Drums it ain't - just another frustrated bodhrán player looking for someone to accompany him! Having suffered the whole piece in the vain hope that a musician might join him, I was duly disappointed. Maybe it could fulfil a purpose though as a musical penance: -
1) those of you caught reading the dots, view clip once;
2) playing too fast in sessions, view clip twice;
3) playing Tamlin, view clip 3 times;
4) poor bodhrán players, watch clip all night (it won't improve your technique but it will keep you from wrecking any sessions)
Don't talk to me about melismatic ornamentation, I had to suffer listening to an entire India Arie album in the car the other day, that's all she does - Mavis Staples with no melody(!)
I much prefer those old soul records with all the hissing, crackles and pops.
Smug bodhran playing............................................ Ye lot are suffering the wrath of the little green monster. You'll never see a box player blowing kisses without loosing a beat.
Says Ot - "Personally, I'd love to see him jamming with these guys..." Actually, if they needed a bodhrán, the guy in the center could have played that, too.
The clip of topic, tho, was a lot of fun watching with the audio turned down.
Wouldn't it be great if we could adjust the audio individually at sessions?
LOL, I just took feardearg's advice and watched it with the sound turned off. I think I've wet myself. Reminded me of the David Hasselhoff video where he sings Hooked on a Feeling....
I thought that was great. There's nothing better than an unbacked bodhran. Often when fiddles try and help out, they just end up detracting from the rhythm, when everyone knows the rhythm is king. It's especially bad when you get more than one instrument backing and they drown out the bodhran. I don't think it would work in this case though because he's such a strong player. I could listen to him solo at a session all night. He even got the audience clapping. (Out of time, but nevertheless clapping...)
The last time I heard extended drumming like that, it was some guy thumping on a table in the school lunchroom--until somebody yelled, "Put it back in your pants!"
Seriously though, is it any wonder we have bodhran bashers?
Yes, he is playing a great rhythm in the solo thing, but it certainly wouldn't fit in at a session, certainly not to any ITM I know off. But there are people who play like that, inspired by John Joe with Flook, but Flook are not playing traditional Irish, and John Joe's bit fits what Flook do, but it would not fit Irish. Now John Joe is good, and can adapt to ITM at a session. That lad couldn't.
And his contempt for the instument. All that looking about him and such. Liam Og was right, you need to concentrate on the music.
And that goes as much for a humble bodhran as it does for the mighty pipes.It may just be a drum, but it still deserves your respect, especially if you want to try and play one.
Dow is right, in a strange way, playing like that would have to be solo. And Dow was winding up, I am not.
Dudes, what fiddler could play another one bites the dust and get the audience clapping? See, not a single one. Not even like Frankie Gavin or someone. So obviously it follows that the bodhran is a more expressive instrument and that bodhran players are much more respected than fiddlers.
In all fairness that's a five minute solo out of a 90 minute concert, it's harly representative of either the lad's playing or the playing of the group the last time I saw Uiscedwr (about 3 years ago) they played a fairly lively, energetic and enjoyable set (had a different guitarist if I remember right). Whilst it's all very easy to sit and snipe about how such playing wouldn't fit in at a session, and suggest he couldn't play traditional music, does anyone think they're at a session? Given the way most people get hired to join touring bands (and a moderately sucessful one in the UK) - i.e. through their playing being witnessed at an "artists" session at a festival/event - such comments seem to imply ignorance, narrow mindedness and a desire to score points off someone who won't respond.
I love how his head drifts to one side and then jerks back to the centre. It seems to move in a pattern of left-centre-right-centre-left etc. The pouty lips are very funny also, and sometimes it looks like he's mouthing words! I wonder what he's whispering...
"I'll show them. I'll show them ALL that the bodhran is the best instrument".
What a bunch of curmudgeons. A chap who can play like an angel and yet look relaxed, and all ye can do is bollock him for his head-jerking and pouty lips? I detect jealousy, guys!
