# Can anyone tell me about The Chieftains (Irish folk, old duffers music) ? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 23, 2003, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002 "2003-10-23T00:09:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![London\_Calling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@London\_Calling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/London_Calling)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2003, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/1 "2003-10-23T00:09:57Z")
I should know a whole lot more about these guys. In fact, I should know _something_ abut these guys but I don’t own a single recording. Until now. Had a sniff around online but you seem to get pages and pages of ‘Buy your CD’s here’ crap and little genuine information. I did [come across this](http://countrymusic.about.com/library/bldowntheoldplankroadcdrev.htm) about the ‘Down the Old Plank Road’ release, a CD from 2002 that (being a fusion/crossover with both sides of Nashville) seems right up my alley, Matron – but, as a band, they’ve been knocking stuff out for 30-35 years . . . Given that I’m into what seems to be called ‘alt.country’ and (other/deeper) roots music in general, is ’Down the Old Plank Road’ as good a place as any to start with The Chieftains? What else might I get at the same time ? What about background info ? ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2003, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/2 "2003-10-23T00:21:44Z")
You might like _The Long, Black Veil_, which features guest performances from a wide variety of “mainstream” singers, from Mick Jagger (who sings on the title cut) to Sting to Sinead O’Connor. The Chieftans are usually considered Irish folk, but _Veil_ has a pretty broad country streak. Personally, I’m more of a Silly Wizard fan. It’s not much of a stretch to say that if you like one band, you’ll like the other. Keep an eye out for _Live Wizardry_ while you’re looking: you won’t be disappointed. ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2003, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/3 "2003-10-23T00:24:31Z")
I actually have sitting in front of me **The Chieftains: An Irish Evening** , a live album of theirs, which is awesome. I saw them perform here maybe 10 years ago, and the folks at the concert said this album would be most like the concert, so I got it. IMO, it’s the best recording they’ve made, with a lot of great tunes and impressive musicianship. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2003, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/4 "2003-10-23T00:32:50Z")
I’ve seen The Cheiftains several times (about 8 or so) over the last 15 years. They’re a great band who very carefully have branched out into other genres of music to cross them with their Celtic sound. It really works. I prefer _Irish Heartbeat_ in which they crossed with Van Morrison. It’s brilliant. For what you want (alt-country) I’ve say your best bet is to get _Another Country_. It’s their first country crossover CD from 1992 and it’s got more of a country feel to it. _LBV_ is great as well. Here’s a link to some info: [http://members.shaw.ca/chieftains/another.html](http://members.shaw.ca/chieftains/another.html) Note that there’s now _Further Down the Old Plank Road_ as well. Country and Celtic cross over pretty well given Country’s roots in Scots/Irish scales and melodic structure. Oh, I recommend Natalie McMaster, too. She’s a fiddle player from New Breton, NS. I’ve seen her play with the Chieftains and she brings a great new world feel to Celtic songs. And she dances like a whirling dervish. ---
**Author:** ![LifeOnWry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/96bed5/32.png) [@LifeOnWry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LifeOnWry)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2003, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/5 "2003-10-23T01:52:32Z")
I don’t know a whole heck of a lot about the Chieftains, but I’m a fan of Irish folk (and I am NOT EITHER an old duffer!) and I’ve recently discovered some of their stuff. I like it, but it seems to have no real “signature” sound to me. A lot depends on who’s guest-singing with them. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2003, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/6 "2003-10-23T04:01:32Z")
They did a kick ass version of “Foggy Dew” with Sinead O’Conner doing vocals. Now, granted Sinead has a few screws loose, but she’s got one hell of a voice. ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_H](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a5b964/32.png) [@Bill\_H](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_H)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2003, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/7 "2003-10-23T06:54:05Z")
They were in town several years ago, and I got a kick out of their radio commercial. It boasted them as the only band to open up for both the Rolling Stones and the Pope. ---
**Author:** ![Granuaile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecccb3/32.png) [@Granuaile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Granuaile)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2003, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/8 "2003-10-23T07:10:33Z")
Nothing much to add, except to agree with **Mr. Chance** on _Another Country_ and _The Long Black Veil_. Also, seeing as country has a base in Irish/Scots/Celtic music, the Chieftains are in a unique position. They are taking the music in a new direction, as well as bringing it home to its roots. I saw them in Chicago when they were on tour for _TLBV_. Amazing concert and a real treat when Marianne Faithfull came on to sing _Love is Teasin’_. But, let’s hope that **MikeG** does vanity searches. He’s one of the Dopers who really knows his stuff when it comes to Irish music. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2003, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/9 "2003-10-23T11:46:49Z")
“Mr. Chance”! Now that’s a bloke who gets respect! ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2003, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/10 "2003-10-23T11:51:08Z")
Old Duffer’s music! I’ve been listening to them for going on 10 years…maybe more, but it’s time for my Alzheimer’s medication. If I had half a mind I’d beat you over the head with it. I cannot add to what everyone here has said about where to start, but if you are branching into celtic folk music and want an excellent listen: [http://www.greenlinnet.com/shopping/search\_detail.cfm?ProductID=2](http://www.greenlinnet.com/shopping/search_detail.cfm?ProductID=2) Green Linnett 20th Anniversary compliation. I received mine as a gift about seven years ago and it is in my top three Desert Island Picks. ---
