I've seen vids of this 'collaboration' loads of times. Every time, I just have to switch it off in embarrassment when Gavin starts. Phenomenal mastery and sophistication ... and then Frankie Gavin. He's obviously been coached - lots - but he just doesn't get it. I wish he'd stick to a style of music he can play.
what would have worked better is, after Frankie sat patiently listening to the old master, Frankie broke into a kick-ass trad tune and the other gentleman joined in.
These are al Very Interesting answer's - Poor Frankie has it seem's become a Love or Loath figure in ITM,,, I've never met the man, But do have great Respect for his Musicianship !
A mixed bag of feeling's about him ok - But thank's for all ,
These Comment's -
jim,,,
I'm afraid I would have to agree in some respects with ethical blend. I've also watched this clip a number of times and as good though Mr. Gavin is I'm always left with the impression that the Master has just given the student a lesson on 'how it's done'.
Look again at Grappelli's face and the expression on it right at the end of the clip. I'd love to know the circumstances under which the performance took place i.e. who was the host and who the guest; how did they come to be on stage together.
My 2 cents...
I love when this happens to a well known tune. I used to play drums with a small jazz combo that did that sort of thing, much to the annoyance of the 'We're not playing that auld jazz brigade'.
The Kerry Dances was recorded by John McCormack back in 1916, probably the first time the song was recorded. As an old film buff I can also tell you that I'm pretty sure it was played on the bagpipes in The Quiet Man
Frankie's a very fine musician but he's in over his head here. Just look at how Frankie pleads with Grappelli to join in when he's playing his solo bit. Suddenly he realizes he's in the deep end.
Frankie Gavin is a great trad musician. Fine. I agree. But it isn't jealousy that makes me want to puke when I hear the garbage he throws at idioms he has no knowledge of.
Sorry for the restrained nature of this post ... that's my trouble - always sitting on the fence.
FWIW:
When I viewed the video, it occurred to me, from Mr. Grappelli's expressions towards the end, to think:
"I wonder what they rehearsed, and what Gavin then wound up playing in performance?"
I then thought of that bit on Youtube, "Between The Jigs And The Reels" of Gavin and Paddy Keenan playing some years ago, and Keenan seeming a bit taken aback by Gavin's sudden "solo" blast of double stops at the end of the set. Enough so that it appears he may have given Gavin a bit of a raspberry with his regs.
I have jammed and performed with musicians who would pull a self-agrandizing ambush like that, and I cannot help wondering abut gavin, unfair though it may be.
Just my paranoid and obviously jealous two cents.
(It must be jealousy, it cannot be that I simply dislike the man and his style of music, right?)
I'm sure Gavin didn't realize he was in a competition to be judged on the session.org when he was brave enough to step away from the music he's great at and share the stage with one of the greatest players ever. Good on him, I'm sure he got Grappellis ' respect if not from the folk on here.
There was a documentary about the Dubliners on the tellie a few years ago.
John Sheehan how they played a festival in Europe at some point and while they were on he saw Grapelli wandering in and listen for a while.
The next day they saw Grapelli in the pool of the hotel. Sheehan is a big fan and he went up to talk. 'How did you like our concert Mr Grapelli?' he asked. 'M. Sheehan' Grappelli replied, 'you are a great player of the tin whistle'.
Years later, Sheehan could see the humour of the situation.
I think the problem with Frankie is that he seems to have rubbed a number of people up the wrong way. Along with the ego that appears to so often be on show, he is all too frequently shining a light on himself as he is here. And for me, not being a fan of his playing at all, it makes for an altogether bad combination.
Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
http://www.youtube.com/user/Deeor#p/a/f/1/7QZiFmOe4Mo
jim,,,
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by FIDDLE4
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Two absolutely amazing fiddle players.....both a great motivation to play more!