The heavy load of responsibility you bear, being the Great Conscience of The Session, must at times be hard, Steve. Especially when you're surrounded by we morons, heartless psychopaths feckless bandwagon jumpers and shallow laughing jackals who would care not to listen to the great wisdom you profess, vox clamantis in deserto, not vox clematis in deserto. Maybe the wisdom of this lass is what we should be listening to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp_daXRkOH0&NR=1
He is not a good bodhran player, you're right. He's a bloody good bodhran player. On that video he's being a bloody bloody good bodhran player. Whether he's a bloody good bodhran player in the sorts of settings most of us play in is something we can't know unless we have direct experience. So hands up all those who have direct experience of him. To you we'll attend!
Sorry BB you ain't the greatest as the write-up says:-
"Uiscedwr is known as one of Britain's most exciting contemporary folk bands. Featuring fiddle, guitar, vocals and the most expertly played percussion you're ever likely to hear, Uiscedwr offer a fresh and original approach to folk, bringing an energy and virtuosity to their performances that gets people screaming for more".
Steve, that number you offered Danny, is it the Samaritans as that's what we'll all need if this solo bodhrán thing takes off?
I used to write for papers as well, and got a few write ups in my time. Once for doing a cossack dance and playing bodhran at the same time, so his actions do not really annoy me. In the video with the group he is not listening to the tune, too busy looking around at his admirers, and his solo "bongo" percussion style playing, does not suit Irish music.
And beware the fine line between confusing your own taste with skill. Part of the point of a solo in any band's set is to enable the players who aren't usually at the forefront to show-off for a bit - better this way that throughout the entire gig!
Bodhran's are not a solo instrument. They are a drum used to accompany ITM. Bongos fulfil a different role, as do Lambegs and a full set of drums. It is not taste we are discussing. If you want to be a drummer, be a drummer. If you want to play bodhran, play it to ITM.
"Bodhran's are not a solo instrument. They are a drum used to accompany ITM."
A guitar is a stringed instrument used to accompany Irish Traditional Music. It's also used to accompany dancing and singing, and as a solo instrument, in flamenco - not to mention innumerable other genres of music.
There is no way of saying this without appearing to be condescending, so here goes. A bodhran is not a guitar. Even a complete beginner would notice subtle differences.
Jeece, sorry - I didn't realise there were rules - someone forgot to pack them with me bodhran.
Thanks, but I'll play it to disco if I like. And sometimes I do like. and a bit of Neil Young, Talking heads, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers if the mood takes me.
Play it to whatever you like as long as its not anywhere near me.
Seriously though, I think BB means that if you want to use the bodhran to play Irish music and become proficient, in this respect, then you should be concentrating on Irish music rather than dabbling in other things. You've got to understand the music. Thereafter, you can go on to do "clever" things with it if you wish.
The same, of course, applies to any other instrument too.
Rules has nothing to do with it, having some kind of functioning brain is what is at stake here.
Neil Young, rock or whatever, try a djembe, bongos, kettle drum, or something that might suit.
I strum the tennis racket to Dire Straits, but not in public.
Splendid Playing
Splendid Playing
Very talented chap having fun making music. If you have no interest in drumming don't go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WMr2XRJvDc
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Gran Cassa
Re: Splendid Playing
Drums it ain't - just another frustrated bodhrán player looking for someone to accompany him! Having suffered the whole piece in the vain hope that a musician might join him, I was duly disappointed. Maybe it could fulfil a purpose though as a musical penance: -
1) those of you caught reading the dots, view clip once;
2) playing too fast in sessions, view clip twice;
3) playing Tamlin, view clip 3 times;
4) poor bodhrán players, watch clip all night (it won't improve your technique but it will keep you from wrecking any sessions)
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Bannerman
Re: Splendid Playing
He's good at what he does. But the funniest thing was the smug look on his face, looking really cool, thinking he was actually a musician.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Splendid Playing
Danny, you tempt fate! You know someone will post saying that they know him and he's three-times All-Ireland champion on the harp or something.
