About
I come from East Clare and have been immersed in the music of that region all my life. My late father, PJ Hayes, was a well-known fiddler from the locality, as is my brother Martin. My father was one of the founders of The Tulla Ceili Band back in 1948 and as a result it has been a constant presence in our family. I learned to play the fiddle but I don’t consider myself a fiddler, instead I prefer to sing.
Even though singing isn’t a part of our family tradition, it has always been highly regarded in our house. My father loved a good song as much as any tune and knew the words to many of them. He was the big musical presence in our family, yet it was my mother who was probably most responsible for encouraging me to sing.
I began singing in my teenage years and soon afterwards, the Tulla Band needed a singer. This was the opportunity that forced me to learn more songs and take my singing more seriously. I began listening to many singers, such as Sean McDhonnacha, The Keane sisters, Delores Keane, Mick Flynn and Sean McMahon. The influence of these singers, plus suggestions and encouragement from my father and Francie Donnellan, helped me to grow as a singer.
I have always loved and enjoyed the music of East Clare, yet the songs I sing are from every part of the country. East Clare music and it’s style of playing has had a big influence on how I sing. The music of the locality is unhurried, the melody is clear and not over ornamented. The main thing that I have drawn from the local musicians is the pure desire to play, and sing, from the heart and to let the melody shine out clearly.
In my singing I like to tell the story of the song, but I like, equally, to interpret and get the most from the melody. The story conveys emotion and feeling but for me more importantly so does the melody. This is my first recording and I regard it as my tribute to my father, family and the music of East Clare.
HELEN HAYES