I don't play the fiddle but I still think of it as the quintessential instrument for the reels, jigs and hornpipes which we sessioneers love so much. The following list is drawn from those whose work is part of my limited collection and omits many great players but, so that I can improve my understanding of the genre, can someone articulate the stylistic differences that make each of these players unique/important ...
Paddy Glackin: Martin Hayes: Kevin Burke: Tommy Peoples: Frankie Gavin: Cathal Hayden: Sean Maguire
and, if you think it appropriate, put them on order of merit. (I have done so but my rating will be different tomorrow!)
Oh it's Impossible to to make a list in order of merit! You like what you like and it's different from the next person. You can hear the different styles by just listening a lot!
hello I: "you like what you like" that is what I am asking. What do you like and can you say why? I know that we all have different views and these may change from day to day but I am still interested in what you think today. I listen a lot but I know full well that I am doing this with an uneducated ear. Anything that adds to my understanding would be to my benefit and that does not come by listening to the music in isolation from other persons' viewpoints. As far as really getting to grips with this music, I feel like an ancient looking at the stars.
Michael, I play the banjo because I used to prefer that instrument to any other and it is only with experience that I have come to the realisation that the fiddle is more versatile and expressive. Coming from a totally non musical background has meant that I turned into too many dead end streets and sometimes one has to be pragmatic and accept that these streets went nowhere slowly. Hence, I will never be a fiddler, flautist nor uillean piper but I just might be a reasonable banjoist. Getting on in years also means that I enjoy talking about and listening to ITM just about as much as playing it but I am a naif as to what is the essence of this music is, where it came from and how it fits into the world musical order.
ok point taken... Why not try James Kelly. Beautiful playing.... flowing but crisp... full of joy. Sorry if this analysis isn't what you're looking for, but for me it is all in the listening. Have confidence in your ears!
Hello Cojo : here is my analysis of these fiddle players based on recordings I have heard. No doubt there are many who will disagree, but here's my opinion anyway:
Paddy Glackin - solid but smooth bowing, common types of finger / bow ornamentation. Style not really unique, but would be hard to fault his playing. If someone had never heard Irish fiddle before, I would recommend him.
Martin Hayes - smooth bowing, tunes often slower tempo than you would expect. He can play up-tempo well, but leans towards the listener rather than the dancer. I suppose there's a touch of uniqueness in that alone.
Kevin Burke - deceptive player in some ways. An odd but pleasant style of bowing, with a "lilt" to the music - uses subtle changes of bow pressure during a bow stroke to give dynamics and lift - not easy to emulate. He can play reels at quite quick tempo, but still has that "unhurried" feel. Sometimes you only realise how quickly he plays when you try to play along with the tune!
Tommy Peoples - VERY articulate and lyrical in his melody. Has an odd kind of bowed triplet - very short strokes, just a "ch-ch-ch" sometimes, rather than sounding the triplet notes loud and clear like most do. All in all, very pleasing to the ear and hard to fault (aside from the triplets)!
Frankie Gavin - aggressive playing, chunky bowing (not afraid to "dig in" to the strings) - technically well advanced (listen to his synchronised finger / bow triplets, often in unexpected places). Fast, accurate, steady playing, although he does seems to have "one tone" all the time. An exiting player, but not to everyone's taste.
Cathal Hayden - fast, stirring, heavy duty bowing, powerful tone, good "shuffle bowing", similar to the bluegrass players sometimes - quite a "progressive" improviser - an all-round good sound and great to listen to. Hard to fault this man's playing.
Sean Maguire - excellent playing, spanning many years and loads of recordings. Technically very good, and his playing has inspired many a fiddle player through the decades. His playing of some of the Scottish Scott Skinner tunes is beautiful. On the down side, his classical training seems to have tempted him to overuse vibrato and all manner of bowings, which sometimes are in truly bad taste and not very well done. His intonation in the higher positions in some of the slow airs is quite poor. Fortunately these bad points are in the minority if you consider the quality of his recorded output in its entirety. All in all, a very good (and quite unique!) player.
