CCÉ Northeast Regional Hall of Fame Inductee Larry Reynolds, Jr.
Larry Reynolds, Jr. – Accordion – was inducted to its Hall of Fame by The Northeast Region of the North American Province in November 9, 2002.
Larry Reynolds, Jr. is the oldest child of Phyllis Reynolds and Larry, Sr. (R.I.P.). From classical clarinet lessons, he continued in various school bands. At age 14, starting traditional accordion lessons with Eamon Flynn, young Larry developed a passion for the traditional music and its spirit.
Larry, Jr. grew up hearing wonderful musicians—beginning with his father Larry, his brothers Sean and Michael—and of course Sally and Jimmy Kelly (RIP), Tommy Sheridan, Joe and Dennis Killelea, Gene Preston, and many others from the Boston area.
Larry’s first professional job was playing for the Fitzmaurice-Moran Irish Dancing School for their St. Patrick’s Day engagements. He then was invited to play in a local band with George Shanley and Morris O’Toole. Afterward he joined another local band called Joe Glynn and the Irish Mist, playing with them for 3 years. Over the next 4 years, Larry played with his father and his brothers for sessions and benefits in the traditional scene in the Boston area. He also played with his brother Sean as a duo in some of the major traditional music competitions on the East Coast.
In July 1978, Larry joined the Noel Henry Irish Show Band. After Noel Henry passed away (May he rest in peace.), Noel’s brother Tommy became bandleader, and Larry, Jr. remained one of the band’s musical forces, touring extensively through the U.S., including Hawaii, on world cruises, and on European tours, including tours of Ireland.
Meanwhile, Larry’s wife Kathy is an Irish step dancer, and together they are passing their love of music and dance to their children. Brian, age 14, plays fiddle and electric guitar; Andrew, 9, plays saxophone; and Megan, 11, is a prize-winning step dancer. The love of traditional Irish music and culture instilled in Larry, Jr. at a young age will always be a great part of his life.
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The Boston Comhaltas Ceili Band, formed in 1976, grew naturally out of sessions and musical friendships. Band members Larry Reynolds, Sr. (R.I.P.) and Tom Sheridan played with the old Boston Ceili Band of the 50s. The current band has played out for more than 15 years, performing from Alaska to the Grecian Islands to the Caribbean, from Cleveland in the mid-west to Cape Cod in the East, at ceilis in resort hotels in the Catskills and at fabulous hotels in downtown New York City. Ready to play at both local benefits and major Irish music festivals, the band has built their reputation also in part upon their great musical depth. Seamus Connolly plays with the band occasionally. Larry Reynolds, Sr. and his sons Mike and Sean, his nephew Pat, and father and son Fergus and John Keane were/are band regulars. Other fine musicians play now and then; Tara Lynch, Tom Sheridan, Jimmy Hogan, and Martin Cloonan among them.
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