Hello folks,
It’s been a while since I posted around here, but I was discussing the importance of rhythm in music (specifically, rock music) with a classically-trained pianist friend this weekend, and the topic turned to Irish traditional slow airs, sean-nos singing, etc. Any suggestions for CDs/DVDs of slow airs/sean-nos, to illustrate the style for her?
Thanks in advance.
Anything by Joe Heaney, if you want sung airs.
djm
Vocal or instrumental, either one.
Thanks!
Frankie Gavin’s Slieve nMon (sp?) on his Fierce Traditional CD is quite lovely. Frankie Kennedy’s “Dobbin’s Flowery Vale” is another one that comes to mind. Oh … And Liam Kelly’s go on “O Raillaigh’s Grave”, and Seamus Tansey’s “Easter Snow.”
Now that I think about it, for a truly rhythm-&-brain busting flute air, Easter Snow would be my choice. I’ve listened several hundred times and still can’t wrap my brain around it!
You can’t do better than listening to singing. But to hear how instrumentalists tackle the repertoire, all Séamus Ennis’ many recordings have a good few airs on them. You could do a lot worse than study those.
Matt Cranitch’s 1984 album, Eistigh Seal, is composed entirely of slow airs played on the fiddle. I was delighted to discover last week that Gael-Linn have finally issued it on CD. It is altogether sublime.
I’d second Matt Cranitch. I like Tony MacMahon’s way with a slow air. Also Johnny Doran. There are lots when you get to thinking about it.
Easter Snow is a good one to study the differences in phrasing used by different players. Compare, for instance, Seamus Tansey’s, Paul McGrattan’s and Peg McGrath’s. Oh wait, that last one’s more of a tease. I hope to post a sound sample soon on the WFO3 pages.
Kevin Krell
Thanks very much, folks!
If you want some examples of original (non-trad and neo-trad) airs, you can’t go wrong with Altan, Lunasa, or Fairport Convention.
Tomas O Canainn’s 2 cd set “Traditional Slow Airs of Ireland” (118 airs in total) with music book available. I think it was on the Ossian label.
Yep, right here at my fingertips…
OMB99
ISBN 0 946005 84 2
Ossian Publication, Cork, Ireland Got mine from info@ossianusa.com
603-783-4383
EDIT: just realized…as I’m typing this …“The Irish Isle” CD is playing in the background (James Keane, Seamus Egan, Winifred Horan, and Sue Richards)…and you get recipes with it ! Very nice selection.
any willie clancy slow air.