OK. Now I'm off and running, learning Celtic music on my guitar (after 34 years of country, gospel and blues.) The advice I got: (1) listen to CDs alot, (2) learn a few session tunes WELL.
So it begs the questions: What are the TOP TEN?
What are the ten Celtic guitar CDs I MUST listen to?
Here are some guitar CDs that have helped me a lot:
- Coppers & Grass: Scots and Irish Dance Music on
Guitar, Dick Gaughan
- Irish Guitar, Pat Kirtley
- Traditional Music of Ireland, James Kelly, Paddy
O'Brien, Daithi Sproule (outstanding guitar)
- The Crooked Road, William Coulter and Friends
- Celtic Crossings, William Coulter and Friends
- Celtic Sessiona, William Coulter and Friends,
- Out of the Woods, Randal Bays
- Kid on the Mountain, Duck Baker
- The Ring Sessions, Kames Kelly & Zan McLeod
- The Black Balloon, John Renbourn
- The Lonsome Touch, Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill
A couple of compilation disks for which tablature is available (non-standard tunings are extensively used):
The Blarney Pilgrim: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar
Ramble to Cashel, Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar
>So it begs the questions: What are the TOP TEN?
I don't see that question being begged at all. It is quite impossible to answer, in fact, though I am sure some will try. It is far too large a subject to be condensed in this manner. And I am not speaking lightly to you, it is the truth.
>What are the ten Celtic guitar CDs I MUST listen to?
Start with everything by the Bothy Band, and everything by Patrick Street (MHO). My current favorite guitarist is Ged Foley of "The House Band," you might get some of those CD's and listen to his style (he also plays for Patrick Street).
>What are the Top Ten session tunes I MUST learn?
Depends on if it is a beginner's session where they play tunes that no one at an advanced session would dare start, or vice versa. You could learn the Kesh jig, for example, or Road to Lisdoonvarna, and never hear it again, or else hear it every week for 2 years, and be so sick of it you will never want to play it again.
>When I come to Ireland, I'll be prepared ...
This is no small adventure, laddy, this is the real thing. If you want to be prepared, then you will devote years to learning everything about the music. There is simply no easy way in. And again, I hear myself sounding arrogant, for which I apologize, but I have been playing this music now for almost 30 years, and I have seen those who learn a few tunes and play them with friends and are happy for a long time with that, but I don't know what those tunes would be, or how any one could really be happy with that.
So get started with it, and enjoy the adventure forever,
Listen to what YOU LIKE! BE your own person. PLAY what you like. Listening is important....but CDs are only a small part of it. Go to sessions, if you can, so you can hear and see what others are doing. There are no rules. AND this music isn't POP. There should be no top ten. There's a wealth of tunes to choose, some hard, some easier.
Susie-Lee offer's sound advice when she tells you to "Go to sessions." (plural) I've never found the session phenomenon to be all about playing all the time. Listening to the music in a live session hooks you up to the most direct conduit to the experience it seems you are seeking. It's really allright to sit on your hands savoring the playing of others.
I must admit to blanching a bit when I read the list of common tunes numbering 250-300 in the following post: http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display.php/110
I'm closer to that goal now, with a long way to go, and I remain satisfied with my playing in the sessions I attend.
You must understand that it should take a lifetime to build your repetoire, so take your time and enjoy the music. If you don't then what's the point? (pint?)
If you must have a top 10, then may I offer the first 10 tunes you have in common the players at your favorite session. Don't worry, it will most likely be a different 10 tunes next week.
Hi Charles.
You hear a lot of different accompaniment styles on guitars at sessions, so you've got many choices.
I think a lot of Guitarists (my self included) were influenced by Donal Lunny's Bouzouki playing with the Bothy Band, and some of the band's sets went into the session repertoire, particularly from the first and second albums titled "The Bothy Band" and "Old Hag You Have Killed Me".
Find some friendly sessions to attend and I think you'll find people willing to help.
Hi Charles - If you haven't done so already you may want to listen to John Doyle. He is a real guitar hero of mine. He used to play with Solas and has also recorded a solo album. I believe that he is now playing with Eileen Ivers and Liz Carol. But he seems to crop up everywhere! Tours the US a lot - so if you live there you are in luck! He plays primarily in 'dropped-D'. When accompanying he has a really driving style. Also plays some very intricate stuff. He also has an instructional video out based on accompanying Irish tunes - worth looking at. I believe that it is by 'Homespun'. His home page is: 'http://www.johndoylemusic.com/'. This has some sound clips of his playing.
