Micho Russell


Micho Russell was an Irish musician and author best known for his expert tin whistle performance. He also played the simple-system flute and was a collector of traditional music and folklore.

Biography

Russell was born in Doonagore, Doolin, County Clare, Ireland. Russell came from a musically renowned family, his mother played the concertina, and his father was a sean-nós singer. He had two brothers, Packie and Gussie, who were also musicians. He also had two sisters. He never married.

Music

Russell taught himself to play the tin whistle by ear starting at age eleven. The 1960s revival of Irish traditional music brought him attention and performance opportunities. In 1973, Russell won the All-Ireland tin whistle competition, which further increased demand for his performances. Like Séamus Ennis, Russell was also known for his spoken introductions to tunes in his live performances, which incorporated folklore and legend. His knowledge of tradition extended past music to language, stories, dance, herbal lore, and old country cures.

Death

Russell died in a car accident in 1994 on the way home from a gig just prior to going back into the studio to record another CD.

Works

Original music

"Micho Russell's Reel," his only known composition, is a variant of an older tune he called "Carthy's Reel." He told Charlie Piggott, "...So Carthy was beyond anyway and he heard the old tune from a piper playing it and he had the first part but only three-quarters of the second part. So when Séamus Ennis came around collecting music, I put in the last bit. That's roughly the story of the tune." The reel has been recorded by other artists such as Mary Bergin. His best-known songs were John Phillip Holland and The Well of Spring Water.

Discography

YearArtistTitleLabelNotes
1975Micho, Pakie and Gusie RussellThe Russell Family of Doolin, Co. ClareTopic RecordsRecorded in O'Connor's Bar, Doolin January 1974.
1976Micho RussellTraditional Country Music of Co. ClareFree ReedReissued on CD by Free Reed in 2008
1982Micho RussellMicho RussellTriskellLP format.
1990Micho RussellUnder the Cliffs of MoherXeric
1993Micho RussellThe Limestone RockGTD Heritage Recording Co. Ltd.
1993Micho RussellThe Man from ClareGTD Heritage Recording Co. Ltd.features duets with Eugene Lambe on Flute and Tin Whistle
1994John WilliamsJohn WilliamsGreen Linnet Records
1995Micho RussellThe Wind that shakes the BarleyGTD Heritage Recording Co. Ltd.Features Music, Song and Folklore
1995Micho RussellIn Our Own Dear LandGTD Heritage Recording Co. Ltd.A similar mix of Music, Song and stories.
1995Micho RussellIreland’s Whistling AmbassadorThe Pennywhistler’s PressIncludes a 28-page booklet with a biography and notes on his music. There is also a video release with different music.
2015Micho RussellRarities & Old Favorites 1949–1993: Tin Whistle, Flute & Songs From North Clare & BeyondThe Pennywhistler's PressA double-CD with forty-nine tracks that span Micho's entire career. Includes a 16-page booklet. Released both as a download and a physical CD.

Books