Pat Fleming & Mariko Tatsuoka – Traditional Irish Music on Accordion & Fiddle Pat Fleming (accordion) and Mariko Tatsuoka (fiddle) are a spirited duet dedicated to the rich tradition of Irish music. Their playing is deeply rooted in the rhythmic drive and infectious energy of the session scene, with a special love for the tunes of Sliabh Luachra.
Hailing from Sliabh Luachra, a region famous for its fast-paced polkas and lively slides, Pat brings an unmistakable style to the accordion. His playing is full of lift and pulse, capturing the essence of the music passed down through generations. With a deep connection to the tradition, he delivers tunes with both precision and soul. Mariko, an accomplished fiddler, brings her own passion for Irish music to the duet. With a keen ear for phrasing and rhythm, she weaves seamlessly with Pat’s accordion, creating a driving yet nuanced sound. Her playing reflects both a deep respect for tradition and a vibrant, expressive approach. Together, Pat and Mariko
Mariko Tatsuoka is a Japanese-born fiddler and music teacher. She trained in classical violin from the age of six and later graduated from Tokyo College of Music. She first encountered Irish music in 2010 and began set dancing. She is currently based in Co. Clare and active in the East Clare traditional music community.
As both a dancer and musician, she is recognised for her understanding of dance music and its rhythm and phrasing. She is also known for her detailed and technical approach to teaching Irish music, informed by her classical training.
Pat Fleming is an accordionist, composer and researcher from Boherbue, Co Cork - an area deeply rooted in the Sliabh Luachra tradition - renowned for its music, culture and heritage.
He has toured internationally as a professional musician as part of large theatre shows and festivals while also conducting masterclasses and workshops worldwide. Currently he produces live musical events for charity.
Pat's first album (Live Music from Sliabh Luachra) was commissioned by the Arts Council of Ireland and was very highly reviewed. Earlier this year he collaborated with world-famous guitarist - Steve Cooney - on a new album. This album - Tunes from Tooreendarby - has received critical acclaim worldwide and is looked at as a milestone in Sliabh Luchra style music. It is planned that this will be the first album in a series collection which will serve as a record of this music for generations to come.
Pat has also completed his Masters degree in Music at the World Music and Dance Academy at the University of Limerick. He is also working with TG4 on a production focused on the Sliabh Luachra culture and older musicians in the area. He also regularly engages in talks, interviews, and performances at universities, colleges and academies.
Kevin Shortall is a multi-instrumentalist and composer, recognised for his work in jazz, Brazilian music, and Irish traditional music. He grew up in Brazil to an Irish father and a Brazilian mother, under the influence of both cultures, and has a BMus (Hons) degree in Jazz Guitar from the Birmingham Conservatoire, a BA in Arranging for Brazilian Music from UNIRIO, and is currently doing an MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance at the University of Limerick on the bouzouki. He has published innovative research on the bouzouki style of Alex Finn from a jazz perspective. Kevin plays Irish bouzouki, electric and acoustic guitar, 7 string Brazilian guitar, cavaco and tenor banjo, and has performed in 3 continents leading his own bands and as an accompanist.