Consider the Source CD cover, courtesy of Brian Conway RETURN to ARTIST DIRECTORY

NAME: Brian Conway CULTURE: Irish-American GENRE: Sligo style fiddle, Irish Instrumental REGION: Hudson Valley COUNTY: Westchester BIO: New York born fiddler Brian Conway is a leading exponent of the highly ornamented Sligo fiddling style made famous by the late Michael Coleman. The winner of two All-Ireland junior titles in 1973 and 1974 and the All-Ireland senior championship of 1986, Brian’s early studies were with his father Jim of Plumbridge County Tyrone and with Limerick-born fiddler/teacher Martin Mulvihill. However, it was the legendary fiddler and composer Martin Wynne who taught him the real secrets of the County Sligo style. Later, Brian met and befriended the great Andy McGann of New York a direct student of Michael Coleman, who further shaped his precision and skill on the instrument. He has recorded since 1979, collaborating with top Irish musicians. He is a leading figure in the New York area Irish music scene. An assistant district attorney by day, Brian remains faithful to the rich tradition handed down to him. The distinctness of his tone, the lift of his playing, and the deft ornamentation he brings to the tunes have placed him among the finest Irish fiddlers of any style, Sligo or otherwise. He has performed all over North America, Ireland, and Europe. He is also a noted instructor who has mentored many fine fiddle players, including several who have gone on to win All-Ireland championships. Brian hosts regular session in White Plains, New York, and actively encourages countless musicians in the art of Irish music and fiddle playing. DISCOGRAPHY: The Apple in Winter - Brian Conway & Tony DeMarco (Green Linnet, 1981) Joe Burke: The Tailor’s Choice (Green Linnet, 1983) Playing with Fire: The Celtic Fiddle Collection (Green Linnet, 1989) The Rights of Man: The Concert for Joseph Doherty (Green Linnet, 1990) The Boston College Irish Fiddle Festival: My Love is in America (Green Linnet, 1991) The Celtic Fiddle of Liz Knowles (Lyrichord Discs, 1998) Irish in America: A Music Record of the Irish People in the United States (Folk Legacy, 2001) First through the Gate (Smithsonian Folkways, 2002) A Tribute to Andy McGann (Cló Iar-Chonnachta, 2007) Consider The Source (Cló Iar-Chonnachta, 2008) LISTEN to a sample of Trim the Velvet Set WEBSITE: www.brianconway.com/ CONTACT: 917-836-1990 or 914-944-7339 sligofiddle@yahoo.com

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