What is so wonderfull about Micho Russel?
his playing is quite nice, he tongues alot, yeah, which I don;t under rate. I imagine he has a huge repertoire etc, but his playing is quite sparse and un-ornamented. it's not very fast either- that's fine in my books http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9eC_MYp-5I&feature=related
I'm obviously missing the point. Is he respected, almost deified, because " he typifies that corner of Clare" or because he is an ecceptional player? Which I don't think he is (but not crap either.) Is (was) he the Jade Goody of trad? The architypel aauld boy that every sesion must have (on a grand scale)? No doubt I have crossed lines here again and the nastry emails will come in from the odd nut case in the New world but unlike some of my very good mates I actuelly don't give a monkeys
Ah, theres magic in there alright. I can't explain it. I can't put my finger on it. But his playing gives me the goosebumps, shivers and all the rest. His technicalities may not be of as high a "standard" by some peoples reckoning but he has his own way with tunes. He variates them in his own little way, which is actually a big way to the people who listen and love his playing. There is character in his style, unlike anyone I've heard before.
It would be grand to hear from someone who knew Micho.
Wish I had made it to Willie Week sooner.
I think it's an excellent question regarding tradition.
Check out this review;
On the most westerly Blasket
In a dry-stone hut
He got this air out of the night.
Strange noises were heard
By others who followed, bits of a tune
Coming in on loud weather
Though nothing like melody.
He blamed their fingers and ear
As unpractised, their fiddling easy
For he had gone alone into the island
And brought back the whole thing.
The house throbbed like his full violin.
So wether he calls it spirit music
Or not, I don't care. He took it
Out of wind off mid-Atlantic.
Still he maintains, from nowhere.
It comes off the bow gravely,
Rephrases itself into the air.
Seamus Heaney
Micho Russell played the whistle - but he did the same.
I didn't know Micho. But I did meet him a couple of times (might have been three).
He was the most gentle, encouraging man you could wish to meet. I remember, many years agao, as a young man, when I was sat in on a session that was *way* over my head, one of the Clancy brothers still alive, and in that session, Seamus Creagh and a few others. I was sat, in awe, but hardly playing anything and, truth to tell, getting a little bit despondent. And this old fella sidles up to me and sits down on the bench next to me. I was scared to play a note in that company. But he just gently said "This is the Cliffs of Moher - you know that one" and encouraged me to join in. He sat by me the rest of the night, uttering words of encouragement every now and then, and then Seamus Creagh joined in with the encouragement, batting tunes my way that he thought I'd know. All of that, and the generosity and encouragement of other greats along the way, has kept me going on that session trail ever since
Oh, I should add, I had no idea the old fella who'd sat down next to me was Micho Russell at the time. I was so innocent, i also didn't know at that time that Seamus Creagh was famous.
Ain't it just? It does remind me to try to give some of it back. And, even though I'm just a moderate standard player, I think there are opportunities to do so, if you try ...
It would be worth pointing out that Micho was no spring chicken in that clip. It's unfair to judge on the twilight of his playing. There are other clips of famous players playing in their 70's and 80's and of course the playing is going to be a patch on their prime but that doesn't mean they were never great. It's a pleasure to see legends play for what they have done not just to see some brilliance.
you could say the same for barney mckenna re the tenor banjo, there are dozens of better faster cleaner players than him but he has his own highly respected style and followers as did michael russell the whistle player
I just listened to both the Micho Russell and Ryan Duns clips again. I agree that Ryan is a really nice whistle player. "Brilliant", if you like. But I think that he would be among the first to sing the praises of someone like Micho - among the true greats. I reckon anyone who plays whistle *would* rate Micho's playing as truly great. Otherwise, they'd be missing the point.
yes KWT, you're "obviously missing the point" as you say. Micho's music was Elemental, like pure, sweet water from some ancient spring,flowing generously,untainted- ahh..
Elemental! OK that's all I can say now....ahh...
Karate et al,
I think he is admired and respected because of this personal style. It's traditional yet unique. Sweet and melodious. It's easy to listen to and soft on the ear. yeah he might slow down the pace but we don't know why. Perhaps he wanted to try out a new variation and it didn't come through - maybe he got it the next time around.
Go raibh mile ma'agat! / many thanks! ~ I've note seen a video of Micho before, so only memories and pictures. It had me smiling throughout, and Ben's tale. Micho was ever the gentle man, generous and supportive, a light a character with a lovely sense of humour. I was lucky to have gotten and shared a good sampling of tunes with Micho, and to see how he was with others. He was also an all-rounder with regards to the tradition, a singer and a teller of tales as well as a musician in the instrumental way.
With regards to his style, which others have raised as an undeniable influence, having a lot to do with those around him, the nature of tradition, but in particular the concertina ~ his mother's and brother's and others. Try to emulate what he does and you'll see there is nothing 'simple' or 'easy' or slap-dash and accidental about it. If you've got the equipment follow a visual of the waves as he plays to see the dance in it, the pulse. I also agree with Kilfarboy about it not diminishing, not for the valued times I had the pleasur of sharing time with him, if not as often as I would have liked.
With the choice of others, and some damned flash players, I'd rather sit in with a session where Micho or certain other Clare musicians like Junior Crehan or Paddy Murphy were the driving force, than any of the hot-flash city driven sessions ~ Dublin, Cork, London, New York ~ that also found place in Clare and elsewhere.
Micho was a gem, and that was so much more than just about the music, the whistle, the flute ~ he was a joy, a good laugh, the best company, a charm, great craic...
Micho Russell ~ Micho Russell ~ Micho Russell ~ Micho Russell
Micho Russell ~ Micho Russell ~ Micho Russell ~ Micho Russell ~ just so if someone wants to chase up something about the dear man there's a chance that this discussion will show in the search... & a few others to strengthen that...
Micho Russell ~ for free, more ear training and listening pleasure
Most of you will be able to listen past the imperfections for the music and character evident. These recordings are courtesy of Roger Millington and include MP3s of Micho's playing along with other listens ~
Maybe so.
I never get it all, no matter hw many times I listen. But I keep listening.
Last night I put on my CD w/Micho & Willie & Cathal . . .
Then I was watching a clip from RTE 'The Full Set' where Liam O'Flynn talks about Seamus Ennis & Willie Clancy.
I am sure I will listen to it again. Several times over.