Hard to put them in order of merit, but on a technical level (ie a good violinist's slant here), I would group Frankie Gavin, Cathal Hayden and Sean Maguire, equally good in their own way. On a lyrical (or simply pleasant to listen to), it would be Paddy Glackin, Martin Hayes, Kevin Burke and Tommy Peoples, again equally good in their own way.
One last point - remember that being a very good fiddle player does not mean you have to be famous - Ireland as you probaby know, is peppered all over with excellent fiddle players. I have heard some truly amazing music from some players, even when they are using the most trashy fiddles and bows.
Cojo, why not learn the fiddle? Age is no barrier, especially if you're already playing the banjo (I started on the fiddle late, after playing another instrument). For starters, you'll have a good head start on many beginners because your left hand technique will already be considerably developed - the muscular control and coordination. Bowing of course is a completely different issue, but get a good teacher and read all the thousands of words of advice on the topic you'll find on this site (thanks, Will Harmon!), and there will be progress. And you already know lots of tunes and how they should be played.
Trevor
Don't forget, besides personal style, there's the regional as well. I have been listening to Kevin Crehan (West Clare style) not quite as fast and lots of gorgeous slow airs--lots of sliding up into notes--in the faster tunes, too. Also listening to Brian Conway--seems smooth as glass to me--beautiful. Also listening to a Cd with a lot of Tommy Peoples tracks on it (Donegal style) so very energetic. And I love the triplets. I just assumed they sounded so "ch-ch-ch" because he was playing so fast. I love it all.
Hello Cojo! If you think you have an 'uneducated ear', my suggestion is just to listen to as much fiddle music as you can - by everyone - not just the big names - on CD, and live as well.
There really are so many amazing fiddlers out there. You'll soon get a feel for the different styles and merits, and how totally different one player can be from another, especially when you hear the contrasts in variations, speed, phrasing, use of the bow, combinations of ornaments, lyricism, 'dance-ability', favourite intervals between notes, general inventiveness, general 'truthfulness' (well, I suppose that means whether all the various ingredients sound right together), general choice of tunes, everything...
I try and listen to 'old timers', American Irish, London Irish, players from different parts of Ireland, young/old players... They've all got something special to offer, even though you mightn't like it all. Altogether, it's a wonderful journey to be embarked on!
Oh, and one other thing, I think there are lots of nice ideas to be picked up from players of other instruments too, that you can take into your own fiddle style. I'm trying to learn a thing or two from Tony McMahon (accordion) at the moment.
Oops - I think I've just said in about 150 words what "I have chickens" (Jenny??) said in 2 lines!! Have a great time listening!!
Jim Dorans descriptions are pretty good, but I'm not so sure Martin Hayes has a smooth bowing technique. If you listen to his jig playing especially, he tends to bow every note. Not very attractive.
And Trevor's right (as ever). Cojo, you have two very important things going for you when it comes to picking up the fiddle. Your left hand head start and your obvious passion for it. These should easily out way any preconceptions about it being "too late"
hello from texas ( austin is unique ! lots of celtic fiddlers ). a famous western swing fiddler said if he had an enemy he would give him a fiddle and 3 lessons....thank you all so much for the many unique tunes i have printed out since signing up...i will learn how to post some tunes and look forward to the future..my technique with my bow is not celtic, certainly...no triplet accents..but i love jugs...sorry, make that jigs, in different modes, and minor keys, especially..my first influence was kenny baker, bill monroe's fiddler of many years and stephane grappelly who is our son's namesake and 'godfather'..at least until his passing..more later...best regards, david f. montgomery in austin..
*Is* there some kind of bowing technique that could be called "celtic"? LOL -- watch out, David F. Montgomery. Using the "C" Word around here can get you burned pretty quickly if you're not careful. ;)
Cojo, I agree with the others. If you like the fiddle's sound, then go get a fiddle and try it. Lots of players play more than one instrument, often playing more than three. Why shouldn't you be one of them?
Well, I just have to put in a plug for James Byrne, an absolutely great Donegal fiddler. I've been a fan of his for a long time -- he's my favorite fiddler -- and had a chance to play with him in a couple of sessions last summer in Glencolumbille. He is a very masterful player, produces the best tone of any fiddler I can think of, and is also an incredibly nice man. His playing is typical of Donegal fiddling in some ways (not much slurring of notes or rolling) but at the same time very distinctive.
