Saturday night I went to the Irish American Heritage Center to hear Chulrua (thanks, glauber, for pointing that out!). They were great: Patrick Orceau, Paddy O’Brien, and Pat Egan. Preceding them was a set by the Academy of Irish Music, an ensemble of roughly a dozen teenagers: flutes, a whistle, fiddles, cellos, and bodhran. The whole eveing was introduced by Noel Rice (my whistle teacher’s teacher, whom I got to meet for the first time), who said to the audience that this was a first effort at “earning” an audience for traditional music again at the heritage center. The kids played first, as I said, full of energy, as you can imagine, but what surprised me was how arranged the music sounded and indeed was–somewhat fancy transitions between tunes and almost a Riverdance kind of feel to it. I noted all that but then was surprised when one of the kids, announcing the next set of reels, said, “That last one was one we competed with.” I realize I should have asked Noel what kind of competition that was, and where I might be misunderstanding the meaning of “traditional,” but I ran out of time after he was telling me charming stories of my whistle teacher when he was a little kid. Anyway…what’s the story with this very orchestral sounding music? Anyone know?
I can’t answer your question, but it is the oddest thing. Every winter my husband and I pass through Minneapolis around Christmas on our way north and if we are lucky Paddy O’Brien is playing at a place called Kieran’s (sp). I had no idea he was in a band. He is such a great player. On many occasions we have been the only people in the audience (it’s in the back room), while the main act is going on in the front. Sometimes there is a big table of loud drunks who don’t listen to anything but their own shouting. We always feel thrilled to hear him, but I can’t help being upset by the lack of interest in and respect shown to his music.
Almost certainly it is their entry in the Grupaí Cheoil competition for the Midwest Fleadh coming up next month. It’s a weird fleadh category – here’s one of our locals ranting about it a bit, with the official rules in a sidebar.
Chulrua’s been going on for some time, now. Paddy has also assembled the Doon Ceili Band as his latest project: Paddy on box, 3 fiddles, 3 flutes, and piano. Great stuff. As for Kieran’s, it’s as you say, unfortunately, except there are almost no acts booked anymore in the Titanic Lounge (the back room). I first heard Paddy there. My jaw was literally hanging open! I miss the music that used to be there. That was always solid trad stuff.
Thanks for mentioning the other group. I’ll have to check their websites for their tour schedules and see if we can hear them. I know we would love it.
I’ve been talking to one of the Doon’s flute players (arranging a house concert with his duo). The band is in the process of recording an album which should be released this summer. They’ve got a website with sound samples.
Oh yeah, Chulrua is a great band. I haven’t really had a chance to hear the new lineup properly yet (just a couple of odd sets here and there). But you can’t go wrong adding Patrick Ourceau to your group.
I just listened to clips of Chulrua and saw the video thing of the Doon Ceili Band. I think, although I could be wrong, that one reason I have liked Paddy O’Brien so much is that he plays fast, yes, but at his fastest you can still hear the music. It seems to me sometimes people play so fast that I just can’t hear what is happening. That would be okay for a once in a while virtuoso thing, but I like to really hear the tune. Anyway, I will be getting some new CD’s! Both groups play just the sort of music I really like. Thx for the tips.