For all you lovers of the mouth organ, I recently came across this guy, Tom Byrne, doing the impossible on a ten hole harmonica on Utube. Worth a look, and it's nice to see the bold Frankie taking a back seat for a change. Tom also has his own website.
I remember seeing Tom playing at an after gig show in Buncrana a few years ago. Mr G was there and I'm pretty sure it was the first time he'd heard him play, judging by his reaction. I guess that's my piece of useless info for the day, or, maybe not!
Much as I admire his skills, I do wonder whether the point of the music was really the music or whether it was actually the harmonica trickery. I got that shuddering negative feeling I get when I listen to a good number of the super-speed young bucks playing Irish music these days. This is a purely personal reaction and I don't expect to get much agreement!
I had the same thoughts basically as Steve Shaw had - as a harmonica player ! I found the link very interesting and was grateful that Free Reed led us to that link. But I also found his playing very hard to listen to for a longer time; when I listened to one of his reels, I found it easier (maybe it´s the hornpipe: not one of my favorite rhythms). In the link above he played some really shrill passages - actually grating to my ears - and I was thankful when the fiddle joined in. In harmonica playing - as with some other instruments - there is the ground rule "Don´t play too many notes" because it just becomes some kind of blurr. I think he definitely plays too many notes, maybe for the exact reason Steve mentions: to show off how tricky he can be on this instrument. I also listened in to some of the tunes on his debut album, and my impression was just about the same. In an earlier thread I mentioned that I´m also trying to play some ITM tunes on the harmonica; watching this clip makes me wonder if I should continue with it: is it really an instrument suited for this kind of music? His playing of this hornpipe - this long and without a lot a variations - would probably have been the moment for me to go to the bar and take my pint outside - much as I love experimenting around in all types of music.
No question that the man has put in the hours and developed his skills to an unusually high level. IMO, he simply needs to slow down a bit and find the groove. And, no, he's not playing too many notes - just going too fast for the number of notes he's playing, if you take my meaning. Playing at that speed on the harmonica for an extended period is physically demanding in a way that playing equally fast on fiddle is not - it would be very difficult indeed to play intricate passages at the speed this fellow is playing without sacrificing some of the subtleties of timing, which I think has happened in this case. You would have to be at an even higher level of technical prowess to be able to remain 'relaxed' while playing that much at that speed. (So, if you feel that that is what ITM requires, then perhaps harmonica is not the instrument for you - unless you want to devote every waking moment of the rest of your life to it).
Does Tony Eyers ever show up on this list? He might have something (contrary) to say on the subject.
I would have to hear this piece in context with his other stuff before passing any judgements. One number in an evening of music that displays technical talents can be fun and interesting. If every piece has this degree of technical fireworks, however, then there can be problems.
That is always the feeling I got with Maynard Ferguson. Piece by piece, what he did was so impressive, but after a whole album of techical 'wow' stuff, the acrobatics can overcome the music.
Like I said, not going to pass judgement on anyone after hearing just one piece, what I did hear was fun and interesting, but like others are saying, that piece tended more toward acrobatics. I myself use Alexander's Hornpipe for a harmonica party piece, because the runs and arpeggios sound really good on the instrument, so I have to admit to doing something similar myself in terms of having a 'showoff piece '(although I don't claim to be on the same level as this guy).
I agree with you, Al, about not rushing to judgement on the strength of one piece, but I just thought that the YouTube clip spoke volumes about the bloke's attitude to Irish music. Frankly, it left me not wanting more. When I get round to it I'll take a peek at the stuff on his site. I affirm that I am not jealous, though some may naturally find this unconvincing. I can play fast and I can bend but I do not have party pieces. Neither does anyone else I play with. Not as such, anyway.
I spent a year playing in sessions with Tom. He mainly played box, and is one of the tastiest, and humble, musicians I've ever had the joy to play with. Yes, he does have a couple of party pieces, but mainly plays with a beautiful lift and respect for the music. Don't rush to judge on the strength of one you tube clip of a cd launch. Drop into Buncrana and session with the man. You will be delighted by the experience.
That's fantastic, thanks for sharing it. Always nice to see a bit of flash and showmanship in this music when it doesn't involve redlining the tempo! Reminded me somewhat of the bagpipes, actually.
Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
For all you lovers of the mouth organ, I recently came across this guy, Tom Byrne, doing the impossible on a ten hole harmonica on Utube. Worth a look, and it's nice to see the bold Frankie taking a back seat for a change. Tom also has his own website.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUlpeqKwuoU
# Posted on October 17th 2009 by Free Reed
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
I remember seeing Tom playing at an after gig show in Buncrana a few years ago. Mr G was there and I'm pretty sure it was the first time he'd heard him play, judging by his reaction. I guess that's my piece of useless info for the day, or, maybe not!
# Posted on October 17th 2009 by strayaway
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
Pretty talented. He mixed a lot of blusey type stuff into those hornpipes! I had never heard of him before, so thanks for posting this, Free Reed.
# Posted on October 17th 2009 by AlBrown
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
Well, he can bend.
# Posted on October 17th 2009 by Steve Shaw
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
The table full of harps is quite impressive too...
http://www.tombyrneonline.com/
Thanks for the link and the listen, enjoyed.
