Since spending a lot more time on flute* (as opposed to stringed instruments), Flook has become one of my listening favorites. Since they've become influential on the more recent players, I'm wondering if there are other twin flute or multiple wind lineups out there, either along the Flook model, or having arisen independently. (And not necessarily in just ITM either, but in other various progressive Euro-folk genres).
OK, I've looked through the archives and have seen that there are those in the more hardcore ITM faction that don't particularly find them interesting. So that doesn't need to be rehashed here. Anyway, I really like them.; but then again, I am also a big Tull fan, and also like Chris Wood (Traffic), Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band), Johnny Almond (John Mayall, Mark-Almond) and all those UK sax/flute doublers (Ray Warleigh, Howard McNair, Lyn Dobson...) that played on Renbourn/Jansch/Martyn/Drake etc. stuff in the late 60s-70s. And of course listen to the jazz flute guys (Herbie Mann, Lew Tabackin, Yusef Lateef, Paul Horn, Charles Lloyd, Steig etc.) So jazz and rock influences in progressive "folk" doesn't bother me in the least.
Before this might set some off, let me say that I've also (still) got shelves of LPs of UK folk-rock and various trad. that I was ordering from overseas when the albums were first released (e.g. the first Planxty and Boys of The Lough albums).
Among the trad-side flute play list:
Flook - Rubai, Haven
John Doonan - Flute For The Feis (Leader)
Paddy Carty & Mick O'Connor - Trad. Music of Ireland (Shanachie)
various - Music From The Coleman Country (Leader)
Paddy Taylor (Claddagh)
Mulhaire/ConnallyCoen - Warming Up
Matt Molloy - Matt Molloy (Green Linnet)
Cathal McConnell - On Lough Erne's Shore
Charlie & Jack Coen - The Branch Line
Kevin Crawford - D Flute Album
(I don't know what ever happened to my Seamus Tansey LP on Leader, but it's long gone)
And on the Nordic front (with flutes):
Ottopasuuna (both lineups), Groupa, Bäsk, Bukkene Bruse, Ale Möller, Leena Joustsenlahti, Tuulenkantjaat
Anyway, I haven't kept up with current Irish stuff. So if there's some outfits I should check out, let me know. Thanks.
Niles H
*Closed hole Boehm system. But I really like the sound sax doublers get on flute, probably more than the "dedictated flutists" in jazz. More dirt and grit, less "prissy". However, at some point I might want to pick up a wooden simple system, and I'd probably opt for a LHed one if not priced too high. (I've got both RH and LH strung mandolins and tenor banjos, and the ambidexterity is great for the neural wiring. And having a lefty flute would tend to balance out muscular ergonomics.
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
I don't know where you're based, but you may have heard of the Northumbrian piper and fiddler, Kathryn Tickell. Her album "Strange But True" (2006) contains collaborations you might find interesting. They include:
Side Echoes:- N.Pipes played by KT, soprano & tenor sax played by Andy Sheppard;
Cockle Geordie / Donald Willie And His Dog:- N.Pipes, KT; Border Pipes & whistle, Rory Campbell; Galician Pipes & whistle, Anxo Lorenzo; guitar, Malcolm Stitt.
Men Of Destiny / Heidi:- N.Pipes, KT; whistles, Rory Campbell and Anxo Lorenzo; launeddas (Sardinian reed-pipes), Luigi Lai; guitar, Malcolm Stitt; double bass, Neil Harland;
Wild Hills Of Wannies:- N.Pipes, KT; The Brazz Brothers - a Norwegian band - play trumpets, french horn, trombone and tuba; Marcus Lewin plays drums and percussion.
Pasodoble gallego / Splish Splash:- N.Pipes, KT; Galician Pipes, Anxo Lorenzo and Rory Campbell;
Rafferty's Unreel:- N.Pipes, KT; The Brazz Brothers (brass).
The track with the launeddas on it struck me as very reminiscent of Flook, if I remember correctly.
There's a tradition of playing duets on the Northumbrian pipes. I don't have chapter and verse on this but I believe Anthony and Carole Robb researched this some time ago and their albums must contain some. I've also seen a book of tune arrangements for N.Pipes duets. The Music Room, Cleckheaton, W.Yorkshire will probably have it.
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
As in the Michael McGoldrick who was in the original line-up of both Flook and Lúnasa, but left both to do his solo stuff, which is incredible, yes, him.
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
I've got Tickell's "The Gathering" and "Debateable Lands" (great album), but not the one you mentioned. Sounds pretty interesting.
The sax/pipes "section" in Moving Hearts was a great sound too. And on the early Chieftains (w/Potts, Tubridy) albums, I really liked the twin whistles & flute
But the double flutes or flute/low whistle really is a great combination. Twin (or triple) fiddles isn't unusual, but why isn't there a parallel amongst the flute contingent?
