My roommate owns a record store. He’s always passing LP’s and CD’s on to me if he thinks they might be up my alley. A couple days ago he handed me a CD by Old Blind Dogs 2001 release “Fit?” I love it. Rory Campbell plays low whistles through out the album.
I checked out thier site and I guess Rory is a new addition. Does anyone have any of thier other albums and if so is there whistle on them?
Another thing that strikes me, the photo of Rory holding his whistle (looks like an Overton). On his whistle he has what looks like two black bands, one is just above, if not Half holing, the second from the top hole. The other band is close to the fipple. Are these bands that slide up and down to accommodate easier playing of scales that require half holing? Anyone out there know?
I have an email out to Rory, but who knows how long if ever before I get a reply.
Yep, I’ve mentioned OBD’s about a dozen times, but very few people seem inspired to take a listen.
Rory was on the previous recording “The world’s room” as well. I like that CD even better than “Fit?”
Don’t know about the bands on his whistle, but I’ve swapped e=mail with him before, so I imagine he’ll get back to you as his schedule allows. Nice chap Rory is.
There are bits and pieces of whistling in the pre-Rory albums as well, but not nearly as much (nor as fun, IMO).
I’ve got to disagree with Loren – I like Fit? much better than The World’s Room. Wish I could get other people around here to play “Pearl Wedding Reel”.
I too really like old blind dogs. I found a radio archive’s thingy with an interview with OBD’s, that really interesting. Here’s the website if anyone is interested: http://www.kusp.org/archive/
The link to the interview with OBD is near the bottom of the page.
I bought an OBD album a few years ago. Put it away - took it out a couple of months ago and now I’m hooked. Really good music including new varients on medieval dance music!
Yes OBD’s are great as is Rory Campbell. You can also check him out in the band Deaf Shepherd and in a duo with Malcolm Stitt.
He does play Overton whistles. As far as I know the black ‘bands’ are where he fixes a clip-on mic to the whistle. I’ve seen him do this both times I saw Deaf Sheperd live. The Overtons were non-tunable.
Just to say that Rory uses a non-tuneable KerryPro and Chieftains.I supplied him some years ago through a mutual friend Fred Morrison.I can see why you thought that it was an Overton though.Just thought that I’d put the record straight.
Phil.
Awww, the old clip the mic onto the whistle trick. That makes sense.
Phil, thanks for clearing up the “What whistle” question. I have always wonderd and wanted to ask, how do your whistles (Kerrypro) very from Colins and Bernards? Dale reviewed them as very similar, but I would be intrested to hear from you about this. I’m also sorry to hear your no longer making the Kerrypro. Hopefully that will turn around for you. I realy dig the sound Rory is getting on the Fit? CD.
Jack “I’ll be looking for more Old Blind Dogs” Orion
I’m not sure Phil has cleared up the “What whistle” question Jack. I asked Rory myself last year and he told me quite clearly that he played and recorded with an Overton Low D, I assume the Low F he refers to was an Overton as well, but I can’t be sure. See for your self…
E-mail message
From: (Rory Campbell) Date: Wed, Jan 5, 2000, 3:08pm (EST+5) To: BLUE-DEVIL@webtv.net Subject: Re: Whistle stuff
Hi Loren,
Most of the whistle stuff is played on an Overton Low D but Roslin and Forfar Soldier are played with a Low F.
Those are the words direct from the Horse’s mouth.
Sorry Phil, I don’t make the news, I just report it
Awww the old Bernard, Colin, or Phil issue again. If it came from Rory’s mouth then thats that. My question seems even more relevant now. How do the Kerry Pro differ from the Overton. I remember Phil saying something about using a longer windway? What would that effect? Are the KerryPro’s generaly an easier blower or the opposite compared to a Goldie Overton or the rare Bernard. I’m sure if Rory wanted the whistle to blow a certain way Phil would have no problem doing so.
Or is it just a matter of the maker and custiomer being at the right place at the right time scenario.
One thing that I have noticed looking at the Kerry Pro on the site, is Phil leaves more metal on the bottom lip then Colin does. But this wouldn’t effect the sound, just the feel of the mouth piece.
Anyways I off to Tower to look for that other OBD CD or anyother whistle album I can find.
Jack “Over and Out” Orion
I have just about every OBD CD.I couldn’t get in to Worlds Room. I didn’t like the soprano sax and harmonica stuff, yech! There’s an awesome version of, " Monaghan’s Jig " on the OBD, " New Tricks " CD, though. TTFN,Phizzy
