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He looked at traditional Irish music through a new lens and was unafraid to explore new sounds and ideas. Ó Riada fused elements of classical and Irish music together, exploring harmony and new exciting arrangements. While it may sound daft, this ‘gentrification’ of traditional music brought it to new audiences who would otherwise have sneered at it. The musicians he brought together took to the stage dressed in formal wear – suits and bowties. Ó Riada formalised it, making it a genre worth of concert halls and theatres. No longer was trad something to be found only at sessions in kitchens or pubs. There’s no denying that Ó Riada elevated the status of traditional Irish music. His legacy is so much more than that however. He is perhaps most commonly known for his masterful score of the film Mise Éire which fused traditional Irish airs with classical arrangements. Seán Ó Riada is one of the best known names in traditional Irish music. This revolution was due in part to the innovation of one man. Traditional Irish Music underwent a sort of renaissance from the 1960s onwards. The No.1 Most Influential Trad Album of All Time.Three of Ireland’s Greatest Folk Singers.If you’re ready for some jaw-droppingly inspiring music, allow me to introduce you to these revolutionary bards and my Top Five Irish Trad Albums of all time. But who are these groups and what exactly have they done to revolutionise the world of Irish music? More importantly, which of their albums have made the final cut and which one stands a little bit ahead of them all? These iconic supergroups are responsible for elevating the status of traditional Irish music and bringing it to global audiences worldwide. In fact, I believe they should be compulsory listening for any aspiring musician. They feature a veritable who’s who of the greatest traditional Irish musicians that have ever existed. These are probably the most important recordings by the most influential bands to have ever graced the world of Irish traditional music. These albums have not only guided and inspired my own playing, but generations of musicians. Narrowing my list down to just these five offerings was no easy feat let me tell you. Every Irish music enthusiast will have a different opinion! So I’ve cheated a little and picked my top five. It’s a question I’ve given a lot of thought to over the years however, but one that I’m sure you’ll agree is almost impossible to answer. “What’s the greatest traditional Irish album of all time?” One question that comes up time and time again is a real challenge to answer however. I’m often asked for listening recommendations for traditional Irish music. The Most Influential Irish Trad Albums of All Time