This episode looks at the ballad Santiano aka Santiana aka Santy Anno aka Santy Anna aka The Plains of Mexico.TracklistHenry Lundy and David "Pappie" Pryor – Bay of MexicoThe Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem – Santy AnnoThe Watersons – The Plains of MexicoPusser's Rum ft. Stan Hugill – SantianoMeredydd Evans – SantianaThe Weavers – The Bay of MexicoOd…

FDN LIII has been a long time coming...Included therein are songs of resistance, songs of magic and songs of being human. Life, Death, Love, Rage, Joy and Suffering. You know the drill. Sit by the Fire Draw Near. Free Palestine. Artwork designed by Palestinian artist Abdal Latif Muhanna and published by the Foreign Information Department of the PLO…

This episode looks at the song Eggs and Marrowbones aka Marrowbones aka The Old Woman from Wexford aka The Old Woman from Oxford aka The Old Woman from Boston aka The Old Woman of Slapsadam aka An Old Woman’s Story aka The Rich Old Lady aka The Auld Man and the Churnstaff aka Tippig it Up to Nancy. Artwork by Carol Roe - https://youtu.be/laBE2X5tBM…

Episode LII is dedicated to the memory of Shane McGowan. It features some of my favourite Pogues songs as well as tracks by John Francis Flynn, Andy the Doorbum, Dulcidrone, Of the Clay and more. TracklistThe Pogues – Boys from County HellThe Pogues – The Old Main DragMick Moloney and Frank Harte – Conversation, June 1982Pandy Corporation – Polly V…

This episode looks at the ballad The Maid on the Shore.Tracklist:A.L. Lloyd – The Maid on the ShorePeggy Seeger – The Fair Maid by the ShoreIsla Cameron – The Maid on the ShoreTom Kines and Jean Price – The Maid on the ShoreFrankie Armstrsong – The Maid on the ShoreJohn Lyons – The Maid on the ShoreHedy West and Bill Clifton – The Maid on the Shore…

Episode LI is a spooky Halloween special coming straight from the swamps of Louisiana to steal your soul away. This episode features guest presenter Summer Newman of Holy Locust fame and showcases some of the creepiest traditional tunes and songs, rambling digressions on the calendar custom of Samhain / Halloween in Irish folk and fairy lore as wel…

This episode looks at the ballad Young Ramble Away aka Derry Down Fair aka Brimbledown Fair aka Burlington Fair aka Brocklesby Fair.TracklistFrank Purslow & John Pearse – Young Ramble AwayThe Young Tradition – Derry Down FairChapter Three – Ramble AwayAl O’Donnell – Ramble AwayJean Redpath – RambleawayDerek Sarjeant & Hazel King – Ramble AwayGeorge…

Episode L was recorded in a parking lot aka car park on the outskirts of Austin, Texas in the sweltering heat. Join me as I attempt to articulate what it's like to reach the 50th episode of Fire Draw Near. This episode features tracks that are actually new, tracks that are new to me and tracks that I hope are new to you. Tracklist Tenores di Bitti …

This episode looks at the ballad Molly Bawn aka Polly Vaughn aka The Shooting of His Dear aka The Fowler aka Peggy Baun aka Molly Bond aka Molly Banding aka Molly Vaughan aka At the Setting of the Sun aka The Shooting of His Dear aka As Jimmy Went A-Hunting.Tracklist:John Maguire – Molly Bawn LowryElizabeth Cronin – Molly BawnSéamus Ennis – Molly B…

Episode XLIX is respectfully dedicated to the memory of Shuhada' Sadaqat aka Sinéad O'Connor and features versions of traditional songs recorded by her. There are also tracks from Uilleann Piper Joey Abarta's new album, Dragon Slumber, Frank Harte, Jimmy O'Brien Moran and more.TracklistSinéad O’Connor – Paddy’s LamentationSinéad O’Connor – Her Mant…

