Sons, Ricky Skaggs, and Steve Earle amongst others. He once asked president Obama to hold his banjo, Barrack politely declined, most likely as the banjo is quite heavy. Martin, alongside Enda, has forged a new path in Irish banjo and together they've pioneered a new arena of technical skills. With We Banjo 3, he's been afforded the opportunity to hone his stagecraft and legendary banter - he knows all the sports teams and regularly attempts local language lore, often to clumsy mirth-making results. Martin believes that folk music is an antidote to social ills Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's hard to think of an artist in traditional Irish music more influential than Seamus Egan. From his beginnings as a teen prodigy, to his groundbreaking solo work with Shanachie Records, to his founding of Irish-American powerhouse band Solas, to his current work as one of the leading composers and interpreters of the tradition, Egan has inspired multiple generations of musicians and helped define the sound of Irish music today. His instantly recognisable banjo sound has been a huge influence on many generations of banjo players worldwide. Part of Pantheon Podcasts.

It's hard to think of an artist in traditional Irish music more influential than Seamus Egan. From his beginnings as a teen prodigy, to his groundbreaking solo work with Shanachie Records, to his founding of Irish-American powerhouse band Solas, to his current work as one of the leading composers and interpreters of the tradition, Egan has inspired multiple generations of musicians and helped define the sound of Irish music today. His instantly recognisable banjo sound has been a huge influence on many generations of banjo players worldwide. Part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All Ireland champion, renowned teacher, brilliant Irish tenor banjo player and hugely entertaining story teller, Theresa O'Grady has it all! Theresa and I go way back and have even competed against each other in banjo competitions (she won, I'm not a little bit sore about it 25 years later!!!) This was a hugely enjoyable interview. Special thanks to the American Banjo Museum in OK for permission to rebroadcast this interview from their Superfluous Fifth String series.

All Ireland champion, renowned teacher, brilliant Irish tenor banjo player and hugely entertaining story teller, Theresa O'Grady has it all! Theresa and I go way back and have even competed against each other in banjo competitions (she won, I'm not a little bit sore about it 25 years later!!!) This was a hugely enjoyable interview. Special thanks to the American Banjo Museum in OK for permission to rebroadcast this interview from their Superfluous Fifth String series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've known Dan a long time now, we first met in Galway when I brought him salmon fishing. Fishing, not catching it must be said, but we've become firm friends over the years. Dan is a banjo player and ethnomusicologist, a protegé of Professor Mick Moloney, a music writer for the Irish Echo and also picks his way through the oft murky maze of organising some of New York's most famous Irish music sessions!! We have a great conversation about the session scene in NY, Dan's interest in Jamaican mento music and the role of the banjo in that tradition.www.danieltneely.com/

I've known Dan a long time now, we first met in Galway when I brought him salmon fishing. Fishing, not catching it must be said, but we've become firm friends over the years. Dan is a banjo player and ethnomusicologist, a protegé of Professor Mick Moloney, a music writer for the Irish Echo and also picks his way through the oft murky maze of organising some of New York's most famous Irish music sessions!! We have a great conversation about the session scene in NY, Dan's interest in Jamaican mento music and the role of the banjo in that tradition. www.danieltneely.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nora plays old-time traditional music with a particular interest in eastern Kentucky and Tennessee banjo playing. Along with the banjo she also sings traditional unaccompanied ballads from southeast Appalachia and beyond. She has played at numerous venues and festivals on the East Coast including TED Salon in NYC, NPR Tiny Desk, Joe's Pub, the Floyd Radio Show, Washington Square Park Folk Festival, Brooklyn Folk Festival, Brooklyn Americana Festival, Oldtone Roots Music Festival, Irvington Folk Festival, Summer & Winter Hoots at the Ashokan Center, and has had multiple month long residencies at famed Barbès in Brooklyn NY. Nora has participated in a variety of podcasts including WNYC's Dolly Parton's America. 

