Like most people I watched the new series of geantrai last night. I for one was extremely disappointed. I thought it was very poor, much poorer than normal. Some of the music and singing was decidedly average at best. I thought Damien Mullane's attempt at a french waltz or whatever it was smacked of tastelessness and your one from riverdance, playing some poor 'compositions' of her own, just very pretentious all round really. its an irish music programme so it makes sense to play something for the audience, so naturally irish music you would think. you have to question what is going through the producers mind really. i hope next week is better... What are other people's thoughts?
Horses for courses tradmoosic - although I didnt see it I've been watching geantri for a long time o the web and usually I find it a bit straight for my tastes a bit too old style trad....maybe all this weird stuff will be more to my taste! I like it all though - it be nice to have a mix.
oh i know totally, i dont have anything against modern stuff or whatever, it wouldn't be to my tatse but i can still appreciate it if it is played genuinely well and the quality of musicianship is good, but in this case i think it was lacking quite a bit!
I think that it is really time on this site that a rule was made about b*tching about musicians. I know that people have freedom of speech but I'm also quite aware that musicians don't play trad to p*ss people off.
As there is no defined rule book on how one might approach this genre, I urge contributors to hide their ignorance of this fact. Because a gig happened to be on tv, is certainly not a reason to talk negatively about the musicians. Perhaps email the producers if you are that offended and keep negativity off this site.
I myself didn't like the programme for different reasons.Since they have introduced the concept of a different musician introducing the programme each week, we now seem to get a mini platform for that person's performance or that of a selected few.That one person gets to play in two or more parts would be no big deal if there were no other good musicians in the locality but in this instance, it is impossible to throw a stone without hitting a good musician in Dingle.Maybe the presenter is just a figure head and doesn't get to choose but it was disappointing that in such a short programme, that the same small number of players got to play more than once when as I say there are lots of other great players in Dingle.
As for Martin's comments- well they are congruent with Martin's outlook as a performer. In my opinion and to my taste, I didn't like the waltz played by Damien Mullane nor the version of Mayor Harrison's Fedora which seemed to fall somewhere between a waltz and a reel.I have seen him play before and he is a good box player but I didn't like what he played on this occasion. We have had this discussion on expressing one's opinion on different people's playing here many times before and this is not the first time Martin that you have expressed your difficulty with it. It's a forum for discussion- what do you suggest we do? Say that we like everybody. "I urge contributors to hide their ignorance of this fact."- what fact?
yup, program sucked. was very bad. same people on it all the way thru. mullane played three different boxes! maybe it was a budget thing.... didn't enjoy one performance
And yes, it does seem to be turning into a lame showcase for token rotating presenter each week.
I have to say it would have made me laugh if Mullane had sported 3 different hair cuts for the show! That would be funny....
you'll have to point out for me martin where i said damien mullane was a bad box player because i for one dont recall saying that!! i think he is a good box player but choice of tunes and production of the whole show was seriously questionable. and its not a 'gig' martin, come on. it advertises itself as a showcase for musicians in that locality. but the reality is different. i know there isn't a 'rulebook' marty, but approaching from a different angle doesn't mean you shouldn't do it tastefully and do it well. what you're saying is that we shud all be sycophants. if you dont like my opinion on a musician, big deal. im sure there are plenty of people who feel the opposite.
"usually I find it a bit straight for my tastes a bit too old style trad"
A very ignorant comment. You equate straight with old style, this is not fair. Some of the oldest and deadest Irish musicians were the wackiest and non-conformed. Neil O'Boyle, Jim Donaghue. In my opinion, the new style of Irish-Euro crap is the most straight and conforming stuff to ever come from Irish music. And let's face it, it;s a rare occurance for geantrai to feature a real great old player, I'm sure people will vouch for that. There's only about twenty great and old ones left in the world.
Well we have quotes such as "it was smacked of tastelessness" and "your one from riverdance, playing some poor 'compositions' of her own".
I don't think that a genre which is only supposed to be a positive experience should be laced with such commentary. If something is negative in your opinion, why share and spread it? I am sure that there are many other positive things about the tradition which you could talk about. Writing this post contributes and changes nothing. An email to the producers might have been more effective.
Now, enough of this silliness. If you don't like the show, don't watch it!
