finetune artist: Cherish The Ladies

This project began in 1983 as a series of concerts organised by the Ethnic Folk Arts Center in New York City to celebrate women in Irish American music. The name, originating from an old jig, was a joking suggestion by Joanie Madden (whistle/flute) made to music guru, Mick Maloney who was the midwife to the success of this now firmly established ensemble. Cherish The Ladies broke new ground on two counts; firstly, by virtue of being an all-women band in a male-dominated field, and secondly, because nearly all the members are in fact American-born of Irish descent. Sadly yet predictably, their remarkable musicianship and performance skills have been eclipsed by these factors, even in a world emancipated by the Spice Girls. The question of cultural identity is one that the band explores in their work. Songs such as "Missing Piece" on Out And About reflect on growing up Irish in America.

Listen to Cherish The Ladies at Finetune.

(2001) The Girls Won't Leave The Boys Alone
(1999) At Home
(1998) One and All: The Best of Cherish the Ladies
(1998) Threads Of Time
(1996) New Day Dawning

My Own Native Land
Her Mantle So Green
The Battle of Aughrim/The Star Above the Garter
Highway to Kilkenny/The Boys of Portaferry/The Abbey Reel/Ashmaleen House
Highway to Kilkenny