Paddy Keenan and John Walsh are touring the States and stopped by in Albuquerque for a quick show. What a fun night! We all know Paddy's legendary playing, but I must say that he was an exceptionally welcoming gentleman -- very friendly and easy to talk to. Hell of a guy! There couldn't have been more than 50 of us in the room, and a few of us were invited to play with the duo toward the end. Not wanting to sound like a teenage kid, but I'm still trying to pinch myself to see if I'm not dreaming...tonight I just played two sets sitting next to Paddy -- Bothy Band sets that I've listened to since I was in my teens! Still can't believe it.
This is one of the reasons I love Irish music. The people are great, friendly, welcoming, and some of the greatest players in the world will play tunes with you. If you are into Rock and Roll, you are probably not going to get to play with the Rolling Stones. If you play Bluegrass, you probably won't play with Ricky Skaggs. But if you play Irish music, there is a good chance you might get to play a few tunes with a Paddy Keenan or Martin Hayes, or John Carty or Randall Bays or Alec Finn, etc.
He was here in Austin a week and a half ago for the Austin Celtic Festival - sessions happen at the host hotel after the day's formal activities, and on Saturday Paddy pulled out a banjo and got through a few tunes slowly - which is my speed, so I played along on Willie Coleman's jig! Great times, and a friend even got a video clip. There were a ton of other great players there, too...I second John Conoboy, this is one of the great things about Irish music.
Yeah, Paddy picked up my banjo and banged out a tune while we were sitting in the chairs during the break. I'll never wash my banjo again (can I say that?)
Paddy Keenan in...Albuquerque? Fantastic
Paddy Keenan in...Albuquerque? Fantastic
Paddy Keenan and John Walsh are touring the States and stopped by in Albuquerque for a quick show. What a fun night! We all know Paddy's legendary playing, but I must say that he was an exceptionally welcoming gentleman -- very friendly and easy to talk to. Hell of a guy! There couldn't have been more than 50 of us in the room, and a few of us were invited to play with the duo toward the end. Not wanting to sound like a teenage kid, but I'm still trying to pinch myself to see if I'm not dreaming...tonight I just played two sets sitting next to Paddy -- Bothy Band sets that I've listened to since I was in my teens! Still can't believe it.
I guess my ITM career is all down hill from here.
# Posted on November 17th 2010 by Steven Hawson
Re: Paddy Keenan in...Albuquerque? Fantastic
This is one of the reasons I love Irish music. The people are great, friendly, welcoming, and some of the greatest players in the world will play tunes with you. If you are into Rock and Roll, you are probably not going to get to play with the Rolling Stones. If you play Bluegrass, you probably won't play with Ricky Skaggs. But if you play Irish music, there is a good chance you might get to play a few tunes with a Paddy Keenan or Martin Hayes, or John Carty or Randall Bays or Alec Finn, etc.
Great playing with you and them tonight Steve.
John
# Posted on November 17th 2010 by John Conoboy
Re: Paddy Keenan in...Albuquerque? Fantastic
Or Michael Gill even.
# Posted on November 17th 2010 by mcknowall
Re: Paddy Keenan in...Albuquerque? Fantastic
"Or Michael Gill even"
Hey, let's keep it real.
Michael Gill -
in your dreams, matey.
Now, Frankie Gavin...
# Posted on November 17th 2010 by Piece
Re: Paddy Keenan in...Albuquerque? Fantastic
Agreed! We're pretty excited out here in Phoenix too - Paddy's stopping by this Saturday - a return visit for us by popular demand. Should be a hoot!
# Posted on November 17th 2010 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: Paddy Keenan in...Albuquerque? Fantastic
He was here in Austin a week and a half ago for the Austin Celtic Festival - sessions happen at the host hotel after the day's formal activities, and on Saturday Paddy pulled out a banjo and got through a few tunes slowly - which is my speed, so I played along on Willie Coleman's jig! Great times, and a friend even got a video clip. There were a ton of other great players there, too...I second John Conoboy, this is one of the great things about Irish music.
# Posted on November 17th 2010 by dereksmootz
Re: Paddy Keenan in...Albuquerque? Fantastic
Yeah, Paddy picked up my banjo and banged out a tune while we were sitting in the chairs during the break. I'll never wash my banjo again (can I say that?)
# Posted on November 17th 2010 by Steven Hawson