Tune Tale with Billy McComiskey

Episode 36 – Tune Tale with Billy McComiskey
Accordion player Billy McComiskey shares a wee tale and a tune
This Irish Music Stories episode aired December 10, 2019

Speakers, in order of appearance

>> Shannon Heaton: flute player, singer, composer, teacher, and host of Irish Music Stories 

>> Nigel Heaton: young announcer for Irish Music Stories, and co-producer of this story

>>Sean McComiskey: Accordion player and teacher, and Physical Therapist

>>Billy McComiskey: Brooklyn-born, Baltimore-based accordion player, composer, and National Heritage Fellow

—

>>Shannon: I’m Shannon Heaton. And THIS is a between season installment of Irish Music Stories… the show about traditional music, and the bigger stories behind it.

[Music: “Free the Heel,” from Kitchen Session

Artists/Composers: Matt & Shannon Heaton ]

Like the episode I produced last month about the intersection of Irish music and FOOD: I explored the real and metaphorical nourishment of sharing meals, tea, and tunes.

And with that, I ended another season of Irish Music Stories. 

I wondered…is that all she wrote? Would the “Last Night’s Food” episode be my last offering to listeners?

Now, I feel passionate about sharing Irish music with folks—maybe in a new way, offering my outsider American perspective, maybe giving it a wider context?—because I love this music and because the people I’ve learned from have been so generous to me. I want to spread the word.

[ Music:”Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories

Artist/Composer: Matt Heaton ]

Also I really enjoy the work of interviewing people, and writing and recording, editing and sound design. And I wondered if it was all worth it to YOU?

Well… a lot of you got in touch…. to tell me that

– this podcast brightens your morning commute 

– that you talk about the podcast at your local session!

– that these stories make you cry

– that you burned the “Dance Hall Days” episode on a CD to give to your Aunt, who        used to go to the Irish dance halls in the 1950’s

[ Music: “The Priest and his Boots,” from Cover the Buckle

Artists: Seán Clohessy, Sean McComiskey, and Kieran Jordan

– that when you listen, it helps you remember how much you value your OWN community

-And that your kid has been inspired to try podcasting after listening.

This all inspires me. It’s GREAT. So what the hell— I’m going in. I’m gonna put on my production pants once again…

…And create SEASON FOUR of Irish Music Stories. I am going to take a few months to create episodes. And in May 2020, I’ll start rolling out shows about Cape Breton music; socially conscious projects; stage banter; Gaelic languages; and banjo vs saxophone. No joke.

(I will also do some crowdfunding in January, because the costs of producing and maintaining the show are mounting.)

But in the meantime, I’ll be sharing short tune tales: bite-sized anecdotes from past guests about particular tunes they love, or that they’ve written… starting with Billy, Sean and Mikey McComiskey. I spent an evening in their kitchen in Baltimore, talking about old phone booths, the Catskill mountains, and rainy festivals.

[ Music: “D Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories

Artist/Composer: Matt Heaton ]

As we wrapped up our chat for Episode 16, the McComiskeys took out their accordions and  played this jig of Billy’s. It’s called “Poor Timing.” I’m gonna let Billy tell the story behind the tune.

But first, I want to let you know that THIS episode — and a bunch of behind-the-scenes infrastructure work — could not have happened this month without the generous support of a few donors.

All right, Nigel, you wanna recognize the supporters for Episode 36?

>>Nigel: Thank you to Chris Murphy, Nafy Ishee, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, Gerry Corr, and one anonymous donor. [SORRY ABOUT THE SPELLING]

>>Shannon: Thank you for your EXCELLENT TIMING.

Which is not the same as Billy’s jig. I wasn’t sure which of his son’s inspired this one. I asked Billy and middle son Sean:

Oh, that tune, “Poor Timing” was that written for you?

>>Sean: Wasn’t that? That was written for Pat.

>>Billy: Pat, you were trying to potty train and to pee. And the phone rang and I answered it. I answered the phone and Pat comes in and he’s standing there trying to pee in the potty. And he comes in and he goes, “Dad, Dad?” And then I heard it.

>>Shannon: laughing

>>Billy: He was peeing all over the room. It was really cute. So.

>>Shannon: Ok, so Billy McComiskey’s jig, Poor Timing, was written after an episode with his oldest son, Pat. I know that Pat does listen to podcasts, so you are totally welcome for sharing this story, Pat.

Here’s the tune, folks. Thanks a lot for listening and stay tuned next month for another Tune Tale from Irish Music Stories.

[ Music: “Poor Timing,” from Kitchen Session

Composer: Billy McComiskey

Artists: Billy, Sean, and Mikey McComiskey ]

>>Shannon: So when you got into Irish music, it was through the accordion?

>>Billy: I didn’t get into Irish music, I was in, I fell out, and it was there. It was always right there.