I have been playing bodhran since 1992, so through my collecting of records, CDs and videos I have amassed loads of recordings of ITM featuring amazing backing of bodhran players that have inspired me. So Ill put up a list of ones that turned me on to that humble of instruments.
Johnny McDonagh (De Danann, Arcady, Mary Bergin, Altan (Red Crow), Joanie Madden)
Colm Murphy (Seamus Creagh & Jackie Daly, De Danann)
Donal Lunny (Planxty, Bothy Band, Matt Molloys Stony Steps and the first few Altan albums)
Jack Cooley ( Joe Cooley - one of the best examples of playing the tambourine bodhran)
Paeder Mercier (Cheiftains, Ceoltoiri Chualann)
Jim Higgins (The Neachtains album)
Nick Power (Galway city)
Eamonn De Butlear (Ceotoiri Laighean - The Crooked Road)
Jim Sutherland (Scottish - Easy Club and backer for loads of solo bag piping, Ossian)
Christy Moore - (solo stuff, Planxty and loads of guest appearances)
Donagh Gough (Danu)
Will update when more comes to mind, but feel free to contribute, enlighten me dudes.
I had heard that Finbarr Pendred died but the details were shakey.Spent a lot of his time in Cologne fighting with the German nation! Heard he settled in West Cork. When did he pass away music reader?
If you like modern stuff John Joe Kelly (Flook and many other projects such as things with Sharon Shannon and Michael McGoldrick) is your man. There is a band called Morga which has good bodhran playing; the man's name escapes me at the moment they are a younger band but their sound is very De Dannan. Of course there is Tommy Hayes (Stockton's Wing etc etc) as well, you must have forgotten him as he is one of the best. There are many others but their names escape me.
Ringo McDonagh for me. Incredibly tasteful playing in the service of the music, no flash Harry stuff like that John Joe bloke trying to play tunes on the bloody thing (or to sound like water glugging out of a bottle). I love good bodhran playing on people's records.
When I heard Flook on the radio it was exactly the kind of music in which I had no interest. My mind was made up and John Joe was consigned to the ever growing bin of uninspiring musicians. He has spent a lot of time in Ennis over the last 4 or5 years and my mind has completely changed.He is a total pleasure in a session and provides a sympathetic pulse to the most traditional of music . In short, he is now one of my very favourite musicians.
I believe he is actually trying to sound like wig glue glugging out of a hot water bottle (hot water bottles and wig glue being such an integral part of this tradition).
That bloke who played on the very early Chieftains records (not Kevin Conneff, who's pretty good on it I reckon) sounded a bit sort of jungly and random on it I reckon. I suppose it was early days in the history of this not-so-traditional instrument.
Well maybe he will read this and go to your session and dinigrate your music in front of your mates as you are doing to him here in public. Or maybe he is a decent type who will just hang out with those that like his music and leave you to play your music wherever you are in demand!
my favourite player is one and only: seamus o'kane.
listen albums of harry bradley, marcus o'murchu, peter carberry .....
john joe kelly took lot of tehnique from him ( he spent lot of time with him, because he was good friend with one of seamus son...)
marin
big_tab --is it one thing to listen to music and another to play music. If I'm playing a bodhran I'd want to make the most out of it too but I think it's a diffeent thing to listen to. I've played with people and had a great time only to listen to it back, on occasions it was recorded, and be very less than happy with the result. Not saying, at all, that I was good and everyone else sucked just that, as a whole it didn't sound as good as it did when playing.
Steve and Shanty - I'm curious as to why the newer school of multi-tones and clickity-clack playing grates on you? Personally, I find the open head sounds of yesteryear a bit off-putting because it muddies up the sound for the melody players. Just my two cents of course, however, I have found many more people feel the same way as you two do about the chug-a-lug sound popular today with many contemporary players - just curious if you can articulate why you dislike it so...
For me it doesn't suit the music well. It. It's as simple as that. Imagine what a nice tunes would sound like played well on a couple of instruments and then add a 22 pc drum kit to it. Sure the drummer could play in sympathy with the tune but it still just doesn't sound right. A synthesiser playing tunes wouldn't sound right either. It just doesn't fit no matter how talented the player is. But each to his own and I'm certainly not knocking anyone....
'Course it might have something to do with the fact that I was introduced to this music via the Chieftains followed by various old recordings from the 'tambourine' pre 'Celtic' war drum thingy era. I like jingles on a bodhran. Does anyone play jingled bodhrans anymore. If I ever buy a bodhran I'm going to get one with jingles.
.<< I suppose it was early days in the history of this not-so-traditional instrument. >>
The Bodhrán's first unambiguous written reference is in an Irish document dated 1460.
More recently a painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy London in 1833 and records a house party at the house of Father Mathew Horgan in County Cork, probably held on Halloween of the previous year The strongest action in the picture is provided by a couple dancing energetically close to the middle of the floor. Music is being provided by a small group playing pipes, fiddle, flute and bodhrán. Funnily enough there is no harmonica in the painting When was the harmonica first mentioned as being used in Irish music!?
big tab,
Finbarr has been dead ..must be 5 years, he had a bar in Bantry, Then moved out Dingle way, it was very sad he died of lung cancer.
I had many a good session with him, I have fond memories of being up all night playing music and having the Craic and then returning as the dawn was coming up.
By christ he would have sorted out some of the tanglers on this forum, Finbarr didnt bother with words, his fists did the business.
christ, no one would have complained about Bodhran players in his presence, he would soon sort those tossers out, he was a mighty bodhran player, and he didnt suffer fools gladly.
He was a good bodhran player. I found him difficult and intimidating but very humourous at times. It would have been fun to set him loose over to some of the posters here.
I don't see Paddy League mentioned; he is one of the best I have heard. His instruction book is also the best I have seen, but may be hard to find. I bought mine from him, and have never seen another of them.
That bloke who played on the very early Chieftains records (not Kevin Conneff, who's pretty good on it I reckon) sounded a bit sort of jungly and random on it I reckon. I suppose it was early days in the history of this not-so-traditional instrument.