It says an awful lot about the depth of traditional Irish music that we can see and treasure music that is way beyond the technical. Not crap because it isn't technical enough but great because it transcends the technical. I'd love to be able to make all Micho's "mistakes" as perfectly as he could. Great thread, blokes and blokesses. The question, unusually, is answered!
just back from the tulla trad fest to find this somewhat daft thread! lol. i have to agree with steve shaw on this one. my guess karate is that you haven't been playing trad that long, ie. since you were a kid. give it a few more years and you'll probably learn to appreciate or understand micho's playing, dont take that as an insult because its not. i think the jade goody of trad discription is an insult in the highest regard. if what you say about michos playing is true of your feelings then you probably dont like any of the old clare fiddle players ie. paddy canny, pj hayes, etc. not that they are in anyway liek michos playing, but they deliver their own unique style of playing.
I find it strange and interesting how these questions come to be asked. I remember a long long time ago, when I might if I hadn't heard that sort of stuff from an early age have asked the same question; and have met and known many people who still ask the same question... but at the end of the day, as has been chorused above, if you need to ask, you'll never know... (until the day you work it out, and then stop asking...)
To me a question signifies hope, however wry or twisted it might be, even as bizarre and off the mark as making a comparision with Jade Goody, which is way off the mark. A question is still open, a query, an admission of ignorance and a challenge for someone to take on that shadow and shine their light of understanding and experience on the subject.. If it were statements then there'd be little or no hope, though the Jade Goody comparision comes close to hopeless... I believe that the understanding can be acquired with time and effort, and the right questions. But, with regards to music it's the ears that need regular exercise, the senses, including common sense...
I've known repeatedly people who have had an instantaneous and positive response to the music of Micho Russell, having never met the man, just taking his music in through the ears and liking it. Actually, as far as up front and personal I've never known anyone who didn't have an appreciation for what they heard. Sometimes that appreciation is expressed in just a smile.
It may be where you're coming from, what your expectations are, what your preferences are? If you've been raised on the commercial big groups and flash playing then there's probably a lot more than just Micho's playing that you haven't yet developed an appreciation for. You may never, but that will be your choice and not any fault of Micho or his music...
It's a difficult question for me, as I can't rightly think of anyone I've ever known or shared music with that didn't appreciated Micho's music...
Questions back! ~ if you actually don't care for or like MIcho's music what is it you don't like about it? What are your reasons? Is there anything about his music you can appreciate? What's your preferences over Micho's take on it? Give us 'your' best examples?
What has always struck me about Micho's music is his complete and utter faith and delight in the tunes, that they are enough, by themselves, without technical prowess or virtuosity. Which really is what this music is all about.
Sure, you can have your All-Irelands, your flashy bands, your astounding technique. But none of that is *necessary* for the music to lift your feet and your spirits.
Thanks for most of the comments Did I say please? Well, I meant to if not.
No, I haven't been playing long, but have made reasonable progres.
I'm sorry if the Jade Goody comparison offended. It wasn't a very good one. It was meant in the spirit that actually alot of ordinary people love Jade Goody precisely because she is like them, just quite ordinary, so they identify with her. I didn't intend to insult the memory of Micho Russell in that way. Just that maybe people may identify with the apparent simplicity of his playing. That it is not at all flashy. However, I will take the comments made here, particularly Ceolachan's, on board for future listening. I disagree with the idea that if you don't get it right away, you never will. Tell that to Albert Einstein who was quite backward at primary school.
If you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: you never will... you never will... you never will... you never will... you never will... you never will... you never will... you never will... you never will..."""""""""
Sorry, couldn't resist.
But I don't think anyone is saying you should get it "right away"...
p.s. It's too late at night for me to have a long discussion with myself about whether I got the punctuation right there...
I only heard Micho Russell on records but was impressed. Simple, pared-down, his style was; arrested at beginner level, no way. He could put very rapid and tight ornaments in a tune when it suited him.
I was told that after he had become famous, he wouldn't play unless he had a German girl in each arm. I cannot vouch for the truth of this, but if this is so, it is likely to have affected his playing style somewhat.
btw, don't know if anyone else agrees, but I would have rather that the tv company had *not* seen fit to add reverb to Micho's playing. It really didn't need it.
There is a dichotomy with this music that has always fascinated me. Two mutually exclusive and opposing ways of approaching it. And reconciling these contradictions is where the real skill lies.
1. The music is completely ego free. It is abstract. It exits only in the ether. It is simple. It plays itself.
2. The music is deeply personal. It exists only in the hearts and minds of the players. It is sublime. It's played by people.
Micho Russel was one of the best exponents of this reconciliation. And he did it effortlessly.
Llig I agree that these approaches are not necessarily mutually exclusive - players like Micho Russel use their hearts and minds to draw the music out of the ether for the rest of us to enjoy. Hence my fondness for the Heaney poem.
Michael, yes, you've zeroed in on it. Personal ***and*** free of ego.
This doesn't have to be a paradox or dichotomy. Play the music for the music's sake. Instead of aiming to impress people, just give them the tune.
We're bombarded by media focused on celebrity, stardom, and the "cult of personality." Typically based on image rather than substance. It's easy for "artists" such as musicians to get sucked into that.
But trad music offers a chance to put the music--the substance--front and center. Micho did that. The more immersed you are in the music, the more likely it is to naturally, freely, ego-lessly bubble out of you.
Perhaps a musician can embrace a little humility, realizing that a tune he is playing may be more timeless and immortal than he will ever be?
I suspect the highest plaudit I can ever aspire to will be as a foot note to a tune, not the other way around: "Oh, yes, THAT tune - some fellow named Rook played it fairly well as I remember." I can dream...
Perhaps that thought can temper one's desire to elaborate on something which really needs no elaboration to still touch us.
In any case, "Well done!", Micho, and I wish I could do half as well.
Music is not an athletic event like gymnastics, where what counts is the moves you do and how you execute them. Instead it is about what goes into the music, which is hard to explain, although llig's koan, or dialectic, just a few posts ago, comes fairly close.
It is not about cuts, rolls, ornaments, speed, etc. You can get all the details right, and still not have the essence or soul or whatever. I have only heard Mr. Russell on records, but it is pretty clear, even in the recorded music, that he had the essence.
Hmm. I see all the points made here, about the Music and stuff... and I agree with it, but still, that video of Micho Russel doesn't do anything for me. All I see and hear is an old gent from East Clare, called Micho Russel, playing two tunes on the whistle, reasonably well. Good, but nothing special. True, I haven't heard him before, and maybe I'm just young and inexperienced. Not wise enough yet to appreciate the wonder, kind of thing.
