Clesham and Arkins: Trad collaboration forged at UCC

The road to Paul Clesham and Conor Arkins’ debut album began over a decade ago at the Cork college. Though neither musician is from the Rebel county, they've assimilated to the extent that their repertoire now contains polkas

Cork-based musicians Conor Arkins and Paul Clesham have launched debut album 'The Morning Thrush'. Picture: Michael Meade

Though Irish traditional music depends for its very existence on the frequent repetition of tunes, over-exposure can eventually render even the most popular melody stale. Should familiarity threaten to breed contempt, however, there’s a cure to be found on Paul Clesham and Conor Arkins’ debut album.

The key’s the key, and its transposition, far from being a minor change, can make such a major difference to the playing of a tune that it takes on a completely new hue.