1. "Guns and Buns" - Le Batteux/Mick Connelly’s/The Guns of the Magnificent Seven.

We learnt the first tune from French-Canadian group La Bottine Souriante (translated very appropriately as "The Smiling Boot" which describes their music!), the second from the Danish group MacMortosen Trio. The last is a popular reel at sessions throughout the country.

The first tune was a favourite of Denis O’Brien, one of the finest and most lived tin-whistle players in the country. Denis had a huge repertoire of tunes, which he most enthusiastically shared with all his pupils. The second was written by Mary last summer on the top bunk bed in a hostel in Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry! We learnt the last tune from our great friend and brilliant piano accordion player Mirella Murray (Mirella Miroo!)

Charlie Lennon is one of the most well known composers of traditional tunes. This strathspey comes from his suite "Island Wedding". The second one was learnt from Patsy Seddon and Mary MacMaster, two great harp players from Scotland.

The coridinio is a type of Portuguese tune for which we have no name. We learnt it from our friend Brid Dunne, a great piano player from Drogheda. The second is a Cajun tune learnt from the Paul Gunning, box player with the Maimin Cajun Band.

These tunes just came out one night when we were relaxing by the fire! They are named after Mary’s dog Dixie and Mary’s neighbours dog Mattie who frequently knocks on the window to get in!

French group Arpilhands is the source of this tune. This courante was learned in Steve’s back shed!

These two reels come from the Scottish tradition. We named the set to remind us of the nearby milking machine drone! Thanks to Jim Sutherland and Pasty Seddon for the real names.

This air and reel come from the Scottish tradition and were learnt from the playing of the great Dublin uilleann piper, Mick O’Brien.

The bourre is a renowned traditional tune which we learnt from the group Open House, the second tune is from the Scottish group Relativity and the last is a Swedish tune which we heard from Mary Staunton, a great singer and box player from Co. Mayo.

Laoise learnt this air from the late Frankie McFadden, a great friend and guitarist from Derry.

Another tune from one of our favourite bands La Bottine Souriante. The second jig is very is very popular in the Scottish tradition. The last tune was written by Gerry Harrington, box player from Kenmare, Co.Kerry. We learnt them from our great friend Sharon Shannon who has taught us so many lovely little tunes. This track is for you Sharon!

This is a tiny snippet of a spontaneous session we played in the early hours when we had finished recording!

Bumblebees are three musical friends who speak the same language of their own. To this listener, when I hear their busy, sweet, powerful sound, I journey to places I’ve been and places I’ve only dreamt of being. One hears a blend of individual and life influences when one listens to Mary, Laoise and Colette play. Their performance includes original compositions, French-Canadian, Cajun, Scottish, Traditional Irish music to name but a few! The instruments you are hearing are varied also; Mary playing banjo, fiddle, mandolin, mandola (at various intervals).... Colette playing accordion (with great taste).... Laoise playing harp (like nobody else) and fiddle.

Colette O’Leary was born in Scartaglen. She moved to Dublin when five months old where she went on to pursue her musical journey! Mary Shannon is a "Clare woman" gan dabht! "Is dual di bheith ceolmhar"(it’s her nature to be music). Sometime she might dance, watch out! Laoise Kelly comes from Westport, Co. Mayo. Born and raised in the shadow of the Reek, (Croagh Patrick), on the shores of Clew Bay. Up Mayo, wherever you go!

Bumblebees are not just playing music. They are music! When you, the listener open your heart and soul to the beautiful tone, rhythm and sheer fun of their music, then you too will be stung by their musical friendship.

"Friends do not live in harmony merely, as some say, but in melody" (Henry David Thoreau, 1817-1862).

So listen and love as these Humblebees take flight! Sin e.

John Hoban. 1997.