Charlie grew up with traditional music in Chicago, and through his anthropology degree he participated in Northwestern's inaugural ethnomusicology program. After touring with an Irish band in the mid-1970's, Charlie and Ann formed Clairseach in 1979 and have since performed throughout the United States, Europe and Australia, often joined by their step-dancing daughters. A multi-instrumentalist and natural vocalist, Charlie's combined interest in traditional music, sean nos singing, and folklore have contributed greatly to the development of material on this recording.