Nora plays old-time traditional music with a particular interest in eastern Kentucky and Tennessee banjo playing. Along with the banjo she also sings traditional unaccompanied ballads from southeast Appalachia and beyond. She has played at numerous venues and festivals on the East Coast including TED Salon in NYC, NPR Tiny Desk, Joe's Pub, the Floyd Radio Show, Washington Square Park Folk Festival, Brooklyn Folk Festival, Brooklyn Americana Festival, Oldtone Roots Music Festival, Irvington Folk Festival, Summer & Winter Hoots at the Ashokan Center, and has had multiple month long residencies at famed Barbès in Brooklyn NY. Nora has participated in a variety of podcasts including WNYC's Dolly Parton's America.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Carty is one of Ireland's best loved musicians. His unique style of fiddle and banjo playing has been lauded internationally for many years. John is a true gentleman of the tradition, and his impish humour is reflected in his incredible playing and exquisite variations and ornamentation.www.johncartymusic.net

John Carty is one of Ireland's best loved musicians. His unique style of fiddle and banjo playing has been lauded internationally for many years. John is a true gentleman of the tradition, and his impish humour is reflected in his incredible playing and exquisite variations and ornamentation. www.johncartymusic.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I didn't necessarily expect that a banjo player of such renown as Alison Brown (rhyme intended!) was also a Harvard educated MBA until she got side tracked by bluegrass music and Alison Krauss. It's a fascinating story, and as someone who left the "permanent and pensionable" job to pursue music, I'm always interested to talk to others who have opted for the impermanence of a music career over a "stable" job. Alison has of course used her business background to great effect creating Compass Records, and thus has a very unique insight into both sides of the music industrywww.alisonbrown.com

I didn't necessarily expect that a banjo player of such renown as Alison Brown (rhyme intended!) was also a Harvard educated MBA until she got side tracked by bluegrass music and Alison Krauss. It's a fascinating story, and as someone who left the "permanent and pensionable" job to pursue music, I'm always interested to talk to others who have opted for the impermanence of a music career over a "stable" job. Alison has of course used her business background to great effect creating Compass Records, and thus has a very unique insight into both sides of the music industry www.alisonbrown.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joanne and I go way back, having come up through the life universities of The Willie Clancy summer school and the Fleadh Cheoil competitions in Ireland. We've had great fun over the years knocking head over our differing opinions on the virtue of playing polkas on a banjo. I'm not a fan, but Joanne finally explains to me how to do it properly!! We take a fond trip down memory lane in this interview, Joanne reminiscing about simpler times playing music as a child growing up in Co Limerick, the "craic" of the fleadhs, the mummers and the wren boys. Joanne is a terrific story teller and even better musician and a truly kind hearted soul.

Joanne and I go way back, having come up through the life universities of The Willie Clancy summer school and the Fleadh Cheoil competitions in Ireland. We've had great fun over the years knocking head over our differing opinions on the virtue of playing polkas on a banjo. I'm not a fan, but Joanne finally explains to me how to do it properly!! We take a fond trip down memory lane in this interview, Joanne reminiscing about simpler times playing music as a child growing up in Co Limerick, the "craic" of the fleadhs, the mummers and the wren boys. Joanne is a terrific story teller and even better musician and a truly kind hearted soul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Trischka has an illustrious and storied career in bluegrass music. He's such a well known and well loved musician that it's easy to forget what a stellar and expansive career Tony has had. A true innovator, picking outside the box for many decades, Tony has wisdom, experience and many tales to tell. Is he ready to lay down his banjo and retire? Far from it!!!

Tony Trischka has an illustrious and storied career in bluegrass music. He's such a well known and well loved musician that it's easy to forget what a stellar and expansive career Tony has had. A true innovator, picking outside the box for many decades, Tony has wisdom, experience and many tales to tell. Is he ready to lay down his banjo and retire? Far from it!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's summer time in Nashville, folks are mowing lawns and Abigail is hiding on the front porch taking some well deserved time away from motherhood to chat about all things banjo! This is a delightful conversation, Abigail showing her true spirit of kindness, integrity and honesty. Her journey to a full time music career and huge international success is fascinating and demonstrates Abigail's pure soul and her ability to trust in the flow of life.

