I met Gavin in Ireland a year and a half ago, and I must say he is a very talented whistle player and his recording is brilliant. I'd strongly encourage anyone to have a listen to the CD because its fresh and there are some lovely tunes played by Gav.
Here it is April 2005 and I've had this CD now for going on two years. Gavin himself gave it to my wife when he was playing a paid session gig in Dublin. I have listened to this CD probably 100 times and still find it a rewarding listen. (At least to this whistle lover) The backing musians are superb, Eion O'Neil (bouzouki), Zoe Conway (fiddle) and Finbarr Naughton (Mandolin) among others including Danu's Donnacha Gough on Bodran on a couple of tracks. Take it from someone who has worn out some Planxty, Bothy Band, Mary Bergin and Lunsa recordings, this is a great disc. one of my all time favorites.
Gavin's style isn't not one I would consider over complicated but he brings a breath of fresh air to the tradition with his playing none the less. His tongued triplets are put to good use throughout his tunes on this album and not over done. I've heard Carmel Gunning use the same technique and I didn't like it at all but Gavin's use of ornamentation enhances his tune playing. His tunes are very well selected too. The accompanying artists are just as good. Finbarr's mandolin playing makes for an interesting duet! I'd definitely listen to more of this.
Gavin Whelan
Brilliant whistle album
# Posted on September 26th 2002 by leila
Gavin Whelan
I met Gavin in Ireland a year and a half ago, and I must say he is a very talented whistle player and his recording is brilliant. I'd strongly encourage anyone to have a listen to the CD because its fresh and there are some lovely tunes played by Gav.
# Posted on September 30th 2002 by b2jay
Typo
The last tune, of course, should be spelled: Patsy Toughey's. Great tune...
# Posted on December 22nd 2002 by Brendan
Excellent album. I especially like number 11.
# Posted on August 12th 2003 by Celtic1234
Gavin Whelan
Here it is April 2005 and I've had this CD now for going on two years. Gavin himself gave it to my wife when he was playing a paid session gig in Dublin. I have listened to this CD probably 100 times and still find it a rewarding listen. (At least to this whistle lover) The backing musians are superb, Eion O'Neil (bouzouki), Zoe Conway (fiddle) and Finbarr Naughton (Mandolin) among others including Danu's Donnacha Gough on Bodran on a couple of tracks. Take it from someone who has worn out some Planxty, Bothy Band, Mary Bergin and Lunsa recordings, this is a great disc. one of my all time favorites.
# Posted on April 10th 2005 by Chef Paul
Gavin Whelan
Gavin's style isn't not one I would consider over complicated but he brings a breath of fresh air to the tradition with his playing none the less. His tongued triplets are put to good use throughout his tunes on this album and not over done. I've heard Carmel Gunning use the same technique and I didn't like it at all but Gavin's use of ornamentation enhances his tune playing. His tunes are very well selected too. The accompanying artists are just as good. Finbarr's mandolin playing makes for an interesting duet! I'd definitely listen to more of this.
# Posted on March 6th 2008 by PaddyCmusic