Go and enjoy yourselves people! Life is too short!
"usually I find it a bit straight for my tastes a bit too old style trad"
wow ,this takes some beating for ignorance
I watched The programme it was ok,but it is rarely very good anyway,
its often competent players,who look really bored,as if they are playing the tune for the 900th time,
Ithink they would do better to record a live session warts and all,the whole programme always seems contrived.,and rehearsed.
but its better than having no itm on the tv.
i think thats the problem martin. you say that it is only suppose to be a positive experience. do you no think that this is a bit naive? of course there are plenty of positive things about the tradition, but this shouldn't curtail us from expressing our opinion on a site such as this. as i said, im sure there are some people out there who enjoyed it. why shud they be allowed to say that it was good in their opinion, while we who disagree sit silently in the corner. of course i may mention it to the producer, i dunno if it is still matt cranitch, i know edel fox was production assisstant for forefront the last few years. of course i dont have to watch it, but the lack of itm programmes means that i dont have much choice. i like to watch and see people i know, but i still expect to be entertained. i taped it on sky plus, so i was able to wind through most of it.
dont know why people always find the need to come here complaining... no programme is going to be to everyones liking..... most people can make up their own minds anyways and dont need to come on here to read a "review" of people personals opinions of the way they think it should be,. it is the way it is.
"usually I find it a bit straight for my tastes a bit too old style trad"
I winced at that too Dickens, but you have got it wrong.
That's not in any way an ignorant statement.
The poster has said on many different occasions, they like the modern stuff, and has usually illustrated thi clearly in their posts.
What's ignorant, is the fact some people don't accept others opinions...Whether they agree or not is completely irrelevant.
PS Martin, we never discussed that thing I was talking to you about in the pub that time any further....
Hugo, its ignorant,[imo] because it stereo typesall old trad as the same,which it isnt.
the definition of ignorant is unknowing,it is unknowledgeable to dismiss,[and to imply that they all sound the same. neill boyle,micheal coleman,seamus tansey,sean macguire,padraig okeefe.[similiar,youmust be joking]
they are all very different,and can hardly,be described as the same style.
people like whatever they choose,fair enough.
,but to dismiss old style trad as straight ,is a stereotyping,and suggests to me that the person hasnt listened to much,and doesnt know what they are talking about,which equals ignorant.
this is a discussion section, and discussion should be open to all opinions. If you don't like the point made, engage in a discussion; articulate your answers and justify your views. Don't be a little girl, crying in the corner over the fact that this isn't just a board in which you can indulge in self congratulation.
Ok Dickens - I have seen enough of you on this site to know I won't be following this much further. But on the off chance, you can change, I'll try....
You took the defensive approach with BB's post. You 'had a go' at BB. Accusing them of being ignorant.
I saw that,and don't care about this, but rather felt I should have corrected you (Not have a go - If I was to have a go - you'd know) on what I thought and still think is correct. She is simply stating an opinion....
She nowhere said that it all sounded the same.
That was entirely suggested by you:
' imply that they all sound the same.....'
Read it. Read it. Read it. Like you 'Listen' to the music. I'm not having a go - don't get paranoid and hurt. Don't imagine I'm against you. Just read what she said, and then read what you said.
Now, here is exactly what BB said...
'usually I find it a bit straight for my tastes a bit too old style trad'
Where in the name of Jaysus, did you get your assumption from?
Sincerely 'not having a go', just stating the obvious.
Goodbye.
"My own principal is that people should always make up their own minds on what they like or dislike and not be dictated to by anyone" - a quote from Martin taken from another discussion going on.
Nup - I hate when people bitch about other muscians all the while hiding behind their screen names - if you are going to bitch then put up or shut up. Simple really.
"There's only about twenty great and old ones left in the world."
HAHHAAAA - and you find me ingnorant - maybe you should take a look in the mirror. Or travel out of your wee town, I'm sure you'd find more than 20 if you did.....
There are only a handful of truly great old timers left playing, all too sadly diminishing in numbers every year. Thankfully there are younger musicians who have visited these musicians and will carry their music on.
bb,
I guess it depends on how old you consider 'old' to be? And also how great you consider 'great' to be? There are certainly few and far between. I would be happy to list some of my living favourites. How old will the starting age be?
