Over the last few years bodhran playing has changed it seems to be all top end playing now and almost all young people nowadays are playing this style ,Influnced by great players like Eamonn Murrray ,John Joe Kelly etc. So does this mean that the more traditional styles of Colm Murphy and Johnny mcDonagh are going to be a thing of the past? Are there any people encouraging these styles anymore even comhaltas seems to be encouraging the top end style, judging by the clips on you tube you will find it hard to see a young bodhran player playing the olders styles these days. Other instruments my have some what of a variance in style from place to place but the difference between the these two bodhran styles is huge.I've pasted clips of the different styles below and I'd just like to know what peoples opinions are , what they prefer and why?
i would agree that a change has cameover bodhran playing styles, too many young players doing all flash and not complementing the tune, just crazy single ended rythyms.. its only when it is harnessed and used in syncro as with beoga and john joe, that it works well, as in for example, the bodhran and guitar doing the same rhythm as in flook do a lot. very nice effective, many of the great players are now falling back to the old style again tho, heavier sticks, and solid beats etc, its all works well as long as its done tastefully, but i agree many young players, technically great but just not that easy on the ear.
I prefer Ringo's style too. Call me old fashioned. The question is whether the "new style" is happening more in sessions too, or is it just in performances like the videos?
I agree with Mr. Doherty, the flashy playing doesn't complement the music well, unless it's a specific arrangement. If the bodhrán is trying to be flashy in a session, it's often at the expense of the music.
So which style do *you* prefer, Saint?
(Oh, and BTW, I ran into an acquaintance of yours from Cork at my session recently. He spoke highly of you...)
I'm a big fan of Colm Murphy and I try to play like him as best I can,
I wonder who that was ? You could meet someone who would n't speak highly of me alot easier .Was it a fella with a banjo?
Anyway there is still hope for the traditional style .
I'm not sure which style I prefer. You can definitely hear the new style at sessions here in Milwaukee. I wonder if this new style is an attempt to bring the bodhran into it's own as a respectable instrument contra anti-bodhran rhetoric through virtuosic playing?
I have commented a lot on this, and remember starting a mini riot on here by saying the "new" style is bongo playing, and that John Joe had a lot to answer for because newcomers copied his "Flook" stuff and wrecked sessions. That is not a criticism of John Joe, but is a criticism of the way a number of newcomers are taught. They are taught a number of basic rhythms, without music. Obviously many of them are not able to adapt when the music at a session changes.
As the undoubted best bodhran player in the world I can state that I still prefer the old style, where the drum tries to maintain a rhythm for the melody players, rather than present an impressive sounding drum beat, which may or may not be in sync with the melody players.
At musical festivals with large sessions composed of musicians who have never played together before, "establishing" a rhythm in a noisy pub for everyone can be vital, before fading away to let the "musicians" get on with it.
I'm a bit suprised at comhaltas they encourage the top end style and not the older styles from what I see (I could be wrong) .I just think that the new trendy more fashionable style will stop young people playing the older styles . there is no doubt that some of these top end players are extremely talented and I do enjoy some of it . Im not saying one style is better than another but I'd hate to see the old style become a thing of the past......................................I do know that John Joe and Eamonn really like the old style and john joe encourages it in his lessons.
As long as it's on the beat, I think it's all good.
I think people get in trouble trying to be too cute and 'modern' if they can't do it well, and lose the basics of what a drum is for, like Mr. Bliss says, they 'may or not be in sync with the melody players'.
"Why, I'm not a bohran at all - I'm a technologically enhanced, electronically amplified modern frame drum with no real traditional precedents or established style to limit or guide it, so anything goes. Hee hee."
I am melting.
PS: "And your little saxaphone too - AHH-hahahahahahahaha!"
I think that the issue here is one of taste and musical sensitivity as opposed to the validity of one particular style. If the bench mark of good bodhran playing is sensitive accompaniment to a melody, than that is something that can and should be achieved irrespective of the technique being used. I've heard John Joe playing beautiful, simple, supportive rhythms in a session environment using a single ended style, and I've also heard some of the most gratuitous, over the top and inappropriate playing come out of proponents of the "traditional" double ended style. The technique does not define the musician.
late in the evening
I m not asking which is better ,I just think that the old styles could be a thing of the past if all the young people starting off keep opting for the newer styles .