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by Steve Shaw
Very sensitive. They must love you at sessions, in the Cobblestone.
I wouldn't advise any of the hundreds of sessions in Belfast......
"Two names not mentioned so far are Martin O'Neil and Cormac Byrne. They are my inspiration."
A mate of mine (Ritchie Lyons) just recommended these two players which I youtubed and was impressed with. Then your post showed, there must be some ESP involved in the forum heh heh.
Bodhran Bliss I agree about the modern style being more drumming rhythms rather than accompanying. But dont get me wrong I think John Joe and Junior Davey are amazing at what they do, but I lose interest when it gets too flibiddy Flobiddy. My favourite type of off beat playing would be Donal Lunny on Matt Molloys Stony Steps, the cross rhythm thing is absolutely amazing and about as complex as bodhran accompaniment can get.
Now listen you people
Better take this down:
I'm the Bodhrán player
And I'm back in town.
It's me lays down the rhythm
For the diddely I dil dee
Ain't no Flashy Fiddlers
Any good without me!
I can do it on the Bodhrán,
I can do it on the Bones;
Don't need a fancy drum-kit like
The Rolling Stones.
I'm a raker, I'm a shaker,
I make that white top hum:
The man who puts the Iddery in the
Skiddery I dil dum!
I saw Gino several times live. He's dead good, but unfortunately he's a bit of a one-trick pony, and he played on just about everything in the gig. With the best will in the world that's enough to do yer brain in. Actually, the first time I heard him, with Four Men And A Dog in the early 90s, the sound man had him turned right down and all these people went up to the sound desk to complain they couldn't hear him. On reflection, going from the times I heard him after that, I think the sound man had a point.
i agree with maracirac, seamus o'kane is a great player and makes some fine bodhrans himself. theres a wee band called the Rapparees in Co. Antrim and their bodhran player is pretty good. No offence to anyone here, but there are some absolutley awful bodhran players out there
the old goat skin is gettin a terrible time here. i know lots of people think they can master it in seconds and become really annoying but there are some great players out there
Here in Melbourne we have Gerry Daly, and when I go to Ireland I always like to catch up with Martin McHugh. Both of these musicians show just how effective this much abused instrument can be when played with skill and good taste. Also Seamus Finneran from Sydney is one of the more interesting "progressive" musos. One of my favorite recordings is of Brian Fitzgerald accompanied by Tristan Rosenstock, and of course Ringo McDonagh's introductory solo on "Over the Bog Road" with Frankie Gavin, from the 1970s.
Lovely clip of lovely music on the bodhrán. Séamus is a great musician and it always feels good to share music with him. Like I have said before it is only on this forum that this constant nonsense that demeans good musicians who play bodhran seems to exist and I never hear it in real life. Llig if you are happy playing music that doesn't involve an audience that is your right. Its probably very easy. However I for one would be happier if you didn't "laugh" at those many great musicians whom do enjoy an audience . Marcus Ó Murchú ,who is the target of your laugh, has given his music with a huge heart for the last 30 years. Its not a laugh.
Yes, Peader Mercier on Chieftains 2. I usually like bodhran on recordings, but I can't get my head around the 'panel beater effect' on some tracks on Chieftains 3. Drum roll type thing maybe.
Jesus.
Calm down tabber.
Don't take life so seriously.
Punters, Diddley, bodhrans..are all things you'll have to deal with.
There are worse things going on in life.
O Murchu is great - but he's in there with MacMahon, yourself and Spellbreaker with the romanticising and sentimentality.
get your own site with jig.
itsnotlikethathereincoclare.com
...Back to the discussion...
Ha - I knew you'd like that llig.
Fair play to you for even checking it.
The bit about tuning bodhrans ought to get a chuckle too.
I kind of put it up there on purpose.
I notice you didn't say anything about the playing. I can guess what you are going to say...
But...I'm not one of the yanks on this site that'll hang on to your every word, I'm not really bothered what your thoughts are on it. It is great music. It has rythem and bounce, its living and breathing. The bodhran gives it a bit more balls. Not that Harrys playing doesn't have enough anyway.
No doubt you'd prefer Liz Carroll in there playing something technical and sexy - but come on, condescend to the little people of Ireland and enjoy the playing.
As some one who generally doesn't give a rats about bodhrans, I like this.
Hey, I liked the bodhran and flute at the beginning of that clip. and just for the record, my favorite bodhran player is Christy Moor.
(and that bird out of the Corrs, ha ha.)
My favourite Bodhrán player is the guy I play with, Willie Kirkham, a great fellow fer the music .
Ah tabber, llig clearly gets off on putting other people down. The target changes but attitude and behaviour is remarkably consistent. Whether he is a fine fiddler, or not is completely irrelevant as regards his behaviour here , sad to say it appears we have to get used to it.
Hugo.. I am reasonably calm..Get my own site? Thats the height of intellectual discussion. I wont. I'm going to stay here and annoy gonsh*tes like you who demean bodhran players and call the music diddley. Romanticise the music?? Yeah I'm happy with that.
Just thinking,I've definitely never been put in the same bracket as Mac Mahon and Ó Murchú before..I must be becoming a purist.Or maybe its the nonsense that is written here that forces one to think that way.
Have to agree with John Joe , simply brillant, I have seen him a few times with Flook and with Micky McGoldrick, Donnlly ,McCusker etc.A really nice guy as well.
Also agree with Gino, although he is bonkers...
I also have to propose Pol Maguire who plays in the sessions of the John Hewitt in Belfast. Good decent musician and bloke.
" its the nonsense that is written here that forces one to think that way."
Nonsense is only nonsense if no one can make sense out of it.
In this case - as usual - its just you.
Before you lump yourself in with those two, I was referring to their annoying habbit of being so bloody precious about something that is supposed to be living, breathing and FUN.
You and jig etc make it boring and solid and serious and stale...
..and thats not how they do it there in Co. Clare.
Even the seemingly craicless Prof will tell you that.