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by Atk
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
I can't stop grinning and feeling happy after this! Thanks, Jim.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by MaryMargaret
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Magic.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by gam
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
I've seen vids of this 'collaboration' loads of times. Every time, I just have to switch it off in embarrassment when Gavin starts. Phenomenal mastery and sophistication ... and then Frankie Gavin. He's obviously been coached - lots - but he just doesn't get it. I wish he'd stick to a style of music he can play.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by ethical blend
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Is Frankie today's Seán McGuire?
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by amhrán
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Did Seán McGuire pretend to play jazz?
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by ethical blend
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
awesome playing, but can't gag down the music.
what would have worked better is, after Frankie sat patiently listening to the old master, Frankie broke into a kick-ass trad tune and the other gentleman joined in.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by sara505sings
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Grappelli wouldn't have bothered. He'd have stuck to what he could do.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by ethical blend
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
never too old to learn
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by sara505sings
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
These are al Very Interesting answer's - Poor Frankie has it seem's become a Love or Loath figure in ITM,,, I've never met the man, But do have great Respect for his Musicianship !
A mixed bag of feeling's about him ok - But thank's for all ,
These Comment's -
jim,,,
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by FIDDLE4
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
it's not the playing's or the musician's - or even the feeling's or comment's - it's the tune's that bother's me.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by sara505sings
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
I blush to ask this, but:
What is the name of the tune?
I first heard it at about age 5 in "Quiet Man", but in all these years never learned the name.
Some things slip through the cracks that never should.
Embarrassedly yours,
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by Piece
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
'The Kerry Dances'.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by molaoch
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
I'm afraid I would have to agree in some respects with ethical blend. I've also watched this clip a number of times and as good though Mr. Gavin is I'm always left with the impression that the Master has just given the student a lesson on 'how it's done'.
Look again at Grappelli's face and the expression on it right at the end of the clip. I'd love to know the circumstances under which the performance took place i.e. who was the host and who the guest; how did they come to be on stage together.
My 2 cents...
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by john knoss
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
I love when this happens to a well known tune. I used to play drums with a small jazz combo that did that sort of thing, much to the annoyance of the 'We're not playing that auld jazz brigade'.
The Kerry Dances was recorded by John McCormack back in 1916, probably the first time the song was recorded. As an old film buff I can also tell you that I'm pretty sure it was played on the bagpipes in The Quiet Man
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by Free Reed
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Frankie Gavin is a wonderful musician, he is that good that many, many, are jealous. Hence the posts here.
Grapelli? genius.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by bodhran bliss
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Frankie's a very fine musician but he's in over his head here. Just look at how Frankie pleads with Grappelli to join in when he's playing his solo bit. Suddenly he realizes he's in the deep end.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by leoj
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Frankie Gavin is a great trad musician. Fine. I agree. But it isn't jealousy that makes me want to puke when I hear the garbage he throws at idioms he has no knowledge of.
Sorry for the restrained nature of this post ... that's my trouble - always sitting on the fence.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by ethical blend
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Oh, and of course Grappelli was a genius. So much so that I always try to spell his name the way he chose.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by ethical blend
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Ah, g'wan, tell us what you really think eb...
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by john knoss
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Well, one must retain one's decorum, you know.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by ethical blend
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by AlBrown
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Well, that gives the lie to the story I heard that Grappelli plays everything in C.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
That was back when he was just covering up for his old mate Django, GP.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by oldstrings
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Here he is again, playing with another loser:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV0IcFyXUWs&feature=fvw
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by oldstrings
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
doesn't sound like a loser when he talks at the end
# Posted on October 4th 2010 by pavlf
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
It's interesting how Menuhin uses every inch of that bow and the tone quality never diminishes.
I have to go practice now...
# Posted on October 4th 2010 by wolfhul
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
FWIW:
When I viewed the video, it occurred to me, from Mr. Grappelli's expressions towards the end, to think:
"I wonder what they rehearsed, and what Gavin then wound up playing in performance?"
I then thought of that bit on Youtube, "Between The Jigs And The Reels" of Gavin and Paddy Keenan playing some years ago, and Keenan seeming a bit taken aback by Gavin's sudden "solo" blast of double stops at the end of the set. Enough so that it appears he may have given Gavin a bit of a raspberry with his regs.