It's summer time in Nashville, folks are mowing lawns and Abigail is hiding on the front porch taking some well deserved time away from motherhood to chat about all things banjo! This is a delightful conversation, Abigail showing her true spirit of kindness, integrity and honesty. Her journey to a full time music career and huge international success is fascinating and demonstrates Abigail's pure soul and her ability to trust in the flow of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had a lot of fun interviewing the effervescent Lisa Canny, she's high energy, high achieving, genre defying and very funny. A Mayo native, Lisa is a 7 time national champion on multiple instruments, yet despite spending her nascent years steeped in traditional Irish music she has gone on to create fascinating music fusing her Irish roots with hip hop and pop sounds. Now based in London, Lisa has a very refreshing take on the music industry and, as it turns out, life in general!www.lisacanny.comPart of Pantheon Podcasts

I had a lot of fun interviewing the effervescent Lisa Canny, she's high energy, high achieving, genre defying and very funny. A Mayo native, Lisa is a 7 time national champion on multiple instruments, yet despite spending her nascent years steeped in traditional Irish music she has gone on to create fascinating music fusing her Irish roots with hip hop and pop sounds. Now based in London, Lisa has a very refreshing take on the music industry and, as it turns out, life in general! www.lisacanny.com Part of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The musician's musician is a phrase bandied around a lot but it's a fitting cap for virtuoso Ron Block. Ron's practice regimes are legendary and he's equally well known for being simply an all round decent human being. I've always been taken with his curious nature, his goodwill and openness to music outside of bluegrass. I really enjoyed this interview and perhaps I summed it up perfectly myself when I exclaimed at one point "There's a lot more to you than just banjo Ron Block!!!!!!Make sure to check out Ron's work with Irish tenor banjo player Damien O'Kane - Banjophonywww.ronblock.com

The musician's musician is a phrase bandied around a lot but it's a fitting cap for virtuoso Ron Block. Ron's practice regimes are legendary and he's equally well known for being simply an all round decent human being. I've always been taken with his curious nature, his goodwill and openness to music outside of bluegrass. I really enjoyed this interview and perhaps I summed it up perfectly myself when I exclaimed at one point "There's a lot more to you than just banjo Ron Block!!!!!! Make sure to check out Ron's work with Irish tenor banjo player Damien O'Kane - Banjophony www.ronblock.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have we run out of superlatives to describe Béla Fleck's banjo playing and his genre defying musical career? We Banjo 3's banjo maestro Enda Scahill, takes Béla on a winding trip down memory lane discussing his earliest influences, New Grass Revival, the enduring importance of Earl Scruggs, his deep respect and love for his mentor Chick Corea, and his brand new project My Bluegrass Heart.www.belafleck.com

Have we run out of superlatives to describe Béla Fleck's banjo playing and his genre defying musical career? We Banjo 3's banjo maestro Enda Scahill, takes Béla on a winding trip down memory lane discussing his earliest influences, New Grass Revival, the enduring importance of Earl Scruggs, his deep respect and love for his mentor Chick Corea, and his brand new project My Bluegrass Heart. www.belafleck.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Natalie McMaster is a world-renowned Cape Breton-style fiddler and one of the nicest musicians you could ever hope to meet. She has toured with The Chieftains, Carlos Santana, and Alison Krauss, and has recorded with Yo-Yo Ma. One time live on stage at a festival, I took her shoes off mid-tune. Totally at her request mind! Let's just say we have a special bond since then!

Natalie McMaster is a world-renowned Cape Breton-style fiddler and one of the nicest musicians you could ever hope to meet. She has toured with The Chieftains, Carlos Santana, and Alison Krauss, and has recorded with Yo-Yo Ma. One time live on stage at a festival, I took her shoes off mid-tune. Totally at her request mind! Let's just say we have a special bond since then! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grammy nominee, mind-melting mandolin playing, singer, songwriter, child prodigy...... what more can be said of Sierra Hull? Oh right, she's incredibly kind and friendly too!Inside The Banjoverse takes you on a journey with some of folk music's most celebrated artists, exploring the minds, emotions, and experiences of these musicians to understand what drives and inspires them to greatness.

Grammy nominee, mind-melting mandolin playing, singer, songwriter, child prodigy...... what more can be said of Sierra Hull? Oh right, she's incredibly kind and friendly too! Inside The Banjoverse takes you on a journey with some of folk music's most celebrated artists, exploring the minds, emotions, and experiences of these musicians to understand what drives and inspires them to greatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stockton's Wing is one of Ireland's legendary genre-defining bands, one of the first to truly popularise traditional music, earning deserved commercial success in the process. Mike is the guitarist, songwriter, and singer with the band and has also had huge success performing with Ronnie Drew of the world-famous band The DublinersInside The Banjoverse takes you on a journey with some of folk music's most celebrated artists, exploring the minds, emotions, and experiences of these musicians to understand what drives and inspires them to greatness.

