The Inspiration Behind the Music

Following are excerpts from CD liner notes that Martin has written. They convey some of his ideas about the music he plays.

From The Lonesome Touch: "In Irish music today there is much debate and division on the issues of continuity versus change and tradition versus innovation. I think it is a mistake to divide these issues as the music is capable of containing all of these parts at once. The real battle is between artistic integrity and the forces that impede creative expression. Traditional Irish music has always experienced change and been enriched by innovation, while at the same time maintaining continuity. The issue that is of utmost importance is that innovation, change, tradition and continuity all be tempered by integrity, humility and understanding. These issues are the issues of all artistic pursuit and are therefore universal, as is the very core of the music itself. Irish music is the expression of the universal muse. What gives it its unique character is that this muse has been expressed through our unique cultural milieu and ethos. It represents the experience and aspirations of a collective of musicians spread through time. The music is more than just one point of view. It is many things. It is dance music, it is music of community and sharing. It is music to listen to, music to remember by, and to express through. At any one time it contains all of these attributes, but in varying degrees."

From Live in Seattle: "The music on this recording is centered mainly on the regional style of east Clare where I come from, a style that is generally slow and lyrical in nature. On this recording it is contained within a broader musical palette. There are some parts here that are improvised and some that are fast and wild. Things are sometimes more clearly understood by direct experience of their opposite. Fast music gives added dimension to slower music and vice-versa, wild passion gives meaning to gentle delicacy. Innovation and tradition have a similar relationship. They are mutually inclusive. In concert we try not to exclude any particular aspect of the music. We are always seeking an equilibrium between these seemingly opposing perspectives. Our allegiance is to the spirit of the moment. Our primary wish is that the musical experience be one that lifts our spirits and those of the audience." "Performance through the medium of sit-down concerts represents only a small part of the overall picture in relation to traditional Irish music. Informal gatherings of musicians in the form of sessions and dances are still the main outlet for this music. Whereas sessions and dances as a forum for the music have a clear link with the past, formal concerts have a less definite role. When musicians played this music for the sole purpose of having it listened to, it was easily nurtured in an intimate environment of very small groups of people. Detail and nuance are often the losers when it comes to performance in larger scale listening situations, where separation between musician and listener is increased. In our performances we try to retain as much intimacy and detail as possible. With advances in the technology of sound reinforcement, it is now easier to play many different kinds of venues and still convey the delicate detail to large crowd of people."

Other: "Tradition in music is not frozen at a point in time, but is a process in motion that is undergoing constant change and refinement. It is a reflection of people's lives."