The technique does not define the musician I agree 100% but the technique does define the style.
IMO Bodhran playing is n't all about being sensitive as it is important there are many time when drive and attack are the important ingredients.
personally i prefer the old style. simply because it compliments the tune and the player and creates a platform for the musician to control the tune rythmically and ornamentally ie: its the player that is embellishing the tune not the bodhran messing about with the rythm.
the bodhran is meant to be a rythmical base accompaniment for an individual, this is also the case with any type of accompaniment. its not a lead instrument, but i thinki the advent of the new style is an attempt to make it so which it isn't.
everyone seems to prefer the old style yet the majority are playing the new style is there anyone who is pro top end playing ,I'd love to hear thier opinions.
The lady who plays at my local session is a top end style player- rhythmic, subtle, tasteful player. You almost don't notice what she does for the overall sound, unless she does'nt play, then you notice her absence.
Great player.
I play old double-ended style but I prefer the new style. I just haven't taken the time to learn it. I've been spending all my time trying to learn the melody and harmony of every tune I can. The new style does attempt to bring the bodhran to another level as a melodic instrument. Bodhrans get a bad rap for the basic thump-i-da thump-i-da thump-i-da, ad nauseum long associated with it. Now the "living tradition" of bodhran playing is growing. And I think it's great.
But if a player doesn't know the melodies first, it doesn't matter what style is being used.
I prefer the newer top end style, I like a bit of groove as opposed to the bumpty bump of the older style. As always it is just my opinion and you all know that I like crazy tunes. But its all personal taste yeah? Anyhow- the newer style is just in fashion - I'm sure the fashion will go back to the older style evenutally. Just look at all the 70's and 80's inspired clothes on the runways these days....will we ever learn?
I prefer the old style as I play double-ended myself. I love Colm Murphy, Donal Lunny and those 70s - 80s players.
In sessions, the new style sounds like a gurgling water and I think there can be a tendency for the good solid rhythm needed in a session to get lost in the cacophony of plips and plops.
But . . . I saw Moonlighting recently and John Joe was incredible - on a different level to most players I've ever heard. Him and John Doyle played off each other perfectly and the sheer brilliance of his playing shined through. I know John Joe is a big fan of tabla player Zakir Hussain and when you hear his stuff you can recognise the influence. In groups the new style can be very effective.
Time to explore the middle way perhaps?
P.S. There is the even older style - no dynamics and an open skin that virtually nobody plays these days but was popular amongst the much older players, although Kevin Conneff still does (this is an older clip from 1982 though):
Well as far as those clips goes I much prefered the bodhran on the de dannan video.
But to be honest I though the overall de dannan sound miles ahead of the other two clips which to me came across as rather self indulgent focusing on the player rather than the music. I'm not saying that'd be a fair decription of the personalities involved, I'm sure they're all fine people. But that is how the music in the respctive clips comes across to me.
I could do without Franky's stage chat though, comes across as quite insincere.
Hi Saint,
it wasn't me if you were perhaps thinking that! Anyway hope all's going well in Cork and especially down at that Sunday afternoon sesssion when we met in Charlie's Bar. Still remember it, great session and the one's after.
Anyway, hope to see you sometime in a couple of months perhaps.
Cheers
Terry
That'd be the style that Alsan knows about but the White Witch doesn't?
Kevin sounds fine, but I've heard many other recordings of the "style from beyond the dawn of time" that completely murdered the rest of music and generally dislike it pretty intensely.
I incline to the early de dannan period being the golden age of bodhran style.
bodhrans notwithstanding - the following apply to most instruments
New
Be young enough to stand up to play (try that 30 years later)
bounce about needlessly
wear a fixed grin
Old
Use ageist descriptions (should read Previously)
sit down to play
dont bounce about - conserve energy and make it look effortless
look as if you are enjoying what you are doing, but not to extreme
stick at sessions for a decade or two to learn your art
Look - point is BB that it comes down to personal taste, and personally my taste is for the newer top end style. Not suprising as I like newer tunes and newer style bands...you know?
