Hi..I am new to the Session, have lurked a bit and have found a lot of good stuff..'bout time I joined, ehh?
I play violin, but also have an interest in the Flute...how many folks play 2 different types of instruments? Is this futile and should I just stick to fiddle?
Lots of people play more than one instrument. Rarely at the same time though, as there is usually some issue with the number of hands and mouths that people have.
Yes - take up the flute. If in doubt, you might be better off starting with a whistle for just a few quid, and if it goes ok then spend the bigger money on a flute.
If you put a little about yourself in your profile you might find that someone here lives near you and can offer practical help and advice - even the loan of an instrument.
Sunnybear, what Michael said. The only drawback (?) is that you have to apportion your playing time between the two. There are never enough hours in the day.
For me, the good thing is that I can now play a few slow airs on the flute and not totally s**k, as I am inclined to do while attempting same on the fiddle. The other good thing is that you already know the tunes, so they just kind of come out of the flute; nice to have some instant gratification, at least after you learn how to fill the thing with air.
The bad thing is that you have to learn to fill the thing with air.
I'm learning flute (and tenor banjo) after decades on fiddle. Definitely a lot of fun--flute especially has given my playing overall a boost--a fresh sense of phrasing, and of articulating notes, and a new appreciation for tunes more clearly within the flute/whistle/pipe tradition. It's also nice to pick up a different instrument just for the change in voice--rather than hearing fiddle *all* of the time.
Most people struggle to get any tone at all out of a wooden flute at first (maybe for a few weeks even), but eventually your lips figure out how to aim the airstream, and then things progress pretty quickly. I've found that my finger dexterity from fiddle helps a lot with flute cuts, taps, and rolls, even though they're different motions.
Of course, I'll be 97 or dead before I ever get good on flute, but I can play out a few tunes in sessions already, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the learning process.
My example for fiddle and flute is Grey Larsen. He is a remarkable flute player, and that's his bread and butter. But give him a fiddle, and he'll play tunes alongside the best of them (old time and ITM) for hours without missing a beat.
I have to say that among the truly gifted musicians I know, none of them play only one instrument.
Heh, Showaddy - reminds me of that Fast Show 'Jazz Club' sketch in which the trumpet player explains what's so special about his technique to the presenter: 'Well, man, I don't blow . . . I suck.' And then proceeds to demonstrate. Had me in fits of laughter. Anybody got that on tape so I can relive the experience?
Just go for it SunnyBare, it gives you a sense of perspective on your 'main' instrument and on the tunes, as Will said - and it might even turn out that you get on better with the flute than the fiddle....
I notice you play the violin instead of the fiddle, which suggests to me that you would opt for the metal flute versus the wooden. You shoud try BOTH types to find your preference because it takes a lot more committment to go with the wooden flute. Filling it with air is major consideration. But a certainly agree with the others here that playing both will improve both. WB
You should definitely go for it. Michael Gill is correct, one will really help the other, and it's great to have a bit of versatility in sessions (and bands as well). Besides, you can use the fiddle for collecting the inevitable dribbles, rather than having them land on the Bouzouki player's knees!
Thanks for all the great tips...I am interested in the wooden flute for sure, probably with only a couple keys.
I went about a week ago and got a tin whistle...I feel that I have learned a lot already in the short time that I have been playing it..it's been fun alright.I thought that I would check that out for a little while, then move on to the flute if I felt compelled.
You have a whistle, stick with that for a while before you invest in a flute. I think the whistle takes a good year's learning/ playing to master and it will be a good foundation for the flute. Having said that, many good whistle players do not become good fluters. The big obstacle is producing good tone and volume and then being able to sustain that while playing at speed. I know many a fluter and, unfortunately, a few flute teachers, who even after a few years of playing still get nowhere near what their flute is capable of. Sometimes it's the flute at fault, but that's rare these days with so many good makers out there. Grey L a "remarkable flute player"??
Sunnybear
If you compare learning curves of different instruments then the flute has a steeper curve in the initial stages of learning which levels out after say a year or so. In other words it's easier to learn in the initial stages and then learning tails off.
