Ireland, a Bicycle, and a Tin Whistle

By: David A. Wilson

Narrated by: David A. Wilson

As he travels through the North, Wilson gets beneath the political surface to portray both the tragedy and comedy of everyday life in the Protestant and Catholic communities. Aware of the polarized image that each side has of the other, he emphasizes the importance of finding common ground and of asserting the middle against the extremes. Just as traditional Irish music is characterized by ornamentations and elaborations on a melodic theme, Ireland, a Bicycle, and a Tin Whistle is full of variations and wanderings on the theme of the trip itself. And just as traditional Irish musicians will follow a sad slow air with a lively foot-tapping reel, Wilson's mood ranges from the nostalgic and reflective to the irreverent and mischievous. If there is a lament in one ear, there is a song in the other.

©1995 David A. Wilson (P)2023 McGill-Queen’s University Press

Critic reviews

“Wilson writes of Ireland and its people with wit, humour, imagination, and empathy and in a style that reveals the Irish love and understanding of language.” — Max Ferguson, host of The Max Ferguson Show, CBC Stereo Network

Inspired and fun listen

Wilson’s travels around Ireland is search of the music was delightful. Told with insight and humor he talks about politics, history and most importantly the people and the music
Being an Irish musician myself, I recognized many of the great musicians he ran into in various pubs. Only in Ireland can you wind up in a pub playing side by side with the greats. I could relate to the anecdotes about sessions having been in similar situations.