The best back-drop for a session of music is that of celebration. The scene setter for this evening’s, loosely planned session at Browne’s Bar truly is such an occasion.
Bryan O’Leary is on his way home to Toureencahill with the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Young Musician of the Year title and trophy. He’ll be accompanied by a gang of friends and fellow musicians and all heaven will break loose at Browne’s at around 7-30pm.
Bryan is a grandson the late, great Johnny O’Leary. Johnny was awarded a Gradam Saol life time achievement award in 2003.
When news of Bryan’s huge honour broke in the middle of February, publican, Peter and Mags Browne organized a cake, a commemorative plaque and one hell of a session for him in their bar on March 1st.
While putting a piece together on the occasion I thought I should put Bryan’s undoubted gift and talents under a scope from which nothing could hide.
I asked Nicky McAuliffe to explain how this prestigious award was merited in Bryan’s case; his reply left no room for doubt:
“Oh he’s much more than a musician. He’s a serious music historian as well. He has a great head for the history of a tune and he’s studying his grandfather’s huge repertoire of tunes and that’s invaluable in itself. You won’t find too many young lads with that kind of interest. They’ll all be great players and that kind of thing but this young man is in a different league altogether,” said Nicky.
Browne’s Bar at 7-30pm this Sunday evening – it should be something special. – John Reidy / The Maine Valley Post 13-4-2014