The fiddle on the other hand is different again. The learning curve starts out shallow and only increases gradually with the occasional blip either upwards or downwards.
My learning on both these instruments relates to both these curves. And both instruments have added to my understanding and learning of the other, as said.
Sue
Entirely subjective IMO, everyone's different. Some people pick up stuff quicker than others. A friend of mine's only been playing anglo concertina and B/C box for about 4 years, yet he's every bit as good as John Williams. Of course, he's one of those people who just has loads of natural talent. Makes me sick. He's also a decent tenor banjo player, and plays a mean Jazz piano. And, he's only 20 years old. Some people are on the opposite end. I know another who's been playing the fiddle and working hard for at least 25 years and he's still not very good!
The low-d whistle (the main instrument that I feel I'm competent on) is alot harder to master than a whistle. Because of the large volume and the fipple, it requires a lot of air, and tonguing at speed can be difficult to maintain because of this. In addition, your blowing and synchronization with your fingers have to be perfect, or else you get all sorts of unsightly clicks, whirs, and pops. If you go to kerrywhistles.com and then the "products" page and watch the tenor D movie, you'll see some of this. People think that because it's a whistle it's easy...well, it's not.
I don't think the Low whistle is a good intermediary instrument between whistle & flute. While the fingerings are the same, that's where the crossover ends. The grip, embrouchure, amount of air etc., are all different & will only help you form bad habits when you switch to the flute down the road. The low whistle is good as an aside, an extra instrument to broaden your sound at a gig, or a quiet alternative for pipers who get the itch for tunes late at night.
Personally, I think you should play flute if you want to play flute. Playing the whistle will help you learn some fingering and tunes, but will do nothing to develop embouchure and other skills specific to the flute. Either get both, that way you switch off, or start with the flute. It's not as hard to get a good tone out of it as some would say. Especially with the amount of playing info around. I did both at the same time with no problems.
i would suggest getting a silver flute *cringes at hisses* you can get a good one for very cheap, or i would recommend finding a friend to lend you their old one from high school, and taking it to a repairer to make sure its all tightened up and everything. that way you could develop your embochoure for a while without spending several hundred dollars on an instrument you dont know how to take care of.
as meemtp says, its not hard to get a good tone out of a flute, but i think my definition of good is different than theirs! i think anything less than *perfect* isnt good. needless to say, i work on tone more than anything else. flute takes years to master, as do all instruments. the thing most peopel over look is embochoure tuning. in my opinin its the most fun thing about the flute; tuning the flute with your mouth! i am ok at it. i have only seen my classcial teacher move his a handful of times. he always tunes with his mouth and is teaching me to tune the same. i have to initially adjust i when i start up playing, but afterwords i never do i always adjust with my mouth.
but, i somehow think you're not too hell bent on getting perfect on the flute. tho i am (note: i am veeeery far from it. it gives me somethign to strive for... which i'll never achieve). that being said, yeah, the flute is easy once you get used to it to have fun on and sound good enough to have fun on and play with all your friends and in sessions.
good luck with your fluting!
and if you can, get a wooden flute, especially if you really want one. i was just saying to borrow or rent a silver one to develop your embochoure before you get a wooden one, so you dont get discouraged and feel pressured cuz you spent a lot of money. be warned though, f# and c natural are different. thats why the whistle is good to work on for fingering.
*not responsible for any heckling for the use of the word silver in this post*
That's pretty sage advice, actually, daiv, and you are right..I am not "hellbent" on learning the flute..it is just another avenue for me to explore ITM, and have some fun at the same time. I like learning new things, although I do tend to put pressure on myself to get it right.
Laying the violin has, over the years, definitely been a lesson in patience and taught me that things that I want I really have to work for. (funny to have to learn this again as an adult!!, but nevertheless is something not to forget).
When I play violin, tone production is something I am always thinking about, so I imagine if I get a flute, it will be the same way.
