This is to settle an argument....
Who, in your opinion is the best Irish traditional fiddle player on the go today? You can name any fiddle player at all,whoever you think is best......
Note that the OP has not asked which fiddler is musically supreme, but which is the best 'on the go today'! So who's been the most active fiddler this Saturday?
Sunday actually, Floss. I've plenty of time. Heh he.
I choose my times, Floss, you know that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-oquRLcmAM
Listen and learn, and tell us which is the best fiddler.
I don't do tinnies, floss, they are things you row in.
I do Connemara cask strength, a bit of pure spring water and a good tune. but hey, you know that don't you?
hmmm. For me it tends to be the tune rather than the player. Well, obviously it is the player puttin in all the graft, but I tend to think to myself "crackin fiddle tune"......rather than "great player" ..... and get hooked up on who is playing...
I am probably wrong................................................................
By the 'best' I assume you mean the best Irish Traditional fiddler.
And by 'best' do you mean the most polished technique, or do
you mean the one who does the best job of playing Traditional
Irish music? I'm not qualified to suggest any --- but heck, I'll
do it anyway. Martin Hayes and James Kelly are two of
the candidates.
You'll see that he's really good at nodding in time too, so who knows, he may even be good enough to graduate UP to the Bodhran .... one day!
On the subject of 'best', there is of course NO SUCH THING as best! If there were, then just maybe, there would be a point to holding music competitions, after all!
Think about it, who would even want to be called The Best Fiddle Player!
Meanwhile, back in the real World, people do of course have favourites, but I often think people spend far, far too much time listening to & idolising their so called favourites on CD or on YouTube, instead of making more use of their favourite local player, who they are after all, fortunate enough to be able to hear live, on a regular basis.
Many of us are guilty of waxing lyrical about the tradition, the old players & the old ways of the tradition, one of which was the passing on of tunes from one player to another, physically with a personal touch.
We are all guilty of learning hundreds or thousands of tunes over the years from tapes, CDs etc, but be honest, how many have YOU actually learned in the old fashioned way .. from a real person.
Those I have learned that way do stand out in my mind, including 'The Irish Giant', which I {believe it or not} learned from a great Bodhran player, the late Ian Robinson {RIP}, who took the time & trouble to actually lilt it to me, until I had it memorised! Now that is friendship & that is the tradition, in its truest sense, for me at least!
So my 'Thought for the Day' is:
Spend less time worshipping far off idols & far more time actually appreciating the really good musicians you are very lucky to be able to hear & actually play with & learn from aurally.
For that reason, my favourite Fiddle player has to be Maurice Bradley, who I'm lucky enough to play with, on a regular basis.
Well said ptarmigan. If a player plays a tune that catches me, then they are sort of my favourite at that moment.
I agree, if we are lucky enough, we have real people to learn with. I have been playing on and off now for about 12 years or more. It struck me once as I played that the tunes that I feel I can play best are those that I have learnt from real people.
The hidden pleasure is that as you play the tune, you cant help but remember where you were and who you learnt it from. Years ago as a real novice I learnt Ryan's Favourite (jig) from a player who I have lost touch with. I still play it (much to the dismay of a couple of players wh say they hate the tune), mainly now because it reminds me of when I lived in a different place, different times, and of course the friend who I have lost touch with.
At that moment, that player is my favourite!
Dont know about Ireland, lots of great fiddlers coming out of Shetland now, Bryan Gear, Chris Stout,Jenna Reid,Kevin Henderson, and loads more, all really great!
Frankie Gavin and Kate O'Brien, the fiddle players from De Dannan and Deanta, are my real votes. I also like Martin Hayes, but he is getting enough mention already. What about Liz Carroll?
Best current fiddle player
Best current fiddle player
This is to settle an argument....
Who, in your opinion is the best Irish traditional fiddle player on the go today? You can name any fiddle player at all,whoever you think is best......
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by onions mcginty
Re: Best current fiddle player
Um, that would be me.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Earl Cameron
Re: Best current fiddle player
Do they have to be Irish?
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by bogman
Re: Best current fiddle player
Not that there is a best, only favourites.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by bogman
Re: Best current fiddle player
Oh dear.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Dragut Reis
Re: Best current fiddle player
kano o'rourke, not personality wise, or seamus mckeon. maybe even mark conyard
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by FastEddie
Re: Best current fiddle player
I like Seamus McKeon quite a bit. Don't really have a favorite. Methinks this thread will do nothing to settle any arguments. Might even start one.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Jimmy B
Re: Best current fiddle player
this guy's great. If more played with this sort of interpretation, there'd be a lot more "best current fiddle players" -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70WN-8crl6w&feature=related
It isn't a race. Interpret!
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
THAT, is pure class! Let's listen and learn.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
actually, one of my favorites is Alasdair Fraser. I agree with Jimmy, however, this thread will not end any arguments.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by scordion
Re: Best current fiddle player
Isn't it nice to know they are human just like you!