This episode looks at the ballad The Farmer’s Curst Wife aka the Women are Worse than the Men aka The Old Man under the Hill aka The Devil and the Farmer's Wife aka The Old Woman and the Devil aka The Battle Axe and the Devil aka The Farmer and the Devil aka The Carle o' Killyburn Braes aka The Farmer's Wife aka Jack's Wife aka Kellybumbraes aka Te…

Alexis Zoumbas – DoinaEoghan Ó Ceannabháin - Eileanóir na RúnUnknown - Nuvenapreghiera Per La Novena di NataleAmelia Dawley, Mary Moran – Gullah SongGroup Of Men From Andros Island – Dig My GraveX-Seamen’s Institute – SantianoSarah Ghriallais – An Sceilpín Draighneach Pererin - Llongau CaernarfonMaxime Martelot, Aude Giuliano – La Chanson de Cr…

This episode looks at the ballad the Crabfish aka the Codfish aka the Crayfish the Lobster aka Tommy Doddler.TracklistNora Cleary – The CodfishMickey Connors – The CrabfishBarry Gleeson – Mr. CrabfishHarry Cox – The CatfishCharlotte Renals – The CrabfishCecil Sharp Centenary Collective – The CrabfishTony Barrand and John Roberts - CrayfishRon and t…

Episode XLVII features a lot of new music from the likes of Holy Locust, Ora Cogan, Gabriel McArdle, Diarmuid Ó Meachair, Sourdurent, Mike Oberst and Padang Food Tigers, as well as some classics from the wider world of Irish traditional music and song.Holy Locust – SorrowheadOra Cogan – Katie CruelTommy Reck – Port an Bhráthair / Port Shean tSeáinG…

This episode looks at the ballad The Golden Vanity / The Sweet Trinity aka The Turkish Reveille aka The Turkish Revoloo aka The Turkey-Rogherlee aka The Turkey Shivaree aka The Merry Golden Tree aka The Golden Willow Tree aka The Green Willow Tree aka The Golden Vallady aka The Golden Furnity aka The Golden Fenadier aka The Golden Victory aka The G…

Episode XLVI is respectfully dedicated to the memory of singer, songwriter, civil rights activist, musician, and all round legend Joe Mulheron who passed away earlier this month. It features a couple of songs by him as well as an unexpected early 80s anarcho-punk link with The Mob, new tracks from Jrpjej, Lainey Dempsey, Razen and Synth Widow, some…

This episode looks at the ballad the Keach i the Creel aka The Cunning Clerk aka The Wife and the Creel aka The Wee Toon Clerk aka The Rock in the Same Auld Creel aka The Little Scotch Girl aka Coochie Coochie Coo Go Way.TracklistJimmy McBeath – The Keach in the creelGordeanna McCullough – The Wee Toun ClerkMichael Gallagher – The Keach in the Cree…

Episode XLV was recorded by a very groggy me in a hotel room in Paris. It features some duuurty Cajun tunes, (yet another) Marlais song, an unlikely song sung by Shane McGowan, an unlikely Polish folk / Reggae crossover, some tunes from the new women's piping CD by Na Píobairí Uilleann as well as lots more gems from the outer reaches of the traditi…

This episode looks at the ballad Willie O’Winsbury aka Lord Thomas of Winsbury aka Johnnie Barbour aka the Rich Shipowner’s Daughter aka Tom the Barber aka John Barlow from the Isle of Man aka O Will You Marry My Daughter Janet aka Fair Mary aka What Aileth TheeTracklist:Sweeney’s Men – Willie O’WinsburyJoe McCafferty – John BarbourRobert Cinnamond…

Episode XLIV takes a look at versions of the traditional songs that made their way onto Lankum's fourth album False Lankum, as well as a cello version of A Stór Mo Chroí, a song by Genoese Anarchist Fabrizio De André and a recent anti-racist ballad from New Zealand!TracklistFinn – A Stór Mo ChroíFabrizio De André – Un Blasfemo (Dietro Ogni Blasfemo…