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
>Niles! I greatly miss the Mandocrucian Digest - might we ever see the like again? Is your instructional material still available?>
Question 1. No. (Well, not from me.)
Question 2: Yes, the book/CDs are available directly from me, and also from Elderly. I still have MD back issues available (direct).
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds - Rare Air
I don't know the current status of John Almond - I don't think he's done much since the 80's
One thing I found going through me record/CD sheleves was SPACE PIPER by the Candian group Rare Air. (1991). The two-man front line on pipes, whistles, flutes, double reeds etc., but the jazz bassist is real prominent in the mix and arrangements. Closer to Oregon or ECM euro-jazz than to folk. Checking the LP shelves....an unopened copy of their (1989) PRIMEVAL album - (must have been a promo). Same front line, but different rhythm section. Time to open it and burn it (virgin vinyl!) over to a CDR.
Appreciate the suggestions. Really helpful if you mention what the instrument combination is (i.e. sax/pipes, etc.). (I've got THE BEES KNEES, but had forgetten all about it - thanks for the reminder!)
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
Ross Ainslie/Jarlath Henderson's album is a mix of Scottish Border Pipes and Uilleann Pipes as well as low whistles
The first At First Light album was Mike McGoldrick & John McSherry so was a mix of Uilleann Pipes, Flute & whistle. The more recent album Tripswitch is John McSherry & Donal O'Connor with band so is a mix of Uilleann Pipes, Whistles and Fiddle.
Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
Since spending a lot more time on flute* (as opposed to stringed instruments), Flook has become one of my listening favorites. Since they've become influential on the more recent players, I'm wondering if there are other twin flute or multiple wind lineups out there, either along the Flook model, or having arisen independently. (And not necessarily in just ITM either, but in other various progressive Euro-folk genres).
OK, I've looked through the archives and have seen that there are those in the more hardcore ITM faction that don't particularly find them interesting. So that doesn't need to be rehashed here. Anyway, I really like them.; but then again, I am also a big Tull fan, and also like Chris Wood (Traffic), Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band), Johnny Almond (John Mayall, Mark-Almond) and all those UK sax/flute doublers (Ray Warleigh, Howard McNair, Lyn Dobson...) that played on Renbourn/Jansch/Martyn/Drake etc. stuff in the late 60s-70s. And of course listen to the jazz flute guys (Herbie Mann, Lew Tabackin, Yusef Lateef, Paul Horn, Charles Lloyd, Steig etc.) So jazz and rock influences in progressive "folk" doesn't bother me in the least.
Before this might set some off, let me say that I've also (still) got shelves of LPs of UK folk-rock and various trad. that I was ordering from overseas when the albums were first released (e.g. the first Planxty and Boys of The Lough albums).
Among the trad-side flute play list:
Flook - Rubai, Haven
John Doonan - Flute For The Feis (Leader)
Paddy Carty & Mick O'Connor - Trad. Music of Ireland (Shanachie)
various - Music From The Coleman Country (Leader)
Paddy Taylor (Claddagh)
Mulhaire/ConnallyCoen - Warming Up
Matt Molloy - Matt Molloy (Green Linnet)
Cathal McConnell - On Lough Erne's Shore
Charlie & Jack Coen - The Branch Line
Kevin Crawford - D Flute Album
(I don't know what ever happened to my Seamus Tansey LP on Leader, but it's long gone)
And on the Nordic front (with flutes):
Ottopasuuna (both lineups), Groupa, Bäsk, Bukkene Bruse, Ale Möller, Leena Joustsenlahti, Tuulenkantjaat
Anyway, I haven't kept up with current Irish stuff. So if there's some outfits I should check out, let me know. Thanks.
Niles H
*Closed hole Boehm system. But I really like the sound sax doublers get on flute, probably more than the "dedictated flutists" in jazz. More dirt and grit, less "prissy". However, at some point I might want to pick up a wooden simple system, and I'd probably opt for a LHed one if not priced too high. (I've got both RH and LH strung mandolins and tenor banjos, and the ambidexterity is great for the neural wiring. And having a lefty flute would tend to balance out muscular ergonomics.
# Posted on September 13th 2008 by Niles H
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
I don't know where you're based, but you may have heard of the Northumbrian piper and fiddler, Kathryn Tickell. Her album "Strange But True" (2006) contains collaborations you might find interesting. They include:
Side Echoes:- N.Pipes played by KT, soprano & tenor sax played by Andy Sheppard;
Cockle Geordie / Donald Willie And His Dog:- N.Pipes, KT; Border Pipes & whistle, Rory Campbell; Galician Pipes & whistle, Anxo Lorenzo; guitar, Malcolm Stitt.