BTW, at a local Woodwinds Shop, the owner has several wooden flutes, the least expensive being a turn of the century, no cracks, in good condition, for about 250.00 US $$. Does that sound about right..I am not sure of the maker, but may go by there tomorrow.
Also, I want to thank everyone for pitching in on this discussion.
Be careful with the old flutes. Many have tuning issues. Plus may have problems with keys etc. Also, many older flutes have lined heads which almost always crack eventually. Especially if they've gone some time without moisture introduced into the bore.
I once talked to this amazing fifer, one of the better ones I've ever heard, that plays flute and whistle too. He told me that it took him years to find a wooden flute with perfect voicing, tuning, and tone. I guess the whole tapered-bore thing really makes it difficult?
Anyways, I'd like to posit that the low-d whistle is NOT just an aside instrument. I rather take offence when people assume it is, but I guess ignorance is bliss.
Tim Benson is also a great example of a guy who can fiddle and flute...
I do the same, as well, though I've only had the fiddle since Feb. this year, and have taken to the Donegal style on that where I've been told my flute style resembles Sligo.
Come to think of it, that could be from growing up and being exposed to lots of old Frankie Gavin. His early fiddle playing was more rooted in his native Galway style than it is currently, but his flute style is very Sligo. Punchy and rhythmic.
Lol, my fiddle style is I dunno, depending on the tune, Clare, East Galway, Clare, Dublin metrosexual, etc., and my flute style, even more than a year into it, is "beginner." Though I'm drawn to Mike Rafferty's style, and that of Josie McDermott, and Kevin Crawford minus the tongued/glottal triplets.
This is currently a big issue for me on flute... I can 'switch' on a couple of the styles for short periods, but it takes a lot of concentration.
The Northern/Leitrim styles of Harry Bradley and Desi Wilkinson are pretty cool (Desi's 'Napolean Crossing the Alps' off the North Wind album is quite thrilling to mimic), but often way too much on the side of 'marchy' than I like. Conversely, the piping styles of Kevin and Matt Molloy are a bit too sweet for the likes of me.
Eamonn Cotter is a new discovery for me. I really like his playing, if not some of the piano accompaniment that goes with it. I think his style is closest to what I feel comfy and natural with for the time being.
I'm also curious about the distinction between Sligo and Northern/Leitrim styles - wish I had some Conal O'Grada to listen to, maybe compare with Harry or Desi's playing.
I would not describe the Sligo style -- as exemplified by the recently much-vilified Seamus Tansey -- as punchy and rhythmic at all. With all those triplet runs and multiple rolls, it's too fast, florid and decorated to fit that description.
Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Hi..I am new to the Session, have lurked a bit and have found a lot of good stuff..'bout time I joined, ehh?
I play violin, but also have an interest in the Flute...how many folks play 2 different types of instruments? Is this futile and should I just stick to fiddle?
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by Sunnybear
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Lots of people play more than one instrument. Rarely at the same time though, as there is usually some issue with the number of hands and mouths that people have.
Yes - take up the flute. If in doubt, you might be better off starting with a whistle for just a few quid, and if it goes ok then spend the bigger money on a flute.
If you put a little about yourself in your profile you might find that someone here lives near you and can offer practical help and advice - even the loan of an instrument.
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by showaddydadito
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Yeah, go for it. Your fiddle playing will really help the flute playing and vice versaµ
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by llig leahcim
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Sunnybear, what Michael said. The only drawback (?) is that you have to apportion your playing time between the two. There are never enough hours in the day.
For me, the good thing is that I can now play a few slow airs on the flute and not totally s**k, as I am inclined to do while attempting same on the fiddle. The other good thing is that you already know the tunes, so they just kind of come out of the flute; nice to have some instant gratification, at least after you learn how to fill the thing with air.
The bad thing is that you have to learn to fill the thing with air.
Do it!
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by Batlady
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
I'm learning flute (and tenor banjo) after decades on fiddle. Definitely a lot of fun--flute especially has given my playing overall a boost--a fresh sense of phrasing, and of articulating notes, and a new appreciation for tunes more clearly within the flute/whistle/pipe tradition. It's also nice to pick up a different instrument just for the change in voice--rather than hearing fiddle *all* of the time.
