I've been playing Irish accompaniment on the piano for a while, just straight boom-chick. It's fun enough, but recently I have grown to love the sort of dancing piano accompaniment found in Cape Breton. How is it done? How does it differ from the straight boom-chick you find Irish players using? While it would be cool if you referred me to instructional videos, if anyone could just tell me what the theory is-what the basic rhythm structures are and how they differ from what I've been doing-I would be most grateful. Thanks!
Yes, the Peter Barnes book is a good start. He starts with boom-chick and builds from there. It's a fun read, too. I forget the name, but there's a new CD/booklet by Geraldine Cotter that I'd like to check out; it's got her playing whistle on one stereo track and her excellent piano playing on the other. It's not exactly Cape-Breton style (IMHO - someone set me straight if I'm wrong), but definitely fancier than straight boom-chick and probably a good place to start.
"...what the basic rhythm structures are and how they differ from what I've been doing..." - with that attitude, you're off to a GREAT start. Enjoy!
"This unique book/CD package is a development of Geraldine’s two best selling tutors that were published by Ossian Publications. It is aimed at both the tune player and the accompanist. The collection contains 50 simply arranged versions of dance tunes of various types, which can be performed on most melody instruments. She suggests chord symbols for accompaniment and also has arranged sample chord voicings for piano on a number of the tunes. This will be of particular interest to piano players who wish to develop their style."
As well, a new CD: "Piano + Geraldine Cotter"
I haven't yet had the pleasure of either of these, but appreciate Geraldines musicianship and teaching and often recommend her whistle tutor, book & recordings...
I went to a great session at Rollies Wharf in Sydney, Cape Breton, 2 years ago, and the3 pianists took turns in providing piano accompaniment.
What a great session!
Amongst others were Doug MacFee; he was heading down to Boston the next morning to give workshops on the Cape Breton Piano. He explained that the Cape Breton style of providing piano accompaniement accommodates the same kind of ornamentation you would find on a fiddle: e.g. the Cape Breton distinktive Cut (triplets) is accomplished by hammering down the thumb followed by two other fingers on the same key on the piano.
I'm heading back in about a month's time ................
If we're to list some favourites, you've already mentioned dear Doug MacPhee, who also has produced a number of recordings just of piano playing this music, great fun, there's also, a favourite character and pianist of us both ~ Gordon MacLean.
Others include Hilda Chiasson, Mary Janet MacDonald, John Morris Rankin ~ etc...
Cape Breton piano is an art form all on its own, one of which I am still trying to master. I do not profess to be an expert on the subject, but IMHO, the main difference is it covers more than just the basic chords in the boom-chick fashion - you're also the rhythm section and the bass section – lots of bass runs in the left hand – I think that this is one of the defining features of this particular style of accompaniment and what makes it so enjoyable to listen to.
My one piece of advice (take it or leave it as you choose….) is to listen, listen, listen! After trying to tackle this style of playing after years of classical piano, I admit that I rely waaaaay too much on the dots for the trad. music scene. Listening is most definitely key. Find as many recordings of Cape Breton fiddling as you possibly can and pay particularly attention to the piano to get ideas about how to juice up the rhythms and how to tackle the bass runs. Lots of room for some creative improvisation, but be careful when playing in a large group not to over do it.
Of course, once you have the accompaniment part down, there is also the realm of the CB piano solo, where you play the tune with the right hand and the accompaniment in the left. This requires some modification since now you have to do with one hand what you would normally do with two.
Unfortunately, there are not very many piano soloists (with recordings, at least) out there. Mac Morin, who also plays piano for Natalie MacMaster, and Troy MacGillivray (who is equally talented on the fiddle, btw) are two pianists who, in addition to Doug MacPhee, have recordings of CB piano solo works. Listen carefully to the left hand for the bass runs and to get some ideas for your own rhythmic style. Troy also does the piano accompaniment for his fiddle tracks – amazing stuff. And of course, the incomparable John Morris Rankin – there are some absolute gems on the numerous Rankins cds which feature him on the piano.
