When New York Was Irish - Songs & Tunes byTerence Winch

Following on the heels of Boy Drinkers, Celtic Thunder Music has released a new CD anthology called When New York Was Irish: Songs & Tunes by Terence Winch. The album's 16 tracks, featuring Terry Winch's best-known compositions with the bands Celtic Thunder and Narrowbacks, include "When New York Was Irish," "In Praise of the City of Baltimore," "Hooley with the Herd," "The Best Years of Our Lives," "Saints," and several pieces that have never appeared before on a recording, including "The Irish Riviera"\r\n

Celtic Thunder and Narrowbacks \r\n\r\n

Terence Winch was co-founder, button accordionist, and principal songwriter for the acclaimed traditional Irish band, Celtic Thunder, which first performed in 1977. Called "a great Irish band" by the Village Voice and "one of the best Irish folk acts in America" by The Washington Post, the band released three albums over the years. Its second CD, The Light of Other Days, won the prestigious INDIE award for Best Celtic Album. That same recording included Winch's best-known song, "When New York Was Irish," which has been covered by dozens of other artists. Twice featured in performance at the White House, the band was known for its musical exploration of Irish American life. A Celtic Thunder concert typically featured a versatile mix of great singing and instrumental work, original material, championship step-dancing, and a poem or two. Winch's That Special Place: New World Irish Stories is a collection largely centered on his experiences with the band. \r\n\r\n

Since 1998, Terence Winch has played in a band called Narrowbacks (the term Irish immigrants invented for their offspring), which features a line-up of Celtic Thunder alumni, including his older brother Jesse Winch (bodhran, bouzouki, harmonica), Linda Hickman (flute, whistle, vocals), Dominick Murray (vocals, guitar), and Tony DeMarco (fiddle). \r\n\r\n