**Author:** ![Caprese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9a28c/32.png) [@Caprese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caprese)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2003, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/11 "2003-10-23T19:36:56Z")
I’ve seen those guys in concert, and for old duffers, they rock the house! Too bad Derek Bell died, though. ☹ The holidays approach, and one of my favorite CDs is the Chieftains’ **Bells of Dublin.** They have such guest players as Nanci Griffith, Marianne Faithful, Jackson Browne, the McGarrigle Sisters, Rickie Lee Jones. Burgess Meredith intones some poetry. Best track on the album is the very funny and tuneful St. Stephen’s Day Murders, featuring Elvis Costello. Agree with **Shirley Ujest** that Green Linnet is an excellent source of celtic music. ---
**Author:** ![5\_time\_champ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/278dde/32.png) [@5\_time\_champ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5_time_champ)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2003, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/12 "2003-10-23T23:19:00Z")
**Mr. Chance** is correct about the _Irish Heartbeat_, it is a wonderful recording. The leadoff tune _Star of the County Down_ is one of my all-time favorites. ---
**Author:** ![Wake\_up\_call](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/dec6dc/32.png) [@Wake\_up\_call](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wake_up_call)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/13 "2003-10-24T05:21:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by London\_Calling \* > \*\*What else might I get at the same time ? \*\* Try track 13 of The Chieftains CD entitled “Santiago” released in 1996 by BMG Music on RCA Victor record # 09026-68602-2. The inside cover has a write-up about the group by its producer: Paddy Moloney. ---
**Author:** ![SolGrundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbce88/32.png) [@SolGrundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SolGrundy)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/14 "2003-10-24T05:42:51Z")
Another recommendation for _Irish Heartbeat_ with Van Morrison. I guess you have to like Morrison’s vocals, though. I think the Chieftains are astoundingly proficient musicians, but their stuff is generally too “light” for me; pairing with Morrison gives it a little more weight. That said, _Boil the Breakfast Early_ (AKA _The Chieftains 9_) is my favorite of their albums. It’s all folk, but some of it fairly rocks. And _An Irish Evening_, which has already been mentioned, is also pretty good. If only for “The Mason’s Apron,” which is the most amazing flute-playing I’ve ever heard. ---
**Author:** ![3trew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/13edae/32.png) [@3trew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3trew)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/15 "2003-10-24T07:38:21Z")
Not to be giving you an impossible task, but if you can find a tape of the time Peter Gzowski (longtime Canadian Broadcasting Corporation deity) had as a guest an autistic savant whose talent was confirmed when he returned from a symphony concert and played every note the orchestra had, including the tune-up, and they brought in Paddy Moloney with his penny whistle to play with the guy, you’d have something worth having. It was kind of like the duelling banjos scene from “Deliverance”, only with Bach and Mozart. ---
**Author:** ![FriendRob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecc23a/32.png) [@FriendRob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriendRob)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2003, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/16 "2003-10-24T13:18:01Z")
I’ll second Natalie McMaster, and add Solas, Eileen Ivers (of Riverdance fame), and Steeleye Span. A musician friend of mine asked, “Have you heard the new Cheiftains album? If you play it backwards, it sounds just like Irish music!” ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/17 "2003-10-25T06:33:21Z")
_An Irish Evening_- I saw them tour in support of it, along with Nanci Griffith and Roger Daltrey (awesome version of _Behind Blue Eyes_). I also love _The Long Black Veil_- funny how I never knew it was a Johnny Cash song! Oh, and along with them on that tour was a cute young step dancer, about 16 or so, who was just fantastic. I remembered her name because she really struck me with her talent and presence. It was Jean Butler, later to become semi-famous as the lead dancer in _Riverdance_. The Celtic wedding album is also very nice. Come to think of it, I haven’t heard a Chieftains album I _haven’t_ liked! ---
**Author:** ![Coriolanus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coriolanus/32/18769_2.png) [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2003, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/18 "2003-10-25T09:07:44Z")
Ahh the Chieftains - Good Craic! (pronounced: ‘good crack’!) _Whack fol the Diddle_ - The Clancy Brothers and that Tommy Makem still be performin’ the Irish rebellion songs, sure as ye are! Look for Ronan Tynan singing at Yankees Stadium Saturday night in the 7th inning stretch. ---
**Author:** ![London\_Calling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@London\_Calling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/London_Calling)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2003, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-about-the-chieftains-irish-folk-old-duffers-music/209002/19 "2003-11-05T04:08:28Z")
Thanks for the superb input, old duffers. I still haven’t picked anything up as I felt an urgent need for more Johnny Cash and alt-country. But The Chieftains are next week! Fwiw, I think I like the sound of \* Irish Heartbeat\* with Van The Man and \* Another Country\*. Also the more folky suggestions like \* Boil the Breakfast Early\* seem like places to start before moving onto the other ‘guest appearance by . . .’ stuff. **Shirl** – Your \* Green Linnett 20th Anniversary compilation\* is on the list, and thanks for that very handy link! But there are a lot of very good suggestions here and I’ve jotted everything down. Thank you each! > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by EJsGirl \* > Come to think of it, I haven’t heard a Chieftains album I _haven’t_ liked! I think that sums up my problem nicely! Could be worse though. Again, thanks all.