For Clare style fiddling, I would also recommend listening to Vince Griffin. I first met him a few years ago at the Lark in the Morning camp, and to quote a friend of mine, "nobody plays like Vince." He was once a member of the Tulla Ceili Band along with P.J. Hayes.
As for single bowing not being "attractive," that's really a matter of personal taste. I happen to like the sound of it, and I do it a lot in my own playing.
Good suggestion from Trevor, Cojo why not learn to play? That would be the best insight of all... lots of fun to be had too.... Andee's right, it's never too late but you do need patience!
Go for it! after 30 years of guitar and mando playing, picking up the fiddle was the best thing I have ever done. I am listening to players in a way that I never really have before and can't wait to pick it up every day. At 46, I may not have time to reach the level i would love to but I'm gonna have a ball trying. I love that feeling when the tune starts to play itself on you!
Andy McGann is my favourite - his playing really rocks! And I believe he still ( he must be over 70 now) lives and plays in New York. For me, his version of "The Lads of Laoise" on the CD he did with Joe Burke (and Felix Dolan on the piano) years ago is just brilliant.
Further to Jim's comment about Sean Maguire's intonation, you're a brave man to say it, Jim, but I wholeheartedly agree. Not that that should take away from the fact that he is extraordinary technically in all other ways, and still does a great live performance with a huge amount of drive, despite coming back from serious illness.
The excitement too much after reading the original
postings, I forgot to ask can we include a few dead
ones as well?
If so I want to put 'Old Rosin The Bow' on the very
top of the list because he got his pictur in several
waffelogs about Irishmusic and all of them were
penned by people with unpronouncable triple
barreled names. Mention of which causes me to
wonder if any of these are Oirish or perhaps they
are afraid of being caught with and English name?
If so they shouldn't worry Coleman, Peoples, Bell,
Cooley for a start are all of them Anglo, did I mention
Russel ... lol
Oh well
Gavin is clean but really boring, some you left
out - ie still breathing - Mc Gann and Vesey both
v popular in the ould sod - are both yanks and play
predictable regurgitated Coleman licks at half his
chosen variable speed - which not that I think of it
caused the poor eejit on piano to get lost many a
time on the recordings.
Of the rest the most listenable today would be
Mr Glackin of the rest I have no idea since I have
not had the honor; but I would recommend one of the
Munster fidders you left out, Mr Matt Cranich who I
often think is very good.
The best of the dead would be Mr J Morrison OC since
he played rings around the other dead one who was
far more creative but tempo crazy.
Wow Sorefingers, sound like you've got something else that's sore besides the fingers
BTW If you mean John Vesey, he's passed on to greener pastures. I can't agree that 'Aul' Stumpy's' music is boring, in fact he's one of the few guys who really makes music a joy to listen to these days. Another knockout is John Carty - very exciting music.
it's the texan, back again, what is 'criac' ? crack ? wouldn't know if that's what it means..the first reply to my initial greeting went right over my head, i'm afraid...i'm loving these jigs..the modal, minor, ones...very emotive...sometime could i send one of you a cassette of my playing a few tunes..for a critique..be well, david in austin...
The "crack" (in the case of the English spelling, which, in all actuality came first before the Gaelic) or the "craic" (in the case of the Gaelic, which is pronounced more or less the exact same way) simply means more or less "the fun", meaning the talking and laughing and joking and slagging that one tends to do around one's friends.
thanks one and all for lots of interesting info, encouragement, wit and wisdom, and on the alliterative front, what has happened to Will?
Just one or two comments: a friend who is a modest fiddler learning the craft had a session with James Byrne over in Donegal and described him as not only an amazing fiddler but also as a true gentleman.
