I went to the Indianapolis 6th anual Irish fest on Saturday, expecting flat beer and theme pub music. The guiness was acceptable, although there was more than the usual offerings of plastic souvenirs.
One set stood out a mile, played by Grey Larsen and Paddy League. Incredible musicianship. I remembered a review of Dale’s some time back on their CD “The Green House”. The rave review didn’t do them justice. Traditional tunes, played with real feeling and energy. Grey plays flute (antique body with an Abel head - incredible haunting sound) Copeland whistles and harmonium. He’s the soul of the duo. Thoughtful, obviously knowledgeable of Irish music, and a quiet sense of humor. His partner Paddy is a young guy, intense, full of fire. He plays a spirited backing guitar, but he’s in his element playing bodhran. He plays in a style I’ve never heard before. Almost jazz like, using irregular and stacato wrist movements, striking both the head and tail of the tipper. The net result, unexpectedly, sets your toes tapping. Afterwards I bought the CD. Whilst they come across best live, the CD was also excellent. Top quality production without detracting from the preformances. I’d recommend them live or recorded!
Following the set they lead a session which semed to attract every musician on the site who wasn’t performing at that moment. Being a newbie to whistle I didn’t have the courage or the repetoire to join in. Still it made a beautiful afternoon perfect just to sit there listening and sipping the beer.
Larsen & League have a website, with clips, a performance schedule and some bios. Nicely laid out and obviously entitled http://larsenandleague.com
I’ve heard both Grey and Paddy teach. Taking a lesson would be the only thing to top such a fine performance.
Keith