I didn't see all of it but what I did see I enjoyed. This is probably surprising as my preference is also for the older stuff (Joe Cooley whose contemporaries would be Tony McMahon, Charlie Harris & Des Mulkere, etc) but I must admit that Damien Mullane's competence on the box made up for the European nature of the music. Overall we tend to complain too much and I think it was S. Doherty who said that there will never be anything that pleases everyone. Geanntraí in my opinion is excellent as the series normally features a wide variety of music and styles and surely you'll all agree that the very worst programme (depending on your preferences) will be far superior to the likes of Tubridy and his ilk!
Having collected several series of Geantrai programmes, I have to admit that I too was not impressed by Sunday's show which like this year's Gradam ceol awards seems to have changed format. I thought the electric amplified guitar of Mike Galvin accompanying Damien Mullane sounded strange and untraditional.
As this is the first programme in a new series its pehaps too early to judge the entire series and hopefully it will improve. I am a big fan of many of TG4s music progammes and I have to say the recent Se mo Laoch series was excellent and 'faoi lan ceoil' is very good too and a novel concept.
VDS, you can't be serious asking a question like that! For anyone who doesn't know him Michael is a terrific musician as well as being a great person. As for Ryan Tubridy ... well the less said the better but then he's no worse than the "Late Late" and many other Irish TV offerings!
I hate to point this out but - that is *your* opinion. Only 20 players? I mean seriously - if you only like 20 players then that is your problem, but alot of people happen to think there are more than that and their opinions (mine included) are no less valid than yours. Just because you say it is so - does not mean it is. I've seen alot more than 20 players that I think are seriously good. I suggest you get your head out of the sand - tradtional music changes - everything does, otherwise you'd still be living in houses with no running water. To suggest there are only 20 players who are worthy is the most ignorant thing I have ever heard. I am only glad that there really arent that many of your kind wandering around. Thank god for that.
Sailor - no starting age required - but would love a list of the last 20 great musicians left in the world. So give me a list of whoever you think - I bet you I'll disagree with it. Because as Bannerman and S.Doherty says you cant please everyone.
i dont think he meant 20 players as in there are only 20 good trad players. what he meant was 20 or so greats from the paddy canny, john kelly snr, etc. age. paddy fahey is one of them, peader o'loughlin, you know, people in that demographic.
bb just as a matter of interest what age are you? Sometimes i get the feeling there's an age war going on in some threads. I mean its quite obvious Sailor On The Rock is about 100, and fiddleruairi is a mediator - maybe a middle aged man from Abbeyleix or somewhere random like that?
Yeah fiddleruairi - but the thing is - I didnt say anything about age in the first place. Nor did I say anything isulting about the music. I mean wha? I like older stuff myself - and and (thanks for your help Dick) I dont actually think it all sounds the same, but was just a little happy to hear that they were showing some modern stuff on Geantrai because they never used to.
If its Tea just jumped on that same ole same ole bandwagon - wow - someone likes all that modern stuff so obviously has no idea about trad, obviously doesnt *get* it. Funny how Dick jumped on that particular bandwagon - but oh well- takes all sorts to make an on-line community. And Dick also reckons I dont listen much and dont know what I am on about. HA. Ha Ha Ha Talk about pot calling the kettle - well....you know the rest.
When it comes down to it - alot of people on this site honestly think that they are they only ones who *get* it and that other peoples opinions especially if they like newer stuff dont *get* and are wrong. I think that in inself is particularly ignorant really.
Very closed minded indeed. Its getting quite boring really.
Oh god - that James O'Donnell sounds like a loser - why?? Why God? Arent there enough tossers in the world already? does he even play I mean - urgh. What an idiot.
The fact is these musicians *choose* to play with a backer. Why go around dissing backers like that in a public review. Sad really - get a real job or something...or a hobby - I know James. You could take up the guitar.
When you have been on this board as long as I have James you will start getting really over excited about stupid things too - its what happens to you after awhile here.
Haha - nice one Vocal. I don't really care either way to be honest. Just wish people would leave other people to enjoy their own choice in music. This is not directed at you at all. Just another general thought.
Didn't see this b4 i posted Geantrai from Kerry. I was late getting to my computer this week but it has been on my mind. Read my post if your in the mood.