I still prefer Brian Finnegan's style of playing, though.
At Joe Ryan's graveside Tony McMahon held one of his passionate speeches: 'they say Micho Russell played simple music. Well, let them try play like him' Or words along those lines was among what he said.
Micho RusseLL. And sorry, for some reason I thought it said East Clare in the video. Whatever, wherever.
Nobody, whoever they may be, can tell someone that they are "way off passage" in their preferred style of whistle playing. I'm sure Micho was playing them perfectly in his own style, It's just that his own style doesn't really do much for me, and I don't see what's so great about it.
Joe, it might help to listen beyond technique and chops and all the usual benchmarks for "musicianship." What's wonderful about Micho's playing is that his personality, his playfulness, generosity of spirit, delight and utter trust in the music, and his basic good-naturedness shines through.
His playing says, "Hey, here's a gem of a tune," instead of shouting "Hey, listen to ME, listen to my chops."
You're assuming that I don't rate Micho Russell simply because he doesn't play very complex tunes really fast. Please, give me some credit, I'm not that shallow. Not many well-respected Irish musicians (like, say, Micho Russell or Brian Finnegan) actually play in order to show off their virtuosity.
Hmmm. I made no such assumption. But you did say you didn't like Micho's "style." I'm not sure Micho had a "style." He just played the tunes as he heard them in his head. "Style" seems too contrived a notion to apply to Micho's playing. And that's where it doesn't work weel to compare his playing to Brian Finnegan's or any other more commercially ambitious musician.
I love Finnegan's playing. I think he plays from the heart as well. But it *is* still more informed by showmanship and aiming to wow an audience than what Micho did.
It's also not entirely fair to post a clip of Brian playing at a workshop. That's not how he typically plays on stage.
"Not many well-respected Irish musicians....actually play in order to show off their virtuousity."
Erm, why do most of today's recording stars in Irish trad have an All-Ireland title or two tagged to their names, then? I think you've overstated that bit. Sure, they play the music because they love it, but *in concert* most musicians like to pull out all the stops.
And therein lies the difference. Micho didn't try to impress anyone with his chops.
"You're assuming I don't rate Micho Russell simply because he doesn't play very complex tunes really fast ". If that's not the reason, then what is ?
"I don't see what's so great about it". Exactly.
Hmm, seems to me that Joe and Karate are getting a hard time for voicing their personal opionions. And somehow are being made to feel as if they 'dont get it'. As if they somehow dont have a clue because they dont particularly like Micho russell's style. Thats a bit silly really - everyone cant like everything. It takes all kinds to make a musical world.
Thanks bb. I don't think I said I don't like his "style" - I do quite like his style, actually. I just find it a bit boring after a while, but that's just me. I do like plenty of ornamentation, as it adds life to tunes. If people want to slag me forthat I honestly do not give a toss. If people feel some need to act superior or something when we are on a discussion forum and expressing personal musical preferences, that's their choice, sad though it may be. Sticks and stones etc.
What gets me though, bb, is that Micho's music is being judged, apparently - and certainly in Joe's case, - on the basis of a single clip on "Youtube", which seems to me a bit unfair, to say the least.
Who would be happy to have their musicianship - and in Micho's case, a lifetime of playing traditional Irish music - judged on that basis?
If the judgement is based on one youtube clip, I agree with you kenny.
But the reality of life is that people are judged al the time. But is judgement the same thing as expressing a personal musical preference? Personal musical preference is based on ones own subjective (musical) experiences whereas should not "judgement" be objective?
"i just find it a bit boring after a while, but thats just me. I do like plenty of ornamentation as it adds life to tunes". karate.
I take it from this statement that you think tunes need lots of ornamentation to be lively or beautiful? If that it the case then you should listen to the actual tune more and not just the ornamentation. it is the tunes that make the music so great and if you can't see that well then there no amount of giving out that we can do to change your mind! lol!.
Ornamentation is great and all that, within reason of course, but you wouldn't fill a tune with fancy bits because you wuld loose the essence of the tune. if ornamentation is what you crave then maybe you might find more in jazz music say. but again, i think it is harder to copy micho russels playing than it is to copy mary bergins for example. thats all im sayin. you dont have to like micho's playing, of course you dont, but its important to understand why other people find his playing great. i dont particularly like flook, but i can understand why other people find them so appealing.
If you find Micho Russell's music "boring", KTW, then don't listen to it. It's that simple. You started this discussion asking why Micho Russell and his music was so popular, and many people above, with far more traditional Irish musical knowledge and experience than you appear to have, have given their reasons why they value Micho's contribution to traditional Irish music. Their opinions, and "personal preferences" are at least as valid as yours, and perhaps you should ask yourself why so many players have leapt to his defence. Your question has been answered, I think.
Good luck with your own whistle-playing. If you like highly-ornamented, fast whistle-playing, I think you'd like Brian Hughes, Breda Smyth and possibly Carmel Gunning. I apologise if these names are already known to you.
I don't really listen to it very much any more. I will give it another couple of trys then leave it. Quite funny how some people seem to be getting slightly outraged. In the example given above, Flook, if I said I found them a bit boring (which I don't) no doubt all the flook-heads would be down on me like ton of bricks as well. you can't win on this site sometimes.
It's possible that the hint of outrage stems less from your boredom with Micho's playing and more from your apparent lack of interst in people's answers to the question you posed at the outset of this thread.
I can understand why some people are not smitten by Micho's playing. But if you're going to ask people to explain why they *do* like his playing, you ought to at least give their responses some consideration.
I don't mean this is a snarky way--just trying to explain why some hackles might be bristling a bit here.
(I happen to really enjoy Micho ***and*** Flook. For me, it's not an either/or choice.)
This lack of interest in responses to my questions may be apparent to you but not to me, willcpt. I read most if not all posts. Maybe I haven't replied to them all one by one but whoever does on here? The ones which reply along the lines of "if you have to ask you'll never get it" are not much use. Those like PaddyC's and those describibng the lack of ego etc are very insightfull. I forwarded an opinion saying his playing is nice but I prefer ornamentation and that I can only take so much of the apparent "simplisity " of his "style", before I hanker after something more firey. As I say I'll have another go. Sorry if I've rankled anyone. And I know he is not here to defend his playing, etc etc. Once again, I'm am mildly surprised, bemused maybe, but not at all upset, that people are taking acception to me expressing opinions. Sorry for spellings, not my strong point.