I find Paddy Glackin's G string playing the most exciting fiddle sound especially when I heard him play live last year. Kevin Burke's intricacy mesmerises me and, again, best listened to live. Martin Hayes seems to have this as well as being able to string tunes together like no-one else. I have not been at a concert though I once saw Martin 'live' on TV before he became such a monumental figure in ITM. I have seen Cathal Hayden quite a few times and his energy amazes me. I saw Frankie Gavin play with.....M Grappelli! What can one say about the latter...not my thing but what clarity and he was fiddling from a wheelchair. You are all correct: there is no age barrier to learning a musical instrument. It may take you a longer time and it's only time that is in short supply. I will be joining Sean Maguire in a session soon and, again, whatever you may think of his interpretation, you cannot fault his indomitable spirit! A final comment on my original list would be reserved for Tommy: a modest man and a willing teacher who more than the others makes the music quite unique.
Will is probably lying down somewhere in a dark room with a cool washcloth on his head, trying to recover from the descent of Paddy's Angels on his home
Sorry to be so blunt, but if I can't do that here
then were can I do it?
Hugeanything is a reason to lighten up, though many
a day I made that mistake and got whupped by a
danged midget - but still.
So yup I would like to hear a few Minor tunes, but on
the OT Clawhammer Banjo, that would be a treat worth
waiting for.
Still.
cjo's dedication and knowledge is humbling since
I would not pay a penny to see any of these
gentelmen, and collecting etc since the 50's I have
developed a nose for good cooking and where it
may be...
Try Belfast Norn Ireland for some change says he!
One fiddler currently dear to my heart - no mention
of him these days the poor ould bag making great
fertilizer for May's cows somewhere around Quilty
Co Clare Oirelaind - the remarkable and lazybowing
mr Junior Crehan humself who composed a whole cart load
of tunes. The family were suposed to publish the
whole thing a few years ago, but like Willie Clancy's
stuff, no more was heard of it, nor is there
any hope either- the Seamus's and Sean's getting into
bed with Granny to see how much they might squeze
from royalties. Tinkers? ...naw just Englismen in
disguise.
Since the missus boiled the ould dog for supper
we have to patrol the electrifiedbarbedwire garden
fence so I must do me rounds... I would not want
to be sued by a Tomato thief for food poisoning after
this years fertilizer comming out of them poor
little animals!
Later I can tell ye about the day she got drunk
and mistook a bagpipe for a Turkey and
boiled it .....
Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened
Don't open the door to the study and begin reading
Take down a musical instrument
Let the beauty we love be what we do
There are hundeds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground
fiddlers
fiddlers
I don't play the fiddle but I still think of it as the quintessential instrument for the reels, jigs and hornpipes which we sessioneers love so much. The following list is drawn from those whose work is part of my limited collection and omits many great players but, so that I can improve my understanding of the genre, can someone articulate the stylistic differences that make each of these players unique/important ...
Paddy Glackin: Martin Hayes: Kevin Burke: Tommy Peoples: Frankie Gavin: Cathal Hayden: Sean Maguire
and, if you think it appropriate, put them on order of merit. (I have done so but my rating will be different tomorrow!)
# Posted on August 7th 2003 by r&c
Re: fiddlers
If you like fiddles so much, why do you play the banjo?
# Posted on August 7th 2003 by llig leahcim
Re: fiddlers
Oh it's Impossible to to make a list in order of merit! You like what you like and it's different from the next person. You can hear the different styles by just listening a lot!
# Posted on August 7th 2003 by I have chickens
Re: fiddlers
hello I: "you like what you like" that is what I am asking. What do you like and can you say why? I know that we all have different views and these may change from day to day but I am still interested in what you think today. I listen a lot but I know full well that I am doing this with an uneducated ear. Anything that adds to my understanding would be to my benefit and that does not come by listening to the music in isolation from other persons' viewpoints. As far as really getting to grips with this music, I feel like an ancient looking at the stars.
Michael, I play the banjo because I used to prefer that instrument to any other and it is only with experience that I have come to the realisation that the fiddle is more versatile and expressive. Coming from a totally non musical background has meant that I turned into too many dead end streets and sometimes one has to be pragmatic and accept that these streets went nowhere slowly. Hence, I will never be a fiddler, flautist nor uillean piper but I just might be a reasonable banjoist. Getting on in years also means that I enjoy talking about and listening to ITM just about as much as playing it but I am a naif as to what is the essence of this music is, where it came from and how it fits into the world musical order.
