Joe Ryan’s style has been variously described as the ‘true West Clare’ or the ‘Old Clare’ style. A master fiddler, his music incorporates the best of the Clare tradition with that of his two great influences – Tommy Potts and Bobby Casey. This recording presents a selection of tunes; old reels, jigs, flings and hornpipes from Joe’s early days in Clare, and airs from the great Tommy Potts.

What a gem…a joy from start to finish . . . it gets better with each playing.
– The Living Tradition

No one plays slow airs on the fiddle as eloquently as Joe Ryan, and his handling of dance tunes is a classic expression of the lonesome-sounding yet lively style of the old-time west Clare fiddlers.
- The Irish Voice (NY)