I'm not talking about replying to "them all," but about engaging in a dialogue after you pose a question and people answer. Erm, it's a "discussion board," right?
When people take time to post detailed replies, it helps to reciprocate. Otherwise, we start to wonder if you really are interested in learning about other people's understanding of this music. So what insights did you get from PaddyC and "lack of ego" comments? What is it about Flook and Brian Finnegan that you like more than Micho's tunes? "Fiery" is a start, but could you be more specific?
Or don't bother. It's up to you. But nobody here is that "rankled," and certainly not about your expressed opinions.
paddy C said there's a magic even with not high standard technique he gets goosebumps and shivers, he couldn't explain why etc. That's describibg a very personal listenning experience. That's an insight.
YOurself and others observed his playing showed a lack of ego and the joy of just playing the tunes for their own sake etc. Again an insight. These are good pointers for anyone not just a beginner. What else do you want me to say? I'm not too brill on essay questions!
I quite dislike the 'not high standard technique' qualification quite a bit. Micho did learn rolls because they were not played in his area when he was learning, he does on occasion use something which has the same effect as a roll. But that's a minor point, in fact his technical execution is extremely precise and subtle.
Try play with his clarity of tone and delicacy of rhythm and you'll, maybe, understand.
That aside, his understanding of what he was playing was quite profound. He played what he knew, and he knew it well. It is often said that in no player the music and person were such a seamless extension of eachother.
I travelled a bit with Micho and have these great images of being with him on commuter trains in continental Europe, Micho looking at the land and the fiields and reminiscing how many cows he could have had had he had land of that quality. These thoughts would trigger tunes in him and he'd pull out the whistle and play tunes on the early morning train, on the way to our afternoon radio appearance in Belgium.
Great story and lovely comments kilfarboy thanks for that - point taken but I was just paraphrasing Paddy C - so take it up with him! Comments like these make me look at this in a new light.
It's that seamless quality that I was trying to get at earlier. You can hear it in Micho's playing that the tunes were a fundamental part of his life, not an add-on. And that quality is rare these days.
Many of us are drawn into the music because we hear it on a commercial recording or at a concert. Consider how different your music might be if you learned it simply because it was around you from the beginning, your neighbors playing specific tunes day in, day out in their kitchens, a neighbor taking the time to show you the basics on whistle, flute, or fiddle. It's much more a basic facet of life that way, rather than some hobby or elective that you have to go out of your way to be aware of, let alone learn yourself.
please someone tell me..
please someone tell me..
What is so wonderfull about Micho Russel?
his playing is quite nice, he tongues alot, yeah, which I don;t under rate. I imagine he has a huge repertoire etc, but his playing is quite sparse and un-ornamented. it's not very fast either- that's fine in my books
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9eC_MYp-5I&feature=related
I'm obviously missing the point. Is he respected, almost deified, because " he typifies that corner of Clare" or because he is an ecceptional player? Which I don't think he is (but not crap either.) Is (was) he the Jade Goody of trad? The architypel aauld boy that every sesion must have (on a grand scale)? No doubt I have crossed lines here again and the nastry emails will come in from the odd nut case in the New world but unlike some of my very good mates I actuelly don't give a monkeys
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Cosmic Ray
Re: please someone tell me..
Like, for example I consider this Fr a brillieant whistle player, and only wants to give to the music
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0JUtg8uL5rY&feature=related
(yeah, ok he slows down pace in the middle so waht)
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Cosmic Ray
Re: please someone tell me..
Ah, theres magic in there alright. I can't explain it. I can't put my finger on it. But his playing gives me the goosebumps, shivers and all the rest. His technicalities may not be of as high a "standard" by some peoples reckoning but he has his own way with tunes. He variates them in his own little way, which is actually a big way to the people who listen and love his playing. There is character in his style, unlike anyone I've heard before.
Maybe that will put you in the right direction?
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by PaddyCmusic
Re: please someone tell me..
It would be grand to hear from someone who knew Micho.
Wish I had made it to Willie Week sooner.
I think it's an excellent question regarding tradition.
Check out this review;
http://www.mustrad.org.uk/reviews/micho_r.htm
Micho Russell
Ireland's Whistling Ambassador
The Pennywhistler's Press PWCD 80001
Roly Brown - 14.12.99
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Random_notes
Re: please someone tell me..
Lovely review there.
my first thoughts on this question were that if you have to ask youll never know the answer.... but perhaps that review might shed some light on it?
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Ionannas
Re: please someone tell me..
The Given Note
On the most westerly Blasket
In a dry-stone hut
He got this air out of the night.
Strange noises were heard
By others who followed, bits of a tune
Coming in on loud weather
Though nothing like melody.
He blamed their fingers and ear
As unpractised, their fiddling easy
For he had gone alone into the island
And brought back the whole thing.
The house throbbed like his full violin.
So wether he calls it spirit music
Or not, I don't care. He took it
Out of wind off mid-Atlantic.
Still he maintains, from nowhere.
It comes off the bow gravely,
Rephrases itself into the air.
Seamus Heaney
Micho Russell played the whistle - but he did the same.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by clogstepping
Re: please someone tell me..
I didn't know Micho. But I did meet him a couple of times (might have been three).
He was the most gentle, encouraging man you could wish to meet. I remember, many years agao, as a young man, when I was sat in on a session that was *way* over my head, one of the Clancy brothers still alive, and in that session, Seamus Creagh and a few others. I was sat, in awe, but hardly playing anything and, truth to tell, getting a little bit despondent. And this old fella sidles up to me and sits down on the bench next to me. I was scared to play a note in that company. But he just gently said "This is the Cliffs of Moher - you know that one" and encouraged me to join in. He sat by me the rest of the night, uttering words of encouragement every now and then, and then Seamus Creagh joined in with the encouragement, batting tunes my way that he thought I'd know. All of that, and the generosity and encouragement of other greats along the way, has kept me going on that session trail ever since
Oh, I should add, I had no idea the old fella who'd sat down next to me was Micho Russell at the time. I was so innocent, i also didn't know at that time that Seamus Creagh was famous.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by benhall.1
Re: please someone tell me..
