As much as I yearn to play every Irish tune ever, I find myself slowing down and playing songs that are already familiar…and slower.
Every now and then I bust into God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, or Hard Times Come Again No More…the more half-holes the better, cause who else is listening?
I’m going for tone, and trying for that rare occasion when the sound begins to swirl around my head. That is so cool.
Know what you mean: I suppose it’s the difference between playing tunes and playing music. Because you are more familiar with the well known song airs, then you play them along as you sing them in your head: they resonate with your soul. But of course, if you immerse yourself enough in Irish trad., then the tunes will become Music and the same will happen with them. That’s my take on it anyway!
And why not play tunes/songs you love? As the computer was firing up, I played Warren Zevon’s “Carmalita” on my A fife:
"Carmalita, Hold me tighter,
I think I’m sinking
Down…"
I love it.
Tradition be damned.
I do like to play the melodies to songs that aren’t commonly played as airs, though they still tend to be Irish. But the hell with it, it’s your flute, play what you want on it!
I’ve developed an aversion to Christmas tunes, however, thanks to them being heavily over-played at the local session near Christmas time (pretty much from thanksgiving through new years!).
Nothing the matter with playing beautiful music on the flute.
especially tunes that sound especially good on the flute.
only it won’t much help you improve your playing of jigs and reels,
so keep at that too.