I don't have a problem with that Cruella. I do have with labelling old style "bumpty bump".
I can assure you that as the most energetic bodhran player in the world, I need two square yards to myself at a session, I am not playing "bumpty bump".
I love all the jazzed up sh*t, Horslips, Fairport, Clannad, Flook and all that, but someone playing a learnt rhythm at a session, say a jig rhythm, to a reel or polka or whatever, well it is not going to fit.I have seen this many times.
I like top end bongo style as well. To be honest I am so good I can combine both in the one tune.
I still think you guys are all confusing style with technique. I primarily play single ended but I have been told on numerous occaisions that I don't play single ended like a typical single ended player. It is still possible to adopt the rhythmic sensibilities of double ended players in terms of phrasing etc into the single ended style. However, single ended playing does open you up to a much wider scope of tonal possibilites which I feel are all too often not under stood and misused by inexperienced players.
Harry Bradley describes Seamus O'Kane's style as ... 'bumpty bump', or something like that.
It is bumpy bump, thats whats good about it. Its great.
Anyone with their I-pod/ cd player etc handy, listen to the barndance 'Seamus Quinns' on Harrys album 'Bad Turns and Horse Shoe Bends'. Its rumpy bumpy, and its sublime. I was listening to it on the train this morning, and it reminded me to come back to this thread.
Honestly, I'm neither here nor there when listening to bodhrán. Its grand. But I am going to start listening out for this rumpy bumpty style more. I love it. Good man Eddie.
I've played percussion in various bands for many years. I prefer to enhance the melody, not bury the thing. If they want me to solo, then it's rock the house, but while the band is playing, I'm there to add some dynamic presence to the tune. "Boots in the dryer." I like that.
The new age of the bodhran.
The new age of the bodhran.
Over the last few years bodhran playing has changed it seems to be all top end playing now and almost all young people nowadays are playing this style ,Influnced by great players like Eamonn Murrray ,John Joe Kelly etc. So does this mean that the more traditional styles of Colm Murphy and Johnny mcDonagh are going to be a thing of the past? Are there any people encouraging these styles anymore even comhaltas seems to be encouraging the top end style, judging by the clips on you tube you will find it hard to see a young bodhran player playing the olders styles these days. Other instruments my have some what of a variance in style from place to place but the difference between the these two bodhran styles is huge.I've pasted clips of the different styles below and I'd just like to know what peoples opinions are , what they prefer and why?
Old
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SahWPo3cis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SahWPo3cis
new
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDNRTYFjh5g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHg7jmCTqx0
# Posted on August 13th 2008 by Saint
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
i would agree that a change has cameover bodhran playing styles, too many young players doing all flash and not complementing the tune, just crazy single ended rythyms.. its only when it is harnessed and used in syncro as with beoga and john joe, that it works well, as in for example, the bodhran and guitar doing the same rhythm as in flook do a lot. very nice effective, many of the great players are now falling back to the old style again tho, heavier sticks, and solid beats etc, its all works well as long as its done tastefully, but i agree many young players, technically great but just not that easy on the ear.
# Posted on August 13th 2008 by S.Doherty
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
Old- tastes great
New- less filling.
# Posted on August 13th 2008 by The Merry Highlander
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I prefer Ringo's style too. Call me old fashioned. The question is whether the "new style" is happening more in sessions too, or is it just in performances like the videos?
I agree with Mr. Doherty, the flashy playing doesn't complement the music well, unless it's a specific arrangement. If the bodhrán is trying to be flashy in a session, it's often at the expense of the music.
So which style do *you* prefer, Saint?
(Oh, and BTW, I ran into an acquaintance of yours from Cork at my session recently. He spoke highly of you...)
# Posted on August 13th 2008 by Reverend
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I'm a big fan of Colm Murphy and I try to play like him as best I can,
I wonder who that was ? You could meet someone who would n't speak highly of me alot easier .Was it a fella with a banjo?
