Ahhh, flute-14 is trying to redeem him or herself with a positive thread this time. Ok, everyone name their favorite flute player. Wake me when it's over. zzzzZZZZzzzzzZZZZzzzzzzz
WAKE UP! WAKE UP! Phantom Button!
Threads are no fun without you.
And what is with all these zzzzzzz's I keep seeing in treads lately, have you a stuck key? Maybe its time to clean the gunk from under your Z key :P
Now getting on topic. I have been influenced mostly by a couple players, I will list them:
Kevin Crawford (Ornaments, Variations, and Tone)
Mike Rafferty (Lilt)
Mike McGoldrick (Using syncopation as a Variation)
Liam Kelly (Ornaments, Tone, and the fact that I bought an Eb Flute)
I thought it might be interesting to do a google search on this and the results were interesting. The name that came up alot was (now don't throw anything at me, because it's not my opinion):
...and then if I would really have to choose amongst the many amazing contemporary players of the day, I would probably after agonising over the choice pick Deirdre Havlin
(pity about the word 'living' so I can't even give a mention to Frankie Kennedy ... in my view one of the most inspiring and soulful players of his day )
Heard Connor Smith from Armagh recently too...he's fantastic too...style a lot like Niall Keegan! He was on up for the match before the football final in the group Monto...was playin guitar tho...talented!
Jean Michel Veillon. Master of his tradition, lyrical, tasteful, soulful, imaginative, expressive; at times urgent and his variations and technique never sound contrived or forced, unlike some. I love the Mattman too but I've run out of adjectives!
To add some more, Tansey, Peter Horan, and Peadar O'Loughlin.
Christy Barry (who's a huge influence on K. Crawford), Sheena Vallely of Armagh, Sean Moloney of East Galway, and of course Harry are among the best players I've met in person.
Flute 14, lay off the self-righteous indignation. I've tried it against this lot and not only is it ineffective, but it makes you look like a stuck-up, pompous prig. Chill out. People will make fun of you. It's not the end of the world.
I'm not a great flute guy, but Seamus Egan is a beast. So is John Skelton, just because.
Just posted this elsewhere, but since you tooters are discussing great Flute players, I thought you might like to take a wee break, put your feet up for a moment & watch this video of one of the finest Flute players in action:
Threads like this are so weird - there are so many different styles out there how can you just say so and so is the 'best' living flute player? I know who I like, but they may not be the best - just the style that I like best...if you know what I mean...
Exactly, bb -- that's basically what I've been saying. You start a thread that says, "Best living flute player" and all you'll get is everybody's favorite... so what. Ptarm put up a nice link to a video of Peter and Fred playing a few tunes. Now that would be a nice topic.
Well, forgetting about the whole "best living" thing, some players who I really like, and haven't been mentioned are, John Kelly, Frank Jordan and Kevin Ryan. But I do think it's a wierd thread bb, I was just having a discussion with someone on the weekend about playing the flute and different approaches. It really highlighted our differences in style and our aims as flute players.
Best living flute player
Best living flute player
Who do you think is the best soloist? imo is matt molloy but apart from that garry shannon
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by Wannabe-piper
Re: Best living flute player
Sorry Harry, but I love Matt too. (though I wouldn't say best, just favourite)
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by ...
Re: Best living flute player
Ahhh, flute-14 is trying to redeem him or herself with a positive thread this time. Ok, everyone name their favorite flute player. Wake me when it's over. zzzzZZZZzzzzzZZZZzzzzzzz
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Best living flute player
Me :P
Well, Mick McGoldrick comes a close second
Laurence Nugent http://www.emusic.com/album/10586/10586725.html
and Kevin Crawford, his D flute album is a must for all flute players.
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by gtag
Re: Best living flute player
WAKE UP! WAKE UP! Phantom Button!
Threads are no fun without you.
And what is with all these zzzzzzz's I keep seeing in treads lately, have you a stuck key? Maybe its time to clean the gunk from under your Z key :P
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by gtag
Re: Best living flute player
zzzZZZZzzzzzZZZZzz*snort* whu? zzzzzZZZZzzzzzzZZZZzzzz
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Best living flute player
i would like to ask phamtom button what it is that makes him think he is funny.
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by Wannabe-piper
Re: Best living flute player
I would answer... but I'm snozzing right now... zzzzZZZZZzzzzzzZZZZZZzzzzzzz
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Best living flute player
Snoozing even... zzzzZZZzzzzZZzzzZZZzzzzz (it's hard to spell whilst sleeping
)
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Best living flute player
I think Marcus O Murchu is fairly good but its difficult to pick just one.
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by 52Paddy
Re: Best living flute player
Sounds like we have something starting up here.
Now getting on topic. I have been influenced mostly by a couple players, I will list them:
Kevin Crawford (Ornaments, Variations, and Tone)
Mike Rafferty (Lilt)
Mike McGoldrick (Using syncopation as a Variation)
Liam Kelly (Ornaments, Tone, and the fact that I bought an Eb Flute)
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by Why Bother?
Re: Best living flute player
Oh, yeah, Liam Kelly is good. Forgot about him.
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by 52Paddy
Re: Best living flute player
And June McCormack!
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by 52Paddy
Re: Best living flute player
I thought it might be interesting to do a google search on this and the results were interesting. The name that came up alot was (now don't throw anything at me, because it's not my opinion):
Sir James Galway
# Posted on September 23rd 2006 by rob zouk
Re: Best living flute player
Niall Keegan
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: Best living flute player
First on the list is my flute teacher...
