This collection contains James W. Smith’s recordings of Boston-area Irish music in the 1950s and 1960s. Using an open-reel tape recorder, Smith recorded musicians at social gatherings in his home in Allston, in homes of musician friends, and in public settings. While most are unpublished recordings, some reels also include published material, such as dubs of LP and 78-rpm records and recordings from radio. The collection also contains unpublished recordings that were made in Ireland and shared with Smith.

The main focus of Smith’s collecting was traditional Irish melodies played on fiddle, flute, whistle, and accordion. Tunes in the form of reels, jigs, waltzes, hornpipes, and set dances are performed in solos, duets, and groups, sometimes with piano accompaniment. Some Scottish tunes are included. A few of the recordings feature vocalists performing popular songs, classical songs for tenor, or traditional Irish songs in English.