In response to 'tradmoosic's comments above, yes I have worked as a production assistant for Forefront on a number of productions but was not working on this series of Geantrai. Oh and another technical point, Matt Cranich has worked as a musical advisor, not the producer with Forefront.
As for my the original part of my comment above, all I ask is that you get your facts right before you start mentioning people's names on the World Wide Web.
Disappointing Geantrai...
Disappointing Geantrai...
Like most people I watched the new series of geantrai last night. I for one was extremely disappointed. I thought it was very poor, much poorer than normal. Some of the music and singing was decidedly average at best. I thought Damien Mullane's attempt at a french waltz or whatever it was smacked of tastelessness and your one from riverdance, playing some poor 'compositions' of her own, just very pretentious all round really. its an irish music programme so it makes sense to play something for the audience, so naturally irish music you would think. you have to question what is going through the producers mind really. i hope next week is better... What are other people's thoughts?
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by tradmoosic
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Horses for courses tradmoosic - although I didnt see it I've been watching geantri for a long time o the web and usually I find it a bit straight for my tastes a bit too old style trad....maybe all this weird stuff will be more to my taste! I like it all though - it be nice to have a mix.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
oh i know totally, i dont have anything against modern stuff or whatever, it wouldn't be to my tatse but i can still appreciate it if it is played genuinely well and the quality of musicianship is good, but in this case i think it was lacking quite a bit!
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by tradmoosic
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
I'll have to download it and have a look.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
I think that it is really time on this site that a rule was made about b*tching about musicians. I know that people have freedom of speech but I'm also quite aware that musicians don't play trad to p*ss people off.
As there is no defined rule book on how one might approach this genre, I urge contributors to hide their ignorance of this fact. Because a gig happened to be on tv, is certainly not a reason to talk negatively about the musicians. Perhaps email the producers if you are that offended and keep negativity off this site.
Martin.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by martin t
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
I find nothing wrong with the comments from "tradmoosic." Obviously, he is not talking negatively about the musicians but the programme.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by slainte
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
I myself didn't like the programme for different reasons.Since they have introduced the concept of a different musician introducing the programme each week, we now seem to get a mini platform for that person's performance or that of a selected few.That one person gets to play in two or more parts would be no big deal if there were no other good musicians in the locality but in this instance, it is impossible to throw a stone without hitting a good musician in Dingle.Maybe the presenter is just a figure head and doesn't get to choose but it was disappointing that in such a short programme, that the same small number of players got to play more than once when as I say there are lots of other great players in Dingle.
As for Martin's comments- well they are congruent with Martin's outlook as a performer. In my opinion and to my taste, I didn't like the waltz played by Damien Mullane nor the version of Mayor Harrison's Fedora which seemed to fall somewhere between a waltz and a reel.I have seen him play before and he is a good box player but I didn't like what he played on this occasion. We have had this discussion on expressing one's opinion on different people's playing here many times before and this is not the first time Martin that you have expressed your difficulty with it. It's a forum for discussion- what do you suggest we do? Say that we like everybody. "I urge contributors to hide their ignorance of this fact."- what fact?
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by concertinaplayer
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
yup, program sucked. was very bad. same people on it all the way thru. mullane played three different boxes! maybe it was a budget thing.... didn't enjoy one performance
And yes, it does seem to be turning into a lame showcase for token rotating presenter each week.
I have to say it would have made me laugh if Mullane had sported 3 different hair cuts for the show! That would be funny....
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by WorzelGummidge
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
you'll have to point out for me martin where i said damien mullane was a bad box player because i for one dont recall saying that!! i think he is a good box player but choice of tunes and production of the whole show was seriously questionable. and its not a 'gig' martin, come on. it advertises itself as a showcase for musicians in that locality. but the reality is different. i know there isn't a 'rulebook' marty, but approaching from a different angle doesn't mean you shouldn't do it tastefully and do it well. what you're saying is that we shud all be sycophants. if you dont like my opinion on a musician, big deal. im sure there are plenty of people who feel the opposite.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by tradmoosic
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
So when do we get to see tradmoosic and Worzel Gummidge on the TV so we can pass judgement?