Most people struggle to get any tone at all out of a wooden flute at first (maybe for a few weeks even), but eventually your lips figure out how to aim the airstream, and then things progress pretty quickly. I've found that my finger dexterity from fiddle helps a lot with flute cuts, taps, and rolls, even though they're different motions.
Of course, I'll be 97 or dead before I ever get good on flute, but I can play out a few tunes in sessions already, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the learning process.
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by Will CPT
Grey Larsen
My example for fiddle and flute is Grey Larsen. He is a remarkable flute player, and that's his bread and butter. But give him a fiddle, and he'll play tunes alongside the best of them (old time and ITM) for hours without missing a beat.
I have to say that among the truly gifted musicians I know, none of them play only one instrument.
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by Eliot
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Lets face it Batlady - if you suck, you don't get a note!
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by showaddydadito
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Dang it, Dave, that must be my problem! |:-{
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by Batlady
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Heh, Showaddy - reminds me of that Fast Show 'Jazz Club' sketch in which the trumpet player explains what's so special about his technique to the presenter: 'Well, man, I don't blow . . . I suck.' And then proceeds to demonstrate. Had me in fits of laughter. Anybody got that on tape so I can relive the experience?
K.
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by kidcharlemagne
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Just go for it SunnyBare, it gives you a sense of perspective on your 'main' instrument and on the tunes, as Will said - and it might even turn out that you get on better with the flute than the fiddle....
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by Ottery
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
nnnnice!
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by showaddydadito
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
I notice you play the violin instead of the fiddle, which suggests to me that you would opt for the metal flute versus the wooden. You shoud try BOTH types to find your preference because it takes a lot more committment to go with the wooden flute. Filling it with air is major consideration. But a certainly agree with the others here that playing both will improve both. WB
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by windybaer
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
SB
I emailed you but incorrectly stated that the Burns flute bore was cylindrical. Wrong. It is definitely tapered.
WB
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by windybaer
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
I play 5 different instruments regularly (even if I'm no good at some), all self-taught, and I can say, go for it! If you have the time.
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by sifudave54
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
You should definitely go for it. Michael Gill is correct, one will really help the other, and it's great to have a bit of versatility in sessions (and bands as well). Besides, you can use the fiddle for collecting the inevitable dribbles, rather than having them land on the Bouzouki player's knees!
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by Backer
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Thanks for all the great tips...I am interested in the wooden flute for sure, probably with only a couple keys.
I went about a week ago and got a tin whistle...I feel that I have learned a lot already in the short time that I have been playing it..it's been fun alright.I thought that I would check that out for a little while, then move on to the flute if I felt compelled.
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by Sunnybear
Grey Larsen
He plays Concertina too doesn't he?
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by meemtp
Re: Grey Larsen
He does indeed. He switched from Brit-box to the more sensible and appropriate Anglo some time ago of course.
# Posted on October 29th 2004 by Phantom Button
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
if you really like the whistle, you could consider the low-d whistle as an alternative to the flute. It's not an easy instru,ment to master.
# Posted on October 30th 2004 by sifudave54
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
You have a whistle, stick with that for a while before you invest in a flute. I think the whistle takes a good year's learning/ playing to master and it will be a good foundation for the flute. Having said that, many good whistle players do not become good fluters. The big obstacle is producing good tone and volume and then being able to sustain that while playing at speed. I know many a fluter and, unfortunately, a few flute teachers, who even after a few years of playing still get nowhere near what their flute is capable of. Sometimes it's the flute at fault, but that's rare these days with so many good makers out there. Grey L a "remarkable flute player"??
# Posted on October 30th 2004 by LongNote
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Oh,,,the way I play I am sure it will take more than a year to master..hahaha..
I am still a fairly slow pickerupper when it comes to new tunes on the fiddle
# Posted on October 30th 2004 by Sunnybear
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Sunnybear
If you compare learning curves of different instruments then the flute has a steeper curve in the initial stages of learning which levels out after say a year or so. In other words it's easier to learn in the initial stages and then learning tails off.