Personally, I'd love to see him jamming with these guys, that would be a novel combination:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSw6uVJL_JE
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Ottery
Re: Splendid Playing
Good point, Otters, old bean. OK, I'll refine my comment.
"....thinking he was actually playing a musical instrument."
Banners did better than me, though. I wasn't able to sit through watching the whole thing.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Splendid Playing
Must confess, I couldn't watch more than a couple of minutes.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Ottery
Re: Splendid Playing
He should've had a guitar backing him.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Splendid Playing
Synthesizer, theramin and slide didgeridoo... Oh yeah, and a backing vocal group...
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Splendid Playing
He's got rhythm. But his pitch is way off. Even Portnapucai wouldn't stand for that.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by granama
Re: Splendid Playing
... and his playing is completely lacking in melismatic ornamentation.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by granama
Re: Splendid Playing
Don't talk to me about melismatic ornamentation, I had to suffer listening to an entire India Arie album in the car the other day, that's all she does - Mavis Staples with no melody(!)
I much prefer those old soul records with all the hissing, crackles and pops.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Ottery
Re: Splendid Playing
Smug bodhran playing............................................ Ye lot are suffering the wrath of the little green monster. You'll never see a box player blowing kisses without loosing a beat.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Backer
Re: Splendid Playing
Box players aren't so jejune.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Splendid Playing
Thanks for that link, Ottery. I have to find a poster of that group for my bedroom.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by mcdevincabe
Splendid Slaying
Says Ot - "Personally, I'd love to see him jamming with these guys..." Actually, if they needed a bodhrán, the guy in the center could have played that, too.
The clip of topic, tho, was a lot of fun watching with the audio turned down.
Wouldn't it be great if we could adjust the audio individually at sessions?
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by feardearg
Re: Splendid Playing
LOL, I just took feardearg's advice and watched it with the sound turned off. I think I've wet myself. Reminded me of the David Hasselhoff video where he sings Hooked on a Feeling....
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Will CPT
Re: Splendid Playing
I bet he couldn't play a bodhran, properly.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Splendid Playing
I was right. Look at the video entitled Saddleworth Folk Festival.
Funny thing is, I was in saddleworth last Sunday.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Splendid Playing
I thought that was great. There's nothing better than an unbacked bodhran. Often when fiddles try and help out, they just end up detracting from the rhythm, when everyone knows the rhythm is king. It's especially bad when you get more than one instrument backing and they drown out the bodhran. I don't think it would work in this case though because he's such a strong player. I could listen to him solo at a session all night. He even got the audience clapping. (Out of time, but nevertheless clapping...)
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by Dow
Re: Splendid Playing
Is that a dog sitting behind the guy in the middle in the 2nd clip? What's his job, I wonder?
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by irishfiddler32
Re: Splendid Playing
That guy is in a whole bunch of clips with his band, just do a search using "uiscedwr."
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by irishfiddler32
Re: Splendid Playing
The last time I heard extended drumming like that, it was some guy thumping on a table in the school lunchroom--until somebody yelled, "Put it back in your pants!"
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by mickray
Re: Splendid Playing
Now I shall have nightmares
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by bowburner
Re: Splendid Playing
Seriously though, is it any wonder we have bodhran bashers?
Yes, he is playing a great rhythm in the solo thing, but it certainly wouldn't fit in at a session, certainly not to any ITM I know off. But there are people who play like that, inspired by John Joe with Flook, but Flook are not playing traditional Irish, and John Joe's bit fits what Flook do, but it would not fit Irish. Now John Joe is good, and can adapt to ITM at a session. That lad couldn't.
And his contempt for the instument. All that looking about him and such. Liam Og was right, you need to concentrate on the music.
And that goes as much for a humble bodhran as it does for the mighty pipes.It may just be a drum, but it still deserves your respect, especially if you want to try and play one.
Dow is right, in a strange way, playing like that would have to be solo. And Dow was winding up, I am not.
# Posted on May 11th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Splendid Playing
"Seriously though, is it any wonder we have bodhran bashers?" writes b bliss.
To be pedantic, shouldn't that be "bodhran basher bashers"?