# Posted on August 8th 2003 by r&c
Re: fiddlers
ok point taken... Why not try James Kelly. Beautiful playing.... flowing but crisp... full of joy. Sorry if this analysis isn't what you're looking for, but for me it is all in the listening. Have confidence in your ears!
# Posted on August 8th 2003 by I have chickens
Re: fiddlers
Hello Cojo : here is my analysis of these fiddle players based on recordings I have heard. No doubt there are many who will disagree, but here's my opinion anyway:
Paddy Glackin - solid but smooth bowing, common types of finger / bow ornamentation. Style not really unique, but would be hard to fault his playing. If someone had never heard Irish fiddle before, I would recommend him.
Martin Hayes - smooth bowing, tunes often slower tempo than you would expect. He can play up-tempo well, but leans towards the listener rather than the dancer. I suppose there's a touch of uniqueness in that alone.
Kevin Burke - deceptive player in some ways. An odd but pleasant style of bowing, with a "lilt" to the music - uses subtle changes of bow pressure during a bow stroke to give dynamics and lift - not easy to emulate. He can play reels at quite quick tempo, but still has that "unhurried" feel. Sometimes you only realise how quickly he plays when you try to play along with the tune!
Tommy Peoples - VERY articulate and lyrical in his melody. Has an odd kind of bowed triplet - very short strokes, just a "ch-ch-ch" sometimes, rather than sounding the triplet notes loud and clear like most do. All in all, very pleasing to the ear and hard to fault (aside from the triplets)!
Frankie Gavin - aggressive playing, chunky bowing (not afraid to "dig in" to the strings) - technically well advanced (listen to his synchronised finger / bow triplets, often in unexpected places). Fast, accurate, steady playing, although he does seems to have "one tone" all the time. An exiting player, but not to everyone's taste.
Cathal Hayden - fast, stirring, heavy duty bowing, powerful tone, good "shuffle bowing", similar to the bluegrass players sometimes - quite a "progressive" improviser - an all-round good sound and great to listen to. Hard to fault this man's playing.
Sean Maguire - excellent playing, spanning many years and loads of recordings. Technically very good, and his playing has inspired many a fiddle player through the decades. His playing of some of the Scottish Scott Skinner tunes is beautiful. On the down side, his classical training seems to have tempted him to overuse vibrato and all manner of bowings, which sometimes are in truly bad taste and not very well done. His intonation in the higher positions in some of the slow airs is quite poor. Fortunately these bad points are in the minority if you consider the quality of his recorded output in its entirety. All in all, a very good (and quite unique!) player.
Hard to put them in order of merit, but on a technical level (ie a good violinist's slant here), I would group Frankie Gavin, Cathal Hayden and Sean Maguire, equally good in their own way. On a lyrical (or simply pleasant to listen to), it would be Paddy Glackin, Martin Hayes, Kevin Burke and Tommy Peoples, again equally good in their own way.
One last point - remember that being a very good fiddle player does not mean you have to be famous - Ireland as you probaby know, is peppered all over with excellent fiddle players. I have heard some truly amazing music from some players, even when they are using the most trashy fiddles and bows.
Regards
Jim Dorans
# Posted on August 8th 2003 by Worldfiddler
Re: fiddlers
Cojo, why not learn the fiddle? Age is no barrier, especially if you're already playing the banjo (I started on the fiddle late, after playing another instrument). For starters, you'll have a good head start on many beginners because your left hand technique will already be considerably developed - the muscular control and coordination. Bowing of course is a completely different issue, but get a good teacher and read all the thousands of words of advice on the topic you'll find on this site (thanks, Will Harmon!), and there will be progress. And you already know lots of tunes and how they should be played.
Trevor
# Posted on August 8th 2003 by Trevor Jennings
Re: fiddlers
Give Tommy Potts a listen, also John Doherty and Paddy Canny. Between these three you here very different styles and great playing from all.