Jenn mentioned everyone I had in mind Definitely check out Troy MacGillivray, he's amazing at what he does with piano accompaniment (I believe he's trained in jazz piano too). For recordings, he does the piano on Andrea Beaton's cd "The Tap Session", there's some really cool stuff to listen to there. I'm sure there are youtube videos to be found as well, where you might be able to see his hands while he plays.
ingridrt: great minds think a like, eh? .....or is it "fools seldom differ"? : ) and yes, I believe Troy MacGillivray has some jazz training, which of course adds to his unique style.
For someone who can do a kick-butt job of melody & backup at the same time (a skill which has thus far eluded me, alas) you might check out Barbara MacDonald Magone. I'm not sure how to get her CD; I bought mine from her personally (autograph and all) when she was here a while back. She also does workshops from time to time, but I've been unable to hook up with her for one of those so far. I can send you her email via PM if you want it.
Thanks, Kevin,
I've met Barbara a few times, and we've swapped emails, but I didn't know that other stuff. She's a GREAT piano player; you are indeed lucky to have her around!
Cheers,
Tom
Not Cape Breton, but piano anyway: http://www.clarefm.ie/Mon_23-06-08.mp3
Geraldine Cotter plays the first set after the intro. She plays a little more than accompaniment, though...
Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
I've been playing Irish accompaniment on the piano for a while, just straight boom-chick. It's fun enough, but recently I have grown to love the sort of dancing piano accompaniment found in Cape Breton. How is it done? How does it differ from the straight boom-chick you find Irish players using? While it would be cool if you referred me to instructional videos, if anyone could just tell me what the theory is-what the basic rhythm structures are and how they differ from what I've been doing-I would be most grateful. Thanks!
# Posted on June 22nd 2008 by Zazzaliss
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
http://www.cranfordpub.com/videos/Tracey_video.htm
Tracy Dares instructional video, on VHS, at a closeout price.
# Posted on June 22nd 2008 by GaryAMartin
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
"Interview With a Vamper:
Piano Accompaniment for Traditional Dance Music"
by Peter Barnes
Canis Publishing, first published 1993
ISBN: ~ ?
Introduction:
http://mysite.verizon.net/~peterabarnes/books.htm
http://mysite.verizon.net/~peterabarnes/vamp_intro.htm
+ the previously mentioned vid by Tracey Dares...
# Posted on June 22nd 2008 by ceolachan
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
Yes, the Peter Barnes book is a good start. He starts with boom-chick and builds from there. It's a fun read, too. I forget the name, but there's a new CD/booklet by Geraldine Cotter that I'd like to check out; it's got her playing whistle on one stereo track and her excellent piano playing on the other. It's not exactly Cape-Breton style (IMHO - someone set me straight if I'm wrong), but definitely fancier than straight boom-chick and probably a good place to start.
"...what the basic rhythm structures are and how they differ from what I've been doing..." - with that attitude, you're off to a GREAT start. Enjoy!
# Posted on June 22nd 2008 by tomw
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
"Rogha: Geraldine Cotter's Choice"
http://www.geraldinecotter.com/
http://www.geraldinecotter.com/publications.html
"This unique book/CD package is a development of Geraldine’s two best selling tutors that were published by Ossian Publications. It is aimed at both the tune player and the accompanist. The collection contains 50 simply arranged versions of dance tunes of various types, which can be performed on most melody instruments. She suggests chord symbols for accompaniment and also has arranged sample chord voicings for piano on a number of the tunes. This will be of particular interest to piano players who wish to develop their style."
As well, a new CD: "Piano + Geraldine Cotter"
I haven't yet had the pleasure of either of these, but appreciate Geraldines musicianship and teaching and often recommend her whistle tutor, book & recordings...
# Posted on June 22nd 2008 by ceolachan
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
I went to a great session at Rollies Wharf in Sydney, Cape Breton, 2 years ago, and the3 pianists took turns in providing piano accompaniment.
What a great session!
Amongst others were Doug MacFee; he was heading down to Boston the next morning to give workshops on the Cape Breton Piano. He explained that the Cape Breton style of providing piano accompaniement accommodates the same kind of ornamentation you would find on a fiddle: e.g. the Cape Breton distinktive Cut (triplets) is accomplished by hammering down the thumb followed by two other fingers on the same key on the piano.
I'm heading back in about a month's time ................
