Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones – Let The Free Birds Fly (Warfield Music, 2022)
Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones, from Dublin, are part of an extraordinary group of Irish men and women who have been responsible for the preservation of the brilliant tradition of Irish ballad singing over the past 50 years. Notably, Derek Warfield and his colleagues bring tradition forward with a reverence for Ireland’s past and the energy and optimism of a new generation of Irish musicians. Their album Let The Free Birds Fly (Lig do na héin ag eitilt saor in aisce) exemplifies this spirit with a delightful mix of moving ballads, toe tapping music and high-energy arrangements of traditional melodies and rebel songs.
The album’s title draws inspiration from a compelling remembrance by admired Irish artist Robert Ballagh, capturing the essence of freedom exemplified by Irish patriots who died during a hunger strike in 1981. Moreover, there’s a subtle play on words in the title, as it resonates with the band itself. Similar to many artists and performers, they endured confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and yearned for liberation from its grasp.
Derek shared the feelings: “The lockdown seemed like imprisonment for myself and our young performers, whose passion in life is to sing, play and perform to our audiences that are scattered around Ireland and around the world. All band members, performing with the band and traveling as we do, know it’s a hard road which encompasses many factors. It is not only our livelihood and heritage; it also embraces the unique history, rich culture and honorable traditions of our native land. The content and sentiment inherent in our traditional music and song is not alone what motives us to perform it on stage; it is also the compelling need to bring its musical excitement, literary heritage and ancient, artistic beauty to audiences that are scattered around Ireland and around the world. The relief and joy that we experienced when we got back o the road was unimaginable and befitting to the title ‘Let The Free Birds Fly’.”
The album predominantly comprises songs that mirror the life customs, emotions, and ambitions of Irish individuals, both historical and contemporary, who cherish their faith, homeland, and freedom, articulating them through lyrics, melodies, and vocals.
Derek elaborates: “Many ballads were written by ordinary people who lived in extraordinary times and left us in words and music of remembrance, a musical picture of their time and place. Many were poets, and they had the artistic ability to record the reality of their feelings in words and music. Their stories must be heard and sung. In Ireland’s past we had mo other means but our music and song to keep our history, traditions, heritage, and culture alive and prevent it from being lost forever. We are very proud of its content because it was our music and song of love, life, and liberty that told the story of our people in the past and which continues to tell our story today.”
With the song “Back Home in Derry,” Derek beckons us to a bygone era, transporting us to the year 1803, where the echoes of Irish rebels exiled to Australia reverberate through time. The album cover, depicting birds soaring from the confines of Maize Prison, serves as a poignant visual accompaniment to this moving tale.
Yet, the album’s brilliance extends beyond mere balladry, buoyed by Woods’ virtuoso banjo skills, which lay the foundation for each track with an irresistible groove. The band adorn their songs with Celtic airs, robust banjo, haunting uilleann pipes and low whistle melodies, the resonant vocals of Andreas Durkin and Cormac McGuinness; and masterful backing vocal harmonies. Indeed, there is a mix of lively, joyful music, timeless ballads, a spell of nostalgia, solemn moments and reverent narration.
Amidst the stirring rebel anthems, the album offers delightful diversions with tracks like “Home Boys Home” and “The Spanish Lady,” alongside instrumental spotlights such as the dazzling “Flying Fingers Set.” At its core, however, lies Derek Warfield’s unwavering dedication to the timeless tradition of Irish folk music, elevated by the seamless harmonies of the Young Wolfe Tones, as exemplified in “The Sniper’s Promise.”
Through every note, Derek Warfield’s profound reverence for his music and the rich Irish history shines forth, resonating deeply with his devoted following. With Let the Free Birds Fly” Warfield presents an album that transcends boundaries, a testament to his enduring legacy and a timeless treasure for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Derek Warfield remains as passionate as ever about their mission. Recognized for his contributions, Derek has received prestigious awards, including the New York Society Dublin Man of The Year (2013) and The AOH Spirit Of Freedom Award (2017).
In 2016, they had the honor of performing at the 1916 centenary commemorations, echoing the patriotic fervor of the past. Their commemorative CD, The Call of Erin, pays homage to Ireland’s heroes through powerful ballads.
