Ealu

Piping Lessons from Ryan Murphy (of Ealu and Cara Band)

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 2 Comments

I know someone who plays the Uilleann pipes and that person is a Chemistry major. It seems that everyone who has Celtic blood running in their veins, has no difficulty in leading two careers-Music and Science.

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I featured the band Cara a few weeks ago. That’s when I got to know Ryan Murphy and his other band Ealu. Ryan gives his FYI about  the Uilleann pipes in between tours here.This is for those who want to learn and the basics  and the important things to remember.

Basic info:

Currently with: Cara and Ealu

Hometown: Cork

Also Plays: Flutes, whistles and Saxophones.

The things he could never leave behind when on a tour:

“Aside from the instruments I’d have to say the iPod. The car journeys just get too long with out it.”

http://www.cara-music.com/

http://www.ealumusic.com/

Uilleann Pipes 101

1.Buying the instrument : Make sure you know that the maker has a good reputation and make sure the sound they produce is to your taste.

2.Interpreting traditional pieces: Well everyone interprets tunes differently. I always try to mix up how I interpret every tune. Sometimes they could be filled with loads of ornaments and tricks but then sometimes it’s great to scale it all back.

3.Playing, tuning and knowing the parts of the instrument: Is vital when it comes to the Uilleann pipes as maintenance is critical in order for them to sound right.

4.Practicing: Is a big part of my daily routine. I sometimes skip lectures in college just to practice that hour or two extra.

5.Maintenance: I always keep my pipes as well maintained as possible. On tour the pipes could hang you out to dry in the middle of a concert if they’re not kept in top order. I make sure the joints are always well sealed, in dry climates I humidity the reed as often as I need to depending on the level of humidity.

Escape by Éalú

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About the band:

”  Dynamic quartet who play Irish traditional music with a twist”.

Band members:

Ryan Murphy- Uilleann Pipes, Flute, Saxophone.

Cillian King- Concertina, Guitar, Banjo, Vocals.

Francis Ward- Piano.

Dermot Sheedy- Bodhrán, Drums, General Percussion.

Genre: Traditional,Folk, Acoustic, Jazz

Hometown: Limerick

Website: http://www.ealumusic.com/

Sample tracks:

That’s the Life

Pennywell

Getting Jiggy

Hale-Bopp

You can buy Escape from the official website of the band.

 

As the title of the album suggests, listening to Éalú is an escape from the ordinary into the exciting world of colors and textures created by sounds encompassing Jazz, Celtic and Dance music. Escape, the debut album is now out. The cover artwork depicts splashes of paint against a dark brick wall. Each member brings his own style into the mix. For instance, the often times haunting piano intro of Francis Ward creates that calming balance to the driving percussion of Dermot Sheedy. Ryan Murphy’s stunning command of the uilleann pipes, flute, whistles and even saxophones are all complemented by the rich vocals of Cillian King who also plays the concertina and guitar.

Songs like San Francisco Bay Blues stick with me because of its 20’s jazz appeal. Cillian here sounds like a cross between Harry Connick jr and Marti Pellow of Scottish band Wet Wet Wet. Catch the Wind (originally done by Donovan)has that breezy acoustic guitar strumming and epic singing that stays with you like a glimpse to the best moments of your life. Marion McLean of Eoligary is stunning with its simplicity and grace. That’s Life is so beautifully done that it makes you wish you sound like Cillian King when you sing! The album closes with the stunning Hale-Bop that showcases what makes Éalú the cream of the crop among young Irish bands today.