Anyway there is still hope for the traditional style .
# Posted on August 13th 2008 by Saint
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I'm not sure which style I prefer. You can definitely hear the new style at sessions here in Milwaukee. I wonder if this new style is an attempt to bring the bodhran into it's own as a respectable instrument contra anti-bodhran rhetoric through virtuosic playing?
# Posted on August 13th 2008 by jasonb
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I have commented a lot on this, and remember starting a mini riot on here by saying the "new" style is bongo playing, and that John Joe had a lot to answer for because newcomers copied his "Flook" stuff and wrecked sessions. That is not a criticism of John Joe, but is a criticism of the way a number of newcomers are taught. They are taught a number of basic rhythms, without music. Obviously many of them are not able to adapt when the music at a session changes.
As the undoubted best bodhran player in the world I can state that I still prefer the old style, where the drum tries to maintain a rhythm for the melody players, rather than present an impressive sounding drum beat, which may or may not be in sync with the melody players.
At musical festivals with large sessions composed of musicians who have never played together before, "establishing" a rhythm in a noisy pub for everyone can be vital, before fading away to let the "musicians" get on with it.
# Posted on August 13th 2008 by bodhran bliss
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
B P
Gimme simple bodhran playing that meshes with the melody well.
I can't stand the "boots in a dryer" style espoused by many of the big festival band drummers.
# Posted on August 13th 2008 by Seosamh Ui Sinan
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
Yes, just listened to Eamon Murray again, a great player, but I still prefer me.
# Posted on August 13th 2008 by bodhran bliss
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I'm a bit suprised at comhaltas they encourage the top end style and not the older styles from what I see (I could be wrong) .I just think that the new trendy more fashionable style will stop young people playing the older styles . there is no doubt that some of these top end players are extremely talented and I do enjoy some of it . Im not saying one style is better than another but I'd hate to see the old style become a thing of the past......................................I do know that John Joe and Eamonn really like the old style and john joe encourages it in his lessons.
# Posted on August 13th 2008 by Saint
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
As long as it's on the beat, I think it's all good.
I think people get in trouble trying to be too cute and 'modern' if they can't do it well, and lose the basics of what a drum is for, like Mr. Bliss says, they 'may or not be in sync with the melody players'.
# Posted on August 13th 2008 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
The funny thing with the drum is keeping it simple is n't that easy it takes alot of concentration and discipline thats the beauty of it for me .
# Posted on August 13th 2008 by Saint
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
"Are you a good bodhran, or a bad one?"
"Why, I'm not a bohran at all - I'm a technologically enhanced, electronically amplified modern frame drum with no real traditional precedents or established style to limit or guide it, so anything goes. Hee hee."
I am melting.
PS: "And your little saxaphone too - AHH-hahahahahahahaha!"
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by Piece
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I think that the issue here is one of taste and musical sensitivity as opposed to the validity of one particular style. If the bench mark of good bodhran playing is sensitive accompaniment to a melody, than that is something that can and should be achieved irrespective of the technique being used. I've heard John Joe playing beautiful, simple, supportive rhythms in a session environment using a single ended style, and I've also heard some of the most gratuitous, over the top and inappropriate playing come out of proponents of the "traditional" double ended style. The technique does not define the musician.
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by late in the evening
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I think we all know that John Joe can adjust, some of his deluded disciples cannot.
I use one end of the stick, but play old style. In my day if you had turned up at a fleadh using one end of the stick, the judges would have shot you.
As for bodhran solos, well you should be shot for that.
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by bodhran bliss
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
late in the evening
I m not asking which is better ,I just think that the old styles could be a thing of the past if all the young people starting off keep opting for the newer styles .
The technique does not define the musician I agree 100% but the technique does define the style.
IMO Bodhran playing is n't all about being sensitive as it is important there are many time when drive and attack are the important ingredients.
would you agree?
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by Saint
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
The common ground with the players in the clips is that they were all playing the tune, not just the rhythm.
They must have been spying on me.