... in my view one of the most inspiring and soulful players of his day 
)
...and then if I would really have to choose amongst the many amazing contemporary players of the day, I would probably after agonising over the choice pick Deirdre Havlin
(pity about the word 'living' so I can't even give a mention to Frankie Kennedy
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by vanessa
Re: Best living flute player
Niall Keegan........hes absolutely unreal!!! defo no.1!
Heard Connor Smith from Armagh recently too...he's fantastic too...style a lot like Niall Keegan! He was on up for the match before the football final in the group Monto...was playin guitar tho...talented!
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by dfiddle
Re: Best living flute player
After a certain point, "best" becomes meaningless and it boils down to personal preference.
I like Paddy Carty and Cath. McEvoy a whole bunch.
Kevin Crawford, but his most appealing work (to me) is In Good Company. It really brings out his best instincts.
And of course our fellow Mustard Board Regular, Mr. Molloy.
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by wormdiet
Re: Best living flute player
Jean Michel Veillon. Master of his tradition, lyrical, tasteful, soulful, imaginative, expressive; at times urgent and his variations and technique never sound contrived or forced, unlike some. I love the Mattman too but I've run out of adjectives!
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Best living flute player
Not knowlegeable enough about the instrument to quantify "Best", but among the many many flute players that I like, Catherine McEvoy is my favourite.
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by browndog
Re: Best living flute players
To add some more, Tansey, Peter Horan, and Peadar O'Loughlin.
Christy Barry (who's a huge influence on K. Crawford), Sheena Vallely of Armagh, Sean Moloney of East Galway, and of course Harry are among the best players I've met in person.
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by slainte
Re: Best living flute player
i'm the best flute player that has ever lived. every time i hear myself play i become even more determined to play like me.
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by Brendan
Re: Best living flute player
Flute 14, lay off the self-righteous indignation. I've tried it against this lot and not only is it ineffective, but it makes you look like a stuck-up, pompous prig. Chill out. People will make fun of you. It's not the end of the world.
I'm not a great flute guy, but Seamus Egan is a beast. So is John Skelton, just because.
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by Zazzaliss
Re: Best living flute player
Totally forgot Tom Doorley. He, also, is kind of wicked awesome.
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by Zazzaliss
Re: Best living flute player
Just posted this elsewhere, but since you tooters are discussing great Flute players, I thought you might like to take a wee break, put your feet up for a moment & watch this video of one of the finest Flute players in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0CTHmQ2Jus
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by Ptarmigan
Re: Best living flute player
Like escaped big cats, very substantial examples have prowled the North of England for some time.
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by nicholas
Re: Best living flute player
Very nice, ptarmingan.
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by Brendan
Re: Best living flute player
There is no best, they are all excellent, it is a matter of personal favourite.
Obviously this does not apply to the bodhran. There is an exception to every rule.
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by bodhran bliss
Re: Best living flute player
So... have we all listed our favorite flute players now... again?.... zzzzZZZZzzzzzZZZZzzzzzz
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Best living flute player
Actually, Jack is my fave.
Just because!
# Posted on September 25th 2006 by wormdiet
Re: Best living flute player
Ah... finally we're getting somewhere.
# Posted on September 25th 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Best living flute player
Bodran Bliss is the best living flute player.
# Posted on September 25th 2006 by browndog
Re: Best living flute player
Threads like this are so weird - there are so many different styles out there how can you just say so and so is the 'best' living flute player? I know who I like, but they may not be the best - just the style that I like best...if you know what I mean...
# Posted on September 25th 2006 by bb
Re: Best living flute player
Exactly, bb -- that's basically what I've been saying. You start a thread that says, "Best living flute player" and all you'll get is everybody's favorite... so what. Ptarm put up a nice link to a video of Peter and Fred playing a few tunes. Now that would be a nice topic.
# Posted on September 25th 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Best living flute player
Well, forgetting about the whole "best living" thing, some players who I really like, and haven't been mentioned are, John Kelly, Frank Jordan and Kevin Ryan. But I do think it's a wierd thread bb, I was just having a discussion with someone on the weekend about playing the flute and different approaches. It really highlighted our differences in style and our aims as flute players.
# Posted on September 25th 2006 by sneetch
Re: Best living flute player
Mike Rafferty
# Posted on September 25th 2006 by flutedoog
Re: Best living flute player
Michael McGoldrick
# Posted on September 25th 2006 by eurbanjo
Re: Best living flute player
Forgot Doorley and JM Vellion, good calls Conan and Z. The Doorely brothers should do a solo album, Eamon is a huge influence to my Zouk playing.
# Posted on September 25th 2006 by Why Bother?
Re: Best living flute player
This is the weakest link dudes http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/11278
# Posted on September 26th 2006 by Dr. Dow
Re: Best living flute player
Michel Bonamy.
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by Beheader
Re: Best living flute player
Mr. Fintan Vallely
# Posted on September 29th 2006 by m
Re: Best living flute player
I have to say Tom Doorley, Kevin Crawford, and of course my flute teacher Shannon Heaton
# Posted on October 11th 2006 by PaddyBowling
Re: Best living flute player
Harry McGowan, Conal O Grada, Jimmy Noonan
# Posted on February 24th 2011 by Bull