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
words and music are powerful aren't they. Listen!
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
Note that the OP has not asked which fiddler is musically supreme, but which is the best 'on the go today'! So who's been the most active fiddler this Saturday?
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by MacCruiskeen
Re: Best current fiddle player
Yeah right, watch this and see the fiddlers. They're good too.
Who's the best current fiddler?! what a load of crap.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
There're ya now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-oquRLcmAM
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
hugo chauvez just loves this song. he'll be along in a minute to watch, and he'll tell ye who is the best current fiddler, bless his soul.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
Tara Breen
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by SandyBottoms
Re: Best current fiddle player
Floss I think you will find the Italian Prime Minester is arguably the best at fiddling today
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by bazouki dave
Re: Best current fiddle player
Can you ask Hugo who the best flute player is for me?
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by scordion
Re: Best current fiddle player
Ask.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
Has anybody else noticed that Duijera Dubh seems to go manic on Saturdays? What number tinnie is that, DD?
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by MacCruiskeen
Re: Best current fiddle player
Sunday actually, Floss. I've plenty of time. Heh he.
I choose my times, Floss, you know that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-oquRLcmAM
Listen and learn, and tell us which is the best fiddler.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
I don't do tinnies, floss, they are things you row in.
I do Connemara cask strength, a bit of pure spring water and a good tune. but hey, you know that don't you?
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
Michael Gill, but only when he is fully concentrating on his own playing, and not being enthralled by the accompanying bodhran.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by bodhran bliss
Re: Best current fiddle player
a bodhran with SOUL, bb, that will do in llig any time. You could do without him actually given that.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
Ulster go bragh!
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
listen to't:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-oquRLcmAM
put yer bodhran to't.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
me
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by munya beor
Re: Best current fiddle player
...who has no idea.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
...are you watching for where you're bodhran irish music comes from?
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
Bovinda?!
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
Govinda?!
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
...with a lovely German chorus?:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5I3GfXdPQQ
How nice in Gaelige.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
Sri Krishna Bodhran. Rivetting. Isn't it?
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Best current fiddle player
hmmm. For me it tends to be the tune rather than the player. Well, obviously it is the player puttin in all the graft, but I tend to think to myself "crackin fiddle tune"......rather than "great player" ..... and get hooked up on who is playing...
I am probably wrong................................................................
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by richrua
Re: Best current fiddle player
T.F.P. That's "Tommy F*#@in' Peoples" , biotch!
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by jaychoons
Re: Best current fiddle player
Best me no best, but my fave is Cathy Sky.
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by linnet
Re: Best current fiddle player
richrua--you are right!
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by shanty
Re: Best current fiddle player
listen to't:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-oquRLcmAM
put yer bodhran to't.
# Posted on January 16th 2010 by Duijera Dubh
1: I do not like Cara Dillon
2: I could play mandolin, whistle, blues harp or guitar to that song if I had a choice.
3: It is a slow song.
4: Is there something the matter with your head?
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by bodhran bliss
Re: Best current fiddle player
Can we choose 'D'--all of the above?
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by AlBrown
Re: Best current fiddle player
Martin Hayes.
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by WillShakespear
Re: Best current fiddle player
By the 'best' I assume you mean the best Irish Traditional fiddler.
And by 'best' do you mean the most polished technique, or do
you mean the one who does the best job of playing Traditional
Irish music? I'm not qualified to suggest any --- but heck, I'll
do it anyway. Martin Hayes and James Kelly are two of
the candidates.
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by Hup
Re: Best current fiddle player
Seamus McGuire
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by I ♥ Dow
Re: Best current fiddle player
Ian Mooney (sp?)
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by reedy grins
Re: Best current fiddle player
Oisin MacDiarmada.
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by Kenny
Re: Best current fiddle player
the guy from the kit kat ad. And his wee dog.
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by richrua
Re: Best current fiddle player
When you say 'current' I assume you mean Electric, so how about this fella: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv6EwuOEgyI
You'll see that he's really good at nodding in time too, so who knows, he may even be good enough to graduate UP to the Bodhran .... one day!
On the subject of 'best', there is of course NO SUCH THING as best! If there were, then just maybe, there would be a point to holding music competitions, after all!
Think about it, who would even want to be called The Best Fiddle Player!
Meanwhile, back in the real World, people do of course have favourites, but I often think people spend far, far too much time listening to & idolising their so called favourites on CD or on YouTube, instead of making more use of their favourite local player, who they are after all, fortunate enough to be able to hear live, on a regular basis.
Many of us are guilty of waxing lyrical about the tradition, the old players & the old ways of the tradition, one of which was the passing on of tunes from one player to another, physically with a personal touch.