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by mcknowall
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
alot of shooting going on back then bliss
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by Saint
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
Hi Mcknowall
I blame the tipper makers LOL
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by Saint
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
personally i prefer the old style. simply because it compliments the tune and the player and creates a platform for the musician to control the tune rythmically and ornamentally ie: its the player that is embellishing the tune not the bodhran messing about with the rythm.
the bodhran is meant to be a rythmical base accompaniment for an individual, this is also the case with any type of accompaniment. its not a lead instrument, but i thinki the advent of the new style is an attempt to make it so which it isn't.
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by tradmoosic
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
everyone seems to prefer the old style yet the majority are playing the new style is there anyone who is pro top end playing ,I'd love to hear thier opinions.
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by Saint
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
The lady who plays at my local session is a top end style player- rhythmic, subtle, tasteful player. You almost don't notice what she does for the overall sound, unless she does'nt play, then you notice her absence.
Great player.
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by Murph
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I play old double-ended style but I prefer the new style. I just haven't taken the time to learn it. I've been spending all my time trying to learn the melody and harmony of every tune I can. The new style does attempt to bring the bodhran to another level as a melodic instrument. Bodhrans get a bad rap for the basic thump-i-da thump-i-da thump-i-da, ad nauseum long associated with it. Now the "living tradition" of bodhran playing is growing. And I think it's great.
But if a player doesn't know the melodies first, it doesn't matter what style is being used.
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by Fishmonger
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I prefer the newer top end style, I like a bit of groove as opposed to the bumpty bump of the older style. As always it is just my opinion and you all know that I like crazy tunes. But its all personal taste yeah? Anyhow- the newer style is just in fashion - I'm sure the fashion will go back to the older style evenutally. Just look at all the 70's and 80's inspired clothes on the runways these days....will we ever learn?
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by bb
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I prefer the old style as I play double-ended myself. I love Colm Murphy, Donal Lunny and those 70s - 80s players.
In sessions, the new style sounds like a gurgling water and I think there can be a tendency for the good solid rhythm needed in a session to get lost in the cacophony of plips and plops.
But . . . I saw Moonlighting recently and John Joe was incredible - on a different level to most players I've ever heard. Him and John Doyle played off each other perfectly and the sheer brilliance of his playing shined through. I know John Joe is a big fan of tabla player Zakir Hussain and when you hear his stuff you can recognise the influence. In groups the new style can be very effective.
Time to explore the middle way perhaps?
P.S. There is the even older style - no dynamics and an open skin that virtually nobody plays these days but was popular amongst the much older players, although Kevin Conneff still does (this is an older clip from 1982 though):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2YCqPBPk5E&feature=related
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by Sugarfoot Jack
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
Well as far as those clips goes I much prefered the bodhran on the de dannan video.
But to be honest I though the overall de dannan sound miles ahead of the other two clips which to me came across as rather self indulgent focusing on the player rather than the music. I'm not saying that'd be a fair decription of the personalities involved, I'm sure they're all fine people. But that is how the music in the respctive clips comes across to me.
I could do without Franky's stage chat though, comes across as quite insincere.
Cheers - chris
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by ramblingpitchfork
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I love the sound of Kevins drum a sound you don't hear very often .
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by Saint
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
Hi Saint,
it wasn't me if you were perhaps thinking that! Anyway hope all's going well in Cork and especially down at that Sunday afternoon sesssion when we met in Charlie's Bar. Still remember it, great session and the one's after.
Anyway, hope to see you sometime in a couple of months perhaps.
Cheers
Terry
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by tctelboy
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
>P.S. There is the even older style ...
That'd be the style that Alsan knows about but the White Witch doesn't?
Kevin sounds fine, but I've heard many other recordings of the "style from beyond the dawn of time" that completely murdered the rest of music and generally dislike it pretty intensely.
I incline to the early de dannan period being the golden age of bodhran style.
- Chris
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by ramblingpitchfork
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I went to see The Chieftains and Kevin's bodhran was way up in the mix and dominated way too much, but that was the fault of the sound engineer.
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by Sugarfoot Jack
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
Examples of both styles in this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOMfK1TEgaQ
I know which I prefer!
