Notes
The Wolfe Tones are one of the best and most popular Irish groups and Derek Warfield,who was their leader, still keeps their music alive today. I have a large collection of Irish music,but I have no hesitation in saying that this wonderful set of 2 CD 's is one of my favorites. Derek Warfield is still touring,and if you get a chance of attending one of his performances;I can guarantee it will be an evening you'll never forget. This set of CD's includes patriotic,rebel,historical,humorous,traditional,rousing songs and ballads that will bring out Irish feelings and spirit to anyone of Irish background,and even to those who 'wish they were Irish'.When you listen to this music it's little wonder, that while there are less than 5 million Irish living in Ireland;there are over 50 million people around the world who claim Irish ancestry. Along with the 34 full length songs, the set comes with an excellent book of 27 pages,covering the history and culture behind this excellent music and songs. As if that was not enough, you get the complete lyrics of each song,information and other details of the songs, such as their origins and composers.Also included is a letter from Derek Warfield in which he explains how both the ballads and performers have been tortured,hanged,harassed,exiled,imprisoned and murdered in every age and every generation.'Even to this day and age, many have been relentlessly censored and banned.For many years my band, The Wolfe Tones, were banned from radio in Ireland and in the year 2004 my CD 'A Nation Once Again'was banned from the on board radio channels of the Irish State airline Aer Lingus at the request of an English politician.It is for those reasons,and in honor of all those before me,that with great joy I press on and record the songs,write the books. Lecture at universites and perform in public houses and concert halls alike,to do my own small part in preserving what so many patriots,known and unknown,fought,sacrificed, and even died to defend.So on this day,with freedom in your heart and the pride of our nation in your voice,sing,sing for Ireland,sing God Save Ireland.' Here you have the music and the words to help you.
