When travelling in Europe in my early twenties I was fortunate enough to meet an Italian violinist by the name of Toni Georgio, he was considerably older than me, probably in his mid-seventies at the time, and he played with an extraordinary passion that always filled me with awe.

We travelled up through Spain to Paris together with our little band, which then consisted of the two violins and an enormous German guitarist who took up all the room in the car!

Toni had rooms at a hotel near Pigalle and we kept a regular gig at a restaurant in Montmartre for nearly a year. During this period I learned much about his life. He was a wonderful cook and he would ask me back to his hotel for dinner in the evenings where he would talk about his past experiences as a working musician in Europe during the war, his Jewish background, his wife and children and everything relating to that terrible period of European history.

He had also spent many years in India, working in large hotels with his own orchestra and he kept every newspaper clipping relating to these events. I saw old dusty photos of himself as band leader standing in front of his thirty piece orchestra, all in white suits in exotic locations, a far cry form our Paris lifestyle at the time.

It was very stimulating for me to know someone with that wealth of experience and I can honestly say that he was without question the most influential person in my life at the time. He introduced me to so many different types of music that I had never considered or even heard before.

Unfortunately, to cut a long story short, I left Paris the following summer and with all the insensitivity of youth I never really said goodbye to him. So to you Toni Georgio wherever you are, I dedicate this album.
Patrick Collins

"Hello! How are you doing? I think I might have a gig for you". Those immortal words heralded the birth of The Cafe Orchestra. I was busking on Grafton Street when Pat stopped and offered me a job. It became apparent very quickly that not only was this duo fun to be part of, people enjoyed the combination of instruments and the style of music we played. It was logical at some stage that we would put this sound on disc.

People often ask me how we arrived at the type of music we play - simply put - I don't know! It was just something that evolved naturally over time. I suspect though, somewhere down the line we have a few drops of gypsy blood in us!

The accordion is a strange beast to be associated with. It is capable of inflicting great pain on the one hand, and yet can be so versatile and expressive on the other. I think my father is to blame for this partnership and despite a stormy beginning to the relationship and many an emotional parting, the accordion and I have finally reached an understanding, I don' tell accordion jokes and in return she looks after me.

Putting the whole project together has been great fun and really for me a dream come true. It was wonderful to experience the same passion and commitment and love of music among everyone involved. All that remains to be said is that I hope that you enjoy your evening with The Café Orchestra.

Michael Flynn


Helena: In the beginning the musical notes to this read 'to be played with venom'!! Dedicated with affection to an old flame (Michael's).
La Vie En Rose: Pat insisted that this track should be on the album. As usual he was right! Our tribute to Edith Piaf.
Dome Waltz: A touch of Paris with a big hello to the wonderful people in the Dome Restaurant. How do they cope with us?
Yellow Man Tango: He's yellow from the tips of his horns to the soles of his feet, can dance a mean tango as well.
Jealosy: Passion, intrigue and a beautiful song from the 1920's. A gypsy tango.
Dan Fango: This started life as a Spanish Fandango. It then transformed itself into a Cossack type anthem. This was recorded at the unearthly hour of 10 o'clock in the morning.
Look to the East: What more need to be said? Look out for the camel!
Flowers of the Forest: An old European folk song which we acquired from a tin whistle player a few years ago.
Italian Mazurka: A traditional Italian tune which we've had a little fun with.
Easy and Slow: This is an old Dublin Air. I think probably one of the most beautiful in the Irish tradition.

Recorded at:
Drop In Studios
Windmill Lane
Dublin, Ireland.
The Mill Studio, Swords.

Musicians:
Michael Flynn - Accordion
Patrick Collins - Violin
Drazen "Wrong turn left" Derek,
Dick Farrelly - Guitars
Peter Eades, Paul Moore - Bass
Qguido - Percussion



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