Jonathan
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by Jonathan Roche
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
watch the geantrai series from 2006, im on one of them.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by tradmoosic
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
bb said:
"usually I find it a bit straight for my tastes a bit too old style trad"
A very ignorant comment. You equate straight with old style, this is not fair. Some of the oldest and deadest Irish musicians were the wackiest and non-conformed. Neil O'Boyle, Jim Donaghue. In my opinion, the new style of Irish-Euro crap is the most straight and conforming stuff to ever come from Irish music. And let's face it, it;s a rare occurance for geantrai to feature a real great old player, I'm sure people will vouch for that. There's only about twenty great and old ones left in the world.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by When Sick is it Tea You Want?
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Who ever Martin T is, he sounds like he's had his feeeeeeelings hurt a few times.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by When Sick is it Tea You Want?
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Hi,
Well we have quotes such as "it was smacked of tastelessness" and "your one from riverdance, playing some poor 'compositions' of her own".
I don't think that a genre which is only supposed to be a positive experience should be laced with such commentary. If something is negative in your opinion, why share and spread it? I am sure that there are many other positive things about the tradition which you could talk about. Writing this post contributes and changes nothing. An email to the producers might have been more effective.
Now, enough of this silliness. If you don't like the show, don't watch it!
Go and enjoy yourselves people! Life is too short!
;)
Martin
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by martin t
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
bb said:
"usually I find it a bit straight for my tastes a bit too old style trad"
wow ,this takes some beating for ignorance
I watched The programme it was ok,but it is rarely very good anyway,
its often competent players,who look really bored,as if they are playing the tune for the 900th time,
Ithink they would do better to record a live session warts and all,the whole programme always seems contrived.,and rehearsed.
but its better than having no itm on the tv.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by Dick Miles
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
i think thats the problem martin. you say that it is only suppose to be a positive experience. do you no think that this is a bit naive? of course there are plenty of positive things about the tradition, but this shouldn't curtail us from expressing our opinion on a site such as this. as i said, im sure there are some people out there who enjoyed it. why shud they be allowed to say that it was good in their opinion, while we who disagree sit silently in the corner. of course i may mention it to the producer, i dunno if it is still matt cranitch, i know edel fox was production assisstant for forefront the last few years. of course i dont have to watch it, but the lack of itm programmes means that i dont have much choice. i like to watch and see people i know, but i still expect to be entertained. i taped it on sky plus, so i was able to wind through most of it.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by tradmoosic
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
dont know why people always find the need to come here complaining... no programme is going to be to everyones liking..... most people can make up their own minds anyways and dont need to come on here to read a "review" of people personals opinions of the way they think it should be,. it is the way it is.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by S.Doherty
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
"usually I find it a bit straight for my tastes a bit too old style trad"
I winced at that too Dickens, but you have got it wrong.
That's not in any way an ignorant statement.
The poster has said on many different occasions, they like the modern stuff, and has usually illustrated thi clearly in their posts.
What's ignorant, is the fact some people don't accept others opinions...Whether they agree or not is completely irrelevant.
PS Martin, we never discussed that thing I was talking to you about in the pub that time any further....
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
I think that S.Doherty has said what I want to say so I'll leave it at that. Hugo, send me an email and we'll arrange something.
Martin.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by martin t
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Hugo, its ignorant,[imo] because it stereo typesall old trad as the same,which it isnt.
the definition of ignorant is unknowing,it is unknowledgeable to dismiss,[and to imply that they all sound the same. neill boyle,micheal coleman,seamus tansey,sean macguire,padraig okeefe.[similiar,youmust be joking]
they are all very different,and can hardly,be described as the same style.
people like whatever they choose,fair enough.
,but to dismiss old style trad as straight ,is a stereotyping,and suggests to me that the person hasnt listened to much,and doesnt know what they are talking about,which equals ignorant.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by Dick Miles
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
hugo ,when sick is it tea you want, also said,that it was ignorant,so why not have ago at him too.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by Dick Miles
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
this is a discussion section, and discussion should be open to all opinions. If you don't like the point made, engage in a discussion; articulate your answers and justify your views. Don't be a little girl, crying in the corner over the fact that this isn't just a board in which you can indulge in self congratulation.
# Posted on November 10th 2008 by WorzelGummidge
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Ok Dickens - I have seen enough of you on this site to know I won't be following this much further. But on the off chance, you can change, I'll try....
