Sweeney's Men

Coming after the Clancy Brothers and before groups like Planxty and the Bothy Band, Sweeney's Men occupy a pivotal place in the history of Irish music, in addition to introducing the Greek bouzouki to the tradition, since which time it's become a staple instrument in so many bands. The original trio came together in Galway in 1966: Andy Irvine, Johnny Moynihan, and Joe Dolan. They picked up on the challenge thrown down by artists like Sean O'Riada and the early Chieftains by blending traditional song with exquisite harmonies and some trickily arranged instrumentals. They also,...