Hi all!
I’ve been skulking around and posting a little since yesterday, but to formally introduce myself…I’m Holly from Texas, just began playing a few months ago. My dad is a banjo and guitar player of old timey and bluegrass, and an ITM appreciator, and I got into the session scene in Austin, TX while in college with guitar/singing. I started learning a little bit on the whistle, but since I’ve been out of school for the summer I’ve really started getting hooked on it and I’m excited to have a melody instrument so hopefully I can be a better contributor at session. Not to mention the whistle is a lot lighter to carry around!
Most of my familiarity with tunes comes from shows/sessions, the few CD’s I have I am finding to be more fiddle heavy and not a lot of whistle to listen to. Anyone have recommendations on some good (whistle heavy) CD’s I could pick up so I can hear some examples of different playing styles? I know Dale mentions several of the greats on this site, but specific albums that are your favorites? As in, you’re on a desert island and you could only take 3 CD’s with you sort of thing?
Thanks!
Holly
Pretty much straight-on whistle:
Mary Bergin
Joanie Madden
Flook
Micho Russell
What’s that second one? The picture is too small for me to make out the text…
Yeah, what he said.
Michael Dwyer, slightly neglected but highly influential (you can hear him clearly in Mary Bergin’s playing) just block out the guitar played by his sister.
Brian Hughes
Cormac Breatnach
Vinnie Kilduff
The Kells
Tin Whistles by Paddy Moloney and Sean Potts
Ireland’s Whistling Ambassador: Tin Whistle Music and Songs from Doolin, County Clare by Micho Russell
Cathal McConnell Teaches Pennywhistle : A Hands-On Course in Traditional Irish Repertoire and Technique
(I included a teaching cd/book because I love the way the guitarist that accompanies Cathal plays. A lot of ITM guitarists could learn from him. I would need to edit the talking from the cd to listen to it over and over, yet Cathal plays so well and his guitarist is so accomplished that at least one listen is a must.)
Joanie Madden was mentioned. In case you’re not aware, she’s with Cherish the Ladies, so look for their CDs.
In addition, I’d say not to limit your options to whistle-only music. What kind of music do you want to hear/play?
For Irish music, try:
Planxty
The Bothy Band
Lunasa
…along with the recommendations above.
Left Austin to go to College Station eh? Traitor!! 
Jason
Thanks. Is it still available somewhere? A google search only turns up one dodgy sounding dealer in the UK who claims they can get it in 2-4 weeks…
Is it still available somewhere?
Custy’s lists it here
I have seen it in various shops, including the Doolin trad music shop
As for other recommendations I think for Micho Russell you’re way better off with the now re-issued Topic 1978 solo recording or The Man from Clare.
Thanks!
The best person I have heard accompanying Cathal McConnell on guitar is his brother Mickey. Maybe that is who is doing the accompaniment on the cd.
David
David,
That sounds like a definite possibility.
They certainly reinforce one another’s playing.
Thanks,
Rance