This episode looks at the ballad Prince Robert aka Lord Abore and Mary Flynn aka Harry Saunders. Tracklist:Frank Feeney – Lord O’Bore and Mary FlynnJim Kelly – Lord Abore and Mary FlynnAl O’Donnell – Lord Abore and Mary FlynnEwan MacLennan – Prince Robert Peggy Seeger – Harry Saundershttps://campsite.bio/firedrawnearArtwork by Anthony Van Dyck c.16…

Episode XLIII features songs of war, songs of love, songs of death, songs of the siren and songs of the Devil. Tracklist:Michael Gallagher – The Plains of Boyle / The Leitrim FancyBrìghde Chaimbeul - Carry Them With Us - Tha Fonn Gun Bhi Trom (I Am Disposed of Mirth)Zeitkratzer, Svetlana Spajić, Dragana Tomić and Obrad Milić- The Battle at Mackov K…

This is an audio recording of a lecture / performance I gave in the Shriver Hall Auditorium, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore on the 6th of October 2022.https://campsite.bio/firedrawnearΑπό τον Ian Lynch

Fire Draw Near Episode XLII is a moody frontline assemblage of traditional folk adjacent magic with new tracks from Jonny Dillon, A Clatter and Drone, Áit Ait, Cormorant Tree Oh and Eliza Carthy, recently discovered tracks from M(h)aol and Perinne Bourel as well as old time classics from John Griffin (the 5th Avenue Bus Man), Stefan Shkimba & Co., …

This episode looks at the ballad Sailor Boy aka All Around My Hat aka London City aka the Brisk Young Sailor aka the Brisk Young Farmer aka the Brisk Young Miner aka A Bold Fisherman Courted Me aka the Student boy aka the Maid’s Tragedy aka Maid’s Complaint aka the Distressed Maid aka the Unfortunate Swain aka There is an Alehouse aka I Know My Lov…

This episode looks at North American versions of the ballad Bonny Barbara Allen aka The Ballet of Barbara Allen aka Barbara Allen's Cruelty aka Barbarous Ellen aka Edelin aka Hard Hearted Barbary Ellen aka The Sad Ballet Of Little Johnnie Green aka Sir John Graham aka Barbry Allen.Tracklist:Norman Candler – Barbara AllenAlmeda Riddle – Barbara Alle…

Fire Draw Near Episode XLI features 4 tracks called Trip to Ireland, 3 tracks with piping, 2 tracks called Foggy Mountain Breakdown, 1 track with dirty bits and loads more - such as Earl Scruggs playing banjo alongside a moog, Paddy Glackin playing fiddle alongside a synth, some madser playing techno alongside a fiddle tune and a load of Scottish w…

Featuring all of the usual plus even more of the unusual than usual! Joyce, NO PRISONS, songs that sound like other songs, English toffs doing Irish pleb cosplay, Irish ne’er do-wells doing English farmer cosplay, English farmers singing songs that are actually plots of 1970s pornos set in the 1700s, a dramatical audio tale, people playing the taps…

Episode XL is a big Christmas special full of dead heros, secret guests, strange dreams, folk weirdos, camp highwaymen, throat-singing cowboys, young girls drinking ale straight from the barrel, Finno-Hibernian cryptids, and people who spend Christmas in Jail. Dedicated to the memory of Angelo Badalamenti.TracklistOsa Mosafinn – Brurermarsj (Bridal…

This is a one-off bonus episode featuring a number of live performances from Luke McManus' new film North Circular. The film is a documentary musical journeying along the North Circular Road in Dublin's North Inner City. Written & directed by Luke McManus, edited by John Murphy, produced by Luke McManus & Elaine Gallagher. Score by Kevin Murphy and…

