The Mouse Behind the Dresser CD

Authentic Irish Session Music from the Shaskeen Tradition

The Mouse Behind the Dresser is one of two companion CDs to The Crossroads Dance, featuring Irish session tunes and songs performed by the respected céilí band Shaskeen.

This recording contains core Irish session repertoire connected to the tunes published in The Crossroads Dance. Accurate transcriptions of the music can be found in the companion book, making this CD especially valuable for musicians learning Irish tunes by ear as well as from notation.

Alongside reels and jigs, the recording also includes slip jigs, songs, polkas and hornpipes, capturing the broader character of Irish traditional music sessions and céilí band performance.

Key Features:

• Companion CD to The Crossroads Dance: Features repertoire linked directly to the companion tune book.
• Authentic Shaskeen Performance: Irish céilí band music played with lift, drive and traditional phrasing.
• Core Irish Session Repertoire: Includes reels, jigs, slip jigs, hornpipes, songs and polkas.
• Useful Irish Session Listening Resource: Helps players understand tempo, rhythm and Irish session style.
• CD in Jewel Case: Supplied as a physical CD only.

Why We Recommend This CD

At Squeezebox Marketplace, we recommend The Mouse Behind the Dresser for musicians wanting authentic Irish session repertoire performed by a real working céilí band.

The recording combines energetic dance tunes with songs and slower material, helping players absorb the musical feel and phrasing associated with Irish traditional sessions and céilí band music.

About Shaskeen

Born out of Galway and the West of Ireland, Shaskeen are closely associated with powerful, dance-driven Irish traditional music. Their recordings remain highly respected among Irish traditional musicians and continue to influence session repertoire today.

For decades, the band has combined reels and jigs played with verve and energy alongside songs and slower pieces that reflect the broader character of Irish traditional music sessions.

Who This Recording Is For

• Accordion and melodeon players learning Irish session repertoire
• Traditional musicians using The Crossroads Dance
• Players interested in Shaskeen and céilí band style
• Session musicians expanding authentic Irish repertoire
• Players learning Irish tunes by ear
• Listeners who enjoy Irish traditional dance music and songs

Tracks Included

Click to view the full track list

Reels: The Mouse Behind the Dresser, Killaghbeg House, Paddy Killoran’s
Slip Jigs: The Cock and the Hen, The Humours of Whiskey
Song and Polkas: Jimmy Brown the Newsboy, Little Diamond, The Magic Slipper
Jigs: Harry’s Loch, The Monaghan, Henchey’s Delight
Reels: The Golden Keyboard, Ambrose Moloney’s, Jackson’s

Song: Mulroy Bay
Reels: Mary O’Neill’s, The Boys of Portaferry, P. Joe Hayes’
Reels: Jack Maguire’s, Darby’s Farewell to London, The Humours of Toomagh
Jigs: Paddy Cronin’s, Tom Busby’s
Song: Welcoming Paddy Home

Reels: The Leitrim Bucks, Fred Finn’s, Toss the Feather
Jigs: The Maid at the Spinning Wheel, T’Athair Jack Walsh, Father Kelly’s
Hornpipe and Reels: The Swan, The Penny Candle, The Monsignor’s Blessing
Jigs: The Banks of Newfoundland, The Mysteries of Knock, Páidín O’Rafferty

Musicians Featured

• Tom Cussen: Banjo / Mandolin
• Charlie Harris: Accordion
• Eamon Cotter: Flute / Whistle
• Kevin Rohan: Fiddle / Vocals
• Benny O’Connor: Drums
• Mike Fahy: Guitar / Vocals
• Pat Costello: Guitar / Mandolin / Bouzouki
• Carl Hession: Piano
• Noel O’Grady: Bouzouki
• Paul McInerney: Bodhrán

Specifications

• Title: The Mouse Behind the Dresser
• Artist: Shaskeen
• SKU: AP102D
• Stock Code: AP102
• ISBN: 978 1 899512 10 2
• Label Number: CDFA 3505
• Style: Irish traditional music, céilí band repertoire and session tunes
• Format: CD in jewel case
• Related Book: The Crossroads Dance
• Special Feature: One of two companion CDs to The Crossroads Dance
• Format Options: CD only

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this useful for learning Irish session tunes?

Yes. The recording contains core Irish session repertoire and is especially helpful for musicians learning traditional phrasing and rhythm.

Can the tunes also be learned from notation?

Yes. Accurate transcriptions of the tunes can be found in the companion book The Crossroads Dance.

Does this recording include songs as well as tunes?

Yes. Alongside dance tunes, the recording also includes traditional songs and slower material.

Is this recording suitable for listening as well as learning?

Yes. Alongside its educational value for session musicians, the CD also works very well as an enjoyable collection of Irish traditional music.

Is this suitable for céilí band music enthusiasts?

Yes. The recording strongly reflects the sound and repertoire associated with traditional Irish céilí band performance.

Which instruments is this recording useful for?

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

Compare with Other Traditional Tune Collections

This CD forms part of the wider Shaskeen Series alongside The Crossroads Dance and the companion recording My Love is in America. Players may also enjoy the earlier Shaskeen collections Through the Half Door, The Joys of Life and Shaskeen Live and The Atlantic Breeze.

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 and songs performed by Shaskeen.