Forgot about this - thanks to "Ceolachan" for reminding me. The album sleeve notes say the following :
"Born at Co. Leitrim - just a few miles from the John McKenna country - the Arigna Mountains. As a boy, from listening to John McKenna's records, Mick was inspired by him and decided to endeavour in that tradition. Mick comments - "John McKenna was a unique flute player and had a rare style of playing. He was a man who in my opinion had great breath control and had excellent phrasing in Jigs and Reels. I wish to dedicate this album to the great man." By the age of eight, Mick had made substantial prgress on a Concert Flute which was presented to him by John McKenna's brother Paddy and which he still treasures at his home in Drumshambo. Like many of us he is a keen enthusiast of the late Michael Coleman. Mick has partnered many distinguished musicians on both sides of the 'water,' including the famous Joe Burke and Sean McGuire. Mick Woods has indeed got a unique style of playing and this album is something special for your collection; it offers an attractive change from the many other flute albums available. The pace is fast but not forced - the fingering reaches rare peaks of brilliance."
Not at all sure I agree with all of the above. He has a particularly irritating feature in his playing where he stops very abruptly at the end of 8 or 16 bars and takes a breath, cutting short the last note of the phrase. Makes the whole tune sound very stilted, I think.
Classic selection of flute tunes, though.
Mick Woods
I'll comment later.
# Posted on May 6th 2006 by Kenny
Much later....
Forgot about this - thanks to "Ceolachan" for reminding me. The album sleeve notes say the following :
"Born at Co. Leitrim - just a few miles from the John McKenna country - the Arigna Mountains. As a boy, from listening to John McKenna's records, Mick was inspired by him and decided to endeavour in that tradition. Mick comments - "John McKenna was a unique flute player and had a rare style of playing. He was a man who in my opinion had great breath control and had excellent phrasing in Jigs and Reels. I wish to dedicate this album to the great man." By the age of eight, Mick had made substantial prgress on a Concert Flute which was presented to him by John McKenna's brother Paddy and which he still treasures at his home in Drumshambo. Like many of us he is a keen enthusiast of the late Michael Coleman. Mick has partnered many distinguished musicians on both sides of the 'water,' including the famous Joe Burke and Sean McGuire. Mick Woods has indeed got a unique style of playing and this album is something special for your collection; it offers an attractive change from the many other flute albums available. The pace is fast but not forced - the fingering reaches rare peaks of brilliance."
Not at all sure I agree with all of the above. He has a particularly irritating feature in his playing where he stops very abruptly at the end of 8 or 16 bars and takes a breath, cutting short the last note of the phrase. Makes the whole tune sound very stilted, I think.
Classic selection of flute tunes, though.
# Posted on February 7th 2008 by Kenny