You took the defensive approach with BB's post. You 'had a go' at BB. Accusing them of being ignorant.
I saw that,and don't care about this, but rather felt I should have corrected you (Not have a go - If I was to have a go - you'd know) on what I thought and still think is correct. She is simply stating an opinion....
She nowhere said that it all sounded the same.
That was entirely suggested by you:
' imply that they all sound the same.....'
Read it. Read it. Read it. Like you 'Listen' to the music. I'm not having a go - don't get paranoid and hurt. Don't imagine I'm against you. Just read what she said, and then read what you said.
Now, here is exactly what BB said...
'usually I find it a bit straight for my tastes a bit too old style trad'
Where in the name of Jaysus, did you get your assumption from?
Sincerely 'not having a go', just stating the obvious.
Goodbye.
# Posted on November 11th 2008 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
"My own principal is that people should always make up their own minds on what they like or dislike and not be dictated to by anyone" - a quote from Martin taken from another discussion going on.
# Posted on November 11th 2008 by concertinaplayer
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Nup - I hate when people bitch about other muscians all the while hiding behind their screen names - if you are going to bitch then put up or shut up. Simple really.
# Posted on November 11th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Ps - I'm not accusing tradmoosic of doing that in his post by the way - just a general thought.
# Posted on November 11th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
"There's only about twenty great and old ones left in the world."
HAHHAAAA - and you find me ingnorant - maybe you should take a look in the mirror. Or travel out of your wee town, I'm sure you'd find more than 20 if you did.....
# Posted on November 11th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
um.... no he wouldn't bb.
There are only a handful of truly great old timers left playing, all too sadly diminishing in numbers every year. Thankfully there are younger musicians who have visited these musicians and will carry their music on.
# Posted on November 11th 2008 by Gerry1972
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
bb,
I guess it depends on how old you consider 'old' to be? And also how great you consider 'great' to be? There are certainly few and far between. I would be happy to list some of my living favourites. How old will the starting age be?
# Posted on November 11th 2008 by The Sailor on the Rock
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
I didn't see all of it but what I did see I enjoyed. This is probably surprising as my preference is also for the older stuff (Joe Cooley whose contemporaries would be Tony McMahon, Charlie Harris & Des Mulkere, etc) but I must admit that Damien Mullane's competence on the box made up for the European nature of the music. Overall we tend to complain too much and I think it was S. Doherty who said that there will never be anything that pleases everyone. Geanntraí in my opinion is excellent as the series normally features a wide variety of music and styles and surely you'll all agree that the very worst programme (depending on your preferences) will be far superior to the likes of Tubridy and his ilk!
# Posted on November 11th 2008 by Bannerman
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Michael or Ryan?
# Posted on November 11th 2008 by Gerry1972
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Having collected several series of Geantrai programmes, I have to admit that I too was not impressed by Sunday's show which like this year's Gradam ceol awards seems to have changed format. I thought the electric amplified guitar of Mike Galvin accompanying Damien Mullane sounded strange and untraditional.
As this is the first programme in a new series its pehaps too early to judge the entire series and hopefully it will improve. I am a big fan of many of TG4s music progammes and I have to say the recent Se mo Laoch series was excellent and 'faoi lan ceoil' is very good too and a novel concept.
ML
# Posted on November 11th 2008 by CelticMissed
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
VDS, you can't be serious asking a question like that! For anyone who doesn't know him Michael is a terrific musician as well as being a great person. As for Ryan Tubridy ... well the less said the better but then he's no worse than the "Late Late" and many other Irish TV offerings!
# Posted on November 11th 2008 by Bannerman
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
I hate to point this out but - that is *your* opinion. Only 20 players? I mean seriously - if you only like 20 players then that is your problem, but alot of people happen to think there are more than that and their opinions (mine included) are no less valid than yours. Just because you say it is so - does not mean it is. I've seen alot more than 20 players that I think are seriously good. I suggest you get your head out of the sand - tradtional music changes - everything does, otherwise you'd still be living in houses with no running water. To suggest there are only 20 players who are worthy is the most ignorant thing I have ever heard. I am only glad that there really arent that many of your kind wandering around. Thank god for that.
