Having read in a publication recently that Cahill and Hayes are the most exciting duo in Irish Music today because of their 'almost telepathy sensitivity to each others playing', got me thinking...
To be honest when I first heard his played I didn't like it is as it seemed to be over the top.
However after buying 'The Lonesome Touch ' cd I've got addicted to it.
To me one of the great things about Hayes' playing is that is has gone the opposite direction of the 'speed merchants' whos tunes tend to all sound the same, he plays in a way which really emphasis's the melodic diversity of each tune. This coupled with his great tone, flow and phrasing makes his playing a joy to hear.
Also his steady, easy going pace seems to capture the west of Ireland's rural relaxed spirit.
I think for that alone he should be applauded.
Martin Hayes is a fine fiddler. I dont like his drawling commercial side, but when he lets rip, he can surely play. As for Mr. Cahill, I dont get it at all, at all, at all.
I listen to Martin Hayes a lot while I’m commuting, but when I first bought one of his CD’s, I played it once and put it away for two years. What caught me on the second or third listening was that he was making me appreciate the tunes from a different perspective. Some tunes take on a very different character when the tempo is slowed down. It doesn’t cancel out other, faster versions; it’s just another flavor to enjoy. It took me a while to acquire the taste, but I really enjoy it now.
The Lonesome Touch is a bit disappointing to me because the guitar, although brilliantly played, seems to be competing too much with the fiddle for my attention. However, I just pre-ordered the new Hayes/Cahill CD.
After a couple of commuting days with nothing but Hayes, I do find myself digging around for something with more snap and grit. But I keep returning.
You haven't heard the new one 'Welcome Here Again' - lots of short and snappy tunes. Almost half of its 18 tracks are under 2:30 in length which says it all.
Sadly I grew up far removed from the tradition, and the first interaction I ever had with anything Irish was Martin Hayes. I was at a festival where he did a solo 35-minute set of tunes that totally blew the audience away. At that age I was disappointed when I realized most of his recordings were slow and fairly contained, but I've grown to understand them more. He's a totally amazing player and fully deserves the TG4 award.
The best live show I've ever seen! Taking requests and creating amazing sets from them. .It's interesting that he is quicker than anyone I've seen,but he knows how and when to use the lightning ,he's always building-keeps the music interesting.
Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
Having read in a publication recently that Cahill and Hayes are the most exciting duo in Irish Music today because of their 'almost telepathy sensitivity to each others playing', got me thinking...
To be honest when I first heard his played I didn't like it is as it seemed to be over the top.
However after buying 'The Lonesome Touch ' cd I've got addicted to it.
To me one of the great things about Hayes' playing is that is has gone the opposite direction of the 'speed merchants' whos tunes tend to all sound the same, he plays in a way which really emphasis's the melodic diversity of each tune. This coupled with his great tone, flow and phrasing makes his playing a joy to hear.
Also his steady, easy going pace seems to capture the west of Ireland's rural relaxed spirit.
I think for that alone he should be applauded.
What do you think?
# Posted on January 31st 2008 by Kess
Re: Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
Sorry Martin Hayes! doh!
# Posted on January 31st 2008 by Kess
Re: Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
And there was i thinking this thread was gonna be about the relative merits of taking the law in to one's own hands
# Posted on January 31st 2008 by llig leahcim
Re: Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
That was the first cd I bought from them. I heard so many great thngs...
It bored me to death.
I'll take Lunasa or Solas, thank you very much.
# Posted on January 31st 2008 by Fishmonger
Re: Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
Ahh, the great Martin Hayes debate resurfaces... an earlier thread...http://mail.thesession.org/discussions/display/643/comments#comment9105
# Posted on January 31st 2008 by drone
Re: Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
Michael Hayes was easily the greatest American professional wrestler of all time, there's no doubt.
http://www.solie.org/horse/hayes2.jpg
# Posted on January 31st 2008 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
Martin Hayes is a fine fiddler. I dont like his drawling commercial side, but when he lets rip, he can surely play. As for Mr. Cahill, I dont get it at all, at all, at all.
# Posted on January 31st 2008 by Backer
Re: Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
I listen to Martin Hayes a lot while I’m commuting, but when I first bought one of his CD’s, I played it once and put it away for two years. What caught me on the second or third listening was that he was making me appreciate the tunes from a different perspective. Some tunes take on a very different character when the tempo is slowed down. It doesn’t cancel out other, faster versions; it’s just another flavor to enjoy. It took me a while to acquire the taste, but I really enjoy it now.
The Lonesome Touch is a bit disappointing to me because the guitar, although brilliantly played, seems to be competing too much with the fiddle for my attention. However, I just pre-ordered the new Hayes/Cahill CD.
After a couple of commuting days with nothing but Hayes, I do find myself digging around for something with more snap and grit. But I keep returning.
# Posted on January 31st 2008 by Bob himself
Re: Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
It's not the tempo that gets me, I love taking it slow, it's just that he's a bit repetative
# Posted on January 31st 2008 by llig leahcim
Re: Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
Ah, well, llig,
You haven't heard the new one 'Welcome Here Again' - lots of short and snappy tunes. Almost half of its 18 tracks are under 2:30 in length which says it all.
# Posted on January 31st 2008 by MacCruiskeen
Re: Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
No, I havn't heard that. I keep an open mind as ever. And will give it a good hearing when I get round to it.
# Posted on January 31st 2008 by llig leahcim
Re: Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
Martin Hayes is the new TG4 Musician of the Year for this year.
# Posted on February 1st 2008 by fiddleplayer01
Re: Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
Sadly I grew up far removed from the tradition, and the first interaction I ever had with anything Irish was Martin Hayes. I was at a festival where he did a solo 35-minute set of tunes that totally blew the audience away. At that age I was disappointed when I realized most of his recordings were slow and fairly contained, but I've grown to understand them more. He's a totally amazing player and fully deserves the TG4 award.
# Posted on February 1st 2008 by Nathan G
Re: Michael Hayes one of the Greatest?
The best live show I've ever seen! Taking requests and creating amazing sets from them. .It's interesting that he is quicker than anyone I've seen,but he knows how and when to use the lightning ,he's always building-keeps the music interesting.
# Posted on February 4th 2008 by edorian