The tune inspires me. It stirs things within me which I am then compelled to express through that very tune itself. Irish music contains the inspiration and dreams of generations past and present. The tunes are the seeds of this great collective. Each time they are played they come alive in the fertile ground of our souls.
Music is a language that gives voice to otherwise inexpressible feelings.
The East Clare fiddlers have always preferred to take their time with the playing of a tune. Sometimes called the long bow style, the players are in the habit of bringing an emotional shading to the music while exploring each tune's inherent mystery. The result is a music that is melancholy one moment and merry the next, much like the play of light and shadow on the landscape in that part of the world. These regional styles from the rare old times are rapidly dying out, due to the mobility of modern society. All and all, it is a moody music and Martin played a good many of these tunes that night.