Charlie Lennon (1938-2024) interview at ITMA, March 2023

Charlie Lennon (1938-2024), fiddle, piano player and composer from Kiltyclogher, Co. Leitrim, was one of Ireland’s most influential and respected traditional musicians.

As a composer, his tunes have been recorded and performed by many leading traditional artists and were absorbed in the broader canon of Irish music during his own lifetime. As a fiddle player, his unique personal style was shaped by recordings of Sligo-masters Michael Coleman, James Morrison and Paddy Killoran, in addition to the nuances and subtleties of his older brother Ben Lennon's bowing. His fiddle playing was always imbued with a lift, bounce and rhythm, that was instantly recognisable.

As accompanist on piano, he developed a whole new approach and standard to supporting the melody player, combining his deep understanding of the melody with a wonderful harmonic awareness.

Charlie sadly passed away this week and ITMA would like to sympathise with his wife, sean-nós singer Síle Tim Ní Fhlaithearta, his children Seán, Éilís, Donal, their children and the wider Lennon Family who are themselves deeply involved in traditional music.

The day after performing at the National Concert Hall on March 12th, 2023 (link to performance below), ITMA were fortunate that Charlie presented himself for this in-depth interview where he charted his life in music, spoke of his influences as a fiddle player, piano player and composer, and gave salient advice for those wishing to develop their art in the field of traditional Irish music.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a Anam

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