James Byrne

James Byrne was widely considered the premier modern exponent of the rich fiddle tradition of Ireland's County Donegal. Born An Beirneach in the southwest coastal town of Glencolmcille on January 1, 1946, he learned fiddle at the feet of his father John, a noted player in his own right -- both Byrnes adhered to the native Glencolmcille traditions of the 19th century, favoring the classic Donegal style with its aggressive bowing and emphasis on the bow's upward movement. The legendary fiddler John Doherty, who occasionally visited the Byrne family farm, was also a profound infl...