This should interest many of you. I got the details from TG4.
Cérbh É?
A series of musical journeys in which a prominent traditional musician explores the life and heritage of a major figure from a previous generation - an influence on the presenter’s own music and that of thousands of others.
Today’s traditional musicians often cite the debt they owe to the generations that went before them. Names such as Willie Clancy and Joe Cooley are often mentioned with reverence at sessions and concerts but for many listeners, these are just names in the mist. Who were these men and why are they so important in the story of traditional music?
In this series, some of the top names of today’s scene go to find out more about their musical hero. With the help of archive material and in conversation (both verbal and musical) with other musicians who knew or were influenced by the subject, we get a greater appreciation of the artist and his heritage.
The full line-up is:
Tony MacMahon follows in the steps of Joe Cooley (accordion).
Paddy Glackin (fiddle) follows in the steps of Tommy Potts (fiddle).
Peter Browne follows in the steps of Willie Clancy (pipes).
Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh in the steps of Denis Murphy (fiddle).
Paul McGratten in the steps of Josie McDermott (flute).
Iarla Ó Lionáird in the steps of Darach Ó Catháin (singer).
TG4 Sundays @ 10pm from 8 November repeated Fridays 8pm
Though I'm sure this series will be well worth watching, it's a pity that its commissioner hasn't looked further than the usual suspects (with the exception of Paul McGrattan) for the protagonists. Glackin and Browne are both in highly-paid senior positions at RTÉ (and Browne is probably Ireland's most grim-faced interviewer - check the NPU Doran celebration DVD for evidence). Mac Mahon was also once in similar employment and both Ó Raghallaigh and Ó Lionáird clearly hold sinecures in the Irish TV commissioning hierarchy's view of the world. As usual, when it comes to such series, women are noticeably absent.
Not to mention that some of the interviewers are extremely far removed from the people theyre exploring, ie. iarla o'lionaird and darach ocathain? not in a million years.
and the fact that macmahon is a pompous arse is also reason to be annoyed.
Jaysus, some of you are a bunch of whiners!! I think it's great that programmes like these are being made at all.
Did it not occur to ye that the fact these people were chosen as presenters is because they're experienced in TV, they know how to present TV programmes. Not everyone can make the transition to TV presenting you know.
My sentiments exactly floss the tethers. Was going to make exactly the same comment when I read your post. As usual its jobs for the boys (literally) whether it be the RTE or the Comhaltas family. And where are the women! Also sounds like its just a rehash of the Se mo laoch series.
Well Floss perhaps you should make these suggestions to TG4 as they might make a second series. I myself couldn't give a damn who's hosting the programs.......as long as these great musicians are honored I'm happy.
Liam, I fully intend to pass on my comments to a friend who's actually one of TG4's Commissioning Editors, but I think you're wrong to deny interest in the presenter. After all, it's said person and the production team who shape the show, not the memory of a late musician.
Dave, I certainly wasn't whining since the opening sentence of my posting contained the phrase 'this series will be well worth watching'. Yep, it's great the series has been made, but it's also annoying that TG4 has largely employed the usual group of suspects (and if you really think Peter Browne knows how to present a programme I'd suggest getting your eyes tested!).
Fronting a filmed or pre-recorded programme is not a difficult task, thanks to scripting and directorial guidance.
Jurgen, I'm pretty sure that Tom Glackin (Paddy's father) knew Tommy Potts well, and wouldn't Martin Hayes have been most appropriate for Paddy Canny?
Ruairi, I disagree that Iarla and Darach are 'far removed'. Both grew up in a small Gaeltacht (Cúil Aodha and Rath Cairn, respectively) and, after all, Iarla is a great-nephew of Elizabeth Cronin. He's also well-versed in the Irish experience of emigration to the UK, though whether it will add anything to this (http://www.rte.ie/radio1/doconone/dudley_kane.html) is open to question.
I'm thoroughly looking forward to the series, but I just wish that whoever commissioned it had indulged their imagination.
Floss, I thought Martin Hayes would be a far too obvious choice for Paddy Canny, the former's playing being so clearly derived from the latter's it would almost be a "dog bites man" story.
OTOH Brendan cites Paddy as one of his greatest influences, and it might be interesting to explore this a bit in the light of Brendan growing up more in the northern styles.
Many many years ago when I used to live in the north east of England where there was adequate reception of RTE Radio 1, I used to listen to a programme at 6.30 am on Saturdays, which I'm sure was presented by Peter Browne.