Another one to check out - okay I know it is not session playing but he produces a wonderful sound and some of the ideas can be moved across is Paul Brady. Particularly the infamous ' Arthur McBride' and Lake of Ponchatrain'. Open G I believe. Yet another is 'Stephen Cooney' - don't know much about him but again he is another one who crops up everywhere. A 'bare-foot' wonder who bashes chords out like there is no tomorrow!
I must admit that I have been neglecting my guitar lately - I have decided to have a go at the mandolin. Actually 'decided' is the wrong word. The mandolin decided that I should play it! Totally addictive. I am struggling to find a local mentor (@Cambridge, UK) who can help me along the path. Luckily there are lots of resources on the Web - but I am sure that a few wise words from a seasoned session player would help me.
Hope this ramble has been of some help. Music and Peace
John Doyle blew my mind while playing with Solas! I caught a few concerts they played In Mystic, CT (USA) some years back. I haven't heard play live him since. Much of the joy lies in watching his hands glide over the guitar. The man is a whole rhythm section.
How's the mandolin treating you these days? Any luck finding a Cambridge Session?
Hi Gra5ity
Nice to hear from another John Doyle fan. He really is something special. My mandolin continues to lure me away from my 'string of guitars'. They don't seem to get a look in these days. How fickle we 'musicians' are! I have been playing it constantly - and have been getting 'background pain' in the fingers of my left hand. I believe that I may be prone to arthritis so that may account for it - or it may be a bit of RSI - or maybe I am just plain 'doing it wrong'! Difficult to know - it doesn't stop me though. I still haven't found a mentor or session @ Cambridge. I have however found a really nice group of musicians who gather every couple of weeks to play tunes - I believe that in the ITM world you call it a 'slow session'. Very organised - they publish tunes that they are going to focus on months in advance. I went along last week - very nervously and was made very welcome. Good cross section of instruments. Melodeon, couple of concertinas, violin, flute, whistle and accordeon. Could provide me with some good links. It seems to be based around 'dots' which may prove a problem as I don't read them. Usually do tunes through a combination of TAB and ear. Take a look: http://www.hardy.demon.co.uk/greenshoots/.
The other thing that I am really excited about is that there is a workshop in Cambridge in August. Five days residential! There is a stream covering 'plucked' instruments - guitar, mandolin and bouzouki. Can't wait. Ed Boyd is the tutor. Don't know much about him but he sounds good on the workshop web site. Lots of other instuments covered. Check out the web page - you may even fancy a holiday in the UK this summer! It is straight after the Cambridge Folk Festival which is always a 'blast'. http://www.burwellbash.info/index.shtml
Good to hear from you again - Music and Peace .............Bob
A Slow Session?!? That's GREAT! I wish something like that would start up around around these parts. A few of the players show up a bit early to our regular session and share some tunes at a slower tempo but we're not too organized.
The web page looked cool. Have you thought of posting that session on this site? I liked looking at the "tune" list. Good stuff in there. Very diverse. The only true slow session I attend happens once each year at The New England Folk Festival (Better known as NEFFA) a regionalcelebration of ALL things folk. Their "Slow Jam" usually brings a host of players at all ability levels to learn tunes by ear. Don't sweat the dots. This sort of workshop displays the marvelous way players of great experience can find "the Groove" at any tempo.
I try to get out to the many folk festivals local to my stomping grounds. You tempt me cruely with thoughts of a Summer holiday across the pond. I have another plan up my sleeve for travel though. Stay tuned.
Be well and mind that nagging "Background Pain,"
Gra5ity
the Newcomer needs the Top Ten
the Newcomer needs the Top Ten
OK. Now I'm off and running, learning Celtic music on my guitar (after 34 years of country, gospel and blues.) The advice I got: (1) listen to CDs alot, (2) learn a few session tunes WELL.
So it begs the questions: What are the TOP TEN?
What are the ten Celtic guitar CDs I MUST listen to?
What are the Top Ten session tunes I MUST learn?
When I come to Ireland, I'll be prepared ...
