New to forum. I’m a tin whistle player, been playing in some Irish sessions about 5 years. Itching for something new, I started a new project a few months ago which blends traditional Irish music with latin music (as I also played in salsa bands). Reasons i think it will work-- sometimes bodhran beat sounds like a deep conga beat, sometimes in cuban music, a high flute is used.
So we’ve formed, have a cool original song, and done some gigs and are having a good time. but we are kind of in limbo right now since we are a ‘fusion’ group-- we don’t know in which direction to ‘lean’-- toward irish music or latin music? Play in irish pubs? or latin type places? Salsa dancers? Or Irish step dancers?
I would certainly appreciated feedback from this forum-- Irish music enthusiasts-- on whether our style would be suited to people who enjoy Irish music. Here’s a link to our sound samples:
http://www.reverbnation.com/launicairishband
Feedback would be greatly appreciated and would help us tremendously.
Also, I use a Generation whistle which I like very much even though it’s dirt cheap. Expensive ones have an odder sound I think. Not sure what that has to do with anything, but is there any reason to consider upgrading?
I love fusion, and I am on board with this.
But experience tells me that not everyone
will be, so be ready for the detractors.
I’d suggest contacting Marc Gunn to have
your music played on his podcast. He’s not
a stickler about trad. and has a pretty
decent online audience. It’s not a bad way
to increase your exposure.
http://celticmusicpodcast.com/
As for the recordings, I like the sound. To
my taste, I’d rather hear a little less bass
in the mix and more of an acoustic sound
to the guitar (is he recording from a pickup?
If so, I’d think a mic might be a better
sound…) The percussion is nice.
Take a look at Salsa Celtica, a Scottish Salsa band (they’re on youtube).
They’re in the movie “Driving Lessons.” Great movie. The band does some neat things. Probably get plenty of grief from the traditionalists on both sides.
I’d say that if your aim is to play publicly in such a venue, develop a repertoire and style that’s likely to be appreciated in those places. If your goals are artistic/exploratory, follow your collective muse, and see if it evolves into something that can be marketed in the ways you suggest.
I like the sound of the group. It is a nice fusion. Seems to me you should be thinking of coffee houses and general folk clubs rather than either the irish pub or salsa places. I suspect if you let the owners hear some of your music you’d be welcome at either one, but doubtless some of the folks who don’t want their traditions messed with would probably be upset. Good luck!
I think Brian Finnegan married a Brazilian so maybe you are on to something.
Do whatever you like! Just don’t bring your “new sound” to an established session, and expect to be welcomed with open arms. With your own friends, on your own turf, the only rule is to enjoy yourself. At a session, however, the norms and expectations of the group should be respected, out of common courtesy, if nothing else. 