I liked it as much for his sarky comments (he was prepared to play something and then declare that it was rubbish) as for the music - and of course the 7 o'clock news with the man who must have been an auctioneer the rest of the time (never heard anyone speak so fast and remain intelligible) announcing animal sale locations - "Pigs and sheep at Tullamore" etc (and please don't tell me there were never pigs and sheep at Tullamore - I really can't remember now!).
Sadly, just before I moved away and couldn't hear it any more, Peter was replaced by someone much more tactful, and to me less entertaining, and the auctioneer vanished entirely.
So, if I had a television, and if I could get reception, I at least would like to see Peter Browne in action even if he is (still) grumpy!
The first episode is now online at TG4. I think the repeats are running a couple of weeks behind and they don't post the shows until the repeats are aired,
Interesting new series coming to TG4
Interesting new series coming to TG4
This should interest many of you. I got the details from TG4.
Cérbh É?
A series of musical journeys in which a prominent traditional musician explores the life and heritage of a major figure from a previous generation - an influence on the presenter’s own music and that of thousands of others.
Today’s traditional musicians often cite the debt they owe to the generations that went before them. Names such as Willie Clancy and Joe Cooley are often mentioned with reverence at sessions and concerts but for many listeners, these are just names in the mist. Who were these men and why are they so important in the story of traditional music?
In this series, some of the top names of today’s scene go to find out more about their musical hero. With the help of archive material and in conversation (both verbal and musical) with other musicians who knew or were influenced by the subject, we get a greater appreciation of the artist and his heritage.
The full line-up is:
Tony MacMahon follows in the steps of Joe Cooley (accordion).
Paddy Glackin (fiddle) follows in the steps of Tommy Potts (fiddle).
Peter Browne follows in the steps of Willie Clancy (pipes).
Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh in the steps of Denis Murphy (fiddle).
Paul McGratten in the steps of Josie McDermott (flute).
Iarla Ó Lionáird in the steps of Darach Ó Catháin (singer).
TG4 Sundays @ 10pm from 8 November repeated Fridays 8pm
# Posted on October 2nd 2009 by The Tune Composer
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
I expect the next series they'll have Tim Edey, Jim Murray and Jon Saunders follow in the steps of Steve Cooney
# Posted on October 2nd 2009 by The Tune Composer
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
According to 'Google Translate' the title of this television program is "What was?"
Is that right?
# Posted on October 2nd 2009 by yhaalhouse
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
Not what was but 'Who was?' google is not totally reliable..
# Posted on October 2nd 2009 by csparpd
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
"Who was he ?" and Ceirb I ? "Who was she?"
# Posted on October 2nd 2009 by Red Robin
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
Frisbee?
# Posted on October 2nd 2009 by Ben Steen
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
Though I'm sure this series will be well worth watching, it's a pity that its commissioner hasn't looked further than the usual suspects (with the exception of Paul McGrattan) for the protagonists. Glackin and Browne are both in highly-paid senior positions at RTÉ (and Browne is probably Ireland's most grim-faced interviewer - check the NPU Doran celebration DVD for evidence). Mac Mahon was also once in similar employment and both Ó Raghallaigh and Ó Lionáird clearly hold sinecures in the Irish TV commissioning hierarchy's view of the world. As usual, when it comes to such series, women are noticeably absent.
Here's some suggestions for a second series.
1) Mary Mac Namara on Mrs. Crotty.
2) Dave Sheridan on John McKenna.
3) John Carty on James Morrison.
4) Karan Casey on Frank Harte.
5) Gerry O'Connor on John-Joe Gardiner.
6) Paddy Keenan on Johnny Doran.
# Posted on October 2nd 2009 by MacCruiskeen
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
Not to mention that some of the interviewers are extremely far removed from the people theyre exploring, ie. iarla o'lionaird and darach ocathain? not in a million years.
and the fact that macmahon is a pompous arse is also reason to be annoyed.
# Posted on October 3rd 2009 by fiddleruairi
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
Paddy Glackin and Tommy Potts seems an odd coupling as well.
My choice for Potts would've been Brendan McGlinchey, for Paddy Canny as well.
# Posted on October 3rd 2009 by Jürgen
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
Jaysus, some of you are a bunch of whiners!! I think it's great that programmes like these are being made at all.
Did it not occur to ye that the fact these people were chosen as presenters is because they're experienced in TV, they know how to present TV programmes. Not everyone can make the transition to TV presenting you know.