Sailor - no starting age required - but would love a list of the last 20 great musicians left in the world. So give me a list of whoever you think - I bet you I'll disagree with it. Because as Bannerman and S.Doherty says you cant please everyone.
# Posted on November 11th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
i dont think he meant 20 players as in there are only 20 good trad players. what he meant was 20 or so greats from the paddy canny, john kelly snr, etc. age. paddy fahey is one of them, peader o'loughlin, you know, people in that demographic.
# Posted on November 11th 2008 by fiddleruairi
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
I was joking bannerman of course.
bb just as a matter of interest what age are you? Sometimes i get the feeling there's an age war going on in some threads. I mean its quite obvious Sailor On The Rock is about 100, and fiddleruairi is a mediator - maybe a middle aged man from Abbeyleix or somewhere random like that?
Sorry Abbeyleixians!
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by Gerry1972
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Yeah fiddleruairi - but the thing is - I didnt say anything about age in the first place. Nor did I say anything isulting about the music. I mean wha? I like older stuff myself - and and (thanks for your help Dick) I dont actually think it all sounds the same, but was just a little happy to hear that they were showing some modern stuff on Geantrai because they never used to.
If its Tea just jumped on that same ole same ole bandwagon - wow - someone likes all that modern stuff so obviously has no idea about trad, obviously doesnt *get* it. Funny how Dick jumped on that particular bandwagon - but oh well- takes all sorts to make an on-line community. And Dick also reckons I dont listen much and dont know what I am on about. HA. Ha Ha Ha Talk about pot calling the kettle - well....you know the rest.
When it comes down to it - alot of people on this site honestly think that they are they only ones who *get* it and that other peoples opinions especially if they like newer stuff dont *get* and are wrong. I think that in inself is particularly ignorant really.
Very closed minded indeed. Its getting quite boring really.
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
31 year old female from sydney. Why - does that fit the profile? Thanks - its nice to know I come across as a middle age man from Abbeyleixians...
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Or were you saying fiddlerurari was the middle aged man? I think he is about 20 or something like that are you fiddle?
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Yeah I meant fiddleruairi there that time, no offence intended bb.
Anyone see this?
http://www.irishmusicreview.com/geantraidvd.htm
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by Gerry1972
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Oh god - that James O'Donnell sounds like a loser - why?? Why God? Arent there enough tossers in the world already? does he even play I mean - urgh. What an idiot.
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Thats your opinion bb to which you are entitled.
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by Gerry1972
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Are you James Vocal? Are you? you can be honest. I wont call you a loser again. I promise.
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
The fact is these musicians *choose* to play with a backer. Why go around dissing backers like that in a public review. Sad really - get a real job or something...or a hobby - I know James. You could take up the guitar.
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
When you have been on this board as long as I have James you will start getting really over excited about stupid things too - its what happens to you after awhile here.
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
yes, yes bb you got me, im james the reviewer, way to out me.
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by Gerry1972
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Haha - nice one Vocal. I don't really care either way to be honest. Just wish people would leave other people to enjoy their own choice in music. This is not directed at you at all. Just another general thought.
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Will you too please stop it. Who cares anyhow - its just some fellows opinion....who probably cant even play so it doesnt really matter does it?
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
two obviously.
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
No, I'm James the reviewer...and so is my wife!
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by Greenwiggle
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Will the real James the reviewer please stand up
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by piobagusfidil
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
greenwiggle - glad to see you back.
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by bb
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Hmmm.... .
The lady doth protest too much methinks!
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by Gerry1972
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
geantrai sucks.
# Posted on November 12th 2008 by WorzelGummidge
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
Didn't see this b4 i posted Geantrai from Kerry. I was late getting to my computer this week but it has been on my mind. Read my post if your in the mood.
# Posted on November 13th 2008 by skinnylillegs
Re: Disappointing Geantrai...
In response to 'tradmoosic's comments above, yes I have worked as a production assistant for Forefront on a number of productions but was not working on this series of Geantrai. Oh and another technical point, Matt Cranich has worked as a musical advisor, not the producer with Forefront.
As for my the original part of my comment above, all I ask is that you get your facts right before you start mentioning people's names on the World Wide Web.
Edel Fox
# Posted on November 19th 2008 by edelfox