The same kind that Cajun players use. Does anybody still play Irish trad on it? My last memory of seeing it used was when Charlie Piggot was with De Danann.
people still play one row. It's not as common as the two row, but it's definitely still around, and there's a competition in melodeon at the fleadh. There's a great player where i'm from (boston) who's going to be putting out a cd sometime soonish, and a number of other players, Johnny Connolly being one of the most well-known.
I was inspired enough by hearing Johny Connolly to buy one in May. As I already played a DG I have a reasonable repertoire on it if I remember not to try to cross rows and I'm starting to find ways to play in G and A.
Yes, the range is restrictive but if that was a real worry or the only consideration people wouldn't be playing 2 row boxes but would move to 3, or even 4, row boxes.
Martin Quinn plays some melodian on the CD with Angelina Carberry, and John O'Halloran's CD is really excellent.
The melodian seems to be great for paring a tune down to it's essence and creates a nice strong pulse. A good example of limitations creating style.
Ah, yes, I do remember seeing a single row in one version of La Bottine Souriante. I have a friend who plays a single row, but he plays Cajun music – a very different approach.
I have a single-row C melodeon that I use for both Cajun & Irish tunes. It's a lot of fun and it has a pretty unique sound. Johnny Connolly plays a lot lot of D tunes in C on one of his albums. As far as tunes in G you have to be creative to get around the F#.
Johnny B. Connolly (no relation) also uses a C melodeon in a few tunes on his album *Bridgetown*. He otherwise plays B/C.
Now ,I'd love to own a Castagnari inD . They're terrific indeed. Listen to Johnny Connolly and the melodeon won't sound quite so restrictive any more.
Speaking of Cajun music, when you play Irish tunes you can apply the same technique of playing octaves with excellent results.Good luck with it.
My understanding is that Johnny played D tunes as if they were in C on his C box but was later introduced to D boxes so he could then play along with other players more easily. On the two albums I have of him he plays both tunings. On one he plays Miss McLeod's Reel in G, D and A without changing boxes all the while making you think he has all the notes normally played in that tune!
I like playing single row style, which ends up in C because I have a B/C box. Lots of nice double stops available. More in and out required than when I play G and D tunes on both rows, but it is a nice feel, especially for marches. And it works nice to accompany singers, who often sing in C.
I have a one-row 4-stop hohner in C and am planning to get a one row in D. The castagnari seems popular but there are also the Marins and Arcadian melodeons. A good discussion on cajun accordion/ melodeon can be found at: http://www.concertina.net/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t1877-50.html
Single row melodeon
Single row melodeon
The same kind that Cajun players use. Does anybody still play Irish trad on it? My last memory of seeing it used was when Charlie Piggot was with De Danann.
Is the range too restrictive?
# Posted on November 30th 2005 by Bob himself
Re: Single row melodeon
people still play one row. It's not as common as the two row, but it's definitely still around, and there's a competition in melodeon at the fleadh. There's a great player where i'm from (boston) who's going to be putting out a cd sometime soonish, and a number of other players, Johnny Connolly being one of the most well-known.
# Posted on November 30th 2005 by heth
Re: Single row melodeon
I was inspired enough by hearing Johny Connolly to buy one in May. As I already played a DG I have a reasonable repertoire on it if I remember not to try to cross rows and I'm starting to find ways to play in G and A.
Yes, the range is restrictive but if that was a real worry or the only consideration people wouldn't be playing 2 row boxes but would move to 3, or even 4, row boxes.
# Posted on November 30th 2005 by Paul_draper
Re: Single row melodeon
"My last memory of seeing it used was when Charlie Piggot was with De Danann." - Ah, happy days indeed! Thanks Bob.
Johny Connolly was on RTE a couple of weeks back playing his single row, along with young Johnny & Charlie Lennon - GREAT MUSIC.
There's a wonderful RAW sound out of those wee beasties.
Oh yes, & an excellent Box playing friend of mine is seriously considering buying a single row Castagnari, as I write.
I'd say - Go for it!
# Posted on November 30th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Single row melodeon
Martin Quinn plays some melodian on the CD with Angelina Carberry, and John O'Halloran's CD is really excellent.
The melodian seems to be great for paring a tune down to it's essence and creates a nice strong pulse. A good example of limitations creating style.
# Posted on November 30th 2005 by patrick cavanagh
Re: Single row melodeon
The single row melodeon is still popular in Quebec and Newfoundland. Check out Frank Maher if you get the chance.
# Posted on November 30th 2005 by McMandolin
Re: Single row melodeon
We've heard Brendan Begley play brilliantly on melodeon several times, both solo and with the Boys of the Lough.
stv
http://cdbaby.com/Culchies
# Posted on November 30th 2005 by stv culchie
Re: Single row melodeon
Ah, yes, I do remember seeing a single row in one version of La Bottine Souriante. I have a friend who plays a single row, but he plays Cajun music – a very different approach.
# Posted on November 30th 2005 by Bob himself
Re: Single row melodeon
Heth, I bet I know who you are... are you back home for the holidays? Come down to JJ's!
I love playing with a Melodion player, though it can be a bit tricky with the flute as they're fond of playing things in finger friendly keys.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by jerball
Re: Single row melodeon
I have a single-row C melodeon that I use for both Cajun & Irish tunes. It's a lot of fun and it has a pretty unique sound. Johnny Connolly plays a lot lot of D tunes in C on one of his albums. As far as tunes in G you have to be creative to get around the F#.
Johnny B. Connolly (no relation) also uses a C melodeon in a few tunes on his album *Bridgetown*. He otherwise plays B/C.
Now ,I'd love to own a Castagnari inD . They're terrific indeed. Listen to Johnny Connolly and the melodeon won't sound quite so restrictive any more.
Speaking of Cajun music, when you play Irish tunes you can apply the same technique of playing octaves with excellent results.Good luck with it.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by pennhorse
Re: Single row melodeon
My understanding is that Johnny played D tunes as if they were in C on his C box but was later introduced to D boxes so he could then play along with other players more easily. On the two albums I have of him he plays both tunings. On one he plays Miss McLeod's Reel in G, D and A without changing boxes all the while making you think he has all the notes normally played in that tune!
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Paul_draper
Re: Single row melodeon
I like playing single row style, which ends up in C because I have a B/C box. Lots of nice double stops available. More in and out required than when I play G and D tunes on both rows, but it is a nice feel, especially for marches. And it works nice to accompany singers, who often sing in C.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by AlBrown
Re: Single row melodeon
I have a one-row 4-stop hohner in C and am planning to get a one row in D. The castagnari seems popular but there are also the Marins and Arcadian melodeons. A good discussion on cajun accordion/ melodeon can be found at:
http://www.concertina.net/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t1877-50.html
Tom
# Posted on March 3rd 2006 by tombcc
Re: Single row melodeon
hi
charlie piggot still plays it and johnny connolly does as well this is jc who lives in and around galway
cheers mike
# Posted on January 7th 2007 by diznmike