# Posted on October 3rd 2009 by The Tune Composer
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
My sentiments exactly floss the tethers. Was going to make exactly the same comment when I read your post. As usual its jobs for the boys (literally) whether it be the RTE or the Comhaltas family. And where are the women! Also sounds like its just a rehash of the Se mo laoch series.
# Posted on October 3rd 2009 by mariaphilmurphy
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
Well Floss perhaps you should make these suggestions to TG4 as they might make a second series. I myself couldn't give a damn who's hosting the programs.......as long as these great musicians are honored I'm happy.
# Posted on October 3rd 2009 by dinn2
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
Liam, I fully intend to pass on my comments to a friend who's actually one of TG4's Commissioning Editors, but I think you're wrong to deny interest in the presenter. After all, it's said person and the production team who shape the show, not the memory of a late musician.
Dave, I certainly wasn't whining since the opening sentence of my posting contained the phrase 'this series will be well worth watching'. Yep, it's great the series has been made, but it's also annoying that TG4 has largely employed the usual group of suspects (and if you really think Peter Browne knows how to present a programme I'd suggest getting your eyes tested!).
Fronting a filmed or pre-recorded programme is not a difficult task, thanks to scripting and directorial guidance.
Jurgen, I'm pretty sure that Tom Glackin (Paddy's father) knew Tommy Potts well, and wouldn't Martin Hayes have been most appropriate for Paddy Canny?
Ruairi, I disagree that Iarla and Darach are 'far removed'. Both grew up in a small Gaeltacht (Cúil Aodha and Rath Cairn, respectively) and, after all, Iarla is a great-nephew of Elizabeth Cronin. He's also well-versed in the Irish experience of emigration to the UK, though whether it will add anything to this (http://www.rte.ie/radio1/doconone/dudley_kane.html) is open to question.
I'm thoroughly looking forward to the series, but I just wish that whoever commissioned it had indulged their imagination.
# Posted on October 3rd 2009 by MacCruiskeen
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
Good comments all - no questioning the abilities or standings of the musicians presenting, but this is indeed a 'usual suspects' programme.
How about programmes on PJ Conlon (Mairtin O'Connor), Paddy Murphy (Gearoid O hAllmhurain), Paddy Fahy (Liz Kane), Lucy Farr (Breda Keville), Neilidh Boyle...
# Posted on October 4th 2009 by continuo
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
Great!!!
But I do agree with Floss the tethers . Even The name of the series is "Who was HE" . Perhaps they are planning a second series called "Cerbh í ? '
Women have been equally as important thoughout our wonderful tradition - should definitely be recognised.
# Posted on October 5th 2009 by richrua
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
Floss, I thought Martin Hayes would be a far too obvious choice for Paddy Canny, the former's playing being so clearly derived from the latter's it would almost be a "dog bites man" story.
OTOH Brendan cites Paddy as one of his greatest influences, and it might be interesting to explore this a bit in the light of Brendan growing up more in the northern styles.
# Posted on October 5th 2009 by Jürgen
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
Many many years ago when I used to live in the north east of England where there was adequate reception of RTE Radio 1, I used to listen to a programme at 6.30 am on Saturdays, which I'm sure was presented by Peter Browne.
I liked it as much for his sarky comments (he was prepared to play something and then declare that it was rubbish) as for the music - and of course the 7 o'clock news with the man who must have been an auctioneer the rest of the time (never heard anyone speak so fast and remain intelligible) announcing animal sale locations - "Pigs and sheep at Tullamore" etc (and please don't tell me there were never pigs and sheep at Tullamore - I really can't remember now!).
Sadly, just before I moved away and couldn't hear it any more, Peter was replaced by someone much more tactful, and to me less entertaining, and the auctioneer vanished entirely.
So, if I had a television, and if I could get reception, I at least would like to see Peter Browne in action even if he is (still) grumpy!
# Posted on October 6th 2009 by Slightly Mad Scientist
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
Does anyone know where one might find this online? I missed the Tommy Potts episode and it doesn't seem to be up on TG4's achive page.
# Posted on November 14th 2009 by An nota fada
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
The first episode is now online at TG4. I think the repeats are running a couple of weeks behind and they don't post the shows until the repeats are aired,
# Posted on November 21st 2009 by johndsamuels
Re: Interesting new series coming to TG4
where on line? I went to TG4 and it is not available.
# Posted on December 13th 2009 by Ency