# Posted on June 23rd 2008 by FiddleTramp
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
If we're to list some favourites, you've already mentioned dear Doug MacPhee, who also has produced a number of recordings just of piano playing this music, great fun, there's also, a favourite character and pianist of us both ~ Gordon MacLean.
Others include Hilda Chiasson, Mary Janet MacDonald, John Morris Rankin ~ etc...
# Posted on June 23rd 2008 by ceolachan
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
Cape Breton piano is an art form all on its own, one of which I am still trying to master. I do not profess to be an expert on the subject, but IMHO, the main difference is it covers more than just the basic chords in the boom-chick fashion - you're also the rhythm section and the bass section – lots of bass runs in the left hand – I think that this is one of the defining features of this particular style of accompaniment and what makes it so enjoyable to listen to.
My one piece of advice (take it or leave it as you choose….) is to listen, listen, listen! After trying to tackle this style of playing after years of classical piano, I admit that I rely waaaaay too much on the dots for the trad. music scene. Listening is most definitely key. Find as many recordings of Cape Breton fiddling as you possibly can and pay particularly attention to the piano to get ideas about how to juice up the rhythms and how to tackle the bass runs. Lots of room for some creative improvisation, but be careful when playing in a large group not to over do it.
# Posted on June 23rd 2008 by jsmith
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
Of course, once you have the accompaniment part down, there is also the realm of the CB piano solo, where you play the tune with the right hand and the accompaniment in the left. This requires some modification since now you have to do with one hand what you would normally do with two.
Unfortunately, there are not very many piano soloists (with recordings, at least) out there. Mac Morin, who also plays piano for Natalie MacMaster, and Troy MacGillivray (who is equally talented on the fiddle, btw) are two pianists who, in addition to Doug MacPhee, have recordings of CB piano solo works. Listen carefully to the left hand for the bass runs and to get some ideas for your own rhythmic style. Troy also does the piano accompaniment for his fiddle tracks – amazing stuff. And of course, the incomparable John Morris Rankin – there are some absolute gems on the numerous Rankins cds which feature him on the piano.
Hope this helps!
Jenn
# Posted on June 23rd 2008 by jsmith
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
Some folks blame it all on Jerry Lee Lewis...
# Posted on June 23rd 2008 by ceolachan
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
Jenn mentioned everyone I had in mind
Definitely check out Troy MacGillivray, he's amazing at what he does with piano accompaniment (I believe he's trained in jazz piano too). For recordings, he does the piano on Andrea Beaton's cd "The Tap Session", there's some really cool stuff to listen to there. I'm sure there are youtube videos to be found as well, where you might be able to see his hands while he plays.
# Posted on June 24th 2008 by ingridrt
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
ingridrt: great minds think a like, eh? .....or is it "fools seldom differ"? : ) and yes, I believe Troy MacGillivray has some jazz training, which of course adds to his unique style.
# Posted on June 24th 2008 by jsmith
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
For someone who can do a kick-butt job of melody & backup at the same time (a skill which has thus far eluded me, alas) you might check out Barbara MacDonald Magone. I'm not sure how to get her CD; I bought mine from her personally (autograph and all) when she was here a while back. She also does workshops from time to time, but I've been unable to hook up with her for one of those so far. I can send you her email via PM if you want it.
# Posted on June 24th 2008 by tomw
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
Barbara is on Alasdair Fraser's label:
http://www.culburnie.com/
Nobody plays CB piano like Barbara. We are very fortunate to play with her out here on the west coast with the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers.
She also has a website :
http://www.barbaramagone.com/
--Kevin
# Posted on June 24th 2008 by kruther4d
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
Thanks, Kevin,
I've met Barbara a few times, and we've swapped emails, but I didn't know that other stuff. She's a GREAT piano player; you are indeed lucky to have her around!
Cheers,
Tom
# Posted on June 24th 2008 by tomw
Re: Cape Breton Piano Accompaniment
Not Cape Breton, but piano anyway:
http://www.clarefm.ie/Mon_23-06-08.mp3
Geraldine Cotter plays the first set after the intro. She plays a little more than accompaniment, though...
# Posted on June 25th 2008 by Ramiro