Yeah.. You are spot on Hugo. Amazingly perceptive of you. I f(cking hate "craic" and "diddley" and all the other fun you have with this music. Precious My Hole!
Cheers Hugo I love the oul playing, Im hoping to get more back into it again. When I was studying in Edinburgh I had to get my trad fix at Sandy Bells with Kathryn Nicol and lads and lassies. But now Im back in Ireland and hoping to move down to Galway soon enough and get back into playing a bit again, plus the last few years has been spent rocking it out at rock festivals like Electric Picnic (great sessions sometimes in the bog oak cottage in the Body & Soul) and RockNess festivals. So the plan next summer is to do quite a few fleadhs and trad fests.
Based up in Kinlough, Co Leitrim at the moment, but its a bit too quiet and expensive up there and traveling to the west is expensive too, hence, the need to move to a city where I can take advantage of super single savers with Citylink. Also job hunting for work as a journalist while the countrys finances is falling apart.
Nearest newspaper place is about 35 kms from me and I canna drive, will have a better chance of getting work if Im city based and reachable.
Kinlough, not a lot there in the music sense, nice place tho. I go there to visit friends on a fairly regular basis. Some good music to be had occasionally in Bundoran & Ballyshannon.
First time I heard the bodhran, it was being played a lot in the manner of what Mr. O'Kane was doing. And I was instantly HOOKED on its potential for adding to ceili music. Simply lovely stuff, and, in the right hands, a powerful thing, like pipes can be.
But, lo and behold, the reality was not what I had hoped. Not every drummer could play like that anonymous drummer could, and not every drummer had his discretion as to where and when a drum is desirable.
Kind of like everything else in life where there are humans involved. Especially music.
Isn't it sad that not one of the aforementioned bodhran players, great though they me be at their craft, could hold down a gig as a solo artist on their instrument.
I saw the Wurzels once (or was it the Yetties). They had a great bodhran player. He played it by holding it over his head whilst dancing around the stage and bashing it at irregular intervals with a bloody great big stick. "Hmm, you might as well..." I thought. He just has to get my vote.
"isn't it sad that not one of the aforementioned bodhran players, great though they me be at their craft, could hold down a gig as a solo artist on their instrument."
ah, i'm just around, tabber, in and out here, but work is keepin' me on the hop. How'ya yerself anyway.
right enough there as well, tabber, isn't it the case that even someone like, for example, Martin Hayes, who could be a soloist after all, chooses a duo.
Ringo Starr...there's another one...went solo, but not as a drummer. Bodhran in the right hands is a joy...you put it, I think as sympathetic to the music, and that you tube up there talks about bringing out (or puttin' in) not sure which, different atmospheres in the tune through the bodhran.
I posted some of these videos a while ago on youtube, but this was De Danann at their height with the rollicking bodhran of Ringo. This is part 3 of the Neachtains stuff from 1983. Sorry about the quality as it is sourced from an old VHS video and still has to see the light of day on Come West Along the Road, which might have a well improved soundtrack too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQRheBNImxU
"Isn't it sad that not one of the aforementioned bodhran players, great though they me be at their craft, could hold down a gig as a solo artist on their instrument."
Sure they could, Free Reed.
On the subway platform at Times Square Station, NYC.
I have seen it done with a mere three recycled plastic paint buckets, and a 2 dollar pair of field drum sticks.
Yeh I said that wrong is was meant to be "I posted some of these videos a while ago on youtube (delete "but") this was De Danann... " But I know you love to play and thats all that counts. Was video taping trad programmes since the late 80s and I had a few students in Galway, so now some of these lucky sods have got an introductory video tape of I comp I made of bodhran accompaniment to ITM, clips from Come Whest, Session of the 70s (BBC Northern Ireland) it has to be said the BBCs recordings of the Bothy Band are far superior in quality to RTEs Embankment series from the mid 70s, saying that its brilliant too.
But this tape I made was 3 hours in duration of what i thought was an A to Z of not too bad bodhran accompaniment. I managed to get a short segment of it on an AVI file which was titled The History of the Bodhran and for a while you could get it on Irish Torrents.com But I can no longer seed as utorrent just stops my computer thinking. Anyway there maybe seeds sill on the site its just a matter of asking for a reseed and of course, registering on the site.
North-East England has produced fine bodhran players, such as Frankie Beagin, Dick Park and the late John Claydon. There are quite a few around.
Conditions are conducive to the cultivation of the bodhran. The place is full of dogs. Herds of vellum and things with skins roam the countryside.
But outside the Irish community and before everyone got one in the folk boom, Northumbria doesn't seem to have had the bodhran.
Perhaps they didn't feel the need for it. Maybe, when the urge came upon them, they would go out among the peacefully grazing bodhrans and simply skelp some hapless one while its piteous bellows provided a melody to the rhythms they were laying down. Why go to all the trouble of taking the skin off a beast and faffing about with it? And having to kill it, for that matter.
Interestingly, spoons have been in the area since before I was born (I think...).
Ah yes nicholas, the bodhran in its native state, Epithelium bodhanensis, is quite a formidable beast. Best left on its own to beat its own retreat. The males are particularly aggressive, I hear. Distantly related to its caledonian counterpart, the Haggis, Gastrovomitus haggiensis, but has retained all four limbs.
G. haggiensis should never be approached, especially after dark in the habitats of the West of Scotland suburban areas.
Isn't it sad that not one of the aforementioned bodhran players, great though they me be at their craft, could hold down a gig as a solo artist on their instrument.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Free Reed
True.
But EVERY Sunday night I always mutter, "let's face it lads, I am the only one here who can join the chieftains, Flook, De Daneen, Etc etc etc in the morning and enhance them, albeit on a humble.....bodhran".
I remember years ago being at a folk festival in Argyll with a pal, we wondered down the high street looking for a likely tune which to join.
To cut a long story short.
Whilst passing a certain pub we heard some singing of a certain type emanating from within, having already decided that this pub was not for us we decided to have a wee peak in, out of badness perhaps.
