Frank Murphy interviewed by Mike Stoner at Murphy's home near Rochester, NY, July 24, 1975



Tape 1, Side A

From Westport, Co. Mayo

Started playing fiddle at age 20 after having played mouth organ as a child. Learned a few techniques from a neighbor, then learned by ear. Often learned from 78 records. Lilting was not common.

Discussion of musical events at which Murphy performed: Set dancing and house dances. No drinking was permitted at the dances.

After DeValera took power, it was difficult to have dances as an amusement tax was required to operate a dance hall.

Weddings

Not crossroads dancing (had died out by the time Murphy was playing)

It was not common to play in pubs at the time, although it is now

After playing fiddle for several years, took up the accordion; Only accordion player in area

Laid fiddle aside to pursue accordion, started playing fiddle again later in life, now plays both equally

Discussion of how and why Murphy came to Rochester and how he continued playing once in the U.S.



Tape 1, Side B

Discussion of wedding and feis music: Various tempos for dancing, Other feis musicians

Discussion of playing at a dance vs. playing at a session: Various types of tunes played, House dances, Popularity of Irish dancing in America vs. in Ireland, Popularity of other types of music

Folk festivals in NY

Discussion of Ireland: The Willie Clancy School, Dancing competitions in Ireland



Tape 2, Side A

Discussion of types of accordions

Idle chat

Discussion of common instruments used in Mayo during Murphy’s time: Fiddle, whistle, concertina, accordion; Percussion was not common; Later, piano accordion, saxophone and piano became popular

A third man named Ted, a whistle player, has joined the conversation

Discussion of concertinas, melodeons, accordions and tin whistles, and how Murphy obtained his instruments



Tape 2 Side B is blank

Tape 3 Side A

Discussion of types of dances and bands: No dances held during Advent or Lent, Popularity of storytellers, Popularity of ceili bands

At one time, there was more Irish music in America than in Ireland

More discussion about ceili bands and other groups

Discussion of some Irish news

Street-corner musicians in Ireland



Tape 3 Side B

More discussion of street-corner musicians

Discussion of piping and the difficulty in obtaining a set of pipes