Through the Half Door Book - The Shaskeen

Irish Session Tunes from the Shaskeen Céilí Band Tradition

Through the Half Door is a rich collection of Irish session tunes transcribed from recordings by Shaskeen, one of Ireland’s best-known and most respected céilí bands.

The book brings together reels, double jigs and other traditional tunes taken from Shaskeen recordings, with chords as played, photographs, notes and useful cross-references that help place the music in context.

Rather than being a simple tune list, this is a practical repertoire book rooted in the sound of a working Irish céilí band, making it especially valuable for players who want session-friendly versions of tunes that remain part of the living Irish tradition.

Key Features:

• Authentic Shaskeen Repertoire: Tunes transcribed from recordings by the respected Irish céilí band Shaskeen.
• Working Irish Session Repertoire: A strong collection of reels, double jigs and other traditional material.
• Chords Included: Chords are included as played, making the book useful for accompanists and melody players.
• Notes and Cross-References: Helpful background information encourages players to explore the tunes further.
• Photographs Included: Adds context and character to the collection.

Why We Recommend This Book

At Squeezebox Marketplace, we recommend Through the Half Door for players who want to connect with the sound and repertoire of a real Irish céilí band rather than learning tunes in isolation.

Shaskeen’s recordings are excellent examples of energetic, authentic Irish traditional music, and this book captures the repertoire and energy of a real working Irish céilí band. It is a particularly useful collection for players wanting to strengthen their Irish session repertoire with versions grounded in respected recorded sources.

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 Irish traditional music.

The group became closely associated with the revival of Irish set dancing and remains respected for its lively, working céilí band sound. The tunes in this collection reflect repertoire being played in Irish sessions and céilí settings rather than material revived only for print.

Who This Book Is For

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

Tunes Included

Specifications

• Title: Through the Half Door
• Artist/Source: Shaskeen
• SKU: AP101
• 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
• Page Count: 52 pages
• Tune Types: Reels, double jigs and miscellaneous traditional tunes
• Special Feature: Tunes transcribed from Shaskeen recordings with chords, notes, photographs and cross-references
• Format Options: Book only

Compare with Other Traditional Tune Collections

If you are interested in Irish set dancing and session repertoire, titles such as Traditional Irish Music for Sets and Sessions – Blue Book and Traditional Irish Music for Sets and Sessions – Yellow Book may also be of interest. Through the Half Door is especially valuable for players wanting repertoire connected to the recorded sound of Shaskeen and the Irish céilí band tradition.

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 collection of Irish session tunes transcribed from Shaskeen recordings, with chords, notes, photographs and cross-references.