Martin Bridgeman

I had a Facebook memory come up in the last few days. It was from 2014, when some radio programmes I had initiated, presented, prepared, curated and produced came to an end. Almost to the day that this memory popped up, I finished my last full week of Ceol Anocht in its original schedule. 

Things are changing again, but this time it’s not a finishing, just a moving in the schedule to Sunday evenings. It will be full four hours of new and classic Irish music across the range of styles and genres, so no change there, just a shift in time. 

It made me take a mental step back, and no bad thing, I suppose. Lots happened back then and again, and are happening again now. 

I called my first music programme “The Eclectic Light Programme” (a play on words in numerous levels) and we kicked it off properly in 2006. It was a blast. Not specifically listed to any genre, we moved in ways weird, wonderful and exciting and I got to play an enormous amount of Irish music in the mix. It was my Saturday night food and drink and I enjoyed every second of it across the 8 years. 

The Eclectic Light Programme finished in April, 2014, as programmes do, and I left it with great memories but with an eye to the future. At the same time, my other music programme “Blas Glas” came to an end. Sad, too but with happiness too, I said my on air goodbyes to both shows and another, “People In Profile” as part of schedules changes.

It happens: programmes start and they finish. Some finishes lead to new things, others to a collection of memories and hopefully the satisfaction of a job done well. 

I would have continued, I know that, but sometimes a change instills reflection that says it was time to move. And it did. The move came in the form of Folk/Roots, a programme that ran for 3 more years, till it finished in November 2017. In a sad coincidence, it coincided with the passing of a very dear friend and musical adviser (and commercial pusher), Willie Meighan. The last “Folk/Roots” programme took place on the Tuesday with a two hour show of music that he had suggested, recommended, sold to me or raved about. It was a sadly fitting end to the programme. It’s hard to believe that it’s almost 7 years, but that’s time for you…

Ceol Anocht started on the Thursday of that week and has continued in one form or another since. It’s shifted a little here and there (time wise), but in the era of streaming and podcasting, when and where is not the issue it once was. While I might not get as many texts when live, I’m buoyed up with the support and the listening that goes to help keep the momentum of the weekly show. Social media posts and other communications have made it a continuing labour of love and I truly count myself lucky to be able to broadcast it.

During the lockdown(s), the preparation and new recording operation was a tether to things while we figured our new realities. It was great to see and get so much new music during that time too, proof that art can overcome much that life throws at us. 

Zoom and other technologies allowed me to continue the interviews and the many creative people used creative technologies and ideas to keep the flow of great new music going. I’ve started curating these interviews and I’m grateful for the time that many musicians gave to me to ramble and chat with them. They’re continued and will for part of a series of podcasts in due course. Some have been rediscovered and some I had thought were lost have been located so there’s more to come.

Since 2006, I have seen the monumental growth of great Irish music across all genres and it’s been great to see old friends return, with reissues and remasters of great music from when I started on KCLR and newer generations have proven, again and again, how fertile our musical landscape continues to be. It’s great too, to revisit many of the great tracks I’ve had the change and privilege to play.

The vinyl revival has also rekindled the fan me: sitting with the 12” format again, relishing the artwork, lyric sheets and shelving(!). While we don’t have players in studio yet, getting the bags filled courtesy of Gary in Rollercoaster is a joy again. In true fashion, he’s fanning the flames, as does the label and there are more releases to come and I will make them front and centre on the playlist.

All we have to do is to file in and give custom, buy the music, spread the word and occasionally, the tee shirt. I’l try to figure out how to stretch the concept of time and space and will do my best to play all I can get through.

The recent Hot Press nomination and voting has boosted my spirits greatly and I thank everyone again humbly for it. Getting mentioned at all was a buzz, but a third placing in the list of great regional broadcasters is a greater one! The messages, in person and online from all quarters is welcome and appreciated, despite my natural shyness and discomfort around things like this. But, I say thanks again on behalf of the show and what I try to do around it along with my colleagues in KCLR. It’s also proof (if it were needed) that there is life outside the capital!

I don’t take anything for granted, but I will hope that you’ll join me for the first edition of “Ceol Anocht” on Sunday, May 5th and from then on. We’ll be online and the Listen Again and podcasts will continue, in case you’re otherwise occupied.

(Speaking of which, on Thursday, May 2nd, I’m reviving the Folk/Roots show for one night only to bring a preview of some of the acts appearing at this years Roots Festival. )

Catch you along the road!!