Has anybody heard Jerry O’Sullivans new CD, " The Gift" yet? If so, How is it? Is it worth getting?
“The Gift” isn’t particularly new. I think it’s been out for at least a couple of years now. It features a rather diverse collection of tunes ranging from Old Timey tunes to Bach, Northumbrian pipe tunes and some bluesy stuff as well.
I rather like the recording myself and find it to be a nice change of pace from the usual piping fare. Those who like their jigs and reels straight up may not care for this recording, but I think it’s a nice exposition and demonstration of the potential and versatility of the Uilleann pipes.
I agree with what Bill said in his post. Jerry does some real nice work with different types of music on the pipes, including classical and some blues/jazz.
Jerry was the intermediate piping teacher at the Al Purcell gathering in Ann Arbor a few weekends ago and I was impressed with his teaching abilities as well as his playing.
He has been working through O’Farrell’s collection and his set at the concert had a few numbers from the collection. I spoke with him for a few moments afterwards and he said there are a lot of gems in that collection (and other collections for that matter).
All the best.
I agree with most everything in the first review mentioned above.
The piping is great and the trad tunes are really done nicely. The pipes sound great on this album too, from a recording standpoint and from a playing standpoint.
My only complaint is the ‘bluesy’ feel he tries for on at least one tune. I was not impressed. Sorry.
Overall, a great album. Has been in my commuting rotation since I bought it (about 8 months ago). I recommend it.
Tumbleweed
A quote from a review by Earl Hitchner, Wall Street journal and Irish Echo: “If ever a recording showcased the versatility of the pipes and the virtiuosity of a piper with equal impact, Jerry O’Sullivan’s The Gift is it.” The Boston Globe called it a “shimmeringly melodic experience.” I agree with the earlier comment that it was a nice change of pace from some recordings that become repetitive after a while. Technique is great and finger gymnastics are fine, but you still can’t beat expression and musicality. Along with The Gift, I think Liam O’Flynn always delivers that element. Back to Jerry. I have to disclose my bias since he’s my teacher. Regards to all.
I was told by a friend of Jerry’s that he was working on a new record, to have lots of tunes taken from manuscripts and old books, which I think is a great idea.
Jerry’s a really great guy, very knowledgable, and very passionate in his playing. He was an English teacher before playing music full time, and that shows, he’s very good at explaining how doing this in your playing will help in such a way.