Description

Discover the beating heart of Irish traditional music through the eyes and ears of a master musician. Sound Men and Women is an extraordinary, deeply personal collection of stories, reflections, and portraits compiled by Castlebar native John Hoban. Having spent a lifetime travelling the world with his music, Hoban turns his gaze back to his roots, paying a poignant and affectionate tribute to the unsung heroes—the “sound” men and women—who have kept the flame of traditional song, folklore, and storytelling alive in Co. Mayo and beyond.

This beautifully written volume goes far beyond a standard musical autobiography. It acts as an invaluable social history, capturing a rapidly changing rural Ireland and preserving the oral histories of local characters, pub sessions, and roadside encounters. Written with warmth, poetic insight, and a deep respect for heritage, Hoban explores how music serves as a universal language capable of healing, binding communities, and carrying history across generations.

For anyone who loves traditional Irish music, local folklore, or the social history of the West of Ireland, this book offers an authentic, front-row seat to the culture. It is an essential addition to any Irish interest bookshelf and a perfect gift for musicians and historians alike.