Guitars

The Ashokan Farewell and McIlroy Guitars.

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His arrangement of The Ashokan Farewell for acoustic guitar. Played on a McIlroy AJ16

Dermot McIlroy is a versatile artist. Apart from playing in his project bands, he is also a guitar builder. Have you tried visiting McIlroy Guitars? The video will give you an idea what one of them sounds like(the McIlroy AJ16). And he plays really good! He executes that depth and craft in the video Ashokan Farewell which has a rather interesting background.

Dermot McIlroy in Antrim, Antrim, United Kingdom.

Dermot McIlroy in Antrim, Antrim, United Kingdom. Photo by Daniel Burne.

I love instrumental music. They don’t have resistance or aggression. They are compatible with almost anything. The Ashokan Farewell plays like a peaceful river. Everything flows without bumps and uncertainty. And the notes are clear like golden silver. Can you hear it? That certain feel to it?

I think there should be a solo instrumental album from McIlroy don’t you think? I think, for that to be realized one day will be a truly wonderful experience. Solo guitar music is timeless. I love collecting them. I can play them anytime and anywhere. I hope this post(and most importantly the accompanying music lights up your week) inspires you as you start your day or recline to sleep.

http://mcilroyguitars.co.uk

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I will be posting a blog about Derek Smith of this Welsh trio, Glasnant. According to him:

“Glasnant means Blue Stream in English. Our music will be like a stream flowing through the Celtic countries.” They will go to Ireland on March 12th-16th to take their interceltic music to the Aran Isles. Sounds exciting!

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The Grantena

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The Grantena

Have you seen anything like this before? 

I have a friend from Nova Scotia and his name is Layne Greene. He comes from a long line of musicians and musical instrument makers. For anyone with Celtic blood in his or her veins, music and instrument making are all part of the tradition. This Grantena is hand made in 1918 by his grandmother’s grandfather. This is the only one in the world.

What is DADGAD Guitar Tuning?

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It is fascinating how musicians like the late   Michael O’Domhnaill, Luka Bloom, Paul McSherry or even rocker Jimmy Paige and folk icon Neil Young made guitar sound THAT way. I did some research and came across this tuning called DADGAD which is also referred to as modal tuning.

It follows the art of how bagpipes are tuned with the drones. Unlike the standard    EADGBE, DADGAD tuning creates that warmth, ethereal sound that is distinctive in players of Celtic music.

Youtube has shown me  a lot of ways to tune the guitar in the DADGAD and I chose this video which I think is more helpful in explaining the procedure. If  you are an expert or a newbie, you might try considering this kind of tuning as an alternative, to create a distinct sound of your own. Check this one out by Jamie Roberts.

Following our DADGAD tutorial is a musician known for this : Paul McSherry.

According to his Myspace:

Originally from Finaghy road north in West Belfast, I now reside in Magherafelt, Co. Derry and have been playing the guitar (DADGAD tuning) from the age of 14.
At present, I am Head of Technology and Design in Drumcree College, Portadown, Co. Armagh.

http://www.myspace.com/paulmcsherry

http://www.paulmcsherry.com/

Check out his video playing here: http://www.paulmcsherry.com/video/index.html

Robin Bullock over Tea

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robin bullock Hi folks. We have another gloomy morning. But now that it’s almost noon, sun is up. I am listening to Robin Bullock’s Greenfields which is an album for those who love the cittern and guitar. Very lovely cascading collection of strumming and plucking. If you haven’t heard it yet, then take a look at this link. With this music, I am having Earl Grey tea. Very appropriate!

I have finally recovered from flu. I missed a few days of work(which explains my furious postings) . Anyway I wish you all well and blessed be.