A lovely story Ben and was,nt that the way withall the old stock!!encourageing all the time.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by pencross
Re: please someone tell me..
Awesome story, Ben. That kind of encouragement is priceless.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by TheSilverSpear
Re: please someone tell me..
Ain't it just? It does remind me to try to give some of it back. And, even though I'm just a moderate standard player, I think there are opportunities to do so, if you try ...
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by benhall.1
Re: please someone tell me..
It would be worth pointing out that Micho was no spring chicken in that clip. It's unfair to judge on the twilight of his playing. There are other clips of famous players playing in their 70's and 80's and of course the playing is going to be a patch on their prime but that doesn't mean they were never great. It's a pleasure to see legends play for what they have done not just to see some brilliance.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Bogman
Re: please someone tell me..
Sorry, should read "course the playing is NOT going to be a patch on their prime"
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Bogman
Re: please someone tell me..
Actually I think you'll find Micho's playing didn't change an awful lot over time nor did it diminish significantly in old age.
He had a natural insight and sensitivity to what he played, it's all there: conviction, perfect execution, timing and rhythm.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by kilfarboy
Re: please someone tell me..
you could say the same for barney mckenna re the tenor banjo, there are dozens of better faster cleaner players than him but he has his own highly respected style and followers as did michael russell the whistle player
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by myparasgon
Re: please someone tell me..
I just listened to both the Micho Russell and Ryan Duns clips again. I agree that Ryan is a really nice whistle player. "Brilliant", if you like. But I think that he would be among the first to sing the praises of someone like Micho - among the true greats. I reckon anyone who plays whistle *would* rate Micho's playing as truly great. Otherwise, they'd be missing the point.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by benhall.1
Re: please someone tell me..
yes KWT, you're "obviously missing the point" as you say. Micho's music was Elemental, like pure, sweet water from some ancient spring,flowing generously,untainted- ahh..
Elemental! OK that's all I can say now....ahh...
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by pipewatcher
Re: please someone tell me..
Karate et al,
I think he is admired and respected because of this personal style. It's traditional yet unique. Sweet and melodious. It's easy to listen to and soft on the ear. yeah he might slow down the pace but we don't know why. Perhaps he wanted to try out a new variation and it didn't come through - maybe he got it the next time around.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by madfluter
Re: please someone tell me..
Go raibh mile ma'agat! / many thanks! ~ I've note seen a video of Micho before, so only memories and pictures. It had me smiling throughout, and Ben's tale. Micho was ever the gentle man, generous and supportive, a light a character with a lovely sense of humour. I was lucky to have gotten and shared a good sampling of tunes with Micho, and to see how he was with others. He was also an all-rounder with regards to the tradition, a singer and a teller of tales as well as a musician in the instrumental way.
With regards to his style, which others have raised as an undeniable influence, having a lot to do with those around him, the nature of tradition, but in particular the concertina ~ his mother's and brother's and others. Try to emulate what he does and you'll see there is nothing 'simple' or 'easy' or slap-dash and accidental about it. If you've got the equipment follow a visual of the waves as he plays to see the dance in it, the pulse. I also agree with Kilfarboy about it not diminishing, not for the valued times I had the pleasur of sharing time with him, if not as often as I would have liked.
With the choice of others, and some damned flash players, I'd rather sit in with a session where Micho or certain other Clare musicians like Junior Crehan or Paddy Murphy were the driving force, than any of the hot-flash city driven sessions ~ Dublin, Cork, London, New York ~ that also found place in Clare and elsewhere.
Micho was a gem, and that was so much more than just about the music, the whistle, the flute ~ he was a joy, a good laugh, the best company, a charm, great craic...
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by ceolachan
Micho Russell ~ Micho Russell ~ Micho Russell ~ Micho Russell
Micho Russell ~ Micho Russell ~ Micho Russell ~ Micho Russell ~ just so if someone wants to chase up something about the dear man there's a chance that this discussion will show in the search... & a few others to strengthen that...
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by ceolachan
Micho Russell ~ "The Russell Family Of Doolin, County Clare"
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/544
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by ceolachan
Micho Russell ~ "Micho Russell: Traditional Irish Music From County Clare"
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/2459
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by ceolachan
Micho Russell ~ "Micho Russell: Ireland's Whistling Ambassador"
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/543
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by ceolachan
Micho Russell ~ "Micho Russell: The Limestone Rock"
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/3087
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by ceolachan
Micho Russell ~ "Micho Russell: The Man From Clare"
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/3088
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by ceolachan
Micho Russell ~ & others
"The Totally Traditional Tin Whistle" ~ various, including Micho Russell
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/826
"Irish Whistles" ~ various, including Micho Russell
http://www.thesession.org/recordings/display/2433
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by ceolachan
Micho Russell ~ for free, more ear training and listening pleasure
Most of you will be able to listen past the imperfections for the music and character evident. These recordings are courtesy of Roger Millington and include MP3s of Micho's playing along with other listens ~
http://www.rogermillington.com/
http://www.rogermillington.com/siamsa/brosteve/
http://www.rogermillington.com/tunetoc/index.html
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: please someone tell me..
if ya get get it ......you never will amac....
dont waste your time tryin to see what ya never will
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by bud an asal
Re: please someone tell me..
if ya cant get it from watching or listening to him........i meant to say
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by bud an asal
Listening to Micho
Maybe so.
I never get it all, no matter hw many times I listen. But I keep listening.
Last night I put on my CD w/Micho & Willie & Cathal . . .
Then I was watching a clip from RTE 'The Full Set' where Liam O'Flynn talks about Seamus Ennis & Willie Clancy.
I am sure I will listen to it again. Several times over.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Random_notes
Re: please someone tell me..
It says an awful lot about the depth of traditional Irish music that we can see and treasure music that is way beyond the technical. Not crap because it isn't technical enough but great because it transcends the technical. I'd love to be able to make all Micho's "mistakes" as perfectly as he could. Great thread, blokes and blokesses. The question, unusually, is answered!
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Steve Shaw
Re: please someone tell me..
just back from the tulla trad fest to find this somewhat daft thread! lol. i have to agree with steve shaw on this one. my guess karate is that you haven't been playing trad that long, ie. since you were a kid. give it a few more years and you'll probably learn to appreciate or understand micho's playing, dont take that as an insult because its not. i think the jade goody of trad discription is an insult in the highest regard. if what you say about michos playing is true of your feelings then you probably dont like any of the old clare fiddle players ie. paddy canny, pj hayes, etc. not that they are in anyway liek michos playing, but they deliver their own unique style of playing.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by tradmoosic
Re: please someone tell me..