# Posted on May 12th 2007 by de Selby
Re: Splendid Playing
All that said, it is undoubtedly the best bodhran playing I've ever heard. He must have been playing it with a penknife.
# Posted on May 12th 2007 by granama
Re: Splendid Playing
Dudes, what fiddler could play another one bites the dust and get the audience clapping? See, not a single one. Not even like Frankie Gavin or someone. So obviously it follows that the bodhran is a more expressive instrument and that bodhran players are much more respected than fiddlers.
# Posted on May 12th 2007 by Dow
Re: Splendid Playing
Dow is right, yet again.
# Posted on May 12th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Splendid Playing
reminds me of the endless drum solos in heavy metal and prog rock days
# Posted on May 12th 2007 by Bren
Re: Splendid Playing
In all fairness that's a five minute solo out of a 90 minute concert, it's harly representative of either the lad's playing or the playing of the group the last time I saw Uiscedwr (about 3 years ago) they played a fairly lively, energetic and enjoyable set (had a different guitarist if I remember right). Whilst it's all very easy to sit and snipe about how such playing wouldn't fit in at a session, and suggest he couldn't play traditional music, does anyone think they're at a session? Given the way most people get hired to join touring bands (and a moderately sucessful one in the UK) - i.e. through their playing being witnessed at an "artists" session at a festival/event - such comments seem to imply ignorance, narrow mindedness and a desire to score points off someone who won't respond.
# Posted on May 12th 2007 by Andy V
Re: Splendid Playing
Well I hate 99.999% of all bodhrans and their owners and I thought it was bloody good. No sour grapey ifs and buts this end. Fair dues to the feller.
# Posted on May 12th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Splendid Playing
I love how his head drifts to one side and then jerks back to the centre. It seems to move in a pattern of left-centre-right-centre-left etc. The pouty lips are very funny also, and sometimes it looks like he's mouthing words! I wonder what he's whispering...
"I'll show them. I'll show them ALL that the bodhran is the best instrument".
# Posted on May 12th 2007 by Dow
Re: Splendid Playing
But Dow, and others, look how this guy's head drifts around - and he's got good rhythm:
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7661095487366390191
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Splendid Playing
I watched it and now can't recall any of the tunes I used to know.... YouTubesia?
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by Will CPT
Re: Splendid Playing
gave me a cough - youtuberculosis
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Splendid Playing
What a bunch of curmudgeons. A chap who can play like an angel and yet look relaxed, and all ye can do is bollock him for his head-jerking and pouty lips? I detect jealousy, guys!
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Splendid Playing
The heavy load of responsibility you bear, being the Great Conscience of The Session, must at times be hard, Steve. Especially when you're surrounded by we morons, heartless psychopaths feckless bandwagon jumpers and shallow laughing jackals who would care not to listen to the great wisdom you profess, vox clamantis in deserto, not vox clematis in deserto. Maybe the wisdom of this lass is what we should be listening to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp_daXRkOH0&NR=1
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Splendid Playing
their website:
http://www.uiscedwr.com/default.htm
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Splendid Playing
I have a number you can ring if you like, Danny...
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Splendid Playing
I think you should keep a hold of it, just in case....
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Splendid Playing
The lad might be a good percussionist, he is not a good bodhran player. If that is jealousy on my part, because I am a good bodhran player, so be it.
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Splendid Playing
He is not a good bodhran player, you're right. He's a bloody good bodhran player. On that video he's being a bloody bloody good bodhran player. Whether he's a bloody good bodhran player in the sorts of settings most of us play in is something we can't know unless we have direct experience. So hands up all those who have direct experience of him. To you we'll attend!
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Splendid Playing
On the video, attempting to play with the group, he is poor.
Unless I really am the greatest, super duperist, wonderful player ever, because I am light years ahead of that lad.
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Splendid Playing
What, ahead of the beat?
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Splendid Playing
Droll, very.