# Posted on March 15th 2003 by CharlesEHunt
Re: the Newcomer needs the Top Ten
Here are some guitar CDs that have helped me a lot:
- Coppers & Grass: Scots and Irish Dance Music on
Guitar, Dick Gaughan
- Irish Guitar, Pat Kirtley
- Traditional Music of Ireland, James Kelly, Paddy
O'Brien, Daithi Sproule (outstanding guitar)
- The Crooked Road, William Coulter and Friends
- Celtic Crossings, William Coulter and Friends
- Celtic Sessiona, William Coulter and Friends,
- Out of the Woods, Randal Bays
- Kid on the Mountain, Duck Baker
- The Ring Sessions, Kames Kelly & Zan McLeod
- The Black Balloon, John Renbourn
- The Lonsome Touch, Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill
A couple of compilation disks for which tablature is available (non-standard tunings are extensively used):
The Blarney Pilgrim: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar
Ramble to Cashel, Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar
# Posted on March 15th 2003 by dfost
Sorry about the typos
Coppers and Brass (not Grass)
Celtic Sessions (not Sessiona)
# Posted on March 15th 2003 by dfost
Re: the Newcomer needs the Top Ten
Coppers and Grass must be the slow air version of the jig Coppers and Brass on the album is it
# Posted on March 15th 2003 by Dr. Dow
Re: the Newcomer needs the Top Ten
>So it begs the questions: What are the TOP TEN?
I don't see that question being begged at all. It is quite impossible to answer, in fact, though I am sure some will try. It is far too large a subject to be condensed in this manner. And I am not speaking lightly to you, it is the truth.
>What are the ten Celtic guitar CDs I MUST listen to?
Start with everything by the Bothy Band, and everything by Patrick Street (MHO). My current favorite guitarist is Ged Foley of "The House Band," you might get some of those CD's and listen to his style (he also plays for Patrick Street).
>What are the Top Ten session tunes I MUST learn?
Depends on if it is a beginner's session where they play tunes that no one at an advanced session would dare start, or vice versa. You could learn the Kesh jig, for example, or Road to Lisdoonvarna, and never hear it again, or else hear it every week for 2 years, and be so sick of it you will never want to play it again.
>When I come to Ireland, I'll be prepared ...
This is no small adventure, laddy, this is the real thing. If you want to be prepared, then you will devote years to learning everything about the music. There is simply no easy way in. And again, I hear myself sounding arrogant, for which I apologize, but I have been playing this music now for almost 30 years, and I have seen those who learn a few tunes and play them with friends and are happy for a long time with that, but I don't know what those tunes would be, or how any one could really be happy with that.
So get started with it, and enjoy the adventure forever,
--Eliot
# Posted on March 15th 2003 by Eliot
Re: the Newcomer needs the Top Ten
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display.php/888
# Posted on March 15th 2003 by Zina Lee
Re: the Newcomer needs the Top Ten
Hear hear Eliot. Arrogant...not at all!
Listen to what YOU LIKE! BE your own person. PLAY what you like. Listening is important....but CDs are only a small part of it. Go to sessions, if you can, so you can hear and see what others are doing. There are no rules. AND this music isn't POP. There should be no top ten. There's a wealth of tunes to choose, some hard, some easier.
Most of all have fun CharlesEhunt!!
# Posted on March 16th 2003 by Fiiddle R
Re: the Newcomer needs the Top Ten
Hang in there Charles,
Susie-Lee offer's sound advice when she tells you to "Go to sessions." (plural) I've never found the session phenomenon to be all about playing all the time. Listening to the music in a live session hooks you up to the most direct conduit to the experience it seems you are seeking. It's really allright to sit on your hands savoring the playing of others.
I must admit to blanching a bit when I read the list of common tunes numbering 250-300 in the following post:
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display.php/110
I'm closer to that goal now, with a long way to go, and I remain satisfied with my playing in the sessions I attend.
You must understand that it should take a lifetime to build your repetoire, so take your time and enjoy the music. If you don't then what's the point? (pint?)
If you must have a top 10, then may I offer the first 10 tunes you have in common the players at your favorite session. Don't worry, it will most likely be a different 10 tunes next week.
Peace,
Gra5ity
# Posted on March 16th 2003 by Gra5ity
Re: the Newcomer needs the Top Ten
Hi Charles.
You hear a lot of different accompaniment styles on guitars at sessions, so you've got many choices.
I think a lot of Guitarists (my self included) were influenced by Donal Lunny's Bouzouki playing with the Bothy Band, and some of the band's sets went into the session repertoire, particularly from the first and second albums titled "The Bothy Band" and "Old Hag You Have Killed Me".
Find some friendly sessions to attend and I think you'll find people willing to help.