Following his departure from the Wolfe Tones in 2001, Derek Warfield’s solo career has thrived, marked by numerous successful albums. The formation of The Young Wolfe Tones continues his legacy, bridging tradition with contemporary vibrancy.
The band’s dynamic performances at Irish festivals across the United States have garnered widespread acclaim. Derek also enriches audiences with lectures on Irish history, complemented by live renditions of relevant ballads.
Their international reach extends to Australia, where they captivated audiences and released the CD Far Away in Australia, celebrating the Irish-Australian connection. Additionally, their regular appearances at the Rí Rá Irish Pub in Las Vegas solidify their status as a unique musical fixture in the city.
Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones enrich many Irish festivals across the United States with insightful lectures and musical performances on the songs of the Irish in the American Revolution and Civil War. Through poignant ballads, Derek vividly portrays Ireland’s role in shaping the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, evoking emotions of regret, joy, victory, and defeat.
Their lecture/show serves as an enlightening experience for history enthusiasts from both Ireland and the United States, garnering widespread praise within the festival circuit. Derek’s dedication to preserving this overlooked aspect of Irish balladry is evident in his albums like Sons of Erin, Bonnie Blue Flag, and Washington’s Irish, as well as his book, The Irish Songster of the American Civil War.
Despite all the blood and sweat provided by Irish immigrants, some in the US entertainment industry don’t appreciate Irish contributions to American culture as much. One thing that bothers me is how the scumbag writers in Hollywood demonize the Irish in American films, portraying them frequently as terrorists and gangsters. Anyhow, on with Derek’s story.
Reflecting on the literary contributions of the Civil War era, Derek highlights the immense talent lost from Ireland during that time, particularly after the “Act of Union” and amidst the “Great Hunger.” He hopes his work will inspire further research into the Irish involvement in American history, while also honoring the memory of Irish soldiers who fought on both sides of the conflict.
For Derek and his bandmates, including The Young Wolfe Tones, music serves as a powerful means of communication with audiences, carrying on a cherished tradition to a new generation. Their performances not only entertain, but also educate, rejuvenating Derek’s passion and providing young talents with a platform to present their skills worldwide.
Musicians:
Derek Warfield on lead vocals and backing vocals on all tracks.
Damaris Woods handles the banjo and mandolin across all tracks.
Andreas Durkin on vocals, keyboard, and backing vocals on tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 11.
Mylo Moylan on vocals, guitar, and backing vocals on tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 11.
Cormac McGuinness adds his vocals and backing vocals to tracks 3, 4, 10, and 11.
Wayne Brereton supports with backing vocals and bass guitar on tracks 3, 5, and 10.
Padraig McGovern on uilleann pipes and whistles across tracks 1 to 8.
Pauric Mohan handles bass guitar and backing vocals on track 10.
Jack O’Reilly lends his guitar and backing vocals to tracks 1 and 7.
Daniel Brady on the uilleann pipes in track 11.
Shane Walsh contributes backing vocals and plays the bodhran on tracks 1 and 4.
Jim Woods on bodhran on tracks 2 and 8.
Daire Smith son bodhran on tracks 1, 3, 9, and 11.
Pearse Warfield on backing vocals and the bodhran on tracks 3, 4, 10, and 11.
CJ Burns on bass on track 7.
Jim Kelly on bass on track 3.
Andrew Molloy on violin track 7.
Evin O’Meara on French horn on track 7.
Katie O’Connor on violin on track 8.
Luke Ward onh guitar, bass, and bouzouki on tracks 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11.
Paraic McNeela adds backing vocals on track 2.
Ciarán Tackney displays his talent with arrangements, including choral, string, piano, and percussion & brass arrangements, on tracks 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11.
Gerry Conlon mon the piano accordion on track 9.
Peadar O’Hici contributes backing vocals on track 8.
Fintan Warfield adds backing vocals on track 8.
Sean Roche supports with backing vocals on track 8.
The CD booklet contains extensive information, liner notes, lyrics and much more.
Buy the digital edition from Amazon or the CD from Bandcamp.
Author: Ryan Emmert
