Hi there,
I learnt this lovely tune from the Riley School of Music mp3 – http://w3.one.net/~rsim/MP3/Inisheer.mp3 . The meter is fairly even and regular, a straight walz, in this recording. Listening to other people’s playing, I’ve noticed that some play it with far more of a lilt – in particular moving very quickly from the B to the d in the second bar – see for instance Mick Woodruf’s recording at http://fingertrip.net/whistle/mp3/inisheer.mp3 . I know that this is a recent tune (by Thomas Walsh), but I don’t know if there is an accepted ‘right’ way to play it. The two ways sound so different to me, and I don’t want people to look at me funny when I play it (well, not for that reason anyway).
It is indeed lovely, in both versions. I’m sure that I don’t know the answer, but it will be interesting to read the comments. I have this one highest on the list to learn next.
Don
I learned the tune the way Mick plays it from the recording on his website.
My favorite version is from a group on MP3.com called ‘StoneRing’, which is played very similarly to Mick’s version.
I have heard it played both ways by a variety of artists, and I’m not sure which way is the actual correct way.
Check out my recording on Clips & Snips for a similar version to the second one you posted a link to. http://www.tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/Audio/12-02/Inisheer-GaryHumphrey.mp3
I like this version, too. I usually play it slowly and with emotion, over a fingerpicked guitar. However, if you guys approve, I could always do a rocked-out version for Clips & Snips.
I burned the free downloads from MP3.com onto a CD (two CD’s, really). Despite their penchant for Rebel songs, I thought they were pretty good.
I just listened to Mick’s version, and I think it’s pretty nice. It’s close to what I’ve heard in sessions in Ireland, altough for some reason I prefer the tune on the flute or low whistle.
Hi,
I play it slower with emotion too, and not Mick’s version.
It sounds beautiful with a Harp or a Guitar and slow or a bit faster.
I would play it more, but its on the list of “overplayed tunes”, so
I don’t want to bore anyoe, ha ha
Lolly
My memory says that Dave Parkhurst had it on his web-site as a sample of his whistle - listening to it there was the first time I heard the piece. It was beautiful. Haven’t checked to see if it is still there . . . well done indeed.
I have a nice recording of this tune from a session I was at a couple of years ago. I wouldn’t have the first idea of how to put it up here, so if anyone’s interested, I can email it to you if you’ll post it. It’s a nice version on flute and whistle. Thanks.
Veg–
I play it more the way you do, and was also a bit confused when I heard Mick’s version. I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who plays it like I do! However, even after hearing Mick (and I think someone else at about the same time) play it with that snap, I didn’t change my way, because I just like it better played evenly and smoothly. It seems to fit the tune better.
Thanks for posting on this and letting me know I’m not just strange (at least because of that).
I learned to play it from Mick’s site, and thus with that bit of lilt, but it’s lovely both ways. I think if I were playing it as a whistle solo, I’d go with Mick’s version (bit more ornamented), but as a straight waltz with multiple instruments.
I learned to play it from Micks site also. Thanks Mick! The lilt is my favorite part. I will have to try to play it without the lilt just to see how it feels.
