Well, after many years of waiting, I finally fullfilled a long-standing dream to see the Chieftains in concert. They played in Memphis Tn Saturday night
along with the great Nanci Griffith. Just a fantastic concert. The highlight for me was a haunting whistle air composed by Paddy Maloney in memory of Derek Bell,backed up by a cello player whose name I just don’t remember. If I heard Paddy correctly, there will be a new recording released in September. It’s a continuation of what he calls the bluegrass/greengrass project!
Ken
Thats great. The Chieftains are just outstanding when it comes to really trad., trad. music. But why is that OT?
Derek Bell… was that the harp, tiómpan player? Is he dead??
I thought maybe the subject was off topic since it wasn’t directly related to the whistle. I decided to err on the side of caution,I guess! Sadly,Derek Bell died October 17th,2002 in Phoenix,Arizona. I’m not sure what from. He was the harp player/multi-instrument for the band.
Ken
Okay.
That with Derek really makes me sad 
.
I remember so well his plans for the future from the “Water from the well” DVD. He couldn’t have been more than 72-73. I remember him saying “I’d like to score 90. I have a good chance. I’m only 70 now. 20 more years.” And I remember him drinking soft drinks, while the other band members had a dram of the whiskey because his astrologer had told him to be careful with his liver. Well, things doesn’t allways turn out as one planned I guess.
R.I.P. Derek Bell…