I’m just trying to remember or think of what is or was the best recording of flute playing which I heard while I was starting to learn a few tunes on the flute. I’m probably thinking of 15 or 20 years ago just now. There was an LP of Matt Malloy on the go and also a record of Michael Tubridy called “The Eagle’s Whistle”. Michael Tubridy has a couple of tracks on that record which I think are beautiful. I recently re-listened to another record by Frankie Gavin - “Up and Away”. I think that it would be difficult to find better flute music on a commercial recording. What do other people think?
I almost wore out Eddie Cahill’s record, and now the McDonough’s of Sligo or whatever it’s called gets played a lot. For what it’s worth. Aoife Granville’s CD is nice.
I’ve been struggling with the flute for nearly 15 years. I was aware of the Wooden Flute Obsession CD’s a few years ago, but shined them on. My wife bought the set for me for my recent BD, and I’m going crazy with learning the tunes. Hats off to Mr. Krell. The WFO CD’s have it all.
Must agree. Bought the Paddy Carty record at the same time as the Paddy Taylor LP - what cover art! - and seemed to play the Carty one more, for whatever reason. Which reminds me of the Tommy Healy and Johnny Duffy record, that is still a fave - all of course in AAC format now in the iPod. Nice version of Fred Finn’s on that played solo. Mmmh.
I’m damned if I can figure it out, either. On first listen, it sounded much like any other solo flute LP.
But I find I can play it over and over in a way I don’t with any other.
It’s the famous Carty flow, I suppose. His playing seems a lot more direct than that of people like Matt Molloy or Seamus Tansey. It’s flute playing that canters rather than burbling or frolicing.
Don’t get me started on the Up and Away LP by Frankie Gavin, Mr Bradley. That’s another fave - Frankie looking exceptionally dapper - super last track where he does the multitracking on fiddle flute and accordion. Mr O’Loughlin with Maeve-thingy on their CD THE THING ITSELF made me want to learn every tune though, and Bro + Sis McEvoy made me whimper. The first track on the hon. Harry Bradley’s 1st CD made my teeth grind in my sleep, and that can only be a good thing. Funny that one barndance or was it a highland - highland I think, starts virtually note for note the same as the later reel Doon Lasses - or Loone Lasses as Cathal McConnell seems to call it on the Hidden Fermanagh CD, which reminds me of the solo record of the man himself, loved his kiss the Maid behind the Barrell, which again recalls the FLAGS OF DUBLIN and Mick Gavin record with Mr Gavin executing a lovely KTMBTB. Mike Rafferty can’t put a foot wrong either of course, but who am I to judge. They’re all good, except for the one’s, of course, who’re not. But who am I to judge.
notice the cover of Gavin’s recording…he’s holding a Patent Head Rudall.
my most-played CD of late is re-listening to Michael Flatley’s eponymous recording and paying strict attention not to tone (my GOD he plays flat!) but to the very Tansey-esque and Henry-esque moves he mixes together, the result of those two being his teachers at some time or other.
Can’t say there is any ONE perfect recording, though Stony Steps by Molloy comes closest for me!
ah memories…of course i had m. molloy’s lp’s, along with mike tubridy’s which i really like too, paddy carty, frankie gavin etc.
hmmm let’s see, i would also add from that generation of fluter music: cathal mcconnell, joe burke, roger sherlock, seamus tansey, fintan vallely, marus hernon, and of course josie mcdermott. oh and hammy too!
