Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
Session 9.06 Literature, Poetry, and Song in Appalachia
Presentation #1 Title
The Transatlantic Connection: Celtic Music in Present-Day Appalachia
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
There has been a longstanding tradition of Celtic music in Appalachia since Scottish and Irish settlers brought their rich musical heritage with them to America. Although the historical connections between these two cultures have been examined previously, there has been little research into how this relationship has evolved over the years. This paper examines the current role of Celtic music in southern Appalachia, and whether or not Celtic music can be considered a part of the Appalachian music tradition. It also explores the current connections between Celtic music and bluegrass and old-time music in Appalachia. This project was partly inspired by the BBC musical production Transatlantic Sessions, which unites Scottish and Irish musicians with American musicians. I interviewed several members of the Appalachian music community in order to gain their perspectives on Celtic music in Appalachia. Interviewees include Jamie Laval, Jane MacMorran, Raymond McLain, Tom Swadley, Doug Orr, and Joseph Sobol. I also spoke with traditional musicians from Scotland. This paper asserts that Celtic music has continued to have a strong influence on Appalachian music right up until present-day. It examines songs from the Scots-Irish tradition that have been adapted by Appalachian bluegrass and old-time performers in recent years. Appalachian people continue to perform and enjoy Celtic music for several reasons. These reasons include a strong cultural or ancestral connection to Scotland and Ireland; a recognition of the musical similarities between Appalachian America and Celtic Great Britain; and in some cases, simply an interest in Celtic traditions.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Alexandra Frank is a graduate student in the MA Liberal Studies program at East Tennessee State University, where she is also completing the Appalachian Studies graduate certificate. She has an undergraduate degree in Scottish Music (fiddle, piano, and voice) from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
The Transatlantic Connection: Celtic Music in Present-Day Appalachia
Harris Hall 446
There has been a longstanding tradition of Celtic music in Appalachia since Scottish and Irish settlers brought their rich musical heritage with them to America. Although the historical connections between these two cultures have been examined previously, there has been little research into how this relationship has evolved over the years. This paper examines the current role of Celtic music in southern Appalachia, and whether or not Celtic music can be considered a part of the Appalachian music tradition. It also explores the current connections between Celtic music and bluegrass and old-time music in Appalachia. This project was partly inspired by the BBC musical production Transatlantic Sessions, which unites Scottish and Irish musicians with American musicians. I interviewed several members of the Appalachian music community in order to gain their perspectives on Celtic music in Appalachia. Interviewees include Jamie Laval, Jane MacMorran, Raymond McLain, Tom Swadley, Doug Orr, and Joseph Sobol. I also spoke with traditional musicians from Scotland. This paper asserts that Celtic music has continued to have a strong influence on Appalachian music right up until present-day. It examines songs from the Scots-Irish tradition that have been adapted by Appalachian bluegrass and old-time performers in recent years. Appalachian people continue to perform and enjoy Celtic music for several reasons. These reasons include a strong cultural or ancestral connection to Scotland and Ireland; a recognition of the musical similarities between Appalachian America and Celtic Great Britain; and in some cases, simply an interest in Celtic traditions.