Stockton's Wing is one of Ireland's legendary genre-defining bands, one of the first to truly popularise traditional music, earning deserved commercial success in the process. Mike is the guitarist, songwriter, and singer with the band and has also had huge success performing with Ronnie Drew of the world-famous band The Dubliners Inside The Banjoverse takes you on a journey with some of folk music's most celebrated artists, exploring the minds, emotions, and experiences of these musicians to understand what drives and inspires them to greatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Almost as far to the left of Ireland as you can go is a very small, wild townland called Belmullet, Co Mayo. The remoteness and deeply earthy Atlantic resonance permeate the music of David Munnelly, one of Irish music's most celebrated accordion players. This conversation is very real, sincere, and honest and gives an insight into the joy, wonder, and energy of David's musicInside The Banjoverse takes you on a journey with some of folk music's most celebrated artists, exploring the minds, emotions, and experiences of these musicians to understand what drives and inspires them to greatness.

Almost as far to the left of Ireland as you can go is a very small, wild townland called Belmullet, Co Mayo. The remoteness and deeply earthy Atlantic resonance permeate the music of David Munnelly, one of Irish music's most celebrated accordion players. This conversation is very real, sincere, and honest and gives an insight into the joy, wonder, and energy of David's music Inside The Banjoverse takes you on a journey with some of folk music's most celebrated artists, exploring the minds, emotions, and experiences of these musicians to understand what drives and inspires them to greatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Multi-instrumentalist, savant, genius, wizard are some of the terms used to describe the beautifully honest and funny musician Tim Edey. A truly eclectic multi-laned mind if ever there was one!Inside The Banjoverse takes you on a journey with some of folk music's most celebrated artists, exploring the minds, emotions, and experiences of these musicians to understand what drives and inspires them to greatness.

The Wall Street Journal has described Gerry O'Connor as "the single best four string banjoist in the history of Irish Music". He is renowned for his innovative, technical wizardry and is widely regarded as one of the most important Irish banjo players of all time. We take a lot at Gerry's humble musical origins and how he ended up on a 4-year world tour with blues guitar legend Joe Bonamassa.Inside The Banjoverse takes you on a journey with some of folk music's most celebrated artists, exploring the minds, emotions, and experiences of these musicians to understand what drives and inspires them to greatness.This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.

From Cadillac Sky and Chessboxer to Mumford & Sons, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, and now Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Texan-born Ross Holmes takes us on a winding, winsome journey from competition fiddling to gracing the stage with some of the biggest acts in the world.Inside The Banjoverse takes you on a journey with some of folk music's most celebrated artists, exploring the minds, emotions, and experiences of these musicians to understand what drives and inspires them to greatness.This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts

Multi-instrumentalist, savant, genius, wizard are some of the terms used to describe the beautifully honest and funny musician Tim Edey. A truly eclectic multi-laned mind if ever there was one! Inside The Banjoverse takes you on a journey with some of folk music's most celebrated artists, exploring the minds, emotions, and experiences of these musicians to understand what drives and inspires them to greatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Wall Street Journal has described Gerry O'Connor as "the single best four string banjoist in the history of Irish Music". He is renowned for his innovative, technical wizardry and is widely regarded as one of the most important Irish banjo players of all time. We take a lot at Gerry's humble musical origins and how he ended up on a 4-year world tour with blues guitar legend Joe Bonamassa. Inside The Banjoverse takes you on a journey with some of folk music's most celebrated artists, exploring the minds, emotions, and experiences of these musicians to understand what drives and inspires them to greatness. This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Cadillac Sky and Chessboxer to Mumford & Sons, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, and now Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Texan-born Ross Holmes takes us on a winding, winsome journey from competition fiddling to gracing the stage with some of the biggest acts in the world. Inside The Banjoverse takes you on a journey with some of folk music's most celebrated artists, exploring the minds, emotions, and experiences of these musicians to understand what drives and inspires them to greatness. This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices