Mary’s leisurely musical journey

Date Published: 12-Aug-2010

SHE is living happily by the sea in Maree, just outside Oranmore but singer and accordion player Mary Staunton is very much a Mayo woman.

That’s reflected in her new album, Circle of Friends, which was launched a fortnight ago in Connolly’s pub in Kinvara by her friend Brendan Gleeson, the actor and musician whose fiddle playing features on the CD.

Circle of Friends was produced by Alec Finn of de Dannan, who is one of the many friends on the album. Others include American singer/songwriter John Prine, Galway bodhrán player Johnny ‘Ringo’ McDonagh and harmonica player Rick Epping.

It’s been 12 years since Mary’s first album, Bright Early Mornings. She laughs as she says “I did it awfully slowly” about her leisurely second musical offering.

A mother of two teenagers – Luke, who has just done his Leaving Cert and Maeve, who sits her Junior Cert next year – Mary has focused on her family and day job of teaching for the last decade.

But, while she hasn’t been making albums, music has been a huge part of her spare time. Her neighbours in Maree include piper Tommy McCarthy and concertina player Jacqueline McCarthy, while Alec Finn and Ringo live in Oranmore.

And of course there’s Mary’s husband Jerry Mulvihill, who plays banjo. “Within 10 minutes we can rustle up a tune,” she says.

Tommy, Jacqueline and Jerry feature on the album, as does Mary Shannon on banjo and mandolin – the two Marys play a regular Sunday evening gig in Connolly’s pub.

Then there’s Brian McGrath on piano, Paul Johnston on bass, Kathleen Loughnane on harp, Frankie Lane on dobro and guitar, Dan Collins on fiddle and Kerry singer Seán Garvey on vocals.

There are two reels composed by Maurice Lennon, who joins Mary, Alec and Ringo to play viola for the set. Circle of Friends is a mix of old and new and has a wonderful laid-back feel to it, which is what Mary wanted.

For a full interview with Mary Staunton see page 31 of this week’s City Tribune