# Posted on August 8th 2003 by geb
Re: fiddlers
Don't forget, besides personal style, there's the regional as well. I have been listening to Kevin Crehan (West Clare style) not quite as fast and lots of gorgeous slow airs--lots of sliding up into notes--in the faster tunes, too. Also listening to Brian Conway--seems smooth as glass to me--beautiful. Also listening to a Cd with a lot of Tommy Peoples tracks on it (Donegal style) so very energetic. And I love the triplets. I just assumed they sounded so "ch-ch-ch" because he was playing so fast. I love it all.
# Posted on August 8th 2003 by Andee
Re: fiddlers
By the way--I have chickens; is your real name Jenny by any chance? Sorry, I couldn't resist that one
!!
# Posted on August 8th 2003 by Andee
Re: fiddlers
Hello Cojo! If you think you have an 'uneducated ear', my suggestion is just to listen to as much fiddle music as you can - by everyone - not just the big names - on CD, and live as well.
There really are so many amazing fiddlers out there. You'll soon get a feel for the different styles and merits, and how totally different one player can be from another, especially when you hear the contrasts in variations, speed, phrasing, use of the bow, combinations of ornaments, lyricism, 'dance-ability', favourite intervals between notes, general inventiveness, general 'truthfulness' (well, I suppose that means whether all the various ingredients sound right together), general choice of tunes, everything...
I try and listen to 'old timers', American Irish, London Irish, players from different parts of Ireland, young/old players... They've all got something special to offer, even though you mightn't like it all. Altogether, it's a wonderful journey to be embarked on!
Oh, and one other thing, I think there are lots of nice ideas to be picked up from players of other instruments too, that you can take into your own fiddle style. I'm trying to learn a thing or two from Tony McMahon (accordion) at the moment.
Oops - I think I've just said in about 150 words what "I have chickens" (Jenny??) said in 2 lines!! Have a great time listening!!
# Posted on August 8th 2003 by Greenrush
Re: fiddlers
Jim Dorans descriptions are pretty good, but I'm not so sure Martin Hayes has a smooth bowing technique. If you listen to his jig playing especially, he tends to bow every note. Not very attractive.
And Trevor's right (as ever). Cojo, you have two very important things going for you when it comes to picking up the fiddle. Your left hand head start and your obvious passion for it. These should easily out way any preconceptions about it being "too late"
# Posted on August 10th 2003 by llig leahcim
Re: fiddlers
I am really really mad ... I posted a reply and the
computer ate it!
# Posted on August 11th 2003 by sorefingers
Re: fiddlers
hello from texas ( austin is unique ! lots of celtic fiddlers ). a famous western swing fiddler said if he had an enemy he would give him a fiddle and 3 lessons....thank you all so much for the many unique tunes i have printed out since signing up...i will learn how to post some tunes and look forward to the future..my technique with my bow is not celtic, certainly...no triplet accents..but i love jugs...sorry, make that jigs, in different modes, and minor keys, especially..my first influence was kenny baker, bill monroe's fiddler of many years and stephane grappelly who is our son's namesake and 'godfather'..at least until his passing..more later...best regards, david f. montgomery in austin..
# Posted on August 11th 2003 by hugedave
Re: fiddlers
*Is* there some kind of bowing technique that could be called "celtic"? LOL -- watch out, David F. Montgomery. Using the "C" Word around here can get you burned pretty quickly if you're not careful. ;)
Cojo, I agree with the others. If you like the fiddle's sound, then go get a fiddle and try it. Lots of players play more than one instrument, often playing more than three. Why shouldn't you be one of them?
Zina
# Posted on August 11th 2003 by Zina Lee
Re: fiddlers
Helloo austin, last time I checked all the celtics
were gone to san antonio, but it has been a while.
Hows it goin man? Any craic there?
Did you hear the one about the last Englishman in Wallyhood
Los Engles Californincatio?
He choked on his breakfast eating a muffin... haw
haw haw haw.
Boy Bob Hope was some fish, never missed a barmitzva
haw haw haw
And he really knew how to suck it too,,, ifn you know
what I mean... haw haw haw
# Posted on August 11th 2003 by sorefingers
Re: fiddlers
Well, I just have to put in a plug for James Byrne, an absolutely great Donegal fiddler. I've been a fan of his for a long time -- he's my favorite fiddler -- and had a chance to play with him in a couple of sessions last summer in Glencolumbille. He is a very masterful player, produces the best tone of any fiddler I can think of, and is also an incredibly nice man. His playing is typical of Donegal fiddling in some ways (not much slurring of notes or rolling) but at the same time very distinctive.