This episode looks at English and Scottish versions of the ballad Bonny Barbara Allen aka The Ballet of Barbara Allen aka Barbara Allen's Cruelty aka Barbarous Ellen aka Edelin aka Hard Hearted Barbary Ellen aka Sad Ballet Of Little Johnnie Green aka Sir John Graham aka Barbry Allen.Tracklist:Norman Candler – Barbara AllenSam Larner – Barbara Allen…

Episode XXXIX features lots and lots of really interesting new music as well as some forgotten gems of the past - from the far-flung hinterlands of folk, traditional and beyond!Tracklist:Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin – Bonaparte Crossing the RhineEoghan Ó Ceannabháin – The Deepest BreathNeil Ó Lochlainn & Cuar – Johnny SeoigeBurd Ellen – The ChariotPalefa…

This episode looks at Irish versions of the ballad Bonny Barbara Allen aka The Ballet of Barbara Allen aka Barbara Allen's Cruelty aka Barbarous Ellen aka Edelin aka Hard Hearted Barbary Ellen aka Sad Ballet Of Little Johnnie Green aka Sir John Graham aka Barbry Allen.Tracklist:Norman Candler – Barbara AllenTom Lenihan – Barbry AllenElizabeth Croni…

Fire Draw Near Episode XXXVIII is a recording of the interview I did with Jack Dempsey McMahon aka DJackulate at the Dun Laoghaire Folk Festival in September 2022. We talked about many things including his musical techniques, uilleann piping, trends in traditional music, the North Strand Kontra Band, Klezmer music, trawling vinyl for samples, the T…

This episode looks at the Unquiet Grave aka Cold Blows the Wind.Tracklist:The Dubliners – The Unquiet GraveGeorge Dunne – The Unquiet GraveMay Bradley – The Unquiet GraveStanley Robertson – The Unquiet GraveJim Keeping – The Unquiet GraveHedy West – The Unquiet GraveGryphon – The Unquiet GraveSteven Wilson – The Unquiet GraveWeen – Cold Blows the W…

Episode XXXVII features over one hour of audio hallucinatory magick stemming from the world of traditional folk and slowly creeping into other spheres, eldritch tendrils maintaining their core DNA even as they mutate and transform. Old tunes, comedic verses, devilish songs and poppy bleeps, from the wonky to the whimsical, the woeful to the wacky, …

Episode XXXVI was made in the North Woods of Minnesota and features songs recorded along the way by Summer Newman and Katee Rose as well as tracks by FDN favourite Marlais, West of Roan, Swan Arcade, Frank Harte Liam O'Flynn, Gay, Conor and Seán McKeon and more!TracklistGay, Conor and Seán McKeon – The Humours of Lisheen / The Gallowglass / The Cor…

This episode looks at the ballad The Lass of Roch Royal aka The Lass of Loch Royal aka The Lass of Aughrim aka Lord Gregory aka Annie of Lochroyan.Tracklist:Elizabeth Cronin – Lord GregoryOllie Conway – Lord GregoryThomas Moran – Lord GregoryLisa Hannigan – The Lass of AughrimDave Maguire – The Lass of AughrimPeggy Delaney – The Maid of AughrimIsla…

One more for all the weirdos out there! This one ponders ideas relating to the existence and nature of traditional song arrangement and features tracks by all kinds of wonderful and fantastic oddballs such as FDN favourites DJackulate and Marlais, as well as Deviant and Naive Ted, Logan Bragg, Nathan Salsburg, JPH, Anna and Elizabeth, Cedric Dind-L…

This episode looks at Lord Lovel aka Lord Lovat aka Lord Levett.TracklistTom Lenihan – Lord LevettNora Cleary – Lord LevettSara and Rita Keane – Lord DonegalJeannie Robertson – Lord LovalThe Hennessys – Lord LovalSpriguns of Tolgus – Lord LovellThe Broadside – Lord LovellWalter Pardon – Lord LovelFrank Profitt – Lord LovelSusan Ruth Brown – Lord Lo…

