Hey folks,
Zac Leger here. Just spreading the word that my buddy Stephen Doherty took first in the All-Ireland flute competition this year. Stephen is from Foxford, Co. Mayo and is a brilliant multi-instrumentalist. He is also a great guy. I know, because I have had to live with him for months at a time when we were in the same show together! Always great for the craic and a monster player. He’s wanted to win this for some time and he’s worked very hard for it and I am just pleased as punch for him. Aside from the flute, he also plays box, melodion (also has a first on this), whistles, bodhran, drums, guitar and mandola. And he’s 19. Keep an eye on this kid, he’s going to be big stuff soon! If you want to see a few clips of Stevie in action, check out our joint video site: http://www.youtube.com/legertymusic
or check out his MySpace page for some sound files.
I’ve watched that clip of Stephen play Colonel Frasier’s so many times I’ve lost count. It’s priceless! What amazes me that the clip states it’s a first, quick run through! Fantastic player and I look forward to hearing more of his stuff. Congrats Stephen!
Very nice playing. I liked the jigs in particular, nice accompaniment there as well Zac.
His style of playing reminds me very much of John Wynne. Am I the only one to think that? I don’t think it’s just the Murray flute and the headjoint on the shoulder thing, but his style as well. This fellows style seems a bit more heavily ornamented at times than perhaps Johns is, but the blow seems very similar, a very powerful, flowing style of playing. Well done.
One of Stephen’s big heroes is Mike McGoldrick, so that should give an idea of why his style sounds the way it does. However, he’s very inventive in his own right; makes him a joy to play with. Hopefully we will get a chance to do some more duo videos (and possibly even recordings) in the future. Thanks for all kind comments, folks!
