I recently purchased Charlie Lennons Irish Fiddle Techniques video. I have been asked (by Zina) to give you my impressions. Here goes.
The video is not a beginner's video. Although Mr. Lennon starts off with showing how to hold the fiddle and bow, he immediately jumps into treble bowing, rolls, cuts and double rolls. There is no transcription that comes with the video. I think that Mr. Lennon assumes you know the songs. Two were familiar to me, Harvest Home and Bonnie Kate. Nevertheless, I really like this video. Mr. Lennon is an affable gentleman, and the camera shots of his fingerings when he is demonstrating the ornament are good. He plays four tunes on the video. He first plays it solo, which is great if you want to play along with him. Then he cuts away to a "session" where he plays the tune again with Steve Cooney on t guitar, Tommy Hayes on Bodhran, Gerry O'Conner on banjo and Cormac Breathnach on whistle. In my opinion, these performances alone make the video worth buying.
There is also a section of the video where Mr. Lennon addresses questions he is normally asked, including the differences in regional styles. He demonstrates each of the styles. So, I think it is worth the price.
As an aside, I also purchased Fifty Fiddle Solos by Sean Keane of the Chieftains. All fifty songs are transcribed as played, all are contained on the accompanying CD. I think that Mr. Keane is a great player. Everyone recommends listening to great players, so this is a very good place to start. The recordings are clear and well produced, and really gives you something to aspire to.
I've never liked Sean Keane, he makes the music sound like he's sitting an exam.
Zoom in to the wee guy in the Chieftans, the one with the baldy dome (can't remember his name). He's loads better
I have this Video as well, it's really supposed to be a supliment to "Musical Memories" which is a Book/CD set. BTW when he calls that tune the "Harvest Home" he really plays a tune called "The Cliffs", which has a different A-Part & a similar B-Part. I posted it to this site a while ago. Even though he goes over rolls he only covers short rolls, no long rolls - but he breaks down all the other ornaments in a way that most beginers can benifit from.
Yes, the start of that video would make you weep. Have the Fifty Fiddle Solos too. Also agree about the sitting for an exam bit. Technique at the expense of feeling. I know what I would prefer (without taking anything away from him).
I believe the wee guy is Martin Fay. As for Sean Keane, I think there is a lot to be said for crisp, clear notes, and I find his playing expressive. DIfferent strokes fo different folks and all that.......
Charlie Lennon Video
Charlie Lennon Video
I recently purchased Charlie Lennons Irish Fiddle Techniques video. I have been asked (by Zina) to give you my impressions. Here goes.
The video is not a beginner's video. Although Mr. Lennon starts off with showing how to hold the fiddle and bow, he immediately jumps into treble bowing, rolls, cuts and double rolls. There is no transcription that comes with the video. I think that Mr. Lennon assumes you know the songs. Two were familiar to me, Harvest Home and Bonnie Kate. Nevertheless, I really like this video. Mr. Lennon is an affable gentleman, and the camera shots of his fingerings when he is demonstrating the ornament are good. He plays four tunes on the video. He first plays it solo, which is great if you want to play along with him. Then he cuts away to a "session" where he plays the tune again with Steve Cooney on t guitar, Tommy Hayes on Bodhran, Gerry O'Conner on banjo and Cormac Breathnach on whistle. In my opinion, these performances alone make the video worth buying.
There is also a section of the video where Mr. Lennon addresses questions he is normally asked, including the differences in regional styles. He demonstrates each of the styles. So, I think it is worth the price.
As an aside, I also purchased Fifty Fiddle Solos by Sean Keane of the Chieftains. All fifty songs are transcribed as played, all are contained on the accompanying CD. I think that Mr. Keane is a great player. Everyone recommends listening to great players, so this is a very good place to start. The recordings are clear and well produced, and really gives you something to aspire to.
Sorry if this is too long.
# Posted on August 20th 2002 by pearse
Re: Charlie Lennon Video
I've never liked Sean Keane, he makes the music sound like he's sitting an exam.
Zoom in to the wee guy in the Chieftans, the one with the baldy dome (can't remember his name). He's loads better
# Posted on August 20th 2002 by ...
Re: Charlie Lennon Video
I have this Video as well, it's really supposed to be a supliment to "Musical Memories" which is a Book/CD set. BTW when he calls that tune the "Harvest Home" he really plays a tune called "The Cliffs", which has a different A-Part & a similar B-Part. I posted it to this site a while ago. Even though he goes over rolls he only covers short rolls, no long rolls - but he breaks down all the other ornaments in a way that most beginers can benifit from.
# Posted on August 20th 2002 by B Rad
Re: Charlie Lennon Video
Yes, the start of that video would make you weep. Have the Fifty Fiddle Solos too. Also agree about the sitting for an exam bit. Technique at the expense of feeling. I know what I would prefer (without taking anything away from him).
# Posted on August 20th 2002 by Jill
Re: Charlie Lennon Video
The other fiddle player for the Chieftains is Martin Fay. He has a wonderful, smooth style. I wish he'd come out with a cd.
# Posted on August 21st 2002 by SPeak
Re: Charlie Lennon Video
I believe the wee guy is Martin Fay. As for Sean Keane, I think there is a lot to be said for crisp, clear notes, and I find his playing expressive. DIfferent strokes fo different folks and all that.......
# Posted on August 21st 2002 by pearse