Anyway as we opened the door to this establishment we were greeted by two blokes (who really should have known better) singing in loud west central scots celebrating the glories of past battles for national self determination etc, one holding what is probably the largest bodhran I've ever seen, and the other holding one of a more modest proportion, just then, they struck up a god offal (pun intended) din with their whackers in what can only have been an attempt to summon the devil, with their demonic cross rhythm.
They had the last laugh though, the horrible visage is for ever etched on my mind, a sight and sound from which I have never fully recovered.
Imelda May would be my favourite rockabilly bodhran player at the moment. She uses it skillfully to drive the rhythm in the hit single 'Johnny's got a boom boom'.
Finbarr Pendred was my grandad and i ment him a few times and i spent his last Christmas with him where he played the banjo and bodhran for me and my brother be nice to hear some stories about him (:
Hello,
about thirty years ago i've met Finbar Pendred in a pub in Cologne called "Tinnef". We've been there often, drinking beer, had some sessions and some times we went to Berlin or to Dortmund together. There we met The Dubliners and Barney McKenna came with us to Cologne. We've made a gig in some Colgne Bars up to next morning. It was a great time with Finbar, he was a good fellow und I've learned a lot of him. Just this moment I read that Finbar died....
(Excuse my bad English, I'm from Cologne)
very sad
man_o_cologne
Favourite Bodhran Players
Favourite Bodhran Players
I have been playing bodhran since 1992, so through my collecting of records, CDs and videos I have amassed loads of recordings of ITM featuring amazing backing of bodhran players that have inspired me. So Ill put up a list of ones that turned me on to that humble of instruments.
Johnny McDonagh (De Danann, Arcady, Mary Bergin, Altan (Red Crow), Joanie Madden)
Colm Murphy (Seamus Creagh & Jackie Daly, De Danann)
Donal Lunny (Planxty, Bothy Band, Matt Molloys Stony Steps and the first few Altan albums)
Jack Cooley ( Joe Cooley - one of the best examples of playing the tambourine bodhran)
Paeder Mercier (Cheiftains, Ceoltoiri Chualann)
Jim Higgins (The Neachtains album)
Nick Power (Galway city)
Eamonn De Butlear (Ceotoiri Laighean - The Crooked Road)
Jim Sutherland (Scottish - Easy Club and backer for loads of solo bag piping, Ossian)
Christy Moore - (solo stuff, Planxty and loads of guest appearances)
Donagh Gough (Danu)
Will update when more comes to mind, but feel free to contribute, enlighten me dudes.
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by Scots_Niall
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Finbar Pendred, known as Big Finbar, RIP.
StephenChambers
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by Dick Miles
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
I had heard that Finbarr Pendred died but the details were shakey.Spent a lot of his time in Cologne fighting with the German nation! Heard he settled in West Cork. When did he pass away music reader?
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
If you like modern stuff John Joe Kelly (Flook and many other projects such as things with Sharon Shannon and Michael McGoldrick) is your man. There is a band called Morga which has good bodhran playing; the man's name escapes me at the moment they are a younger band but their sound is very De Dannan. Of course there is Tommy Hayes (Stockton's Wing etc etc) as well, you must have forgotten him as he is one of the best. There are many others but their names escape me.
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by Why Bother?
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Ringo McDonagh for me. Incredibly tasteful playing in the service of the music, no flash Harry stuff like that John Joe bloke trying to play tunes on the bloody thing (or to sound like water glugging out of a bottle). I love good bodhran playing on people's records.
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by Steve Shaw
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
What steve said. If you want all that buy a drum kit. I like the older players.
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by shanty
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
When I heard Flook on the radio it was exactly the kind of music in which I had no interest. My mind was made up and John Joe was consigned to the ever growing bin of uninspiring musicians. He has spent a lot of time in Ennis over the last 4 or5 years and my mind has completely changed.He is a total pleasure in a session and provides a sympathetic pulse to the most traditional of music . In short, he is now one of my very favourite musicians.
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
I believe he is actually trying to sound like wig glue glugging out of a hot water bottle (hot water bottles and wig glue being such an integral part of this tradition).
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by Pat Mustard
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
If John Joe came to my session I think I might accidentally call out a plumber. But hey. If that's what you like.
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by Steve Shaw
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
That bloke who played on the very early Chieftains records (not Kevin Conneff, who's pretty good on it I reckon) sounded a bit sort of jungly and random on it I reckon. I suppose it was early days in the history of this not-so-traditional instrument.
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by Steve Shaw
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Well maybe he will read this and go to your session and dinigrate your music in front of your mates as you are doing to him here in public. Or maybe he is a decent type who will just hang out with those that like his music and leave you to play your music wherever you are in demand!
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
my favourite player is one and only: seamus o'kane.
listen albums of harry bradley, marcus o'murchu, peter carberry .....
john joe kelly took lot of tehnique from him ( he spent lot of time with him, because he was good friend with one of seamus son...)
marin
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by maracirac
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
big_tab --is it one thing to listen to music and another to play music. If I'm playing a bodhran I'd want to make the most out of it too but I think it's a diffeent thing to listen to. I've played with people and had a great time only to listen to it back, on occasions it was recorded, and be very less than happy with the result. Not saying, at all, that I was good and everyone else sucked just that, as a whole it didn't sound as good as it did when playing.
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by shanty
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
No doubt shanty..
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Steve and Shanty - I'm curious as to why the newer school of multi-tones and clickity-clack playing grates on you? Personally, I find the open head sounds of yesteryear a bit off-putting because it muddies up the sound for the melody players. Just my two cents of course, however, I have found many more people feel the same way as you two do about the chug-a-lug sound popular today with many contemporary players - just curious if you can articulate why you dislike it so...
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
For me it doesn't suit the music well. It. It's as simple as that. Imagine what a nice tunes would sound like played well on a couple of instruments and then add a 22 pc drum kit to it. Sure the drummer could play in sympathy with the tune but it still just doesn't sound right. A synthesiser playing tunes wouldn't sound right either. It just doesn't fit no matter how talented the player is. But each to his own and I'm certainly not knocking anyone....
