In light of all the questions (and responses) of late, mostly from newer players, just a reminder of a site that may be a helpful guide to some in sorting out many different whistles, www.kerrywhistles.com Click on movies and then pro-files and you will go to a series of videos wherein Phil Hardy, Tony Hinnegan and others play and briefly discuss a nice assortment of whistles from high G to LOW A (that’s right). Also interesting is the clip of Kevin Crawford (Lunasa) on a Susato high D - his fingers literally fly in a dazzling display.
This is not commercial as I have neither a connection to nor endorse Kerry whistles. This part of the site is not very commercial either, in that what seem objective descriptions are given and tunes played on many different types of whistles from a great variety of makers.
I think it would certainly behoove both new players and more experienced players looking at new whistles to visit the site. I’m not saying you should make choices solely based on what’s at the site but it can be a tremendously useful guide.
When it comes to watching videos, you’ll learn a lot by viewing experienced players. If you haven’t entered the “cinema” section (requires you to sign for Phil’s newletter) yet, you’ll be missing hours of great concert footage! Phil has an amazing amount of free media on his website.
I hadn’t seen those before. Hammersmith B must be one of the worst pieces of video I’ve ever seen. For a long period of time, it show Cillian Vallely just sitting there doing nothing while you can see Sean Smyth’s elbow as he plays a blistering piece on the whistle. Just when you think the camera man is getting the idea, he pans across Sean to a blank piece of curtain behind him, and then stays on the curtain (and the guitar players hands), totally screwing up what might have been a really cool vid of Sean showing how he won the All Ireland in whistling.
But you’re right, Philo, there are some great clips there. Thanks for this thread.
Guess I just felt like giving this thread a bump. If you haven’t watched the Flook videos yet, drop everything, (I mean everything!), and go see this free show.
Thanks, Phil, wherever you are over there! We appreciate it!!