Episode XXXIV features music songs, bird songs, harmony songs, prison songs, drill songs, Irish songs and Sicilian songs.Tracklist:Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill – The Night Poor Larry Was StretchedPlanxty - Pat ReillyNightingales and Beatrice Harrison - The Derry AirDavid Harper - The Turfman from ArdeeSkara Brae - An Cailín RuaThe Voice Squad - T…

This episode looks at the ballad Captain Wedderburn’s Courtship aka Stock or Wall aka The Keeper of the Game aka He Rolled Her to the Wall aka The Song of Riddles aka The Laird o' Roslyn's Doughter.Tracklist Frank Harte – He Rolled Her to the WallThomas Moran – Captain WoodburnRose McCartin – The Keeper of the GameSarah Makem – You and I in One Bed…

This episode concentrates on recent releases that have come under my radar over the last while as well as some Anne Briggs and Moldy Peaches thrown in for good measure. Concertina, mandolin, guitar, voice, fiddle, bronze age horns, chest rattling bass, dulcimer, drums and more!!!Tracklist:Cormac Begley – To WarYe Vagabonds – The Humours of GlinYe V…

This episode looks at the ballad The Trees the Grow Tall aka The Trees They Grow So High aka Long A-Growing aka Young But Growing aka He’s Young But He’s Daily A-Growing aka The Bonny Boy aka Lady Mary Ann aka Young Craigston. TracklistJoe Heaney – My Bonny Boy is YoungJoe Holmes – My Bonny Boy is YoungLandless – The Trees the Grow TallMaija Sofia …

Episode XXXII was cobbled together on my travels around the USA and is now online - featuring new songs and interviews with Andy the Doorbum and others as well as numerous iterations of the tune The Girl I left Behind Me by The Pogues the Skillet Lickers, Sweeney's Men, Seán MacDonnchadha, Cisco Houston and more, some songs from the South East of I…

This episode looks at the ballad Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight aka the Gowans Sae Gae aka The Water o' Wearie's Well aka The Outlandish Knight aka May Colvin aka Along the North StrandTracklistAngus Mohr – Lady Isabel and the Elf KnightPolly Paulusma - Lady Isabel and the Elf KnightJudith Weir - Lady Isabel and the Elf KnightFreb Hunt-Bull - The W…

Episode XXXI looks at possible influences for the tune to a Ewan MacColl song and features piping, fiddling, singing, tunes that sound like other tunes, the Cradle ov Filth and more!Tracklist:Peat and Diesel – Western IslesJoe Byrne – Snowy Breasted PearlLuke Kelly – The Bonnie Shoals of HerringEwan MacColl – The Famous Flower of Serving MenMatt Cr…

This Episode looks at the ballad The False Knight Upon the Road, aka The False Knight, aka The Smart Schoolboy, aka The False False Fly, aka The Child Upon the Road aka False Fidee, aka Où Vas-tu, Mon P’tit Garcon?TracklistNorman Kennedy – The False Knight Upon the RoadBella Higgins and Andrew Stewart – The False Knight Upon the RoadThe Bitter With…

Episode XXX is one for the weirdos featuring new tracks by Junior Brother, D.C Cross, the Deadlians, Brìghde Chaimbeul as well as hurdy gurdys, didgeridoos, throat singing, cheeky mash-ups and your oul one.TracklistDJ Dolphin Boy - Bazouki FuckersJunior Brother - No Country for Young MenTopette - Winstanley's / Le Trois CanardsPól Ó Ceallaigh and J…

This episode looks at The Gosport Tragedy aka The Cruel Ship's Carpenter aka Pretty PollyTracklistThe Gosport Tragedy - Ethel FindlaterSam Larner – Pretty PollyTrees – Pretty PollyThe Dublin Murder Ballad - Jeannie RobertsonMiss Brown - Frank HarteMiss Brown – Joe HeaneyRichard Dawson – The Cruel Ship’s CarpenterTed Ashlaw – The Cruel Ship’s Carpen…