The Crossroads Dance Book

Irish Session Tunes from the Shaskeen Tradition

The Crossroads Dance Book is part of the Shaskeen Series and contains a further collection of Irish session repertoire connected to recordings by the respected Irish céilí band Shaskeen.

The book includes reels, jigs, hornpipes, barn dances, waltzes and miscellaneous tunes transcribed from Shaskeen recordings, together with chords as played, photographs, notes and useful cross-references.

For players building Irish session repertoire, this collection provides a valuable source of authentic céilí band material drawn from the living Irish traditional music scene.

Key Features:

• Authentic Shaskeen Repertoire: Tunes connected to recordings by the long-established Irish céilí band Shaskeen.
• Chords Included: Chords are included as played, useful for accompanists and melody players alike.
• Wide Variety of Irish Dance Tune Types: Includes reels, jigs, hornpipes, barn dances and waltzes.
• Notes and Cross-References: Helps players explore the wider background and connections behind the tunes.
• Optional Companion CDs Available: Additional recordings help players hear phrasing, rhythm and session style.

Why We Recommend This Book

At Squeezebox Marketplace, we recommend The Crossroads Dance Book for musicians wanting to expand their Irish session repertoire using material connected to a real working céilí band tradition.

The tunes in this collection are not presented as historical curiosities, but as living Irish session repertoire associated with modern Irish traditional music performance. The combination of notation, chords and optional recordings makes this especially useful for developing session musicians.

About Shaskeen

Shaskeen began in 1970 when Tom Cussen and Benny O’Connor performed with friends in the Oxford Tavern in Kentish Town, London. After returning to Ireland, the band quickly became established as one of the most respected names in Irish céilí band music.

Over the decades, Shaskeen have produced numerous albums, singles and recordings featuring powerful, dance-driven Irish traditional music. Their repertoire remains closely connected to Irish sessions and set dancing today.

Who This Book Is For

• Accordion and melodeon players building Irish session repertoire
• Traditional musicians interested in céilí band style
• Players looking for chorded Irish tune collections
• Session musicians expanding their working tune list
• Players interested in Shaskeen recordings and repertoire
• Developing and experienced Irish traditional musicians

Tunes Included

Optional Companion CDs

Specifications

• Title: The Crossroads Dance Book
• Series: Shaskeen Series
• SKU: AP102
• ISBN: 978 1 899512 10 2
• Style: Irish traditional music, céilí band repertoire and session tunes
• Suitable for: Accordion, melodeon, fiddle, flute, whistle and melody instruments
• Level: Developing to experienced players
• Book Page Count: 52 pages
• Book Content: Tunes, chords, notes, photographs and cross-references
• Optional CDs Available: My Love Is in America; The Mouse Behind the Dresser
• Format Options: Book only

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this suitable for Irish session players?

Yes. The tunes in this collection are closely connected to Irish session and céilí band repertoire regularly heard in traditional music settings.

Does the book include chords?

Yes. Chords are included as played, making the collection useful for accompanists and melody players.

Are the optional CDs useful for learning?

Absolutely. The companion recordings help players understand rhythm, phrasing, tempo and traditional Irish session style.

Which instruments is this book suitable for?

The collection is suitable for accordion, melodeon, fiddle, flute, whistle, concertina and other melody instruments used in Irish traditional music.

Compare with Other Traditional Tune Collections

Players interested in Shaskeen repertoire may also enjoy Through the Half Door together with its companion recordings The Joys of Life and Shaskeen Live and The Atlantic Breeze. Those interested in broader Irish session and set dance repertoire may also explore the Blue Book and Yellow Book collections.

Explore More

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

Included

• Book only: Printed copy of The Crossroads Dance Book with tunes, chords, photographs, notes and cross-references.