I have just transcribed two sets of reels that the great trad guitarist Paul Brady recorded in the 1970s. Since the charts are in guitar tablature I cannot post them here. However, if anyone is interested in viewing them, I have posted them on my myspace page (I don't have any other easy options at this point):
It took me months to try and learn the Fred Finn reel off Paul Brady recording but it is indeed great stuff. Speaking of which I have been listening to one of your CD's in my car and I reckon there's some great arrangements as well as obviously great playing. Don't know how come your name hasn't come up more on the various sites I frequent. Great to see you partaking here.
I’ve been meaning to post a possibly controversial review of the Molloy, Peoples & Brady recording I came across, just to see what people here thought of it. I’ll try to post it soon, in the “Recordings” section, but seeing as the subject’s been brought up in this discussion, here’s what is said about Paul Brady’s playing of the 2 reels. My own opinion is that Brady’s playing on this track is the best playing of Irish traditional reels on guitar yet recorded, certainly for flat-picking. Just my opinion, mind you, and if there is better out there, I’d love to hear it.
Here’s the quote : “Paul Brady plays two reels solo. One is not distracted by an accompaniment. The evident musicianship notwithstanding, the guitar is not suitable for playing Irish dance music, any more than harpsichord, piano, piano-accordion.”
Anyone care to guess who wrote that ?
Well Kenny I guess if the context was that the guitar would be no use playing for dancers unless it was amplified then I'd have to agree with the author. Outside of that, the Donal Clancy CD of Guitar music - both his own and the compilation one, are testament to the fact that this music works well enough on the guitar.
But even in sessions flatpicking tunes (which I sometimes do) is a mugs game unless it is a quiet session.
Kenny, in general I would guess someone who is neither a musician nor a dancer.
However, if I can bring a particular individual's track record into the frame, would I be close to the mark in saying that this person is not well known for Great Words, Glorious Writing or even Gifted Whimsy. Might they possibly be in posession of a Cleft Phallus?
OK if the reviewer had said "..theguitar is not suitable for playing for irish dancers" I might agree but it's the music we're talking about here, on a bliddy recording!
hehe typical McMahon. I love the way he shoots himself in the foot somewhat with his duet LP with Noel Hill (.."Irish traditional music is a solo art").
I've also heard him play live many times now, and he *always* plays his reel sets fast. Maybe he should do a duet LP with Sean Potts, entitled of course "Potts and Kettle".
His use of the Royal "we" is hilarious. Nevertheless, I quite like him for all his stirring.
Funny, I met Tony MacMahon in the Merchant pub on the Liffey Quays last Thursday. Finbarr Dwyer was playing a gig (Kenny, I'm sure you'd know how pleased I was to be there alright....!). I had a brief talk with Tony and must admit that he was a very nice person and quite humbled that night when he heard Finbarr playing. The next night, I found out Tony lived in the Liberties (which I could basically classify as 'local'). A very coincidental string of events but still happy to meet the man.
In relation to the album, it's a great album and, maybe, one of the first major albums recorded in Eb. Molloy said he bought and Eb flute once and loved the tone and when he found out Tommy Peoples liked to crank his strings up to Eb to brighten the sound, they started playing together (although they were probably playing together before, not sure, just read it on some website).
Also, thanks to those who had kind words for me re: my Dead String Rhythm album (I'm flattered beyond recognition). As for those who have "jive" things to say of Paul's playing, I guess I'm lucky that I'm not as famous and will hence never suffer the same harsh critique. Except from Don Meade.
Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
I have just transcribed two sets of reels that the great trad guitarist Paul Brady recorded in the 1970s. Since the charts are in guitar tablature I cannot post them here. However, if anyone is interested in viewing them, I have posted them on my myspace page (I don't have any other easy options at this point):
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=22138710
-Flynn Cohen
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by deadstring
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
I am fortunate enough to have your own CD ( I think I bought it from your website last year ?) . I think Brady should be transcribing you !