I have jammed and performed with musicians who would pull a self-agrandizing ambush like that, and I cannot help wondering abut gavin, unfair though it may be.
Just my paranoid and obviously jealous two cents.
(It must be jealousy, it cannot be that I simply dislike the man and his style of music, right?)
# Posted on October 4th 2010 by Piece
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Ah, the great Hugie McMemamin together with Grappelli playing what could be the theme music to this particular discussion.
# Posted on October 4th 2010 by Free Reed
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
I always thought this clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31-8MLA5kdU
showed one big purring cat and one scared little mouse being walloped around.
Grapelli showing who is boss
# Posted on October 4th 2010 by Prof. Prlwytzkofski
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Thing is, he doesn't need to show it, does he? And that's the point.
Poor Frankie.
# Posted on October 4th 2010 by ethical blend
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Oh my god -
What a spanking!
I suppose I should say, "Thanks for posting that, Professor",
but - YEE-OUCH!
Definately Poor Frankie, EB.
# Posted on October 4th 2010 by Piece
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
I'm sure Gavin didn't realize he was in a competition to be judged on the session.org when he was brave enough to step away from the music he's great at and share the stage with one of the greatest players ever. Good on him, I'm sure he got Grappellis ' respect if not from the folk on here.
# Posted on October 4th 2010 by bogman
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Zoe Conway can play this stuff very well though.
I'd like to hear Martin Hayes taking a serious stab at it. He's
more than half way there.
# Posted on October 5th 2010 by Hup
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
You are right, Bogman.
That did sound judgmental, and I was wrong to come off that way.
It does no one any good to take pleasure from someone elses possible discomfiture, or "all too human" moments.
We all have our flaws.
Definitely me too, it would seem.
# Posted on October 5th 2010 by Piece
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Well said bogman, fair play to you. I mean , what an honour, to share a stage with 'the maestro' and to get slagged for it!
# Posted on October 5th 2010 by piobagusfidil
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
There was a documentary about the Dubliners on the tellie a few years ago.
John Sheehan how they played a festival in Europe at some point and while they were on he saw Grapelli wandering in and listen for a while.
The next day they saw Grapelli in the pool of the hotel. Sheehan is a big fan and he went up to talk. 'How did you like our concert Mr Grapelli?' he asked. 'M. Sheehan' Grappelli replied, 'you are a great player of the tin whistle'.
Years later, Sheehan could see the humour of the situation.
# Posted on October 5th 2010 by Prof. Prlwytzkofski
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
John Sheehan told a story ...
# Posted on October 5th 2010 by Prof. Prlwytzkofski
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
This thread really reads like a Statler and Waldforf commentary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpYEJx7PkWE&feature=related.
I'm really puzzled why so many people on this board have it in for Frankie.
# Posted on October 5th 2010 by MacCruiskeen
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
I think the problem with Frankie is that he seems to have rubbed a number of people up the wrong way. Along with the ego that appears to so often be on show, he is all too frequently shining a light on himself as he is here. And for me, not being a fan of his playing at all, it makes for an altogether bad combination.
# Posted on October 5th 2010 by Jamie
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Oh, and of course Grappelli was a genius. So much so that I always try to spell his name the way he chose.
# Posted on October 3rd 2010 by ethical blend
"Beware the green eyed monster....."
That is from Othelo, with one "L" as in the Irish, just like Grapelli, in the Irish.
When I mentioned jealousy it was not solely aimed at you.
go raibh maith agat
# Posted on October 5th 2010 by bodhran bliss
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Ah, I hadn't realised that Grappelli was Irish. Silly me.
Meanwhile, I meant it seriously - most of us don't actively choose how to spell our surname; Grappelli did.
# Posted on October 5th 2010 by ethical blend
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Re: Not ITM -- But still Mighty Fiddle 'N
Ah, I hadn't realised that Grappelli was Irish. Silly me.
# Posted on October 5th 2010 by ethical blend
And now we agree.
# Posted on October 7th 2010 by bodhran bliss