Thinking of cutting an album of traditional Irish jigs/reels... thoughts?

[BushMogulMaster]

I've discussed music with a few of you, so thought I'd bring this up here.

I'm seriously considering cutting a full-length album of traditional Irish jigs and reels. I'm thinking just acoustic guitar and tin whistle. Most of what's out there in the mainstream is a full ensemble of fiddles, tin whistle, bodhrán, guitar, etc. I think the idea of a guitar/tin whistle duet opens the door for some interesting subtlety, and even some tight harmonies that would be easily lost in a larger group.

For a quick sample, this is "Donnybrook Fair," a jig in G. I was just playing with some various ideas to get an idea of what I could do, so it's not perfect (timing/recording-wise): http://www.patricktorsell.com/files/donnybrook.mp3

I'll probably record the album regardless of saleability, but if it happens to be sale-worthy, maybe I'll just sell it online through iTunes, Amazon, etc. If you have opinions (good or bad) or ideas, let me know.

 

[marcski]

http://www.wfuv.org/ WFUV is a great radio station in the NYC area, based out of Fordham University in the Bronx.

On the weekends, they have a different format with lots of traditional Irish programs and music. At best, you may find them as a resource. At worst, you may enjoy listening...the station streams online.

http://www.wfuv.org/programs/athousandwelcomes

http://www.wfuv.org/programs/thistle

http://www.wfuv.org/programs/ceolnangael

 

[BushMogulMaster]

http://www.wfuv.org/ WFUV is a great radio station in the NYC area, based out of Fordham University in the Bronx.

On the weekends, they have a different format with lots of traditional Irish programs and music. At best, you may find them as a resource. At worst, you may enjoy listening...the station streams online.

http://www.wfuv.org/programs/athousandwelcomes

http://www.wfuv.org/programs/thistle

http://www.wfuv.org/programs/ceolnangael

Thanks for the links... I'll definitely check that out.

I've watched a lot of Ryan Dunns' videos on YouTube. He's a Jesuit Seminarian (Catholic) who used to teach a tin whistle class at Fordham. Great stuff, including an online course on playing the tin whistle.

 

[dmc]

I dig the song! I could drink beer and listen to that..

Just caught the Irish fest here in Hunter NY...
On the small stage there was a great band of just guitar,fiddle and bodhrán...Never really payed attention to the bodhrán. It's pretty intense...

Point is - I was drawn to the smaller stage more than the big stage with the bigger bands

 

[BushMogulMaster]

I dig the song! I could drink beer and listen to that..

Just caught the Irish fest here in Hunter NY...
On the small stage there was a great band of just guitar,fiddle and bodhrán...Never really payed attention to the bodhrán. It's pretty intense...

Point is - I was drawn to the smaller stage more than the big stage with the bigger bands

Thanks for the insight.

Yeah, the bodhrán can be pretty wild. I'd love to get my hands on one sometime.

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

gimme a pint of Guiness and some shepard's pie...love it.....i'll buy it.

 

[Warp Daddy]

AH Patrick Me Boy 'twas a hoot listening to your tune laddie -- i 'LL HOIST ONE IN YER HONOR 2NITE !!

Seriously fine sound man !!!!

 

[Edd]

I liked the tune as well. It really does speak to me as drinking music but I'm a guy who could spend every night in an Irish bar.

Yes, I know I have a problem...

 

[BushMogulMaster]

Thanks to all for the encouragement. I'm working on a list of tunes now to record.

So, should I include a warning on the cover that says "Please drink responsibly!?!?!" :lol:

 

[dmc]

Thanks to all for the encouragement. I'm working on a list of tunes now to record.

So, should I include a warning on the cover that says "Please drink responsibly!?!?!" :lol:

As opposed to the type of Irish music that makes me want to get into a fight?

Seriously.. thats relaxing music... And I tend to drink a wee bit when I relax... hahaha..

 

[ski_resort_observer]

Sounds great Patrick...... I really like Celtic music. I usually listen to Celtic bands like Gaelic Storm and Molly's Revenge. Saw a great celtic band at the Flynn... New Years Eve a couple of years ago...can't remember the name.

You should book yourself for a few Sat nights at the Green Mtn Lounge, methinks for St Patty's for sure. I hear you should support the DVD with some public performances. Send a free copy to what's her name over in Norwich.....:lol:

 

[BackLoafRiver]

That is really quite something!! Well done. I have a very special place in my heart for Traditional Irish music. I definitely think you should do it!!! Ever listen to the Bothy Band? I had a student teacher a few years ago who was an accomplished piper and he turned me on to about a dozen different groups. (he also played uilleann pipes which was tres cool)

Good luck!!! I'd love to hear more as you record it.

 

[BushMogulMaster]

Sounds great Patrick...... I really like Celtic music. I usually listen to Celtic bands like Gaelic Storm and Molly's Revenge. Saw a great celtic band at the Flynn... New Years Eve a couple of years ago...can't remember the name.

You should book yourself for a few Sat nights at the Green Mtn Lounge, methinks for St Patty's for sure. I hear you should support the DVD with some public performances. Send a free copy to what's her name over in Norwich.....:lol:

Thanks! I actually played briefly at the GML last St. Paddy's. Will plan to book a couple of Irish evenings this year. I also do a lot of Clancy Brothers/Dubliners type guitar/vocal tunes.

Yeah, send a copy to 'ol what's-her-name. Good call :wink:

 

[BushMogulMaster]

That is really quite something!! Well done. I have a very special place in my heart for Traditional Irish music. I definitely think you should do it!!! Ever listen to the Bothy Band? I had a student teacher a few years ago who was an accomplished piper and he turned me on to about a dozen different groups. (he also played uilleann pipes which was tres cool)

Good luck!!! I'd love to hear more as you record it.

Haven't heard the Bothy Band, but will look them up for sure.


I was somewhat inspired to do this after my very close friend's wedding this past weekend. He's a good Scot with a wee bit of Irish in him, so the wedding was full-on Celtic themed. Yes, yes... we wore kilts. Proof, you ask? Well, fine:

And the piper was phenomenal:

Anyways... I took the guitar and tin whistle, and dad and I did some traditional tunes at the reception. And I remembered, then, how much I love playing Celtic music.


So I'm trying to build my songlist. I'm open to requests/suggestions/ideas.

Among the definites are:

>Donnybrook Fair (jig)/Kesh Jig (jig) as a set
>The Rocky Road to Dublin (slip jig)/The Morning Dew (reel) as a set
>Gan Ainm (jig)
>The Foggy Dew (march/polka/reel sorta slow thingy)

I might do Danny Boy, for though it was written by an Englishman (EGADS!), it is often associated with Irish culture.