LEE 4062

Leader Record: Come Day, Go Day, God send Sunday - John Maguire

Co. Fermanagh, in the south-west corner of Northern Ireland, is rightly famous for its singers and musicians.

Few people know the music of theis area better than Robin Morton. A singer and musician himself, from neighbouring Co. Armagh, he has spent several years extensively throughout Ulster, and his previos publications - a book and two lps compiled from his field recordings - reflect the richness and diversity of Fermanagh's musical traditions.

Outstanding among the singers he has met there is John Maguire, from Rosslea, whose large repertoire includes many songs rarely heard outside Fermanagh. "A teller of songs" is how Robin describes him, and certainly his gentle yet direct narrative style of singing achieves remarkable aeffects, often reminiscent of those produced by master story-tellers. Uncluttered and compelling, it is a style which places John Maguire firmly in the front rank of Irish singers.

Track List:

Side A

• Molly Bawn Lowry
• Marrowbones
• The bonny Irish boy
• Thousands are sailing to Amerikay
• Bonny wee lassie that never said no
• My charming Mary

Side B

• The constant farmer's son
• Joe Higgins
• The handsome collier lad
• Dick Mooney's daughter
• In praise of John Magee
• Lovely Jane from Enniskea

Review from the journal of The Oral History Society