"What is so wonderful about Micho Russell?"
Answer: he was wonderful.
I find it strange and interesting how these questions come to be asked. I remember a long long time ago, when I might if I hadn't heard that sort of stuff from an early age have asked the same question; and have met and known many people who still ask the same question... but at the end of the day, as has been chorused above, if you need to ask, you'll never know... (until the day you work it out, and then stop asking...)
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by mutatis mutandis
Re: please someone tell me..
To me a question signifies hope, however wry or twisted it might be, even as bizarre and off the mark as making a comparision with Jade Goody, which is way off the mark. A question is still open, a query, an admission of ignorance and a challenge for someone to take on that shadow and shine their light of understanding and experience on the subject.. If it were statements then there'd be little or no hope, though the Jade Goody comparision comes close to hopeless... I believe that the understanding can be acquired with time and effort, and the right questions. But, with regards to music it's the ears that need regular exercise, the senses, including common sense...
I've known repeatedly people who have had an instantaneous and positive response to the music of Micho Russell, having never met the man, just taking his music in through the ears and liking it. Actually, as far as up front and personal I've never known anyone who didn't have an appreciation for what they heard. Sometimes that appreciation is expressed in just a smile.
It may be where you're coming from, what your expectations are, what your preferences are? If you've been raised on the commercial big groups and flash playing then there's probably a lot more than just Micho's playing that you haven't yet developed an appreciation for. You may never, but that will be your choice and not any fault of Micho or his music...
It's a difficult question for me, as I can't rightly think of anyone I've ever known or shared music with that didn't appreciated Micho's music...
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by ceolachan
That wasn't written with any nastiness in mind, but with some curiosity and confusion on my part.
That's nothing new...
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by ceolachan
What isn't wonderful about Micho Russell?
Questions back! ~ if you actually don't care for or like MIcho's music what is it you don't like about it? What are your reasons? Is there anything about his music you can appreciate? What's your preferences over Micho's take on it? Give us 'your' best examples?
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: please someone tell me..
And mind you, Karate did say "please."
What has always struck me about Micho's music is his complete and utter faith and delight in the tunes, that they are enough, by themselves, without technical prowess or virtuosity. Which really is what this music is all about.
Sure, you can have your All-Irelands, your flashy bands, your astounding technique. But none of that is *necessary* for the music to lift your feet and your spirits.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: please someone tell me..
Thanks for most of the comments Did I say please? Well, I meant to if not.
No, I haven't been playing long, but have made reasonable progres.
I'm sorry if the Jade Goody comparison offended. It wasn't a very good one. It was meant in the spirit that actually alot of ordinary people love Jade Goody precisely because she is like them, just quite ordinary, so they identify with her. I didn't intend to insult the memory of Micho Russell in that way. Just that maybe people may identify with the apparent simplicity of his playing. That it is not at all flashy. However, I will take the comments made here, particularly Ceolachan's, on board for future listening. I disagree with the idea that if you don't get it right away, you never will. Tell that to Albert Einstein who was quite backward at primary school.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by Cosmic Ray
Re: please someone tell me..
If you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: "if you need to ask about the phrase: you never will... you never will... you never will... you never will... you never will... you never will... you never will... you never will... you never will..."""""""""
Sorry, couldn't resist.
But I don't think anyone is saying you should get it "right away"...
p.s. It's too late at night for me to have a long discussion with myself about whether I got the punctuation right there...
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by mutatis mutandis
Re: please someone tell me..
I only heard Micho Russell on records but was impressed. Simple, pared-down, his style was; arrested at beginner level, no way. He could put very rapid and tight ornaments in a tune when it suited him.
I was told that after he had become famous, he wouldn't play unless he had a German girl in each arm. I cannot vouch for the truth of this, but if this is so, it is likely to have affected his playing style somewhat.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by nicholas
Re: please someone tell me..
btw, don't know if anyone else agrees, but I would have rather that the tv company had *not* seen fit to add reverb to Micho's playing. It really didn't need it.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by benhall.1
Re: please someone tell me..
There is a dichotomy with this music that has always fascinated me. Two mutually exclusive and opposing ways of approaching it. And reconciling these contradictions is where the real skill lies.
1. The music is completely ego free. It is abstract. It exits only in the ether. It is simple. It plays itself.
2. The music is deeply personal. It exists only in the hearts and minds of the players. It is sublime. It's played by people.
Micho Russel was one of the best exponents of this reconciliation. And he did it effortlessly.
# Posted on September 14th 2008 by llig leahcim
Re: please someone tell me..
Indeed.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Steve Shaw
Re: please someone tell me..
Llig I agree that these approaches are not necessarily mutually exclusive - players like Micho Russel use their hearts and minds to draw the music out of the ether for the rest of us to enjoy. Hence my fondness for the Heaney poem.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by clogstepping
Re: please someone tell me..
Michael, yes, you've zeroed in on it. Personal ***and*** free of ego.
This doesn't have to be a paradox or dichotomy. Play the music for the music's sake. Instead of aiming to impress people, just give them the tune.
We're bombarded by media focused on celebrity, stardom, and the "cult of personality." Typically based on image rather than substance. It's easy for "artists" such as musicians to get sucked into that.
But trad music offers a chance to put the music--the substance--front and center. Micho did that. The more immersed you are in the music, the more likely it is to naturally, freely, ego-lessly bubble out of you.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: please someone tell me..
Egolessly. Brilliant!
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Steve Shaw
Re: please someone tell me..
Perhaps a musician can embrace a little humility, realizing that a tune he is playing may be more timeless and immortal than he will ever be?
I suspect the highest plaudit I can ever aspire to will be as a foot note to a tune, not the other way around: "Oh, yes, THAT tune - some fellow named Rook played it fairly well as I remember." I can dream...
Perhaps that thought can temper one's desire to elaborate on something which really needs no elaboration to still touch us.
In any case, "Well done!", Micho, and I wish I could do half as well.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Rook
Re: please someone tell me..
Music is not an athletic event like gymnastics, where what counts is the moves you do and how you execute them. Instead it is about what goes into the music, which is hard to explain, although llig's koan, or dialectic, just a few posts ago, comes fairly close.