Good luck
PP
# Posted on March 17th 2003 by Pied Piper
Re: the Newcomer needs the Top Ten
Hi Charles - If you haven't done so already you may want to listen to John Doyle. He is a real guitar hero of mine. He used to play with Solas and has also recorded a solo album. I believe that he is now playing with Eileen Ivers and Liz Carol. But he seems to crop up everywhere! Tours the US a lot - so if you live there you are in luck! He plays primarily in 'dropped-D'. When accompanying he has a really driving style. Also plays some very intricate stuff. He also has an instructional video out based on accompanying Irish tunes - worth looking at. I believe that it is by 'Homespun'. His home page is: 'http://www.johndoylemusic.com/'. This has some sound clips of his playing.
Another one to check out - okay I know it is not session playing but he produces a wonderful sound and some of the ideas can be moved across is Paul Brady. Particularly the infamous ' Arthur McBride' and Lake of Ponchatrain'. Open G I believe. Yet another is 'Stephen Cooney' - don't know much about him but again he is another one who crops up everywhere. A 'bare-foot' wonder who bashes chords out like there is no tomorrow!
I must admit that I have been neglecting my guitar lately - I have decided to have a go at the mandolin. Actually 'decided' is the wrong word. The mandolin decided that I should play it! Totally addictive. I am struggling to find a local mentor (@Cambridge, UK) who can help me along the path. Luckily there are lots of resources on the Web - but I am sure that a few wise words from a seasoned session player would help me.
Hope this ramble has been of some help. Music and Peace
# Posted on March 21st 2003 by drbodhran
Re: the Newcomer needs the Top Ten
Hi Bob,
John Doyle blew my mind while playing with Solas! I caught a few concerts they played In Mystic, CT (USA) some years back. I haven't heard play live him since. Much of the joy lies in watching his hands glide over the guitar. The man is a whole rhythm section.
How's the mandolin treating you these days? Any luck finding a Cambridge Session?
Be Well,
Gra5ity
# Posted on March 22nd 2003 by Gra5ity
Re: the Newcomer needs the Top Ten
Hi Gra5ity
Nice to hear from another John Doyle fan. He really is something special. My mandolin continues to lure me away from my 'string of guitars'. They don't seem to get a look in these days. How fickle we 'musicians' are! I have been playing it constantly - and have been getting 'background pain' in the fingers of my left hand. I believe that I may be prone to arthritis so that may account for it - or it may be a bit of RSI - or maybe I am just plain 'doing it wrong'! Difficult to know - it doesn't stop me though. I still haven't found a mentor or session @ Cambridge. I have however found a really nice group of musicians who gather every couple of weeks to play tunes - I believe that in the ITM world you call it a 'slow session'. Very organised - they publish tunes that they are going to focus on months in advance. I went along last week - very nervously and was made very welcome. Good cross section of instruments. Melodeon, couple of concertinas, violin, flute, whistle and accordeon. Could provide me with some good links. It seems to be based around 'dots' which may prove a problem as I don't read them. Usually do tunes through a combination of TAB and ear. Take a look: http://www.hardy.demon.co.uk/greenshoots/.
The other thing that I am really excited about is that there is a workshop in Cambridge in August. Five days residential! There is a stream covering 'plucked' instruments - guitar, mandolin and bouzouki. Can't wait. Ed Boyd is the tutor. Don't know much about him but he sounds good on the workshop web site. Lots of other instuments covered. Check out the web page - you may even fancy a holiday in the UK this summer! It is straight after the Cambridge Folk Festival which is always a 'blast'.
http://www.burwellbash.info/index.shtml
Good to hear from you again - Music and Peace .............Bob
# Posted on March 22nd 2003 by drbodhran
Re: the Newcomer needs the Top Ten
Dr. B,
A Slow Session?!? That's GREAT! I wish something like that would start up around around these parts. A few of the players show up a bit early to our regular session and share some tunes at a slower tempo but we're not too organized.
The web page looked cool. Have you thought of posting that session on this site? I liked looking at the "tune" list. Good stuff in there. Very diverse. The only true slow session I attend happens once each year at The New England Folk Festival (Better known as NEFFA) a regionalcelebration of ALL things folk. Their "Slow Jam" usually brings a host of players at all ability levels to learn tunes by ear. Don't sweat the dots. This sort of workshop displays the marvelous way players of great experience can find "the Groove" at any tempo.
I try to get out to the many folk festivals local to my stomping grounds. You tempt me cruely with thoughts of a Summer holiday across the pond. I have another plan up my sleeve for travel though. Stay tuned.
Be well and mind that nagging "Background Pain,"
Gra5ity
# Posted on March 23rd 2003 by Gra5ity