
John Morrow hails from a well-known musical family in Co. Leitrim. Although he comes from a traditionally fiddle and flute part of the country, John’s tenor banjo style developed through playing sessions in Leitrim and neighboring counties with his brothers and local musicians, such as the Cornafean group and Antóin MacGabhann.
John has won Senior All-Ireland titles at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann on tenor banjo and mandolin. He also plays other instruments such as piano and whistle, which have had a further influence on his banjo style.
An avid traveler, John has been a vibrant part of the session scene in Dublin, Sydney, Montréal, and now New York. As well as session work, John has performed at other musical venues such as the Sydney festival and National Concert Hall in Dublin, has written the music for a friend’s three-act play, and once held down the job of drummer at a ceili for a night. He has also performed on stage with his brother’s band Dervish on a number of occasions.
John has previously taught the banjo class at the Drumshanbo Summer School in his native Leitrim and at Augusta Irish week in Elkins, West Virginia, and is looking forward to the O’Flaherty experience.
Instructor – Mandolin & Tenor Banjo
2020