James Keane (musician) facts for kids
James Keane, born on February 7, 1948, is a famous Irish musician. He plays the accordion, a type of musical instrument. An Italian company called Castagnari even named a special accordion after him, called the keanebox.
James Keane's Early Life and Music
James Keane grew up in Drimnagh, a part of Dublin, Ireland. He started playing music when he was just six years old. He could even hum tunes before he could speak! His family home in Dublin was a well-known place for traditional music in the 1950s and 1960s.
A Musical Family Home
James's parents were both fiddle players. They came from musical areas in County Longford and County Clare. Their home was often filled with legendary musicians from all over Ireland. These visitors greatly influenced James and his brother, Seán Keane. Seán later became a fiddler for the famous band, The Chieftains.
Learning from the Masters
James also learned a lot from summer trips to Longford and Clare. There, he heard traditional music played in its original settings. By the age of ten, James was already a regular performer in Dublin's music scene. He played with famous musicians like Séamus Ennis and Leo Rowsome. They helped him improve his skills.
Joining a Famous Band
While still a teenager, James helped start the Castle Céilí Band. A céilí band plays traditional Irish dance music. This group became one of Ireland's most celebrated music ensembles. The band won many competitions, including the All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band competition in Thurles in 1965.
Accordion Championships
James also won several accordion championships. He won the senior Accordion Championship in Dundalk three times: in 1964, 1965, and 1966. He also won the All-Ireland junior (under 18) Championship in Mullingar in 1963.
Moving to the United States
In 1967, Keane moved to New York City. He wanted to play music in the Irish music scene there. This was part of a bigger movement called the American folk music revival.
Playing with Ryan's Fancy
In 1979, Keane moved to Nova Scotia, Canada. He began playing with a Canadian folk trio called Ryan's Fancy. He played accordion on two songs for their 1979 album, A Time With Ryan's Fancy. He officially joined the band in 1980. With them, he toured and appeared on albums like Sea People (1980) and Dance Around This One (1981). He also appeared on several CBC television specials. Keane left the band shortly before they split up in 1983.
Back in New York City
After leaving Ryan's Fancy, Keane moved back to New York City. He became a key part of the traditional music scene there. He performed in many bands, including the Ellis Island Céilí Band. This band was formed for a special celebration honoring the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.
Awards and Recognition
In 1991, The Irish Echo newspaper named Keane "Traditionalist of the Year." His album, Sweeter as the Years Roll By, was chosen as one of the top twenty traditional albums of the past twenty years by Irish America magazine.
Later Career and Honors
James Keane is a founding member of Fingal. This group, which also includes Randal Bays and Dáithí Sproule, has received great reviews. He often tours, performing music and giving talks at colleges. He teaches about the history of Irish traditional music. He has been invited back to Ireland many times for awards and performances. One special trip was when Dublin was named a European Capital of Culture by the EU. In 2004, an event was held to honor Keane at Liberty Hall. Important people, including Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who was the prime minister of Ireland at the time, attended this event.
James Keane's Music Albums
James Keane has released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of his solo albums and group projects:
Solo Albums
- The Irish Accordion of James Keane (1972)
- Roll Away the Reel World (1980)
- That's the Spirit (1994)
- With Friends Like These (1998)
- Sweeter as the Years Roll By (1999)
- James Keane & Friends - Live in Dublin (2002)
- Heir of the Dog (2012)
Group Album
- Fingal (2008) - with Randal Bays and Dáithí Sproule
Books and CDs
- Menus & Music, the Irish Isle (1996) - music arranged and performed by James Keane with other musicians like Sharon O'Connor and Séamus Egan.