It is not about cuts, rolls, ornaments, speed, etc. You can get all the details right, and still not have the essence or soul or whatever. I have only heard Mr. Russell on records, but it is pretty clear, even in the recorded music, that he had the essence.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by AlBrown
Re: please someone tell me..
Hmm. I see all the points made here, about the Music and stuff... and I agree with it, but still, that video of Micho Russel doesn't do anything for me. All I see and hear is an old gent from East Clare, called Micho Russel, playing two tunes on the whistle, reasonably well. Good, but nothing special. True, I haven't heard him before, and maybe I'm just young and inexperienced. Not wise enough yet to appreciate the wonder, kind of thing.
I still prefer Brian Finnegan's style of playing, though.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Joe CSS
Re: please someone tell me..
West Clare.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by GaryAMartin
Re: please someone tell me..
... Micho Russell.
I think Brian would probably be the first to tell Joe CSS that he's way off message.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Floss the Tethers
Re: please someone tell me..
These thing are subtle: North Clare.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by kilfarboy
Re: please someone tell me..
At Joe Ryan's graveside Tony McMahon held one of his passionate speeches: 'they say Micho Russell played simple music. Well, let them try play like him' Or words along those lines was among what he said.
Clever guy, McMahon.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by kilfarboy
Re: please someone tell me..
Micho didn't play tunes "reasonably well". He played them perfectly in his own style, as does Brian.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Kenny
Re: please someone tell me..
Micho RusseLL. And sorry, for some reason I thought it said East Clare in the video. Whatever, wherever.
Nobody, whoever they may be, can tell someone that they are "way off passage" in their preferred style of whistle playing. I'm sure Micho was playing them perfectly in his own style, It's just that his own style doesn't really do much for me, and I don't see what's so great about it.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Joe CSS
Re: please someone tell me..
Joe, it might help to listen beyond technique and chops and all the usual benchmarks for "musicianship." What's wonderful about Micho's playing is that his personality, his playfulness, generosity of spirit, delight and utter trust in the music, and his basic good-naturedness shines through.
His playing says, "Hey, here's a gem of a tune," instead of shouting "Hey, listen to ME, listen to my chops."
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: please someone tell me..
You're assuming that I don't rate Micho Russell simply because he doesn't play very complex tunes really fast. Please, give me some credit, I'm not that shallow. Not many well-respected Irish musicians (like, say, Micho Russell or Brian Finnegan) actually play in order to show off their virtuosity.
Here's one of the few videos on Youtube of Brian playing on his own: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8mE9khrYJ1s&feature=related
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Joe CSS
Re: please someone tell me..
Hmmm. I made no such assumption. But you did say you didn't like Micho's "style." I'm not sure Micho had a "style." He just played the tunes as he heard them in his head. "Style" seems too contrived a notion to apply to Micho's playing. And that's where it doesn't work weel to compare his playing to Brian Finnegan's or any other more commercially ambitious musician.
I love Finnegan's playing. I think he plays from the heart as well. But it *is* still more informed by showmanship and aiming to wow an audience than what Micho did.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: please someone tell me..
It's also not entirely fair to post a clip of Brian playing at a workshop. That's not how he typically plays on stage.
"Not many well-respected Irish musicians....actually play in order to show off their virtuousity."
Erm, why do most of today's recording stars in Irish trad have an All-Ireland title or two tagged to their names, then? I think you've overstated that bit. Sure, they play the music because they love it, but *in concert* most musicians like to pull out all the stops.
And therein lies the difference. Micho didn't try to impress anyone with his chops.
# Posted on September 15th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: please someone tell me..
..or his sausages, even though Irish sausages are the tastiest snags I've ever eaten....
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by clogstepping
Re: please someone tell me..
Thats cause they are full of MSG
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by bb
Re: please someone tell me..
Oh no. I thought it was the happy pigs raised on tunes like The Jolly Banger.
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by clogstepping
Re: please someone tell me..
"You're assuming I don't rate Micho Russell simply because he doesn't play very complex tunes really fast ". If that's not the reason, then what is ?
"I don't see what's so great about it". Exactly.
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by Kenny
Re: please someone tell me..
Hmm, seems to me that Joe and Karate are getting a hard time for voicing their personal opionions. And somehow are being made to feel as if they 'dont get it'. As if they somehow dont have a clue because they dont particularly like Micho russell's style. Thats a bit silly really - everyone cant like everything. It takes all kinds to make a musical world.
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by bb
Re: please someone tell me..
Thanks bb. I don't think I said I don't like his "style" - I do quite like his style, actually. I just find it a bit boring after a while, but that's just me. I do like plenty of ornamentation, as it adds life to tunes. If people want to slag me forthat I honestly do not give a toss. If people feel some need to act superior or something when we are on a discussion forum and expressing personal musical preferences, that's their choice, sad though it may be. Sticks and stones etc.
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by Cosmic Ray
Re: please someone tell me..
What gets me though, bb, is that Micho's music is being judged, apparently - and certainly in Joe's case, - on the basis of a single clip on "Youtube", which seems to me a bit unfair, to say the least.
Who would be happy to have their musicianship - and in Micho's case, a lifetime of playing traditional Irish music - judged on that basis?
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by Kenny
Re: please someone tell me..
If the judgement is based on one youtube clip, I agree with you kenny.
But the reality of life is that people are judged al the time. But is judgement the same thing as expressing a personal musical preference? Personal musical preference is based on ones own subjective (musical) experiences whereas should not "judgement" be objective?
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by Cosmic Ray
Re: please someone tell me..
Well I thought that Micho sounded great in that clip and in the other clip also on Youtube of him dancing and then playing.
In the whistle class I was at in Miltown this year the tutor pointed to 3 distinct styles of Irish whistle playing:
Micho Russell (fairly simple clear style in terms of ornamentation and very little tonguing)
Sean Ryan - a heavily ornamented style with lots of tonguing
Mary Bergin - somewhere between the two with regular use of tonguing and finger ornamentation.
Other whistle players have developed much of their style based upon the playing of these three.
Other influential players would include:
Cathal McConnell, Marc Duff, Sean Potts & Paddy Moloney
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: please someone tell me..
"i just find it a bit boring after a while, but thats just me. I do like plenty of ornamentation as it adds life to tunes". karate.
I take it from this statement that you think tunes need lots of ornamentation to be lively or beautiful? If that it the case then you should listen to the actual tune more and not just the ornamentation. it is the tunes that make the music so great and if you can't see that well then there no amount of giving out that we can do to change your mind! lol!.
