Great playing. It's a very long way from the common perception of Donegal fiddling - nice relaxed pace, gentle lift and by not lacking in LH ornamentation.
When I attended the Cup of Tae Festival (named after the same Gallagher family) in Ardara nearly 3 years ago, I heard a lot of the faster-and-furiouser (Doherty-influenced?) kind of Donegal fiddling that we are used to. I expect I probably came across John 'The Tae' whilst I was there, but I don't think I heard him playing on his own. I fear that he may have been among the last representatives of this kind of playing in Donegal.
I doubt you would have heard him then CMO. John had been in poor health for a number of years. As well as that he fell and broke his wrist which knit very badly which meant he couldn't play at all. I think that broke his heart.
There's quite a crowd of musicians from the north, and further afield who will have fond memories of listening to and playing with John in the front bar of Nancy's pub.
CreadurMawnOrganig said that he feared that John the Tae may have been among the last of this kind of player in Donegal.
I'm pleased to say that isn't entirely true as you will hear if you go to http://www.farsideoftheglen.ie and listen to his grand-nephew Derek McGinley and Tara Connaghan playing with that same steady rhythm and lift.
John "The Tae" Gallagher RIP
John "The Tae" Gallagher RIP
Just heard tonight that John has died and his funeral is tomorrow. Another of Donegal's notable fiddlers gone.
# Posted on January 26th 2012 by deeor
Re: John "The Tae" Gallagher RIP
Here is some of his playing (unfortunately at a noisy party)
http://soundcloud.com/deeor-1/sets/john-the-tae-gallagher-of
# Posted on January 26th 2012 by deeor
Re: John "The Tae" Gallagher RIP
Great playing. It's a very long way from the common perception of Donegal fiddling - nice relaxed pace, gentle lift and by not lacking in LH ornamentation.
When I attended the Cup of Tae Festival (named after the same Gallagher family) in Ardara nearly 3 years ago, I heard a lot of the faster-and-furiouser (Doherty-influenced?) kind of Donegal fiddling that we are used to. I expect I probably came across John 'The Tae' whilst I was there, but I don't think I heard him playing on his own. I fear that he may have been among the last representatives of this kind of playing in Donegal.
A sad loss.
# Posted on January 26th 2012 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: John "The Tae" Gallagher RIP
I doubt you would have heard him then CMO. John had been in poor health for a number of years. As well as that he fell and broke his wrist which knit very badly which meant he couldn't play at all. I think that broke his heart.
There's quite a crowd of musicians from the north, and further afield who will have fond memories of listening to and playing with John in the front bar of Nancy's pub.
# Posted on January 26th 2012 by deeor
Re: John "The Tae" Gallagher RIP
Very sorry to hear of his passing. RIP.
Here is a pic I took of him at his home in Ardara in 1987. He is
holding a tin fiddle made by John Doherty's dad.
http://www.rogermillington.com/steam/johnthetae1987.jpg
# Posted on January 27th 2012 by Jeeves Tones
Re: John "The Tae" Gallagher RIP
Good photo. I think Peter Oliver has that fiddle now. Thanks.
# Posted on January 27th 2012 by deeor
Re: John "The Tae" Gallagher RIP
CreadurMawnOrganig said that he feared that John the Tae may have been among the last of this kind of player in Donegal.
I'm pleased to say that isn't entirely true as you will hear if you go to http://www.farsideoftheglen.ie and listen to his grand-nephew Derek McGinley and Tara Connaghan playing with that same steady rhythm and lift.
# Posted on January 29th 2012 by deeor
Re: John "The Tae" Gallagher RIP
A gentleman, a generous heart, a welcoming smile, a firm hand and a lovely way with the bow... Safe home John...
# Posted on January 29th 2012 by ceolachan
Thanks for the audio links and the photo...
# Posted on January 29th 2012 by ceolachan