Although I ordered the four CDs a couple of months ago, I’ve only quite recently had a chance to listen to them, and man, they are good!
At about the same time, I also ordered Mike Rafferty’s book of 300 tunes, from lesl, but the recordings are so good that I haven’t bothered with the book yet.
Comments?
I have Mike’s CD “Speed 78”, and, even though his playing is not as ultra-advanced and fancy-schmancy as many other player’s solo CDs, it’s simply lovely. A great recording.
Right.
There’s the technical, and then there’s the musical, and perhaps only sometimes could the two coincide.
Well, beyond Mr. Rafferty’s slippery embouchure (flute players take note!), I’m enjoying his recordings from a musical perspective.
These recordings, folks, are a treasure!
BTW, to anybody interested, the e-mail address is: [Edit: URL deleted due to bot patrol] and you’ll need to work out the details from there.
Edit (continued): Contact lesl, a member of the C&F board, as she has the Rafferty book of 300 tunes, and also knows how to contact the Raffertys for the CDs.
I really enjoy his cds, they are very relaxing. I love his stories in Speed 78.
He’s grand, isn’t he? His phrasing is brilliant; look into some of the tunes in the book to get a full appreciation of his genius for setting tunes for the flute. The way he handles breathing, out-of-register notes, you name it … lovely. He’s a treasure, and the book is, too. (Come on L, turn the crank on the next 300!!! 
) I’m so grateful his playing has been so well-documented.
Excuse me, please, but I am just so enthusiastic about these recordings that I simply must say more.
Folks, ladies and gentlemen of the C&F board, these recordings are about as good as good gets.
Now, there are those known masters, and from them perhaps we could expect excellent performances.
However, these recordings, by Mike and Mary Rafferty, go beyond anything I can recall.
Oh, there are flaws, technically speaking, and perhaps numerous of them, should anybody keep track of such things.
However, these recordings are nothing less than being invited into the Rafferty’s home, for a very special, private session.
Again, this is as good as good gets.
My sincere thanks to the Raffertys!
The only way to order the CDs and the book is through the email you provided?
how about: http://www.raffertymusic.com/ I think this is the way to find them.