Ornamentation is great and all that, within reason of course, but you wouldn't fill a tune with fancy bits because you wuld loose the essence of the tune. if ornamentation is what you crave then maybe you might find more in jazz music say. but again, i think it is harder to copy micho russels playing than it is to copy mary bergins for example. thats all im sayin. you dont have to like micho's playing, of course you dont, but its important to understand why other people find his playing great. i dont particularly like flook, but i can understand why other people find them so appealing.
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by tradmoosic
Re: please someone tell me..
If you find Micho Russell's music "boring", KTW, then don't listen to it. It's that simple. You started this discussion asking why Micho Russell and his music was so popular, and many people above, with far more traditional Irish musical knowledge and experience than you appear to have, have given their reasons why they value Micho's contribution to traditional Irish music. Their opinions, and "personal preferences" are at least as valid as yours, and perhaps you should ask yourself why so many players have leapt to his defence. Your question has been answered, I think.
Good luck with your own whistle-playing. If you like highly-ornamented, fast whistle-playing, I think you'd like Brian Hughes, Breda Smyth and possibly Carmel Gunning. I apologise if these names are already known to you.
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by Kenny
Re: please someone tell me..
I agree tradmoosic - there are plenty of people, bands etc that I dont really like - but I can get why other people love them.
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by bb
Re: please someone tell me..
I don't really listen to it very much any more. I will give it another couple of trys then leave it. Quite funny how some people seem to be getting slightly outraged. In the example given above, Flook, if I said I found them a bit boring (which I don't) no doubt all the flook-heads would be down on me like ton of bricks as well. you can't win on this site sometimes.
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by Cosmic Ray
Re: please someone tell me..
“Flook”, happily, are still around to defend themselves. Micho isn’t.
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by Kenny
Re: please someone tell me..
It's possible that the hint of outrage stems less from your boredom with Micho's playing and more from your apparent lack of interst in people's answers to the question you posed at the outset of this thread.
I can understand why some people are not smitten by Micho's playing. But if you're going to ask people to explain why they *do* like his playing, you ought to at least give their responses some consideration.
I don't mean this is a snarky way--just trying to explain why some hackles might be bristling a bit here.
(I happen to really enjoy Micho ***and*** Flook. For me, it's not an either/or choice.)
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: please someone tell me..
Ah, but if it was, Will, - which would it be ?
.
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by Kenny
Re: please someone tell me..
Thank goodness it's not such a choice.
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: please someone tell me..
This lack of interest in responses to my questions may be apparent to you but not to me, willcpt. I read most if not all posts. Maybe I haven't replied to them all one by one but whoever does on here? The ones which reply along the lines of "if you have to ask you'll never get it" are not much use. Those like PaddyC's and those describibng the lack of ego etc are very insightfull. I forwarded an opinion saying his playing is nice but I prefer ornamentation and that I can only take so much of the apparent "simplisity " of his "style", before I hanker after something more firey. As I say I'll have another go. Sorry if I've rankled anyone. And I know he is not here to defend his playing, etc etc. Once again, I'm am mildly surprised, bemused maybe, but not at all upset, that people are taking acception to me expressing opinions. Sorry for spellings, not my strong point.
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by Cosmic Ray
Re: please someone tell me..
I'm not talking about replying to "them all," but about engaging in a dialogue after you pose a question and people answer. Erm, it's a "discussion board," right?
When people take time to post detailed replies, it helps to reciprocate. Otherwise, we start to wonder if you really are interested in learning about other people's understanding of this music. So what insights did you get from PaddyC and "lack of ego" comments? What is it about Flook and Brian Finnegan that you like more than Micho's tunes? "Fiery" is a start, but could you be more specific?
Or don't bother. It's up to you. But nobody here is that "rankled," and certainly not about your expressed opinions.
# Posted on September 16th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: please someone tell me..
La la la. I think that when Micho Russell comes back from the dead he should join Flook. Then we'll all be happy!
# Posted on September 17th 2008 by Joe CSS
Re: please someone tell me..
paddy C said there's a magic even with not high standard technique he gets goosebumps and shivers, he couldn't explain why etc. That's describibg a very personal listenning experience. That's an insight.
I'm not too brill on essay questions!
YOurself and others observed his playing showed a lack of ego and the joy of just playing the tunes for their own sake etc. Again an insight. These are good pointers for anyone not just a beginner. What else do you want me to say?
# Posted on September 17th 2008 by Cosmic Ray
Re: please someone tell me..
I quite dislike the 'not high standard technique' qualification quite a bit. Micho did learn rolls because they were not played in his area when he was learning, he does on occasion use something which has the same effect as a roll. But that's a minor point, in fact his technical execution is extremely precise and subtle.
Try play with his clarity of tone and delicacy of rhythm and you'll, maybe, understand.
That aside, his understanding of what he was playing was quite profound. He played what he knew, and he knew it well. It is often said that in no player the music and person were such a seamless extension of eachother.
I travelled a bit with Micho and have these great images of being with him on commuter trains in continental Europe, Micho looking at the land and the fiields and reminiscing how many cows he could have had had he had land of that quality. These thoughts would trigger tunes in him and he'd pull out the whistle and play tunes on the early morning train, on the way to our afternoon radio appearance in Belgium.
# Posted on September 17th 2008 by kilfarboy
Re: please someone tell me..
' did not learn rolls'
# Posted on September 17th 2008 by kilfarboy
Re: please someone tell me..
Great story and lovely comments kilfarboy thanks for that - point taken but I was just paraphrasing Paddy C - so take it up with him! Comments like these make me look at this in a new light.
# Posted on September 17th 2008 by Cosmic Ray
Re: please someone tell me..
Peter, thanks for that.
It's that seamless quality that I was trying to get at earlier. You can hear it in Micho's playing that the tunes were a fundamental part of his life, not an add-on. And that quality is rare these days.
Many of us are drawn into the music because we hear it on a commercial recording or at a concert. Consider how different your music might be if you learned it simply because it was around you from the beginning, your neighbors playing specific tunes day in, day out in their kitchens, a neighbor taking the time to show you the basics on whistle, flute, or fiddle. It's much more a basic facet of life that way, rather than some hobby or elective that you have to go out of your way to be aware of, let alone learn yourself.
# Posted on September 17th 2008 by Will CPT