THE IRISH DESCENDANTS OF CANADA'S CELTIC MUSIC

The Irish Descendants are a folk group from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. All the members, born of Irish emigrants, were workers in the Newfoundland fishing industry before forming the band in 1990 out of the remnants of two former Newfoundland bands – The Descendants and Irish Coffee.

With St. Patrick's Day coming up on Monday, this wee half Irish/ Scots lass, descended from grandparents who emigrated to Canada from Dublin and Edinburgh respectively, had her Irish eyes smiling listening to Celtic bands and musicians from Canada.

Celtic music is primarily associated with the folk traditions of Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and Wales, as well as the popular styles derived from folk culture. In addition, a number of other areas of the world are known for the use of Celtic musical styles and techniques, including Newfoundland, and much of the folk music of Canada's Maritime provinces, especially on Cape Breton Island and Prince Edward Island.There are very strong connections between Newfoundland folk music and Irish music, however elements of English folk music and French-Canadian and Acadian music can be heard within the style.
A very traditional strain of Irish music exists in Newfoundland, especially in the primarily Irish-Catholic communities along the southern shore. I am of Irish - Protestant descent.

The instrumentation in Newfoundland music includes the button accordion, guitar, violin, tin whistle and more recently the bodhrán. Many Newfoundland traditional bands also include bass guitar and drum kit. Other folk instruments such as the mandolin and bouzouki are common especially among Newfoundland bands with an Irish leaning.

Because Newfoundland is an island in the North Atlantic, many of the songs focus on the fishery and seafaring. Many songs chronicle the history of this unique people. Instrumental tune styles include jigs, reels, two steps, and polkas. Canada's East Coast and especially Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland have been on my travel bucket lists for decades, but have yet to go. A dear friend of mine lived in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland with the Atlantic Ocean in her backyard and used to send me a few photos of Icebergs there. One from her and others below from Newfoundland/Labrador Tourism..

I remember as a young child sitting on my Grandpa's knee when he would come to visit, singing Celtic/Irish songs from his homeland. After he died, just before I turned 5, my Mom would sing them..

I found so many more I either learned while young like I'se The B'y and Drunken Sailor, along with others like Canada's Great Big Sea who I had the privilege to see back in 2016. One of the best concerts I had, ever been to. Such energetic, toe tapping music with the audience on their feet dancing the entire night..

My Irish Mom's favourite is from a Canadian band called The Irish Rovers who hail from Toronto here. Black Velvet Band from The Rover's, when I hear it almost every St. Patrick's Day reminds me of her still..

( Most of my fellow Canadians whether Irish /Celtic or not will know this one.)

I have quite a few more Celtic/Irish songs, yet will post them on St. Patrick's Day when we celebrate everything Irish, whether one is of Irish Descent or not..lol.

Do you enjoy Celtic Music?
Are you of Irish descent my Lovers and readers?

50% here. My Mom and grandpa were both extremely white/ pale skin with Black hair and Blue Eyes. I took more after my Dad's Scots Celtic side with the red hair and freckles who can actually Tan..lol. Both of my Celtic parents were Blue-Eyed so my eye colour is from both..lol.