# Posted on October 17th 2009 by ceolachan
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
Cool!
# Posted on October 17th 2009 by john knoss
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
Yeah, Steve, I noticed that, too, he was like Gumby there at times, bending like crazy!
# Posted on October 18th 2009 by AlBrown
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
Much as I admire his skills, I do wonder whether the point of the music was really the music or whether it was actually the harmonica trickery. I got that shuddering negative feeling I get when I listen to a good number of the super-speed young bucks playing Irish music these days. This is a purely personal reaction and I don't expect to get much agreement!
# Posted on October 18th 2009 by Steve Shaw
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
I had the same thoughts basically as Steve Shaw had - as a harmonica player ! I found the link very interesting and was grateful that Free Reed led us to that link. But I also found his playing very hard to listen to for a longer time; when I listened to one of his reels, I found it easier (maybe it´s the hornpipe: not one of my favorite rhythms). In the link above he played some really shrill passages - actually grating to my ears - and I was thankful when the fiddle joined in. In harmonica playing - as with some other instruments - there is the ground rule "Don´t play too many notes" because it just becomes some kind of blurr. I think he definitely plays too many notes, maybe for the exact reason Steve mentions: to show off how tricky he can be on this instrument. I also listened in to some of the tunes on his debut album, and my impression was just about the same. In an earlier thread I mentioned that I´m also trying to play some ITM tunes on the harmonica; watching this clip makes me wonder if I should continue with it: is it really an instrument suited for this kind of music? His playing of this hornpipe - this long and without a lot a variations - would probably have been the moment for me to go to the bar and take my pint outside - much as I love experimenting around in all types of music.
# Posted on October 18th 2009 by alexweger
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
No question that the man has put in the hours and developed his skills to an unusually high level. IMO, he simply needs to slow down a bit and find the groove. And, no, he's not playing too many notes - just going too fast for the number of notes he's playing, if you take my meaning. Playing at that speed on the harmonica for an extended period is physically demanding in a way that playing equally fast on fiddle is not - it would be very difficult indeed to play intricate passages at the speed this fellow is playing without sacrificing some of the subtleties of timing, which I think has happened in this case. You would have to be at an even higher level of technical prowess to be able to remain 'relaxed' while playing that much at that speed. (So, if you feel that that is what ITM requires, then perhaps harmonica is not the instrument for you - unless you want to devote every waking moment of the rest of your life to it).
Does Tony Eyers ever show up on this list? He might have something (contrary) to say on the subject.
# Posted on October 18th 2009 by meself
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
I would have to hear this piece in context with his other stuff before passing any judgements. One number in an evening of music that displays technical talents can be fun and interesting. If every piece has this degree of technical fireworks, however, then there can be problems.
That is always the feeling I got with Maynard Ferguson. Piece by piece, what he did was so impressive, but after a whole album of techical 'wow' stuff, the acrobatics can overcome the music.
Like I said, not going to pass judgement on anyone after hearing just one piece, what I did hear was fun and interesting, but like others are saying, that piece tended more toward acrobatics. I myself use Alexander's Hornpipe for a harmonica party piece, because the runs and arpeggios sound really good on the instrument, so I have to admit to doing something similar myself in terms of having a 'showoff piece '(although I don't claim to be on the same level as this guy).
# Posted on October 18th 2009 by AlBrown
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
I agree with you, Al, about not rushing to judgement on the strength of one piece, but I just thought that the YouTube clip spoke volumes about the bloke's attitude to Irish music. Frankly, it left me not wanting more. When I get round to it I'll take a peek at the stuff on his site. I affirm that I am not jealous, though some may naturally find this unconvincing. I can play fast and I can bend but I do not have party pieces. Neither does anyone else I play with. Not as such, anyway.
# Posted on October 18th 2009 by Steve Shaw
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
I spent a year playing in sessions with Tom. He mainly played box, and is one of the tastiest, and humble, musicians I've ever had the joy to play with. Yes, he does have a couple of party pieces, but mainly plays with a beautiful lift and respect for the music. Don't rush to judge on the strength of one you tube clip of a cd launch. Drop into Buncrana and session with the man. You will be delighted by the experience.
# Posted on October 19th 2009 by woops
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
I thought at first you all must be talking about this one
Frankie Gavin, Rick Epping & Tim Edey - Jiggin The Blues
http://www.musicscotland.com/cd/frankie-gavin-jiggin-blues-musicscotland.html
# Posted on October 19th 2009 by TomB-R
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
I saw the thread title and ASSUMED it was about me.
Alas no.
Funny thing is, I found an old HERO harmonica in the attic and could still play jigs and reels on it after all these years.
# Posted on October 19th 2009 by bodhran bliss
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
That's fantastic, thanks for sharing it. Always nice to see a bit of flash and showmanship in this music when it doesn't involve redlining the tempo! Reminded me somewhat of the bagpipes, actually.
# Posted on October 19th 2009 by gravelwalks
Re: Harmonica Player Extraordinaire
I saw Brendon Powers playing recently at the colonsay folk festival he totally blew me away, brilliant player.
# Posted on October 22nd 2009 by mcboarder