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Mando Banjo With West African and Italian origins, the banjo and mandolin are instruments that originated far from Celtic shores, but they are perfectly suited to Celtic melodies.
Special Series

The Thistle & Shamrock

Host Fiona Ritchie explores Celtic roots music on her weekly radio program

Mando Banjo

Mando Banjo

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Colin Gillen/framelight.ie

JigJam.

Colin Gillen/framelight.ie

With West African and Italian origins, the banjo and mandolin are instruments that originated far from Celtic shores. They are perfectly suited to Celtic melodies, from dance tunes to song accompaniment, as we hear this week from Chris Thile, Gerry O'Connor, Mary Z. Cox and JigJam.

Special Series

The Thistle & Shamrock

Host Fiona Ritchie explores Celtic roots music on her weekly radio program