For Clare style fiddling, I would also recommend listening to Vince Griffin. I first met him a few years ago at the Lark in the Morning camp, and to quote a friend of mine, "nobody plays like Vince." He was once a member of the Tulla Ceili Band along with P.J. Hayes.
As for single bowing not being "attractive," that's really a matter of personal taste. I happen to like the sound of it, and I do it a lot in my own playing.
Aimee
# Posted on August 11th 2003 by print o' the wave
Re: fiddlers
It is *never* too late to start learning something new, cojo; If I can do it, you can, too!
# Posted on August 11th 2003 by Andee
Re: fiddlers
Good suggestion from Trevor, Cojo why not learn to play? That would be the best insight of all... lots of fun to be had too.... Andee's right, it's never too late but you do need patience!
# Posted on August 11th 2003 by I have chickens
Re: fiddlers
Go for it! after 30 years of guitar and mando playing, picking up the fiddle was the best thing I have ever done. I am listening to players in a way that I never really have before and can't wait to pick it up every day. At 46, I may not have time to reach the level i would love to but I'm gonna have a ball trying. I love that feeling when the tune starts to play itself on you!
# Posted on August 11th 2003 by geoffmc
Re: fiddlers
Andy McGann is my favourite - his playing really rocks! And I believe he still ( he must be over 70 now) lives and plays in New York. For me, his version of "The Lads of Laoise" on the CD he did with Joe Burke (and Felix Dolan on the piano) years ago is just brilliant.
Further to Jim's comment about Sean Maguire's intonation, you're a brave man to say it, Jim, but I wholeheartedly agree. Not that that should take away from the fact that he is extraordinary technically in all other ways, and still does a great live performance with a huge amount of drive, despite coming back from serious illness.
# Posted on August 12th 2003 by LW
Re: fiddlers
Michael - re your comments about Martin Hays' jig bowing - yes, this is evident in the more recent albums.
Jim
# Posted on August 13th 2003 by Worldfiddler
Re: fiddlers
The excitement too much after reading the original
postings, I forgot to ask can we include a few dead
ones as well?
If so I want to put 'Old Rosin The Bow' on the very
top of the list because he got his pictur in several
waffelogs about Irishmusic and all of them were
penned by people with unpronouncable triple
barreled names. Mention of which causes me to
wonder if any of these are Oirish or perhaps they
are afraid of being caught with and English name?
If so they shouldn't worry Coleman, Peoples, Bell,
Cooley for a start are all of them Anglo, did I mention
Russel ... lol
Oh well
Gavin is clean but really boring, some you left
out - ie still breathing - Mc Gann and Vesey both
v popular in the ould sod - are both yanks and play
predictable regurgitated Coleman licks at half his
chosen variable speed - which not that I think of it
caused the poor eejit on piano to get lost many a
time on the recordings.
Of the rest the most listenable today would be
Mr Glackin of the rest I have no idea since I have
not had the honor; but I would recommend one of the
Munster fidders you left out, Mr Matt Cranich who I
often think is very good.
The best of the dead would be Mr J Morrison OC since
he played rings around the other dead one who was
far more creative but tempo crazy.
# Posted on August 14th 2003 by sorefingers
Re: fiddlers
Wow Sorefingers, sound like you've got something else that's sore besides the fingers
BTW If you mean John Vesey, he's passed on to greener pastures. I can't agree that 'Aul' Stumpy's' music is boring, in fact he's one of the few guys who really makes music a joy to listen to these days. Another knockout is John Carty - very exciting music.
# Posted on August 14th 2003 by Mad Baloney
Re: fiddlers
it's the texan, back again, what is 'criac' ? crack ? wouldn't know if that's what it means..the first reply to my initial greeting went right over my head, i'm afraid...i'm loving these jigs..the modal, minor, ones...very emotive...sometime could i send one of you a cassette of my playing a few tunes..for a critique..be well, david in austin...
