"Cajun" music often has accordions, maybe harmonica and fiddles, but it's more about the FEEL than the instrumentation. Hard to explain. I'm in Cajun country and do a lot of the songs, but it's not the same as a real Cajun band.
Also, there are many variations of Cajun music, just as there are Jazz, or Rock or Country.
Still, if you hear a song by an authentic Cajun band, you KNOW what it is.
This doesn't help does it.

There are lots of styles that can be used with Irish songs, but the most popular are waltzes, 6/8 marches, jigs, ballads and variations of bluegrass, especially for the livelier songs. Then, of course, there is the river dance styles, which I love to use for some instrumental songs, including a Scottish mix.

Gary

Great rendition Gary! Way to go! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Randy, for the compliments. Saint Paddy's day parties really invoke happy times and in this part of the world, people pretty much celebrate for a solid week with corn beef and cabbage in the restaurants and green beer on tap. I truly miss playing at all those parties since my retirement - they were always a lot of fun for everyone. And, the audiences always sang along with me most of the time.

Gary

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but after playing hundreds of St Paddy's Day parties, I can now say "I've had me fill." There are too many amateurs that overdo the drinking aspect of the celebration, and I just have no patience for that behavior anymore. I was thrilled to miss the Irish parties this year, .... all the rest of the work - not so much, but This 1/2 Irishman has no regrets in missing the party this year. That said - "Galway Girl" is a fun song that we all enjoy at my local spots.
I've been keeping busy this (quiet) week with all my instruments, and I play to spend a good solid amount of time today in the studio, getting ready for when I will have clients come over again ... if that ever happens again. Fingers crossed. For now - I'm watching videos, playing my instruments, eating healthy, and trying to keep my kids (all but one work in the service industry) from freaking out ..... or moving back home.

Be well all. - If you're on facebook, I think I'm going live at 7pm EST tonight.
boydsongs

Will try to catch you on FB. I've been playing a couple of hours a day at home on the EA7.
I long ago lost tolerance for drunks. Not much of a problem where I work, but occasionally an over-imbibed customer will want to sing. I truly hate that, and I can usually prevent it.
A while back a semi-regular, an MD, per$uaded me to let him do a song. I could tell that he probably had a good voice, but he was just so drunk he couldn't remember the words or stay on key. After we struggled through a song, he wanted to do another one and I told him, over the mic, that he could but only if I could get drunk and come and help him to surgery Monday morning. He took it in good spirits, no pun intended, and sat down.

Nice job Gary ... sounds like your voice has recovered pretty well ... good for you ...

I thought I'd highlight that in case a certain member missed it. Probably didn't miss it. He must have realized you blew holes in his theory that you don't have to grow up with the instrument to play it authentically.

Thanks guys for taking time to listen and comment. Just being able to sing again has been a real high-point in my life.

Love ya all,

Gary