The fiddle on the other hand is different again. The learning curve starts out shallow and only increases gradually with the occasional blip either upwards or downwards.
My learning on both these instruments relates to both these curves. And both instruments have added to my understanding and learning of the other, as said.
Sue
# Posted on October 30th 2004 by Susie-Lee
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
OK, then I have heard it said that it takes about 3 yrs on an instrument like a flute, clarinet,etc that takes 10 yrs on the fiddle.
Do you find that to be true?
# Posted on October 30th 2004 by Sunnybear
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Entirely subjective IMO, everyone's different. Some people pick up stuff quicker than others. A friend of mine's only been playing anglo concertina and B/C box for about 4 years, yet he's every bit as good as John Williams. Of course, he's one of those people who just has loads of natural talent. Makes me sick. He's also a decent tenor banjo player, and plays a mean Jazz piano. And, he's only 20 years old. Some people are on the opposite end. I know another who's been playing the fiddle and working hard for at least 25 years and he's still not very good!
# Posted on October 30th 2004 by meemtp
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
The low-d whistle (the main instrument that I feel I'm competent on) is alot harder to master than a whistle. Because of the large volume and the fipple, it requires a lot of air, and tonguing at speed can be difficult to maintain because of this. In addition, your blowing and synchronization with your fingers have to be perfect, or else you get all sorts of unsightly clicks, whirs, and pops. If you go to kerrywhistles.com and then the "products" page and watch the tenor D movie, you'll see some of this. People think that because it's a whistle it's easy...well, it's not.
# Posted on October 30th 2004 by sifudave54
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
I don't think the Low whistle is a good intermediary instrument between whistle & flute. While the fingerings are the same, that's where the crossover ends. The grip, embrouchure, amount of air etc., are all different & will only help you form bad habits when you switch to the flute down the road. The low whistle is good as an aside, an extra instrument to broaden your sound at a gig, or a quiet alternative for pipers who get the itch for tunes late at night.
# Posted on October 31st 2004 by Mad Baloney
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Personally, I think you should play flute if you want to play flute. Playing the whistle will help you learn some fingering and tunes, but will do nothing to develop embouchure and other skills specific to the flute. Either get both, that way you switch off, or start with the flute. It's not as hard to get a good tone out of it as some would say. Especially with the amount of playing info around. I did both at the same time with no problems.
# Posted on October 31st 2004 by meemtp
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
i would suggest getting a silver flute *cringes at hisses* you can get a good one for very cheap, or i would recommend finding a friend to lend you their old one from high school, and taking it to a repairer to make sure its all tightened up and everything. that way you could develop your embochoure for a while without spending several hundred dollars on an instrument you dont know how to take care of.
as meemtp says, its not hard to get a good tone out of a flute, but i think my definition of good is different than theirs! i think anything less than *perfect* isnt good. needless to say, i work on tone more than anything else. flute takes years to master, as do all instruments. the thing most peopel over look is embochoure tuning. in my opinin its the most fun thing about the flute; tuning the flute with your mouth! i am ok at it. i have only seen my classcial teacher move his a handful of times. he always tunes with his mouth and is teaching me to tune the same. i have to initially adjust i when i start up playing, but afterwords i never do i always adjust with my mouth.
but, i somehow think you're not too hell bent on getting perfect on the flute. tho i am (note: i am veeeery far from it. it gives me somethign to strive for... which i'll never achieve). that being said, yeah, the flute is easy once you get used to it to have fun on and sound good enough to have fun on and play with all your friends and in sessions.
good luck with your fluting!
and if you can, get a wooden flute, especially if you really want one. i was just saying to borrow or rent a silver one to develop your embochoure before you get a wooden one, so you dont get discouraged and feel pressured cuz you spent a lot of money. be warned though, f# and c natural are different. thats why the whistle is good to work on for fingering.
*not responsible for any heckling for the use of the word silver in this post*
# Posted on October 31st 2004 by daiv
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Heckle, heckle...