Men Of Destiny / Heidi:- N.Pipes, KT; whistles, Rory Campbell and Anxo Lorenzo; launeddas (Sardinian reed-pipes), Luigi Lai; guitar, Malcolm Stitt; double bass, Neil Harland;
Wild Hills Of Wannies:- N.Pipes, KT; The Brazz Brothers - a Norwegian band - play trumpets, french horn, trombone and tuba; Marcus Lewin plays drums and percussion.
Pasodoble gallego / Splish Splash:- N.Pipes, KT; Galician Pipes, Anxo Lorenzo and Rory Campbell;
Rafferty's Unreel:- N.Pipes, KT; The Brazz Brothers (brass).
The track with the launeddas on it struck me as very reminiscent of Flook, if I remember correctly.
There's a tradition of playing duets on the Northumbrian pipes. I don't have chapter and verse on this but I believe Anthony and Carole Robb researched this some time ago and their albums must contain some. I've also seen a book of tune arrangements for N.Pipes duets. The Music Room, Cleckheaton, W.Yorkshire will probably have it.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by nicholas
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
How about twin reeds? Callan Bridge
Niall And Cillian Vallely
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/323
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Random_notes
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
Ahem? Michael McGoldrick??
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Joe CSS
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
As in Michael McGoldrick of Fluke! & Lunasa?
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Random_notes
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
As in the Michael McGoldrick who was in the original line-up of both Flook and Lúnasa, but left both to do his solo stuff, which is incredible, yes, him.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Joe CSS
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
I've got Tickell's "The Gathering" and "Debateable Lands" (great album), but not the one you mentioned. Sounds pretty interesting.
The sax/pipes "section" in Moving Hearts was a great sound too. And on the early Chieftains (w/Potts, Tubridy) albums, I really liked the twin whistles & flute
But the double flutes or flute/low whistle really is a great combination. Twin (or triple) fiddles isn't unusual, but why isn't there a parallel amongst the flute contingent?
NH (in Virginia)
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Niles H
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
Niles! I greatly miss the Mandocrucian Digest - might we ever see the like again? Is your instructional material still available?
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by will morgan
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/611
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by kkrell
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
Joe do you think Michael McGoldrick is a good Irish flute player?
Just curious
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by D.J.F.
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
>Niles! I greatly miss the Mandocrucian Digest - might we ever see the like again? Is your instructional material still available?>
Question 1. No. (Well, not from me.)
Question 2: Yes, the book/CDs are available directly from me, and also from Elderly. I still have MD back issues available (direct).
Niles H
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Niles H
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
Nah Dan, I think he's crap actually. Can't play an instrument to save his life. I am much better than him.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Joe CSS
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
You'd probably like Deiseal - their albums are 'Sunshine Dance' and 'The Long note'.
Sax and whistles, jazzy trad. I peronally love them.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by shoddy fiddle player
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
Hamish Moore & Dick Lee - Bees Knees - interesting stuff bits of which can be heard here
http://wwww.amazon.com/The-Bees-Knees/dp/B001EDKR6Y/ref=mb_oe_o
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Gromit
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
Johnny Almond (John Mayall, Mark-Almond) is he still playing?
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Gromit
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
Alele.
A new band in Galway with an album out.
Capercaille.
The Bothy band had plenty of sets with flute and low whistles.
Deiseal - probably my favourite
Kila - Not my favourite but good I suppose at what they do!
Lunasa
Comas
The list goes on ...
# Posted on September 17th 2008 by eurbanjo
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
Ross Ainslie & Jarlath Henderson - Partners in Crime
At First Light
# Posted on September 17th 2008 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds - Rare Air
I don't know the current status of John Almond - I don't think he's done much since the 80's
One thing I found going through me record/CD sheleves was SPACE PIPER by the Candian group Rare Air. (1991). The two-man front line on pipes, whistles, flutes, double reeds etc., but the jazz bassist is real prominent in the mix and arrangements. Closer to Oregon or ECM euro-jazz than to folk. Checking the LP shelves....an unopened copy of their (1989) PRIMEVAL album - (must have been a promo). Same front line, but different rhythm section. Time to open it and burn it (virgin vinyl!) over to a CDR.
Appreciate the suggestions. Really helpful if you mention what the instrument combination is (i.e. sax/pipes, etc.). (I've got THE BEES KNEES, but had forgetten all about it - thanks for the reminder!)
Niles H
# Posted on September 17th 2008 by Niles H
Re: Other stuff akin to Flook - twin/multiple winds
Ross Ainslie/Jarlath Henderson's album is a mix of Scottish Border Pipes and Uilleann Pipes as well as low whistles
The first At First Light album was Mike McGoldrick & John McSherry so was a mix of Uilleann Pipes, Flute & whistle. The more recent album Tripswitch is John McSherry & Donal O'Connor with band so is a mix of Uilleann Pipes, Whistles and Fiddle.
# Posted on September 17th 2008 by No Cause For Alarm