Hey guys,
Do you know any good CD’s with backing tracks of Irish music? I mean, no melody instruments at all (just a guitar or piano, bodhran) so a flute or whistle player could practise with it.
Best wishes!
Piotr
There are recordings of unaccompanied tunes for backers to practice to, but I’m not aware of accompaniment for melody players to practice to. That’s because the tune played solo already contains all the rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic information.
Playing along with recordings (with other melody instruments) works fine to develop a feel for the tunes and the style. And playing solo is very productive, too, because the goal is to create a musically complete statement with just one instrument (to which you could add other instrumentation for fun, but not of necessity).
This might not be what you’re looking for, but if you’re simply looking for a way to practice consistent tempo, a metronome works well. And there are free metronome apps.
Drum/bodhrán tracks for the various rhythms have been advertised here.
The thing is, I use metronome and drum tracks all the time:) Playing with some recordings is ok but recently I’ve started to feel tired with other melody instruments, playing unisono, hence the question:)
The “121 Irish Session Tunes” book + 4 CDs is quite good:
https://www.homespun.com/shop/product/121-favorite-irish-session-tunes/
The tunes are played on the whistle by L. E. McCullough, but you can exclude it and listen only the guitar accompaniment using the balance knob on your stereo.
That’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thank you very much!