The Atlantic Breeze CD

Irish Céilí Band Music and Songs from Shaskeen

The Atlantic Breeze is one of two companion CDs to Through the Half Door, alongside The Joys of Life and Shaskeen Live.

This recording features core Irish session repertoire performed by Shaskeen, with accurate transcriptions of the tunes available in the book Through the Half Door. For players, it is a valuable listening resource; for Irish music lovers, it is simply wonderful music from one of Ireland’s respected céilí bands.

Alongside reels and jigs played with Shaskeen’s characteristic lift and drive, this CD also includes songs, bringing an extra sense of place, story and tradition to the recording.

Key Features:

• Companion CD to Through the Half Door: Features tunes connected to the book’s transcribed repertoire.
• Authentic Shaskeen Performance: Irish céilí band music played with energy, rhythm and dance-driven character.
• Core Irish Session Repertoire: Includes reels, jigs, barn dance material and songs.
• Useful Listening for Players: Helps musicians understand pace, phrasing, lift and traditional style.
• CD in Jewel Case: Supplied as a physical CD only.

Why We Recommend This CD

At Squeezebox Marketplace, we recommend The Atlantic Breeze for players who want to hear Irish repertoire performed with the feel of a real working céilí band.

Shaskeen’s playing captures the drive and character of Irish traditional music from Galway and the West, while the inclusion of songs gives this recording a broader musical flavour than a tune-only collection. It is an excellent companion for anyone using Through the Half Door or exploring Shaskeen’s recorded repertoire.

About Shaskeen

Born out of Galway and the West of Ireland, Shaskeen are closely associated with powerful, dance-driven Irish traditional music. Their playing brings together reels, jigs, songs and set dance music with the rhythmic lift needed to bring dancers to the floor.

The band has shared its music for many years, producing recordings that remain useful both for listening and for musicians wanting to understand authentic Irish session and céilí band style.

Who This Recording Is For

• Accordion and melodeon players learning Irish session repertoire
• Musicians using the book Through the Half Door
• Players interested in Shaskeen and Irish céilí band style
• Traditional musicians wanting reference recordings for rhythm and phrasing
• Listeners who enjoy Irish songs and dance music
• Session players building familiarity with core Irish repertoire

Tracks Included

Musicians Featured

• Tom Cussen: Banjo / Mandolin
• Charlie Harris: Accordion
• Kevin Rohan: Fiddle / Vocal
• Sean Keane: Flute / Whistle / Vocal
• Benny O’Connor: Drums
• Pat Costello: Second Banjo / Mandolin
• Eugene Kelly: Piano

Specifications

• Title: The Atlantic Breeze
• Artist: Shaskeen
• SKU: AP101D
• Stock Code: AP101
• ISBN: 978 1 899512 09 6
• Label Number: CDFA 3504
• Style: Irish traditional music, céilí band music, songs and session repertoire
• Format: CD in jewel case
• Related Book: Through the Half Door
• Special Feature: One of two companion CDs to Through the Half Door
• Format Options: CD only

Compare with Other Traditional Tune Collections

This CD is a natural companion to Through the Half Door, which contains accurate transcriptions of the tunes. The second companion recording, The Joys of Life and Shaskeen Live, is also closely linked to the same book and repertoire.

Explore More

Browse our complete range of accordion and melodeon books and learning resources, together with our selection of melodeons and accordions.

Included

• CD only: Physical CD in jewel case featuring Irish session tunes, songs and céilí band music performed by Shaskeen.