A Hero of the Irish Fiddle

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Martin Hayes is an internationally renowned, virtuosic, traditional Irish fiddle-player. The Irish Times newspaper said of him that, 'In the decades to come, we’ll surely talk of having seen this man in the way others talk of Miles Davis or Jimi Hendrix or John Coltrane.' In this series of The Essay, in conversation with Olivia O'Leary, one of Ireland's most respected journalists and presenters, he brings us on a deep dive into the world of the traditional Irish fiddle. Martin is a hero to many young fiddle-players, but in this episode he talks about one of his own heroes, the legendary Irish fiddle-player Tommie Potts (1912-1988). He recalls the impact it made on him as a child hearing Tommie play in the family home and the influence that it has had on his own playing. Tommie was famously reluctant to record his music, and Martin talks about his own preference for the live performance and communication with an audience. Music: John Naughton's Reel, from the album The Lonesome Touch, performed by Martin Hayes Billy Byrne of Ballymanus, from the album The Liffey Banks, performed by Tommie Potts An Buachaill Caol Dubh, from the album The Liffey Banks, performed by Tommie Potts The Dear Irish Boy, from the album The Liffey Banks, performed by Tommie Potts The Glen of Aherlow, performed by Martin Hayes Presenter: Olivia O'Leary Producer: Claire Cunningham Executive Producer: Regan Hutchins Sound Supervisor: Sean Byrne (Tinpot Productions) Martin Hayes Turns The Tune is a Rockfinch production for BBC Radio 3.