Here’s some research material to help define the American style:
- http://www.kennyg.com/
- http://www.britneyspears.com/
- http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/millivanilli.html - dark ending in this one.
So, Byll, here we are at page 3 of the discussion. Has this shed light on your observation?
I think I prefer Bloomfield’s link.
Milli Vanilli were European, dude… 
can’t pin that one on us 
German: Frank Farian. But they were much MUCH bigger in the US. Very funny episode.
Ooops, sorry. That was before i came to the US. I should have read the thing i posted the URL for.
Teri-K: I am not sure what light has been shed. I understand what goes into making a recording from both sides of the console. My interest in recordings by independent artists goes deep…I am interested in whether the music was recorded real time or whether it was done by manipulative tracking. I’m interested in the band behind the recording, on where the arrangements came from, on the subjective experience of the recording sessions, whether there was a producer/master plan, whether or not the artist is satisfied with the results of the effort, and a host of other issues.
The thread has taken the discussion into the area of criticism and its many facets and related issues. On those issues, the light of opinion has been shed. And that is OK.
Best.
Byll
After some years I am finally beginning to “get” this music - I’m more consistently hitting the phrasing with that special lilt and keeping solid tempo at increasing levels. I am, however, still learning and am certainly not at what’s generally taken for session speeds (I probably hold up well into the 90s). Breathing and ornamentation are coming along and can be applied tune by tune, but not yet quite naturally. Rolls are light years better, but still missing on some A and B rolls, etc. On occasion, people will tap their feet when I play.
That said, I personally would never hold myself out to anyone, including those who don’t know better, as either a teacher or a pro, i.e., selling my music.
First point - total agreement with Peter and Bloomfield -once you’re selling your stuff and put it out there, it’s per se open to criticism, albeit hopefully constructive.
Second - Although I agree that we’d all be better served by specific input than by general putdowns, I don’t get all this about whether it’s trad or American. I do think whistle is a trad instrument, but that withstanding, whatever music is being sold needs to be played with feeling, timing and proper phrasing that will indeed make us tap our feet or clap our hands or if an air make us feel inside.
Finally, Lolly really put it on the line here and did hard work putting something together. I also appreciate being able to listen to the samples. However, the playing was to my ear and soul uninspired and, to borrow a term from Peter, wooden and not at a level that I would pay to listen to.
I don’t usually comment about others’ playing on the Board; better left to the really fine players be it professional or amateur. But when someone sells it, it’s up for grabs.
I hope Lolly keeps at it.
Philo
I’m interested in these things too. Why don’t you pick one or two of these and start one or two threads specifically about them?
I’m glad you brought that up, Phil. I don’t understand this term “American”. Exactly what does that mean? It has been mentioned in this thread, but an explanation of just what this style is hasn’t been defined. Honestly, I’ve never heard the terminology in any other discussion and wondered if someone could tell me what the characteristics of this genre of music are and maybe give me some examples to listen to.
It’s just a way of saying ‘shut up’ without appearing to be rude. If someone criticises you for playing Irish tunes in a way that is, er … deficient .. you just say that of course you weren’t playing ITM at all. You were playing Irish repertoire the ‘American’ way. It isn’t necessary to cite an ongoing American tradition like old timey or jazz that you fall into. In other words, it’s a red herring.
American music? Take your pick: Old Timey, Bluegrass, Country, Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Swing, Rock’n’Roll, Bebop, Rap, HipHop…
The cynical say that this “American Music” label sometimes gets invoked as an excuse for not making the effort to learn the Irish music idioms.
[edit: oops! Wombat beat me to it.]
Well all and all I don’t think it’s that bad. I’ve heard a lot worse and I’ve heard a lot better.
As for “American music”. That’s a big ball of yarn. American music is syncretic in the extreme. Thus the many styles.
I can see where some of the problem lies however. I’d be rather miffed if I went to a bluegrass show and they had an orchestra playing “Hoedown”. In fact I went to a Old Time jam awile back and two guys were basically killing it by playing bluegrass. Hey, I love bluegrass but the idea was Old Time. I went to a bluegrass jam a few years ago and somebody was hammering jazz chords on a piano and spoiling the whole thing.
I can see where the trad buffs may be inclined to reject music that calls itself ITrad but doesn’t contain the nuances that makes trad…trad.
I also understand that the complaints aren’t about the Tradness as much as about other things.
On the other hand, that doesn’t mean I can’t play trad tunes if I want, any way I want as long as I’m not saying it’s “trad”.
I play lots of them and I still haven’t mastered those damn rolls 
Anyway, just for craps and giggles, tell me what you think of my tune I posted a couple years ago. I don’t know what kind of music it is. I made it up. Hammered dulcimer and autoharp with some echo. It’s only half done. I never recorded a complete version.
http://www.tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/Audio/3-03/icewindRickS.mp3
Well, I thought your clip was real “cute.” I could imagine a Medieval
Fete with folks dancing around. Yes, you SHOULD finish it, you
did a good job playing it too.
Lolly