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by shanty
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
'Course it might have something to do with the fact that I was introduced to this music via the Chieftains followed by various old recordings from the 'tambourine' pre 'Celtic' war drum thingy era. I like jingles on a bodhran. Does anyone play jingled bodhrans anymore. If I ever buy a bodhran I'm going to get one with jingles.
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by shanty
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
.<< I suppose it was early days in the history of this not-so-traditional instrument. >>
When was the harmonica first mentioned as being used in Irish music!?
The Bodhrán's first unambiguous written reference is in an Irish document dated 1460.
More recently a painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy London in 1833 and records a house party at the house of Father Mathew Horgan in County Cork, probably held on Halloween of the previous year The strongest action in the picture is provided by a couple dancing energetically close to the middle of the floor. Music is being provided by a small group playing pipes, fiddle, flute and bodhrán. Funnily enough there is no harmonica in the painting
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by piobagusfidil
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
It's a shame that John Bonham never got round to playing a bit of trad, Moby Dick with flutes and fiddles, awesome.
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by strayaway
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
big tab,
Finbarr has been dead ..must be 5 years, he had a bar in Bantry, Then moved out Dingle way, it was very sad he died of lung cancer.
I had many a good session with him, I have fond memories of being up all night playing music and having the Craic and then returning as the dawn was coming up.
By christ he would have sorted out some of the tanglers on this forum, Finbarr didnt bother with words, his fists did the business.
christ, no one would have complained about Bodhran players in his presence, he would soon sort those tossers out, he was a mighty bodhran player, and he didnt suffer fools gladly.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Dick Miles
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
He was a good bodhran player. I found him difficult and intimidating but very humourous at times. It would have been fun to set him loose over to some of the posters here.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
John Jo is a mate of mine and although the recorded stuff is good, in a session he is stunning.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by martinmc
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Two names not mentioned so far are Martin O'Neil and Cormac Byrne. They are my inspiration.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by curiadydrwm
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
That's the spirit, let your fists do the talking. Sounds like a right caveman.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by strayaway
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Typical drummer behavior, perhaps?
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
He didn't really like harmonica players
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
This guy would be welcome in my company anyday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHrqf-EJRiE
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Free Reed
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
I don't see Paddy League mentioned; he is one of the best I have heard. His instruction book is also the best I have seen, but may be hard to find. I bought mine from him, and have never seen another of them.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by will morgan
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
That bloke who played on the very early Chieftains records (not Kevin Conneff, who's pretty good on it I reckon) sounded a bit sort of jungly and random on it I reckon. I suppose it was early days in the history of this not-so-traditional instrument.
# Posted on November 10th 2010 by Steve Shaw
Very sensitive. They must love you at sessions, in the Cobblestone.
I wouldn't advise any of the hundreds of sessions in Belfast......
Your sensitivity could be upset.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by bodhran bliss
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
He didn't really like harmonica players
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by big_tab
Why be sensitive Tab? Mouth organ, made by Hero.
Harmonica gives it a bit of credence.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by bodhran bliss
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
To answer the question, I am as good as anyone, better than most.
The modern stuff, which is "drumming" rhythms rather than accompanying the tune is not my style but good players at it can greatly enhance the music.
Young lad from Randalstown is very good as is Eamon Maguire from Belfast.
He uses human skin from harmonica players to make his drums. SMILEY. (
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by bodhran bliss
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Wow. The smiley thing worked. (
Anyone who knows Eamon, wonderful bodhran maker, will understand the joke.
Put it this way, those two idiots this Saturday, Hayes and Harrison, would not be making bodhran jokes in front of Eamon.
With their size he could get about 8 drums out of them.....
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by bodhran bliss
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
"Two names not mentioned so far are Martin O'Neil and Cormac Byrne. They are my inspiration."
A mate of mine (Ritchie Lyons) just recommended these two players which I youtubed and was impressed with. Then your post showed, there must be some ESP involved in the forum heh heh.
Bodhran Bliss I agree about the modern style being more drumming rhythms rather than accompanying. But dont get me wrong I think John Joe and Junior Davey are amazing at what they do, but I lose interest when it gets too flibiddy Flobiddy. My favourite type of off beat playing would be Donal Lunny on Matt Molloys Stony Steps, the cross rhythm thing is absolutely amazing and about as complex as bodhran accompaniment can get.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Scots_Niall
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Then he'd get quite a few out of skinning Gino Lupari, who is one of my favourites.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by mcknowall
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
I do hope llig is OK
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by mcknowall
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
This guy would be welcome in my company anyday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHrqf-EJRiE
Wow. Is that a kit he has there! in the palm of his hand!
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by piobagusfidil
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
"He didn't really like harmonica players
"
So he's just as prejudiced as me then, but you're lionising *him.* Good on yer. And what can you play? Huh? You're all talk, mate!
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Steve Shaw
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
(Love me some Gino)
Now listen you people
Better take this down:
I'm the Bodhrán player
And I'm back in town.
It's me lays down the rhythm
For the diddely I dil dee
Ain't no Flashy Fiddlers
Any good without me!
I can do it on the Bodhrán,
I can do it on the Bones;
Don't need a fancy drum-kit like
The Rolling Stones.
I'm a raker, I'm a shaker,
I make that white top hum:
The man who puts the Iddery in the
Skiddery I dil dum!
http://www.ceolas.org/instruments/bodhran/wrap.shtml
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
I saw Gino several times live. He's dead good, but unfortunately he's a bit of a one-trick pony, and he played on just about everything in the gig. With the best will in the world that's enough to do yer brain in. Actually, the first time I heard him, with Four Men And A Dog in the early 90s, the sound man had him turned right down and all these people went up to the sound desk to complain they couldn't hear him. On reflection, going from the times I heard him after that, I think the sound man had a point.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Steve Shaw
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
How about these 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzIBWhaifcw
Or these 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahw0h8q1AJI
For the fellow Jim Sutherland fan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK5Avlw0tVA
Mark McGuire http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfoTX5-B-So
Gino in full voice for mcknowall http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3dIkCvJhE8
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by BigDavy
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
i agree with maracirac, seamus o'kane is a great player and makes some fine bodhrans himself. theres a wee band called the Rapparees in Co. Antrim and their bodhran player is pretty good. No offence to anyone here, but there are some absolutley awful bodhran players out there
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by banjo'd
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
You're the absolute master of understatement, seamyderry. Offence *will* be taken, but not by me.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Steve Shaw
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
I can't be arsed. "Favourite" is merely subjective. You can like what ever you want. Just don't subject me to it.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by ...