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Splendid Playing
Sorry BB you ain't the greatest as the write-up says:-
"Uiscedwr is known as one of Britain's most exciting contemporary folk bands. Featuring fiddle, guitar, vocals and the most expertly played percussion you're ever likely to hear, Uiscedwr offer a fresh and original approach to folk, bringing an energy and virtuosity to their performances that gets people screaming for more".
Steve, that number you offered Danny, is it the Samaritans as that's what we'll all need if this solo bodhrán thing takes off?
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by Bannerman
Re: Splendid Playing
I used to write for papers as well, and got a few write ups in my time. Once for doing a cossack dance and playing bodhran at the same time, so his actions do not really annoy me. In the video with the group he is not listening to the tune, too busy looking around at his admirers, and his solo "bongo" percussion style playing, does not suit Irish music.
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Splendid Playing
Well, Bannerman, it wasn't the Samaritans, but a company that offers packs of chill-pills on a buy one, get one free basis. To Danny that's BOGOF.
# Posted on May 13th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Splendid Playing
temper, temper....
# Posted on May 14th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Splendid Playing
Apart from anything, why would you assume Uiscedwr are playing Irish music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpT7an_qBcw would appear to imply otherwise.
And beware the fine line between confusing your own taste with skill. Part of the point of a solo in any band's set is to enable the players who aren't usually at the forefront to show-off for a bit - better this way that throughout the entire gig!
# Posted on May 14th 2007 by Andy V
Re: Splendid Playing
Bodhran's are not a solo instrument. They are a drum used to accompany ITM. Bongos fulfil a different role, as do Lambegs and a full set of drums. It is not taste we are discussing. If you want to be a drummer, be a drummer. If you want to play bodhran, play it to ITM.
# Posted on May 14th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Splendid Playing
But play it, don't just own it.
# Posted on May 14th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Splendid Playing
"Bodhran's are not a solo instrument. They are a drum used to accompany ITM."
A guitar is a stringed instrument used to accompany Irish Traditional Music. It's also used to accompany dancing and singing, and as a solo instrument, in flamenco - not to mention innumerable other genres of music.
# Posted on May 14th 2007 by granama
Re: Splendid Playing
There is no way of saying this without appearing to be condescending, so here goes. A bodhran is not a guitar. Even a complete beginner would notice subtle differences.
See how calm I can be at difficult times.
# Posted on May 14th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Splendid Playing
I knew a bloke who played his guitar just like a bodhran whenever he didn't know the tune. Hope this helps.
# Posted on May 14th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Splendid Playing
Tommy Emmanuel?
# Posted on May 14th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Splendid Playing
Oh, there must be more than one of 'em!
No, not he, and I wouldn't like to name him as you never know who's looking in.
# Posted on May 14th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Splendid Playing
"If you want to play bodhran, play it to ITM."
Jeece, sorry - I didn't realise there were rules - someone forgot to pack them with me bodhran.
Thanks, but I'll play it to disco if I like. And sometimes I do like. and a bit of Neil Young, Talking heads, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers if the mood takes me.
# Posted on May 15th 2007 by RockyRoader
Re: Splendid Playing
"If you want to play bodhran, play it to ITM"
Play it to whatever you like as long as its not anywhere near me.
Seriously though, I think BB means that if you want to use the bodhran to play Irish music and become proficient, in this respect, then you should be concentrating on Irish music rather than dabbling in other things. You've got to understand the music. Thereafter, you can go on to do "clever" things with it if you wish.
The same, of course, applies to any other instrument too.
# Posted on May 15th 2007 by Johannes J
Re: Splendid Playing
Rules has nothing to do with it, having some kind of functioning brain is what is at stake here.
Neil Young, rock or whatever, try a djembe, bongos, kettle drum, or something that might suit.
I strum the tennis racket to Dire Straits, but not in public.
# Posted on May 15th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Splendid Playing
Bliss there are only a few purists left.
# Posted on May 15th 2007 by Saint
Re: Splendid Playing
And to think I only came on this site to wind up "anti-everything" purists, and those who try to enforce mythical rules.
Such is life.
# Posted on May 15th 2007 by bodhran bliss