No question about it, an era is ending for Irish musicians. I had never seen the Cheiftan's live until this very year. You just don't know how many chances to do something are left in your lifetime. At least I got that one right. God Rest Derek Bell. I hope he smirks when the angels hand him his heavenly harp.
I saw and heard Derek Bell many years ago playing solo and it was a wonderful experience. His impact with the Chieftians was huge - he will be truly missed.
I had the honour of meeting Derek Bell at his house many years ago. He was a man for whom the phrase "a gentleman and a scholar" was probably coined. God rest him.
I've just posted "Carolan's Welcome" to the tunes section [my first foray into writing ABC, with help from Glauber -- thanks!]. I think this is a great choice if you're looking for something to play in honor of Derek Bell. This tune was one of the little-known tunes that Derek Bell brought to the attention of a wider audience. The original title and words to the tune were lost. The title "Carolan's Welcome" is a modern title which arose after The Chieftains played this tune to welcome the pope to Ireland when he visited in 1979.
A very sad new
We will never forget the huge work he has done for ITM and for the music of the world.
A wish a great courage to Paddy Moloney, Martin Fay, Sean Keane, Matt Molloy and Kevin Conneff.
God rest this great Gentleman
Direct link to the RTE programme mentioned above - I agree, really good. Pity they didn't take more care over their studio engineering!!! But a wonderful insight into the man and his many talents:
That program gets updated every friday night, i think, so listen to it before it goes away. It includes an interview with Paddy Moloney about Derek Bell, then an older interview wtih Bell himself. Both interviews are gems.
I'm really enjoying hearing the old interview of Derek Bell... listening to him talking about taking Mary O'Hara's The White Kitten and what he did with his own arrangement. The bit about meeting the Qeen was priceless.
Obit: Derek Bell
Obit: Derek Bell
Sad news to report of the passing of Derek Bell.
Rest in peace.
RTE today:
"17/10/2002
Chieftain Member Derek Bell Has Died
Derek Bell, a member of the Chieftains, has died suddenly in the US.
Bell, who was 67, had been recovering from minor surgery. He had been involved with the Chieftains for the past 30 years.
Widely considered to be one of the finest harpists in the world, he also had a successful solo career while working with the Chieftains.
Bell joined The Chieftains in 1972, after a career as harpist with the Northern Ireland BBC Orchestra.
A resident of Northern Ireland, he has several solo albums to his credit, in addition to the more than thirty recordings with the The Chieftains.
He also gained a reputation, along with the other Chieftains, for unearthing rarely heard music."
# Posted on October 17th 2002 by aliceflynn
Re: Obit: Derek Bell
http://www.rte.ie/news2/2002/1017/chieftains.html
for more info & a pic.
R.I.P.
# Posted on October 17th 2002 by Bloomfield
Re: Obit: Derek Bell
# Posted on October 17th 2002 by glauber
Re: Obit: Derek Bell
That is really too bad. Between Martin Fay leaving and Derek's death, I wonder if the Cheiftans be able to keep going. Sad news.
# Posted on October 17th 2002 by soft black stars
Re: Obit: Derek Bell
No question about it, an era is ending for Irish musicians. I had never seen the Cheiftan's live until this very year. You just don't know how many chances to do something are left in your lifetime. At least I got that one right. God Rest Derek Bell. I hope he smirks when the angels hand him his heavenly harp.
Mark
# Posted on October 17th 2002 by Mark Cordova
Re: Obit: Derek Bell
I saw and heard Derek Bell many years ago playing solo and it was a wonderful experience. His impact with the Chieftians was huge - he will be truly missed.
More here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2337799.stm
# Posted on October 17th 2002 by Feargal French
Re: Obit: Derek Bell
I had the honour of meeting Derek Bell at his house many years ago. He was a man for whom the phrase "a gentleman and a scholar" was probably coined. God rest him.
# Posted on October 17th 2002 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Obit: Derek Bell
I've just posted "Carolan's Welcome" to the tunes section [my first foray into writing ABC, with help from Glauber -- thanks!]. I think this is a great choice if you're looking for something to play in honor of Derek Bell. This tune was one of the little-known tunes that Derek Bell brought to the attention of a wider audience. The original title and words to the tune were lost. The title "Carolan's Welcome" is a modern title which arose after The Chieftains played this tune to welcome the pope to Ireland when he visited in 1979.
Sarah
# Posted on October 18th 2002 by x
Rest in peace, Derek Bell
A very sad new
We will never forget the huge work he has done for ITM and for the music of the world.
A wish a great courage to Paddy Moloney, Martin Fay, Sean Keane, Matt Molloy and Kevin Conneff.
God rest this great Gentleman
# Posted on October 18th 2002 by kolaz333
Re: Obit: Derek Bell
The Late Session features Chieftans talking about Derek on this weeks show
http://www.radio1.ie/evening/latesession/
# Posted on October 20th 2002 by unionpiper
Re: Obit: Derek Bell
The Late Session program is excellent, a must listen.
# Posted on October 20th 2002 by glauber
Re: Obit: Derek Bell
Direct link to the RTE programme mentioned above - I agree, really good. Pity they didn't take more care over their studio engineering!!! But a wonderful insight into the man and his many talents:
http://wwa.rte.ie/rams/radio/thelatesession.ram
# Posted on October 20th 2002 by Mark Harmer
Re: Obit: Derek Bell
That program gets updated every friday night, i think, so listen to it before it goes away. It includes an interview with Paddy Moloney about Derek Bell, then an older interview wtih Bell himself. Both interviews are gems.
# Posted on October 21st 2002 by glauber
Re: Obit: Derek Bell
I'm really enjoying hearing the old interview of Derek Bell... listening to him talking about taking Mary O'Hara's The White Kitten and what he did with his own arrangement. The bit about meeting the Qeen was priceless.
What a loss to all.
# Posted on October 21st 2002 by aliceflynn