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Agreed. You can't really have a favourite bodhranista. You can only have the one who causes the least aggravation.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Steve Shaw
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
My favorite bodhran player is Martin Hayes.
What's that you say?
He's never touched the instrument?
Now you know why he's my favorite.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by AlBrown
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
"Ain't no Flashy Fiddlers
Any good without me!"
Ah, he just slays me. Oh the ironing.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
the old goat skin is gettin a terrible time here. i know lots of people think they can master it in seconds and become really annoying but there are some great players out there
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by banjo'd
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq5V7gpGH5M
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by pennhorse
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Here in Melbourne we have Gerry Daly, and when I go to Ireland I always like to catch up with Martin McHugh. Both of these musicians show just how effective this much abused instrument can be when played with skill and good taste. Also Seamus Finneran from Sydney is one of the more interesting "progressive" musos. One of my favorite recordings is of Brian Fitzgerald accompanied by Tristan Rosenstock, and of course Ringo McDonagh's introductory solo on "Over the Bog Road" with Frankie Gavin, from the 1970s.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Tony O'Rourke
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
I don't listen to Bodhran really.
One of the only players who I think has ever added to a tune is Seamus o kane. It's dead simple, but tasteful.
I saw Jon Jo do a solo on YouTube once for roughly 4 seconds.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Angus McLaughlin [ "Deaf Shepherd" ]
Martin McHugh.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Kenny
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
PS - bodhran player on Chieftains 1 was David Fallon.
On Chieftains 3, it was Peadar Mercier, possibly on 2 as well, but I'm not sure about that.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Kenny
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Mel Mercier, Peadar's son is pretty nifty on the bodhrán too.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by curiadydrwm
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Look at the beginning of this clip.
I'm pretty sure he is the only player to play with this bounce..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKDfNm4Tt2U
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
ha, go to 2.08 on that last vid for a laugh
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by ...
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Lovely clip of lovely music on the bodhrán. Séamus is a great musician and it always feels good to share music with him. Like I have said before it is only on this forum that this constant nonsense that demeans good musicians who play bodhran seems to exist and I never hear it in real life. Llig if you are happy playing music that doesn't involve an audience that is your right. Its probably very easy. However I for one would be happier if you didn't "laugh" at those many great musicians whom do enjoy an audience . Marcus Ó Murchú ,who is the target of your laugh, has given his music with a huge heart for the last 30 years. Its not a laugh.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Yes, Peader Mercier on Chieftains 2. I usually like bodhran on recordings, but I can't get my head around the 'panel beater effect' on some tracks on Chieftains 3. Drum roll type thing maybe.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by David50
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Jesus.
Calm down tabber.
Don't take life so seriously.
Punters, Diddley, bodhrans..are all things you'll have to deal with.
There are worse things going on in life.
O Murchu is great - but he's in there with MacMahon, yourself and Spellbreaker with the romanticising and sentimentality.
get your own site with jig.
itsnotlikethathereincoclare.com
...Back to the discussion...
Ha - I knew you'd like that llig.
Fair play to you for even checking it.
The bit about tuning bodhrans ought to get a chuckle too.
I kind of put it up there on purpose.
I notice you didn't say anything about the playing. I can guess what you are going to say...
But...I'm not one of the yanks on this site that'll hang on to your every word, I'm not really bothered what your thoughts are on it. It is great music. It has rythem and bounce, its living and breathing. The bodhran gives it a bit more balls. Not that Harrys playing doesn't have enough anyway.
No doubt you'd prefer Liz Carroll in there playing something technical and sexy - but come on, condescend to the little people of Ireland and enjoy the playing.
As some one who generally doesn't give a rats about bodhrans, I like this.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Hey, I liked the bodhran and flute at the beginning of that clip. and just for the record, my favorite bodhran player is Christy Moor.
(and that bird out of the Corrs, ha ha.)
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by ...
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Of course you did.
It's class.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
My favourite Bodhrán player is the guy I play with, Willie Kirkham, a great fellow fer the music .
Ah tabber, llig clearly gets off on putting other people down. The target changes but attitude and behaviour is remarkably consistent. Whether he is a fine fiddler, or not is completely irrelevant as regards his behaviour here , sad to say it appears we have to get used to it.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by piobagusfidil
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Hugo.. I am reasonably calm..Get my own site? Thats the height of intellectual discussion. I wont. I'm going to stay here and annoy gonsh*tes like you who demean bodhran players and call the music diddley. Romanticise the music?? Yeah I'm happy with that.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Hugo. Sorry. I didn;t mean to refer to you as a gonsh*te.Of course you know I meant gobsh*te..Diddley indeed!
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
One of my goatskin heros, Nick Power with the Whelan brothers Gerry and Kevin on banjos at Taffes bar in Galway.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8jRAEhpSQA
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Scots_Niall
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
For overall stage presence I'll say Cathy Jordan
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by David50
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Just thinking,I've definitely never been put in the same bracket as Mac Mahon and Ó Murchú before..I must be becoming a purist.Or maybe its the nonsense that is written here that forces one to think that way.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Have to agree with John Joe , simply brillant, I have seen him a few times with Flook and with Micky McGoldrick, Donnlly ,McCusker etc.A really nice guy as well.
Also agree with Gino, although he is bonkers...
I also have to propose Pol Maguire who plays in the sessions of the John Hewitt in Belfast. Good decent musician and bloke.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by belfastrab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
You posting about the height of an intellectual discussion is the best example of an oxymoron I think I have ever sen on this site.
