Thomas McCarthy

Thomas McCarthy

Thomas McCarthy's 'discovery' a couple of years ago made something of a splash in English traditional song circles. As with most other newcomers to the scene, he was heard mostly in 'floor spots' at clubs and festivals, and so singing only a few songs. Recent tour with star of the new Folk scene and Mercury nominated Sam Lee brought Thomas to a wider audience. Tommy's CD 'Round Top Wagon' was produced by Irish music legend Ron Kavana. Not too many English readers will have heard much Irish Traveller singing, Nor are they likely to have heard many of these songs before - Irish Travellers are, if anything, even more insular than English Gypsies, and also have a strong song-writing tradition. Thomas says "Some people will tell you that style of singing isn't meant for our ears," he adds, suggesting that such oral ornamentation was originally developed by singers at the court of the kings of old Ireland. And : "I'm going to record for the Irish traditional music archives, songs that they wouldn't have. It's important, I think, me being the last one of my family. Even if Travelling people don't sing our songs, they'll be there for other people and they won't be forgot. People will still sing them."

See Thomas McCarthy tour dates