Through the Half Door Book and 2 CDs

Shaskeen Irish Session Tunes with Book and Companion CDs

Through the Half Door Book and 2 CDs brings together the printed tune collection and two companion CDs connected to the recorded repertoire of Shaskeen, one of Ireland’s most respected céilí bands.

The book contains Irish session tunes transcribed from Shaskeen recordings, with chords as played, photographs, notes and useful cross-references. The two CDs, The Joys of Life and Shaskeen Live and The Atlantic Breeze, provide authentic reference recordings for the same musical tradition.

This is a particularly valuable set for players who want both the written settings and the sound of the tunes performed by a real working Irish céilí band.

Key Features:

• Book and 2 Companion CDs: Includes the printed book plus two separate CDs in jewel cases.
• Authentic Shaskeen Repertoire: Tunes connected to recordings by the respected Irish céilí band Shaskeen.
• Chords Included: Chords are included as played, making the book useful for accompanists and melody players.
• Authentic Céilí Band Reference Recordings: The CDs help players understand rhythm, phrasing, lift and céilí-band feel.
• Notes, Photographs and Cross-References: Adds useful background and musical context to the collection.

Why We Recommend This Set

At Squeezebox Marketplace, we recommend Through the Half Door Book and 2 CDs for players who want to connect written Irish session repertoire with the recorded sound of a real céilí band.

This set is especially useful because it brings together notation, chords, background notes and listening material. For accordionists, melodeon players and other traditional musicians, that combination makes the tunes easier to understand, learn and play with authentic lift, drive and phrasing.

About Shaskeen

Shaskeen began in 1970 when Tom Cussen and Benny O’Connor played with friends at the Oxford Tavern in Kentish Town, London. After returning to Ireland around the end of 1971, the band quickly became established and went on to produce numerous albums, singles and EPs of powerful, dance-driven Irish traditional music.

The recordings are excellent examples of the sound of a real working Irish céilí band. The material is not presented as a dusty archive, but as living repertoire connected to Irish sessions, set dancing and the Shaskeen performance tradition.

Who This Set Is For

• Accordion and melodeon players building Irish session repertoire
• Traditional musicians interested in Shaskeen and céilí band music
• Players wanting written tunes and reference recordings together
• Accompanists looking for chorded Irish repertoire
• Session musicians expanding their working tune list
• Developing and experienced Irish traditional musicians

Tunes Included in the Book

Complete Companion CD Track Listings

Specifications

• Title: Through the Half Door Book and 2 CDs
• Artist/Source: Shaskeen
• SKU: AP101SS
• ISBN: 978 1 899512 09 6
• Style: Irish traditional music, céilí band repertoire and session tunes
• Suitable for: Accordion, melodeon, fiddle, flute, whistle and other melody instruments
• Level: Developing to experienced players
• Book Page Count: 52 pages
• Book Content: Tunes, chords, photographs, notes and cross-references
• CDs Included: The Joys of Life and Shaskeen Live; The Atlantic Breeze
• CD Label Numbers: CDFA 3502/6 and CDFA 3504
• Format Options: Book and 2 CDs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this suitable for Irish session players?

Yes. The tunes included are closely connected to Irish session and céilí band repertoire and remain widely recognised among traditional musicians.

Are the CDs useful for learning by ear?

Absolutely. The companion CDs provide authentic reference recordings that help players understand phrasing, rhythm, tempo and traditional style.

Is this suitable for learning Irish tunes by ear?

Yes. The included recordings make it easier to learn tune phrasing, rhythm and traditional Irish session style by ear as well as from notation.

Which instruments is this collection suitable for?

The book and recordings are useful for accordion, melodeon, fiddle, flute, whistle, concertina and other melody instruments commonly heard in Irish traditional music.

Does the book include chords?

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

Compare with Other Traditional Tune Collections

This set is the complete option for players who want both Through the Half Door and its two companion recordings. Players who already own the book may prefer the individual CDs, while those interested in Irish set dancing and session repertoire may also enjoy Traditional Irish Music for Sets and Sessions – Blue Book and Traditional Irish Music for Sets and Sessions – Yellow Book.

Explore More

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

Included

• Book: Printed copy of Through the Half Door with tunes, chords, photographs, notes and cross-references.
• CD 1: The Joys of Life and Shaskeen Live in jewel case.
• CD 2: The Atlantic Breeze in jewel case.