(I'll give you a minute to look that up.)
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Give me a minute..
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Nonsense......on here...surely not....every word is sincere and well intentioned. Differing views, that's all. "That bird out of the corrs", classic!
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by strayaway
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
I forgot to mention Martin OHare who plays with the Trad Lads and Ashplant, two Irish bands based in Denmark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0kt1IzVy6Y
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Scots_Niall
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
" its the nonsense that is written here that forces one to think that way."
Nonsense is only nonsense if no one can make sense out of it.
In this case - as usual - its just you.
Before you lump yourself in with those two, I was referring to their annoying habbit of being so bloody precious about something that is supposed to be living, breathing and FUN.
You and jig etc make it boring and solid and serious and stale...
..and thats not how they do it there in Co. Clare.
Even the seemingly craicless Prof will tell you that.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Niall - I like the bodhran playing on Tak Tamura and Anders album and also on another Danish outfit - The Great Danes.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Yeah.. You are spot on Hugo. Amazingly perceptive of you. I f(cking hate "craic" and "diddley" and all the other fun you have with this music. Precious My Hole!
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Oh I see..
We're back to the intellectual discussion.
Go on tabber!
tell em how it is!
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Cheers Hugo I love the oul playing, Im hoping to get more back into it again. When I was studying in Edinburgh I had to get my trad fix at Sandy Bells with Kathryn Nicol and lads and lassies. But now Im back in Ireland and hoping to move down to Galway soon enough and get back into playing a bit again, plus the last few years has been spent rocking it out at rock festivals like Electric Picnic (great sessions sometimes in the bog oak cottage in the Body & Soul) and RockNess festivals. So the plan next summer is to do quite a few fleadhs and trad fests.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Scots_Niall
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Where are you now?
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
PS - sorry to derail your thread, but that gonsh*te (sic) tab hasn't been taking his tabs - again.
What do you think of Seamus O k?
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
sh*te..I knew I forgot something! I need these tablets...
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Based up in Kinlough, Co Leitrim at the moment, but its a bit too quiet and expensive up there and traveling to the west is expensive too, hence, the need to move to a city where I can take advantage of super single savers with Citylink. Also job hunting for work as a journalist while the countrys finances is falling apart.
Nearest newspaper place is about 35 kms from me and I canna drive, will have a better chance of getting work if Im city based and reachable.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Scots_Niall
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Kinlough, not a lot there in the music sense, nice place tho. I go there to visit friends on a fairly regular basis. Some good music to be had occasionally in Bundoran & Ballyshannon.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by strayaway
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Thank you, Hugo, for sharing Sean O'Kane's music.
First time I heard the bodhran, it was being played a lot in the manner of what Mr. O'Kane was doing. And I was instantly HOOKED on its potential for adding to ceili music. Simply lovely stuff, and, in the right hands, a powerful thing, like pipes can be.
But, lo and behold, the reality was not what I had hoped. Not every drummer could play like that anonymous drummer could, and not every drummer had his discretion as to where and when a drum is desirable.
Kind of like everything else in life where there are humans involved. Especially music.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Piece
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Isn't it sad that not one of the aforementioned bodhran players, great though they me be at their craft, could hold down a gig as a solo artist on their instrument.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Free Reed
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Except Christy Moore.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by ...
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
I saw the Wurzels once (or was it the Yetties). They had a great bodhran player. He played it by holding it over his head whilst dancing around the stage and bashing it at irregular intervals with a bloody great big stick. "Hmm, you might as well..." I thought. He just has to get my vote.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Steve Shaw
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
"isn't it sad that not one of the aforementioned bodhran players, great though they me be at their craft, could hold down a gig as a solo artist on their instrument."
are there any drummers in any genre who did?
it isn't the point.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
I would prefer Christy Moore if he accompanied the drum with his voice. Indeed, I could manage to listen to a voice solo.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by David50
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Flynner!! Where have ye been? This is the nonsense I refer to. Most musicians could not hold down a solo gig.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by big_tab
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
ah, i'm just around, tabber, in and out here, but work is keepin' me on the hop. How'ya yerself anyway.
right enough there as well, tabber, isn't it the case that even someone like, for example, Martin Hayes, who could be a soloist after all, chooses a duo.
Ringo Starr...there's another one...went solo, but not as a drummer. Bodhran in the right hands is a joy...you put it, I think as sympathetic to the music, and that you tube up there talks about bringing out (or puttin' in) not sure which, different atmospheres in the tune through the bodhran.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
HAHA.
Genius.
You 2 are mates here?
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
You never know hugo, we might be the same person eh.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
AHHHHHHH..makes sense now.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
right you are then. have fun.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Now, the broken tipper? A loose weight in the bottom of it, worked loose and started to CUT the drum. Cheers from the drum haters.
Hence the need to keep tapping it on the ground.
Also sitting sprawled out at a match is not conducive to drum playing.
however on adjusting my stance on the 2 minute mark, well.........reasonable for someone messing about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcEwPt0bQZs
Enjoy. (the fiddle isn't bad)
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by bodhran bliss
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
I posted some of these videos a while ago on youtube, but this was De Danann at their height with the rollicking bodhran of Ringo. This is part 3 of the Neachtains stuff from 1983. Sorry about the quality as it is sourced from an old VHS video and still has to see the light of day on Come West Along the Road, which might have a well improved soundtrack too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQRheBNImxU
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Scots_Niall
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
e: Favourite Bodhran Players
I posted some of these videos a while ago on youtube, but this was De Danann at their height with the rollicking bodhran of Ringo.
Told ye I was as good as any, better than most.(
# Posted on November 12th 2010 by bodhran bliss
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
"Isn't it sad that not one of the aforementioned bodhran players, great though they me be at their craft, could hold down a gig as a solo artist on their instrument."
Sure they could, Free Reed.
On the subway platform at Times Square Station, NYC.
I have seen it done with a mere three recycled plastic paint buckets, and a 2 dollar pair of field drum sticks.
