Search - Come West Along the Road - Irish Traditional Music on DVD

Superb archival performance

Volunteer of America | Austin, Texas | 01/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mutton chop sideburns, bell bottoms and beehives add a charming accent to this delightful collection of traditional Irish dance, music and song drawn from twenty five years (1961-1986) of Irish Public Broadcasting. Many of the performers are unknown in any international sense, but the extraordinarily high standard of virtuosity makes this a real pleasure to watch. The lovely melodies and irresistible beats of traditional Irish performance are truly enjoyable in this bargain-priced, two hour-plus DVD."

A slice of Ireland

C. Roll | 09/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're looking for a glitzy performance like Riverdance, this is not the dvd for you. If you're looking for a slice of Irish culture and music from the 60s-80s, this is it. Most of the performers are not even professionals. There's a clip of a young boy in Buncrana singing Four Green Fields in 1976. It gave me chills the first time I heard it. His voice is amazing. There's a touching performance at Sean O'Riada's funeral sung by Sean O'Se. And there's a very funny looking clip taken in a pub somewhere with an old man singing with his eyes shut and his friend seems to be pumping the song out of him with one hand and holding a pint in the other. I loved this dvd. I'll know I'll watch it again and again."

The "West" is the Best!

Joseph M. Dunne | Manasquan, NJ, USA | 03/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Want a crash course in pre-Celtic Tiger Irish culture? Viewing the historic archival segments on this video collection of Irish music, song and dance performances captured over a four deade period is like a getting a crash PH.D. on the topic. The DVD has become the 'must have' item if you're a Irish music session hound. Some rough audio and low quality video for certain segments only add to the charm. Pour yourself a pint, tune your instrument, and sit back and enjoy the journey."

Only irish need apply

Stephen Finley | Lubbock, Texas--a session band hacker | 01/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...or those who are interested in the real deal. You want real Irish, this is it. There is something really stunning about this huge collection, something so anti-Michael-Flatley-in-little-bullfighter-jacket. If you're a hardcore fan of traditional music and dance, you'll know many or most of the people here; if not, it doesn't matter, you'll know 'em after you watch and listen. Don't miss it."