Shaskeen Through the Half-Door is a collection of Irish traditional tunes drawn from the repertoire and recordings of Shaskeen, one of Ireland's long-established traditional c il bands. The band's story began in 1970 when Tom Cussen and Benny O'Connor began playing with friends at the Oxford Tavern in Kentish Town, London. After returning to Ireland around the end of 1971, they continued developing the band and its repertoire.

Over the following decades Shaskeen produced numerous recordings of lively Irish traditional music, building a repertoire closely associated with c il playing, set dancing and the Irish session tradition. The revival of set dancing brought renewed interest in this style of music, with Shaskeen remaining closely connected to the living dance tradition.

The tunes in this collection have been transcribed from Shaskeen recordings, with the chords played by the band included. The repertoire reflects tunes being played in Irish sessions rather than simply reproducing material from older collections, providing musicians with practical versions rooted in the performances of a working c il band.

Extensive cross-references and background information have also been included, helping musicians explore the tunes and their origins further.

Two Shaskeen recordings associated with this collection are available separately on CD: The Joys of Life and Atlantic Breeze. These provide an opportunity to hear Shaskeen performing traditional repertoire connected with the collection.

Key Features:

• Collection of Irish traditional tunes performed by Shaskeen
• Based on the repertoire of an established Irish c il band
• Tunes transcribed from Shaskeen recordings
• Chord symbols reflect the band's accompaniment
• Includes popular Irish session repertoire
• Strong connection with c il and set dancing
• Features versions of tunes played within the living Irish tradition
• Includes useful cross-references and background information
• Encourages further exploration of the tunes and their origins
• Suitable for Irish traditional musicians and session players
• Useful for c il and dance-band musicians
• The Joys of Life and Atlantic Breeze CDs available separately
• Includes a FREE Hamcor Publishing Treble Clef Key Signature Bookmark

For musicians interested in Irish session, c il and dance music, Shaskeen Through the Half-Door provides a practical collection drawn directly from the repertoire of an authentic working band, combining playable transcriptions with the chords and musical background needed to explore the tunes further.

The tunes are:

Reels

Double Jigs

Miscellaneous Tunes

*** EXCLUSIVE FREE BOOKMARK OFFER ***

Every Shaskeen Through the Half-Door music book includes a FREE Hamcor Publishing Treble Clef Key Signature Bookmark a practical reference tool to help with reading and learning key signatures.

• Premium 350gsm silk card, laminated and printed on both sides
• 210mm 55mm
• All major key signatures with their relative minor keys
• Staff note names for lines and spaces
• Ideal for flautists, students and teachers
• A useful companion for lessons, practice and exam preparation