In case anybody missed it, the Innisfree are shown playing reels during their All-Ireland winning performance in Tullamore at http://comhaltas.ie/music/detail/comhaltaslive_281_3_innisfree_ceili_band_reels/. It's mighty stuff and, having seen it, I'm afraid I've got cold feet and won't after all be joining FiddlinSue, Cathy and the others in putting a cyber band together for 2009. I don't think that 12 months is quite enough for us to reach that standard!
The clip just arrived in my email this morning. Bannerman, not only was it lovely lively dance music, the Innisfree Ceili Band sold itself really well with the enthusiasm of its members ... and I was amazed that so many people would queque, and for over two hours to see the competition ... I agree "mighty stuff".
Just watched this, and my first impression is that it has gone a bit too far with the variations - seems a bit artificial and forced to me. Last year's performances seemed more natural. But it is great playing, great rhythm.
My own view, for what it's worth, is that although it's a stupenduous performance which makes them worthy winners, I still prefer the Clare sound of Ceoltóirí na Mainistreach and the Turloughmore and Kilfenora from previous years.
Up Sligo. Worthy winners indeed. I agree that they were even better last year when they only came 2nd! Thats competition for you. I did queue this year but wouldnt do it again. Sound was dreadful in the Cathedral and enthusiasms muted also, possibly because of the Church setting. Plus most of the performances were plain boring, basically they all sounded the same, except the Sligo bands.
I agree with Continuo. It must have taken a lot of practice time for them to remember all those silly variations. Not natural at all. I do like how they kept the box players hidden in the back row.
2008 All-Ireland Céilí Band Winners
2008 All-Ireland Céilí Band Winners
In case anybody missed it, the Innisfree are shown playing reels during their All-Ireland winning performance in Tullamore at http://comhaltas.ie/music/detail/comhaltaslive_281_3_innisfree_ceili_band_reels/. It's mighty stuff and, having seen it, I'm afraid I've got cold feet and won't after all be joining FiddlinSue, Cathy and the others in putting a cyber band together for 2009. I don't think that 12 months is quite enough for us to reach that standard!
# Posted on December 4th 2008 by Bannerman
Re: 2008 All-Ireland Céilí Band Winners
The clip just arrived in my email this morning. Bannerman, not only was it lovely lively dance music, the Innisfree Ceili Band sold itself really well with the enthusiasm of its members ... and I was amazed that so many people would queque, and for over two hours to see the competition ... I agree "mighty stuff".
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by Clear Drops
Re: 2008 All-Ireland Céilí Band Winners
Just watched this, and my first impression is that it has gone a bit too far with the variations - seems a bit artificial and forced to me. Last year's performances seemed more natural. But it is great playing, great rhythm.
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by continuo
Re: 2008 All-Ireland Céilí Band Winners
My own view, for what it's worth, is that although it's a stupenduous performance which makes them worthy winners, I still prefer the Clare sound of Ceoltóirí na Mainistreach and the Turloughmore and Kilfenora from previous years.
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by Bannerman
Re: 2008 All-Ireland Céilí Band Winners
Up Sligo. Worthy winners indeed. I agree that they were even better last year when they only came 2nd! Thats competition for you. I did queue this year but wouldnt do it again. Sound was dreadful in the Cathedral and enthusiasms muted also, possibly because of the Church setting. Plus most of the performances were plain boring, basically they all sounded the same, except the Sligo bands.
# Posted on December 7th 2008 by mariaphilmurphy
Re: 2008 All-Ireland Céilí Band Winners
The other Sligo band weren't bad either and can be heard at http://comhaltas.ie/music/detail/comhaltaslive_281_4_dartry_ceili_band. I can't imagine Clare's Ceoltóirí na Mainistreach giving a boring performance and I'll now go and try and find a clip of theirs to prove the point.
# Posted on December 7th 2008 by Bannerman
Re: 2008 All-Ireland Céilí Band Winners
http://comhaltas.ie/music/detail/comhaltaslive_280_4_ceoltoiri_na_mainistreach_reels/ - Let's hear it for Clare; C'mon the Banner!
# Posted on December 8th 2008 by Bannerman
Re: 2008 All-Ireland Céilí Band Winners
I agree with Continuo. It must have taken a lot of practice time for them to remember all those silly variations. Not natural at all. I do like how they kept the box players hidden in the back row.
# Posted on December 8th 2008 by The Sailor on the Rock
Re: 2008 All-Ireland Céilí Band Winners
Another céilí band who always give a fine performance but who didn't even get placed at the All-Ireland were the Allow from Cork - see http://comhaltas.ie/music/detail/comhaltaslive_273_4_allow_ceili_band_jigs/. C'mon the Rebels!
# Posted on December 8th 2008 by Bannerman