Whenever I try to explain how the idea of the PURE IRISH DROPS emerged, I have to mention Micho Russell, whom I met for the first time in 1988, when he apparently had left behind his best years. From the beginning I was impressed by his way of playing music, he persuaded with simple, clear, fair and beautiful melodies, not exceptionally sophisticated, but played in an uncompromising style, afflicted with personality, a little oddness and authenticity. He seemed to have an endless stock of absorbing stories and songs. It felt as if he opened - here and there - small windows into the past.

The common image of traditional Irish music is geared to what is readily marketable here in Central Europe and often far from what happens in the traditional scene in Ireland. Micho, who is unfortunately no longer with us, was one of those exponents who brought along the old way to play into the 20th century, who still are musical guides to young musicians and, if they are alive, the surviving caretakers of that style.

Enthused about this, and also because that music is very seldom presented here, I have developed the project, which today is called PURE IRISH DROPS.  The idea for the name comes from the series „The Pure Drop" of RTE TV. I felt it was very suitable and pictorial, and therefore asked the producer for permission to use the modified name for a series of tours to present traditional Irish music here in Germany and the neighbouring Europe, which he gladly granted.

From the beginning I wanted a frame that allowed nearness between listeners and artists, handmade at eye level. I wanted it intentionally smaller in scale than the usual festivals, but more close, informative and clear ... simply closer to the beings. A comprehensive and complete picture of the traditional Irish music cannot be presented in only one tour anyway, so the confinement to three musical figures and the focus on only one aspect per tour has proved itself from the beginning.

As traditional music in Ireland is often played solo, or unison without complex arrangements - even in bigger formations with different instruments, in sessions and Ceilidhs - I wished to give each musician space for himself. The programme therefore contains a series of solos, duets and ensemble pieces of music. The musicians have not necessarily previously played together in already existing formations, sometimes they only know of each other but never met before. They come together and develop a programme especially for the aspect of the tour, which they then present in 25 to 30 concerts in Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg, France and Germany.

In the year 2009 the 21st tour will take place for which I have chosen and banded the musicians together with the focus on Clare music: Conor Keane - diatonic accordion – well know from his cooperation with Four Men and a Dog and Gilles Servat, Dave Harper - flute, vocals, banjo & guitar – great musician with an extraordinary knowledge of Clare music, and Michael "Blackie" O'Connell - uillean pipes - a rising star in the world of Clare music.

These three musicians are preparing a program that is focussed on Traditional Irish Music From Clare.

Dave Harper - flute, banjo, vocals and guitar
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Dave, born in Co. Wexford, is today one of Co. Clare's most sought-after musicians, as he has a passion for Clare music like not many other musician even in the county. He plays all the old music with a true understanding of the nuances and peculiarities of the tradition. You won't find him very often in his residency, the little village of Crusheen, such is his enthusiasm for playing, touring and learning new music throughout Co. Clare and beyond it's borders.
A superb flautist and guitarist, Dave is also a dab hand on the banjo, an instrument he teaches at the renowned Feakle Festival in East Clare every year.
As a result of his passion, Dave has an extraordinary knowledge of Clare music, he has collected many old tunes which could easily have been lost and he is in many respects "more Clare" than some of the Clare people themselves.