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Red Robin
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
It took me months to try and learn the Fred Finn reel off Paul Brady recording but it is indeed great stuff. Speaking of which I have been listening to one of your CD's in my car and I reckon there's some great arrangements as well as obviously great playing. Don't know how come your name hasn't come up more on the various sites I frequent. Great to see you partaking here.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Donough
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
I’ve been meaning to post a possibly controversial review of the Molloy, Peoples & Brady recording I came across, just to see what people here thought of it. I’ll try to post it soon, in the “Recordings” section, but seeing as the subject’s been brought up in this discussion, here’s what is said about Paul Brady’s playing of the 2 reels. My own opinion is that Brady’s playing on this track is the best playing of Irish traditional reels on guitar yet recorded, certainly for flat-picking. Just my opinion, mind you, and if there is better out there, I’d love to hear it.
Here’s the quote : “Paul Brady plays two reels solo. One is not distracted by an accompaniment. The evident musicianship notwithstanding, the guitar is not suitable for playing Irish dance music, any more than harpsichord, piano, piano-accordion.”
Anyone care to guess who wrote that ?
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Kenny
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
Well Kenny I guess if the context was that the guitar would be no use playing for dancers unless it was amplified then I'd have to agree with the author. Outside of that, the Donal Clancy CD of Guitar music - both his own and the compilation one, are testament to the fact that this music works well enough on the guitar.
But even in sessions flatpicking tunes (which I sometimes do) is a mugs game unless it is a quiet session.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Donough
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
Kenny, in general I would guess someone who is neither a musician nor a dancer.
However, if I can bring a particular individual's track record into the frame, would I be close to the mark in saying that this person is not well known for Great Words, Glorious Writing or even Gifted Whimsy. Might they possibly be in posession of a Cleft Phallus?
OK if the reviewer had said "..theguitar is not suitable for playing for irish dancers" I might agree but it's the music we're talking about here, on a bliddy recording!
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
Addendum: Another reviewer who I believe it could be reminds
me of God Waddling...
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
someone along the lines of seamus tansey maybe?
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by 52Paddy
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
I think I know who you mean, Conan, but no. Paddy - you're closer, but again, no. I'll post the whole review - just give me 20 mins.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Kenny
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
Ennis?
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
Getting warm.............
Take a swatch at this -
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/218
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Kenny
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
hehe typical McMahon. I love the way he shoots himself in the foot somewhat with his duet LP with Noel Hill (.."Irish traditional music is a solo art").
I've also heard him play live many times now, and he *always* plays his reel sets fast. Maybe he should do a duet LP with Sean Potts, entitled of course "Potts and Kettle".
His use of the Royal "we" is hilarious. Nevertheless, I quite like him for all his stirring.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
"what?!!?" - spot on. Conan, you misread it - McMahon did the sleeve-notes on the record. Breandan Breathnach wrote the review.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Kenny
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
OOPS!!
Sorry Tony (I just know you're reading this)
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
Brady's solo guitar picking on that record is impressive, but I wouldn't want to sit through a whole album of that and nothing else.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by nicholas
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
I could - no problem.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Kenny
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
So could I, given that a sensible album would have a nice variety of tunes. Listen to anything that features Tony McManus playing chunes too!
# Posted on May 12th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
Funny, I met Tony MacMahon in the Merchant pub on the Liffey Quays last Thursday. Finbarr Dwyer was playing a gig (Kenny, I'm sure you'd know how pleased I was to be there alright....!). I had a brief talk with Tony and must admit that he was a very nice person and quite humbled that night when he heard Finbarr playing. The next night, I found out Tony lived in the Liberties (which I could basically classify as 'local'). A very coincidental string of events but still happy to meet the man.
In relation to the album, it's a great album and, maybe, one of the first major albums recorded in Eb. Molloy said he bought and Eb flute once and loved the tone and when he found out Tommy Peoples liked to crank his strings up to Eb to brighten the sound, they started playing together (although they were probably playing together before, not sure, just read it on some website).
# Posted on May 12th 2007 by 52Paddy
Re: Guitar Reels as recorded by Paul Brady
So I finally sorted out a proper venue for the distribution of Paul Brady guitar materials:
http://www.freewebs.com/paulbradyappreciationsociety
I appreciate any feedback, etc.
Also, thanks to those who had kind words for me re: my Dead String Rhythm album (I'm flattered beyond recognition). As for those who have "jive" things to say of Paul's playing, I guess I'm lucky that I'm not as famous and will hence never suffer the same harsh critique. Except from Don Meade.
cheers,
Flynn
# Posted on May 16th 2007 by deadstring