I had an interesting request last night at the music group. A politically active Arab woman came a knocking, to ask if someone could teach her the Irish-language song she'd seen in videos of pro-Palistinian protests in Ireland.
After singing her Óró sé do bheatha 'bhaile that was the one she meant. So she's got a phonetic transcription of the words, and she'll be coming back to practice next week.
Being able to share a traditional song in a context like that feels absolutely wonderful !
A new Advent piece is up: my mandolin recording from last year, now joined by my flute in a soft, lilting version of the Wexford Carol. 🎶
Gentle, bright, and very much in that purple-hued December mood... If you’re in the mood for something cosy, serene, and a touch festive, I’d love to share this with you. Perfect for easing into that soft purple glow of the season. 💜🎄
🎶 https://youtu.be/gLFoVYO8Qpc
#Music #Christmas #Advent #Mandolin #Flute #IrishTrad #WexfordCarol #FippleFlutist #Decembermusic
Trying to find a really great recording of Cooley's Reel for my wife who is learning fiddle. I found something by Bothy Band which is of course top notch, but I'd like something with a sparser arrangement. And I did notice that on YouTube most of the videos have a very playing different style for reels than what I learned a couple of decades ago in a land far away...
I don't know if it's just a newer style, faster, more aggressive, staccato, or if it's a difference in style between the Island and the diaspora (I've never been in Ireland but I had the privilege of learning from recordings and even live teachers who were from the tradition. I once got an informal lesson from John McSherry in the lobby of a concert hall in exchange for some B&Hs!). But I prefer reels that give me the feeling of water running over river stones, tumbling over itself, splashing and eddying in a fluid monologue.
Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions, she needs a professional recording. I used to play it with Maid Behind the Bar, I think.
Cassana 🍻
Thomas
James Keogh
Tom Smith
Martine Mussies 
Aaron Lord 
Ed Yother 
Marc Trius