We are all guilty of learning hundreds or thousands of tunes over the years from tapes, CDs etc, but be honest, how many have YOU actually learned in the old fashioned way .. from a real person.
Those I have learned that way do stand out in my mind, including 'The Irish Giant', which I {believe it or not} learned from a great Bodhran player, the late Ian Robinson {RIP}, who took the time & trouble to actually lilt it to me, until I had it memorised! Now that is friendship & that is the tradition, in its truest sense, for me at least!
So my 'Thought for the Day' is:
Spend less time worshipping far off idols & far more time actually appreciating the really good musicians you are very lucky to be able to hear & actually play with & learn from aurally.
For that reason, my favourite Fiddle player has to be Maurice Bradley, who I'm lucky enough to play with, on a regular basis.
Cheers
Dick
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by Ptarmigan
Re: Best current fiddle player
And the votes are all in, so, without further ado:
May we have the envelope, please?
Thank you , Cara.
Ah-ha!
And our winner is ----
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnmBxwmdGnc
Good night, folks.
Thanks for coming.
Get home safe.
Tip your cabbie, he's broke.
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by Piece
Re: Best current fiddle player
Well said ptarmigan. If a player plays a tune that catches me, then they are sort of my favourite at that moment.
I agree, if we are lucky enough, we have real people to learn with. I have been playing on and off now for about 12 years or more. It struck me once as I played that the tunes that I feel I can play best are those that I have learnt from real people.
The hidden pleasure is that as you play the tune, you cant help but remember where you were and who you learnt it from. Years ago as a real novice I learnt Ryan's Favourite (jig) from a player who I have lost touch with. I still play it (much to the dismay of a couple of players wh say they hate the tune), mainly now because it reminds me of when I lived in a different place, different times, and of course the friend who I have lost touch with.
At that moment, that player is my favourite!
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by richrua
Re: Best current fiddle player
Dont know about Ireland, lots of great fiddlers coming out of Shetland now, Bryan Gear, Chris Stout,Jenna Reid,Kevin Henderson, and loads more, all really great!
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by tirvaluk
Re: Best current fiddle player
Martin Hayes.
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by Why Bother?
Re: Best current fiddle player
Frankie Gavin and Kate O'Brien, the fiddle players from De Dannan and Deanta, are my real votes. I also like Martin Hayes, but he is getting enough mention already. What about Liz Carroll?
# Posted on January 17th 2010 by Earl Cameron
Re: Best current fiddle player
Can't believe this thread's gone on this long, and, unless I've missed it, no-one's mentioned Michelle O'Brien. Michelle O'Brien.
FWIW, Frankie Gavin wouldn't be in my top 100.
# Posted on January 18th 2010 by ethical blend
Re: Best current fiddle player
I'm surprised Aly Bain's name hasn't come up yet!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwllcWC_FL4
Liz Carroll is also pretty high up there IMHO.
# Posted on January 18th 2010 by serenity8286
Re: Best current fiddle player
This guy is the best. Go ahead, tell him he's not.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/492105386_de53c6eb00.jpg
# Posted on January 18th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Best current fiddle player
Looks like a forceful player right enough.
# Posted on January 18th 2010 by ethical blend
Re: Best current fiddle player
My favourite.......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4fT5V14uns&feature=rec-fresh+div-f-2-HM
# Posted on January 19th 2010 by bogman
Re: Best current fiddle player
If Scottish players are allowed my vote goes to Adam Sutherland.
# Posted on January 19th 2010 by Alasdair Paul
Re: Best current fiddle player
Martin Hayes without a doubt, thats my vote
# Posted on January 21st 2010 by gilbarry3
Re: Best current fiddle player
Have a listen to this by Martin Hayes (and Dennis Cahill). Superb, makes hairs stand up at back of my neck....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96bKIE37gwQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb8ywufW7-I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbNfKXt7hGc
# Posted on January 21st 2010 by gilbarry3
Re: Best current fiddle player
or hows about this brilliant young Irish fiddler Zoe Conway...fab and lovely too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gsGzGGt7wc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_8GHJFa7fU&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u_yeTX92rM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDzXMoWK5H4
# Posted on January 21st 2010 by gilbarry3
Re: Best current fiddle player
Yeah sort of a silly question, but here's one that has been missed:
Brenden Mulvihill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSO_47oyMp4
And another, John Turner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcxwbrvWTV8
There are others.....
# Posted on January 21st 2010 by cboody
Re: Best current fiddle player
Oisin Mac Diarmada.....or those guys from "Fidil"
# Posted on January 21st 2010 by premier
Re: Best current fiddle player
Ashley MacIsaac!
Cape Breton Canadian fiddler who played the Vancouver Olympic opening.
# Posted on March 7th 2010 by y8sc
Re: Best current fiddle player
Oisin Mac Diarmada martin hayes declan folan
# Posted on July 23rd 2010 by Mattt