uilleann pipes

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.

vPipes, ePipes and New Music

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

But we’re never gonna survive, unless…
We get a little crazy -Seal

Embracing Life Without Hesitation

A friend who is studying the Uilleann Pipes sent me a recording of his very first session. I pondered on it for a few moments before hitting the ‘play’ button, after it was successfully downloaded. Of all the things we traded together, I think it was the most important gift I ever received. It was his first recorded musical performance. I feel like a doting older brother.

For a starter he impressed me. He was still doing the 70 bpm with little slips-very little. He sprinted the perilous notes without hesitation. The confidence made me smile. I have been interviewing seasoned musicians from all around. But to get something from someone who was just starting is like watching a child open his eyes for the first time. You want to know what happens next. You treat it like a precious plant that needs watering and sunlight. It was the idea of getting “there” that’s exciting.

That’s why I love what I do. I love being close to musicians and knowing what they do or how they think. People ask me if I have a band and if I play music too. I explain that I am a music blogger and would remain so. I am not a musician but I understand music. It is nice to have a view from here. To see the people you admire- the musicians – doing creative things with sound and instruments.

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Luke and Sarah

The Bombadils are a band that is on top of my list to watch out for this year. My friend from the band  Luke Fraser plays the guitar in this track. Sarah Frank plays the violin.

Update: Just chatted with Luke and he told me he is heading to Nashville for a couple of shows. It should be awesome! CMF is rooting for you  and the rest of your band buddy.

http://www.thebombadils.com/

http://www.myspace.com/thebombadils

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Skully’s Agenda…

What I like about electronic music is its ability to create different palettes on a single sound. Synthesizers have a way adding flourishes on a single note that is not possible with acoustic instruments. I love atmospheric music and the artist Skully does it good with Irish Makeover. Here, you get to listen to traditional tracks with ambient treatment.Futuristic and ancient at the same time. Dreamy soundscapes, gentle electronic effects and loops are meant to enhance the sound without sacrificing the structure of the songs. Skully is really making music that is irresistible, enigmatic and worth your time after a hard day’s work.

http://www.myspace.com/irishskully/music

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Ever heard of vPipes and ePipes?

I think this is good as a practice material. I wonder what hardcore pipers think about this.

www.epipes.co.uk/products.html

http://www.vpipes.com/

Stephen O’Connor and the Uilleann Pipes

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

  Stephen O'Connor with his Uilleann Pipes. 

 I have been haunted by the sound of the Uilleann Pipes ever since.I  I really wanted to do a tribute to it .I am glad to finally know someone in the Internet by the name of Stephen O’Connor who plays it like no other.  I sent Stephen  a message asking him if I can feature a video of him playing this wonderful instrument at home. I got captivated by this video and I think this is the best example of how such instrument can deliver more even without an accompaniment. He got back to me with a pleased answer.Stephen started playing this Irish traditional instrument at an early age  and taught by Ireland’s best musicians.

His resume includes:

Dublin‘s well known Templebar 

Oliver St. John Gogarty’s,

presenting live radio show LiveIreland

Touring with Gaelforce Dance(he visited Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Latvia and Lithuania) Dance Masters and Rhythms Of Ireland  


Check this video out:

Stephen O\’Connor

 


  More information about this wonderful musician is available here:                 http://my.liveireland.com/profile/stevie