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In the late 1970s my accordion-wielding pal and former band mate, Donnie Webb, gave me a copy of an album by three Baltimore area Irish musicians known as The Irish Tradition. They were Andy O’Brien, guitar and vocals; Brendan Mulvihill, fiddle; and Billy McComiskey, accordion. Mick Moloney guested on tenor banjo,mandolin and guitar. This was my introduction to the music of Billy McComiskey and thirty years later his music is, if anything, more vibrant and alive. His mastery of the B/C button accordion is truly remarkable. The dance tunes, jigs, reels, hornpipes and set dances are played with verve and excitement. But it is a lullaby called “Grainne’s Grace” that really gives the listener an appreciation of the talent of Billy McComiskey. On an instrument where you push a button to force air through a reed to make a musical note, it is amazing how he wrings emotion from the tips of his fingers. A supporting cast helps bring the music right into your living room. The guest musicians include Sean McComiskey, accordion; Mathew Bell and Myron Bretholz, bodhran; Liz Carroll, fiddle; Joanie Madden, flute and whistle; Brendan Dolan, piano; John Doyle, guitar, bouzouki and mandola; and Mick Moloney, tenor banjo. John Doyle produced Outside the Box. His reputation is growing as a gifted producer of acoustic music. A superb CD for the Irish music fan.
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