Vol. 1: Catchin' the Tune

The Irish Tradition revitalized the scene for traditional Irish music in Washington, D.C. in the 1970s. The trio of Andy O’Brien (vocals, guitar), Billy McComiskey (button accordion and concertina), and Brendan Mulvihill (fiddle) formed as hired entertainment for the opening of The Dubliner pub in DC's Commodore Hotel in 1975. Following the popularity of the group's initial residency, they remained weekly performers for years afterwards, establishing the pub as a hub for traditional Irish music throughout the country. Catchin' the Tune, the group's first album, was recorded in 1976, and shows the band in their prime, performing a repertoire of traditional reels, jigs, airs, and ballads with a depth of emotion and technical precision that remains peerless. The album was and continues to be a hugely influential release that represents an important moment in Irish American music.

Track Listing

1	Tobin's / Rabbit in the Field The Irish Tradition	02:17
2	Lord McDonald / Jenny's Wedding The Irish Tradition	02:32
3	Spencer the Rover The Irish Tradition	03:06
4	Tinker Doherty / Fox Hunter / Patsy Hanley The Irish Tradition	03:37
5	Pat Burke's / Go to Sea Once More The Irish Tradition	05:05
6	Planxty Johnston The Irish Tradition	02:47
7	Month of January The Irish Tradition	03:06
8	Green Groves of Erin / Finbar Dwyer The Irish Tradition	02:29
9	Dear Irish Boy / I Loved a Lass The Irish Tradition	05:25
10	The Irish Tradition / Dawn Rising / Big Wheel The Irish Tradition	03:26