# Posted on November 12th 2010 by Piece
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Yeh I said that wrong is was meant to be "I posted some of these videos a while ago on youtube (delete "but") this was De Danann... " But I know you love to play and thats all that counts. Was video taping trad programmes since the late 80s and I had a few students in Galway, so now some of these lucky sods have got an introductory video tape of I comp I made of bodhran accompaniment to ITM, clips from Come Whest, Session of the 70s (BBC Northern Ireland) it has to be said the BBCs recordings of the Bothy Band are far superior in quality to RTEs Embankment series from the mid 70s, saying that its brilliant too.
But this tape I made was 3 hours in duration of what i thought was an A to Z of not too bad bodhran accompaniment. I managed to get a short segment of it on an AVI file which was titled The History of the Bodhran and for a while you could get it on Irish Torrents.com But I can no longer seed as utorrent just stops my computer thinking. Anyway there maybe seeds sill on the site its just a matter of asking for a reseed and of course, registering on the site.
# Posted on November 12th 2010 by Scots_Niall
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
North-East England has produced fine bodhran players, such as Frankie Beagin, Dick Park and the late John Claydon. There are quite a few around.
Conditions are conducive to the cultivation of the bodhran. The place is full of dogs. Herds of vellum and things with skins roam the countryside.
But outside the Irish community and before everyone got one in the folk boom, Northumbria doesn't seem to have had the bodhran.
Perhaps they didn't feel the need for it. Maybe, when the urge came upon them, they would go out among the peacefully grazing bodhrans and simply skelp some hapless one while its piteous bellows provided a melody to the rhythms they were laying down. Why go to all the trouble of taking the skin off a beast and faffing about with it? And having to kill it, for that matter.
Interestingly, spoons have been in the area since before I was born (I think...).
# Posted on November 12th 2010 by nicholas
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Is Bodhran Bliss, Ringo???
# Posted on November 12th 2010 by Scots_Niall
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Ah yes nicholas, the bodhran in its native state, Epithelium bodhanensis, is quite a formidable beast. Best left on its own to beat its own retreat. The males are particularly aggressive, I hear. Distantly related to its caledonian counterpart, the Haggis, Gastrovomitus haggiensis, but has retained all four limbs.
G. haggiensis should never be approached, especially after dark in the habitats of the West of Scotland suburban areas.
# Posted on November 12th 2010 by Rudall the time
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
# Posted on November 12th 2010 by AlBrown
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
No, not nice. True. Just peal off the metaphors.
# Posted on November 12th 2010 by Rudall the time
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Just came back from a gig. Solo bodhran all night. who says it cant be done.
# Posted on November 13th 2010 by curiadydrwm
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Is Bodhran Bliss, Ringo???
# Posted on November 12th 2010 by Scots_Niall
Starr?
I am better looking.
# Posted on November 13th 2010 by bodhran bliss
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Isn't it sad that not one of the aforementioned bodhran players, great though they me be at their craft, could hold down a gig as a solo artist on their instrument.
# Posted on November 11th 2010 by Free Reed
True.
But EVERY Sunday night I always mutter, "let's face it lads, I am the only one here who can join the chieftains, Flook, De Daneen, Etc etc etc in the morning and enhance them, albeit on a humble.....bodhran".
# Posted on November 13th 2010 by bodhran bliss
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
N.B.:-
I referred in my post above to "peacefully grazing bodhrans".
"Bodhrans" is an anachronism.
I meant, of course, "peacefully grazing aurochs and woolly rhinoceri".
# Posted on November 13th 2010 by nicholas
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Heh, bliss, are you telling us that your session mates are all hacks? Because they are all bested by a bodhran player?
# Posted on November 13th 2010 by Will Harmon
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
I remember years ago being at a folk festival in Argyll with a pal, we wondered down the high street looking for a likely tune which to join.
To cut a long story short.
Whilst passing a certain pub we heard some singing of a certain type emanating from within, having already decided that this pub was not for us we decided to have a wee peak in, out of badness perhaps.
Anyway as we opened the door to this establishment we were greeted by two blokes (who really should have known better) singing in loud west central scots celebrating the glories of past battles for national self determination etc, one holding what is probably the largest bodhran I've ever seen, and the other holding one of a more modest proportion, just then, they struck up a god offal (pun intended) din with their whackers in what can only have been an attempt to summon the devil, with their demonic cross rhythm.
They had the last laugh though, the horrible visage is for ever etched on my mind, a sight and sound from which I have never fully recovered.
Im non partisan, I have no favourites.
# Posted on November 13th 2010 by Solidmahog
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Imelda May would be my favourite rockabilly bodhran player at the moment. She uses it skillfully to drive the rhythm in the hit single 'Johnny's got a boom boom'.
# Posted on November 13th 2010 by Quinno
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Think I saw big drum man and friend at the Stonehaven Folk Festival. They're etched on my memory too.
# Posted on November 13th 2010 by curiadydrwm
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
The Corries?
# Posted on November 13th 2010 by mcknowall
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Rook - Time Square Stn/ Plastic paint buckets/ Pair of drum sticks....that's a drummer. I'd pay money to see that sort of thing
# Posted on November 13th 2010 by Free Reed
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
"The Corries?"
Same vein but alas, not nearly as musical, lol.
# Posted on November 13th 2010 by Solidmahog
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Finbarr Pendred was my grandad and i ment him a few times and i spent his last Christmas with him where he played the banjo and bodhran for me and my brother be nice to hear some stories about him (:
# Posted on February 4th 2011 by Shannen Pendred
Re: Favourite Bodhran Players
Hello,
about thirty years ago i've met Finbar Pendred in a pub in Cologne called "Tinnef". We've been there often, drinking beer, had some sessions and some times we went to Berlin or to Dortmund together. There we met The Dubliners and Barney McKenna came with us to Cologne. We've made a gig in some Colgne Bars up to next morning. It was a great time with Finbar, he was a good fellow und I've learned a lot of him. Just this moment I read that Finbar died....
(Excuse my bad English, I'm from Cologne)
very sad
man_o_cologne
# Posted on October 3rd 2011 by man_o_cologne