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by Hugo Chavez
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
bodhrans notwithstanding - the following apply to most instruments
New
Be young enough to stand up to play (try that 30 years later)
bounce about needlessly
wear a fixed grin
Old
Use ageist descriptions (should read Previously)
sit down to play
dont bounce about - conserve energy and make it look effortless
look as if you are enjoying what you are doing, but not to extreme
stick at sessions for a decade or two to learn your art
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by geoffwright
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
And I nearly forgot
OLD
senility sets in and not understanding this interweb thingy, you paste the same Utube link twice
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by geoffwright
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
Old style does not mean Bumpty bump. It is possible to play every note of a tune if you so desire.
My problem is with poor new style players, as they are capable of inflicting more damage on sessions.
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by bodhran bliss
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I'm not sure whose stage chat is really "sincere", rambling.
But what about the string quartet behind De Dannan? They never needed those in the old days.
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by grego
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
Hugo, your YouTube submission is what I fear most. Hundreds of people learning the bodhran without MUSIC. That's why they can't listen and adjust.
A bit like learning football without a ball.
# Posted on August 14th 2008 by bodhran bliss
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
Old style new style kerry or top end? Doesn't really matter as long as it fits in, I'd have thought. Blend of both, as someone suggested?
\())
# Posted on August 15th 2008 by greenman
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
Look - point is BB that it comes down to personal taste, and personally my taste is for the newer top end style. Not suprising as I like newer tunes and newer style bands...you know?
# Posted on August 15th 2008 by bb
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I don't have a problem with that Cruella. I do have with labelling old style "bumpty bump".
I can assure you that as the most energetic bodhran player in the world, I need two square yards to myself at a session, I am not playing "bumpty bump".
I love all the jazzed up sh*t, Horslips, Fairport, Clannad, Flook and all that, but someone playing a learnt rhythm at a session, say a jig rhythm, to a reel or polka or whatever, well it is not going to fit.I have seen this many times.
I like top end bongo style as well. To be honest I am so good I can combine both in the one tune.
# Posted on August 15th 2008 by bodhran bliss
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
Hhhaaaaaa!! BB - youre nothing but insutling re new style - what the blazes are you talking about? Youre aloud to tell it like you see it but Im not??
# Posted on August 15th 2008 by bb
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
As to personal taste, a lady friend of mine saw Flook recently and was raving to me about John Joe. My answer was "He's all right".
Personal taste.
Those who do not know me may call it professional jealousy, but if you do not know me, do not judge me.
Dan the man said that. Sounds really profound.
# Posted on August 15th 2008 by bodhran bliss
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I still think you guys are all confusing style with technique. I primarily play single ended but I have been told on numerous occaisions that I don't play single ended like a typical single ended player. It is still possible to adopt the rhythmic sensibilities of double ended players in terms of phrasing etc into the single ended style. However, single ended playing does open you up to a much wider scope of tonal possibilites which I feel are all too often not under stood and misused by inexperienced players.
# Posted on August 15th 2008 by late in the evening
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
Ha...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyNnY4hDv-0&feature=related
I especially like the beginning here...
Harry Bradley describes Seamus O'Kane's style as ... 'bumpty bump', or something like that.
It is bumpy bump, thats whats good about it. Its great.
Anyone with their I-pod/ cd player etc handy, listen to the barndance 'Seamus Quinns' on Harrys album 'Bad Turns and Horse Shoe Bends'. Its rumpy bumpy, and its sublime. I was listening to it on the train this morning, and it reminded me to come back to this thread.
Honestly, I'm neither here nor there when listening to bodhrán. Its grand. But I am going to start listening out for this rumpy bumpty style more. I love it. Good man Eddie.
# Posted on August 15th 2008 by Hugo Chavez
Re: The new age of the bodhran.
I've played percussion in various bands for many years. I prefer to enhance the melody, not bury the thing. If they want me to solo, then it's rock the house, but while the band is playing, I'm there to add some dynamic presence to the tune. "Boots in the dryer." I like that.
Bb
# Posted on August 19th 2008 by baxdrum