Biography
Growing up surrounded by the vibrant musical heritage of Ireland’s counties Longford and Clare, and raised in a household steeped in music, James Keane began studying button accordion at six—well before most children master fastening their own clothes. Though young even among the early starters who became legends, he had already become a familiar figure on the Dublin scene by age ten, tracing the paths of Seamus Ennis, Leo Rowsome, Sonny Brogan, and Tommy Reck while sometimes remaining unseen beneath their feet because of his size. These musicians set him on the trajectory that produced a notable career in traditional music.
As a teenager he helped found the Castle Ceili Band with his brother, fiddler Sean Keane, and flutist Mick O’Connor, distinct from the younger banjoist and mandolinist of the same name. One of the most popular Irish groups of the 1960s, the band captured the All-Ireland championship in Thurles, County Tipperary, in 1965. Keane himself secured the soloist title for four straight years, a record still unbroken. The ensemble provided early experience for many emerging players, including fiddler John Kelly, who later drew Sean into forming the Chieftains, the most renowned Irish traditional band worldwide.
James meanwhile kept an active schedule of his own. His first American tour took place in 1967 in a trio with accordionist Joe Burke and flutist Paddy Carty, performing as the Loughrea Ceili Band. The reception proved so strong that he recognized the United States as a major center of Irish music activity and moved there the following year. In New York City he became a regular at the John Barleycorn club during the period before discos began closing many traditional Irish venues, and he soon appeared at the Felt Forum and Carnegie Hall. After extensive sideman and band work, he completed his first album as leader, released on the Rex label as The Irish Accordion of James Keane.
In 1980 he relocated to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to join Ryan’s Fancy, a group that toured extensively, appeared on television, and recorded three albums. During this time he finished his second solo project, Roll Away the Reel World, which reunited him with brother Sean for the first time since the Chieftains formed in 1968. Following the band’s breakup he returned to New York City and began collaborating with Robbie O’Connell of the Clancy Brothers. He also performed frequently as a soloist, in duo with master fiddler Seamus Connolly, and as a member of Mick Moloney’s all-star ensemble Green Fields of America.
He made his first return to Dublin in 1991 after twenty-three years, performing at the Dublin Traditional Music Festival with several Chieftains members joining him in a surprise appearance. Green Linnet issued his third solo album, That’s the Spirit, in 1994. A few years later he began an unusual project with author Sharon O’Connor that paired a book of contemporary Irish cuisine with a CD of traditional music. After appearing on various compilations and samplers, he traveled again to Ireland in 1997 for another all-star gathering, released by Shanachie as With Friends Like These.
As a teenager he helped found the Castle Ceili Band with his brother, fiddler Sean Keane, and flutist Mick O’Connor, distinct from the younger banjoist and mandolinist of the same name. One of the most popular Irish groups of the 1960s, the band captured the All-Ireland championship in Thurles, County Tipperary, in 1965. Keane himself secured the soloist title for four straight years, a record still unbroken. The ensemble provided early experience for many emerging players, including fiddler John Kelly, who later drew Sean into forming the Chieftains, the most renowned Irish traditional band worldwide.
James meanwhile kept an active schedule of his own. His first American tour took place in 1967 in a trio with accordionist Joe Burke and flutist Paddy Carty, performing as the Loughrea Ceili Band. The reception proved so strong that he recognized the United States as a major center of Irish music activity and moved there the following year. In New York City he became a regular at the John Barleycorn club during the period before discos began closing many traditional Irish venues, and he soon appeared at the Felt Forum and Carnegie Hall. After extensive sideman and band work, he completed his first album as leader, released on the Rex label as The Irish Accordion of James Keane.
In 1980 he relocated to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to join Ryan’s Fancy, a group that toured extensively, appeared on television, and recorded three albums. During this time he finished his second solo project, Roll Away the Reel World, which reunited him with brother Sean for the first time since the Chieftains formed in 1968. Following the band’s breakup he returned to New York City and began collaborating with Robbie O’Connell of the Clancy Brothers. He also performed frequently as a soloist, in duo with master fiddler Seamus Connolly, and as a member of Mick Moloney’s all-star ensemble Green Fields of America.
He made his first return to Dublin in 1991 after twenty-three years, performing at the Dublin Traditional Music Festival with several Chieftains members joining him in a surprise appearance. Green Linnet issued his third solo album, That’s the Spirit, in 1994. A few years later he began an unusual project with author Sharon O’Connor that paired a book of contemporary Irish cuisine with a CD of traditional music. After appearing on various compilations and samplers, he traveled again to Ireland in 1997 for another all-star gathering, released by Shanachie as With Friends Like These.
Albums
Heir of the Dog
2012
Toss the Feathers
2006
Live In Dublin
2004
That's The Spirit
1994
Roll Away The Reel World
1980
Singles