# Posted on August 14th 2003 by hugedave
Re: fiddlers
The "crack" (in the case of the English spelling, which, in all actuality came first before the Gaelic) or the "craic" (in the case of the Gaelic, which is pronounced more or less the exact same way) simply means more or less "the fun", meaning the talking and laughing and joking and slagging that one tends to do around one's friends.
# Posted on August 14th 2003 by Zina Lee
Re: fiddlers
thanks one and all for lots of interesting info, encouragement, wit and wisdom, and on the alliterative front, what has happened to Will?
Just one or two comments: a friend who is a modest fiddler learning the craft had a session with James Byrne over in Donegal and described him as not only an amazing fiddler but also as a true gentleman.
I find Paddy Glackin's G string playing the most exciting fiddle sound especially when I heard him play live last year. Kevin Burke's intricacy mesmerises me and, again, best listened to live. Martin Hayes seems to have this as well as being able to string tunes together like no-one else. I have not been at a concert though I once saw Martin 'live' on TV before he became such a monumental figure in ITM. I have seen Cathal Hayden quite a few times and his energy amazes me. I saw Frankie Gavin play with.....M Grappelli! What can one say about the latter...not my thing but what clarity and he was fiddling from a wheelchair. You are all correct: there is no age barrier to learning a musical instrument. It may take you a longer time and it's only time that is in short supply. I will be joining Sean Maguire in a session soon and, again, whatever you may think of his interpretation, you cannot fault his indomitable spirit! A final comment on my original list would be reserved for Tommy: a modest man and a willing teacher who more than the others makes the music quite unique.
# Posted on August 14th 2003 by r&c
Re: fiddlers
and don't forget Joe Ryan!
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by biggus dave
Re: fiddlers
Will is probably lying down somewhere in a dark room with a cool washcloth on his head, trying to recover from the descent of Paddy's Angels on his home
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by soft black stars
Re: fiddlers
*Actually*, he's off visiting relatives. :p Heh.
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by Zina Lee
Re: fiddlers
Gosh isn't it quiet round here when he's absent?
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by Dr. Dow
Re: fiddlers
Sorry to be so blunt, but if I can't do that here
then were can I do it?
Hugeanything is a reason to lighten up, though many
a day I made that mistake and got whupped by a
danged midget - but still.
So yup I would like to hear a few Minor tunes, but on
the OT Clawhammer Banjo, that would be a treat worth
waiting for.
Still.
cjo's dedication and knowledge is humbling since
I would not pay a penny to see any of these
gentelmen, and collecting etc since the 50's I have
developed a nose for good cooking and where it
may be...
Try Belfast Norn Ireland for some change says he!
One fiddler currently dear to my heart - no mention
of him these days the poor ould bag making great
fertilizer for May's cows somewhere around Quilty
Co Clare Oirelaind - the remarkable and lazybowing
mr Junior Crehan humself who composed a whole cart load
of tunes. The family were suposed to publish the
whole thing a few years ago, but like Willie Clancy's
stuff, no more was heard of it, nor is there
any hope either- the Seamus's and Sean's getting into
bed with Granny to see how much they might squeze
from royalties. Tinkers? ...naw just Englismen in
disguise.
Since the missus boiled the ould dog for supper
we have to patrol the electrifiedbarbedwire garden
fence so I must do me rounds... I would not want
to be sued by a Tomato thief for food poisoning after
this years fertilizer comming out of them poor
little animals!
Later I can tell ye about the day she got drunk
and mistook a bagpipe for a Turkey and
boiled it .....
# Posted on August 15th 2003 by sorefingers
Re: fiddlers
Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened
Don't open the door to the study and begin reading
Take down a musical instrument
Let the beauty we love be what we do
There are hundeds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground
Jalai ud-Din Rumi, Sufi mystic
# Posted on August 17th 2003 by I'm getting married
Re: fiddlers
que?
# Posted on August 18th 2003 by Ottery
Re: fiddlers
Was Rumi Turkish? Maybe there's a connection there--"mistook a bagpipe for a Turkey..." :-\
# Posted on August 18th 2003 by Andee