# Posted on October 31st 2004 by meemtp
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
That's pretty sage advice, actually, daiv, and you are right..I am not "hellbent" on learning the flute..it is just another avenue for me to explore ITM, and have some fun at the same time. I like learning new things, although I do tend to put pressure on myself to get it right.
Laying the violin has, over the years, definitely been a lesson in patience and taught me that things that I want I really have to work for. (funny to have to learn this again as an adult!!, but nevertheless is something not to forget).
When I play violin, tone production is something I am always thinking about, so I imagine if I get a flute, it will be the same way.
BTW, at a local Woodwinds Shop, the owner has several wooden flutes, the least expensive being a turn of the century, no cracks, in good condition, for about 250.00 US $$. Does that sound about right..I am not sure of the maker, but may go by there tomorrow.
Also, I want to thank everyone for pitching in on this discussion.
# Posted on October 31st 2004 by Sunnybear
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Be careful with the old flutes. Many have tuning issues. Plus may have problems with keys etc. Also, many older flutes have lined heads which almost always crack eventually. Especially if they've gone some time without moisture introduced into the bore.
# Posted on October 31st 2004 by meemtp
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
I once talked to this amazing fifer, one of the better ones I've ever heard, that plays flute and whistle too. He told me that it took him years to find a wooden flute with perfect voicing, tuning, and tone. I guess the whole tapered-bore thing really makes it difficult?
Anyways, I'd like to posit that the low-d whistle is NOT just an aside instrument. I rather take offence when people assume it is, but I guess ignorance is bliss.
# Posted on October 31st 2004 by sifudave54
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
I haven't been ornery for ages. I vote for "aside instrument"!
(It may not be the popular vote, but we all know that doesn't give us the winner!)
Seriously, I think the Low D's got a way to go before it can claim the same status as the flute. Hey, every instrument had to start somewhere!
# Posted on October 31st 2004 by Q
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Tim Benson is also a great example of a guy who can fiddle and flute...
I do the same, as well, though I've only had the fiddle since Feb. this year, and have taken to the Donegal style on that where I've been told my flute style resembles Sligo.
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by Oranaiche
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
I kind of have the same thing. My fiddle style is mostly Galway rooted but my flute playing seems to be Sligo-ish.
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by meemtp
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Come to think of it, that could be from growing up and being exposed to lots of old Frankie Gavin. His early fiddle playing was more rooted in his native Galway style than it is currently, but his flute style is very Sligo. Punchy and rhythmic.
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by meemtp
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Lol, my fiddle style is I dunno, depending on the tune, Clare, East Galway, Clare, Dublin metrosexual, etc., and my flute style, even more than a year into it, is "beginner."
Though I'm drawn to Mike Rafferty's style, and that of Josie McDermott, and Kevin Crawford minus the tongued/glottal triplets.
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by Will CPT
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
This is currently a big issue for me on flute... I can 'switch' on a couple of the styles for short periods, but it takes a lot of concentration.
The Northern/Leitrim styles of Harry Bradley and Desi Wilkinson are pretty cool (Desi's 'Napolean Crossing the Alps' off the North Wind album is quite thrilling to mimic), but often way too much on the side of 'marchy' than I like. Conversely, the piping styles of Kevin and Matt Molloy are a bit too sweet for the likes of me.
Eamonn Cotter is a new discovery for me. I really like his playing, if not some of the piano accompaniment that goes with it. I think his style is closest to what I feel comfy and natural with for the time being.
I'm also curious about the distinction between Sligo and Northern/Leitrim styles - wish I had some Conal O'Grada to listen to, maybe compare with Harry or Desi's playing.
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by Q
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
I would not describe the Sligo style -- as exemplified by the recently much-vilified Seamus Tansey -- as punchy and rhythmic at all. With all those triplet runs and multiple rolls, it's too fast, florid and decorated to fit that description.
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by LongNote
Re: Should I learn the flute? Hi and a ?
Listen to Josie McDermott or a bunch of the other old Sligo Geezers and you'll hear the rhythmic aspects of it.
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by meemtp