I hope you have a great St Patrick's Day. Enjoy the St Patrick's Day music special episode of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

Have you been in the mood for some excellent instrumental Irish music? Look no further than any of the offerings from Colin Farrell. The pleasant rhythms and skilled play provided by this musician is something special—with out being too showy or flashy. For any musician this is a balance that really isn’t easy to achieve, but when it’s done well, it’s such a joy to listen to!

The best way to describe his music is probably to say that it just feels…natural. It could be the fact that he has played the whistle and fiddle since he was a young lad. There’s really no substitute for the ease of musicality that comes from learning an instrument at an early age, and here it is something that has most certainly contributed to the artist’s overall level of performance.

Everything that tumbles off his fingers feels like it could be played by any person—but the truth is—it can’t! It’s he expertise that comes with many, many years of practice that makes it all sound so easy and free. This particular ability is something Farrell has in abundance, and it shows as his nimble hands fly over the holes or strings. You can literally hear it.

With many types of Celtic music there is a particular underpinning of traditional sound that gives the style it’s familiarity and flavor, as is true for the majority of musical genres. Once mastered, the musician is then free to add their own “secret sauce” to the mix—but it really works the best when all the particulars are ironed out first. Mastering the basics leaves the musician free to let the heart play and move at will. This is most certainly what takes place when you hear Colin Farrell play. It adds that layer of depth that completes the circle and rises above.

Not only is Farrell a musician, he’s also a composer. He has created music that has been played by a number of different bands, such as Gráda, Kevin Crawford, Flook, and others. In addition to playing contemporary traditional music, he has also released a collection of his own music, an album titled, “On The Move”. Simply put, you can’t miss if you give his music a try—it’s very satisfying!

You can find out more about Collin Farrell.

Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and for the Celtic Music Magazine for nearly 15 years.

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