I started playing fiddle around the time of this recording and Kevin was my role model. I've even taken a couple of lessons from him. Now in 2011 I don't even come close to sounding as good as he was back then.
I looked at the CD of "Portland" and "The Daisy Field" is known as "The Wild Irishman". But "The Abbey Reel" is know as "The Moher Reel". Those are the second and third tunes in the medley and the first tune in it is "Maudabawn Chapel". But that tune isn't played on this RUclips video.
The Wild Irishman is an oft' played session tune, that bears no resemblance to the first reel here. Did you listen to the CD or just look at the liner notes? Of course it is possible that two reels have the same title. I first learned the Wild Irishman off a Paddy Glackin record. It's in D, and the second part starts with a descending then ascending A major scale. It's one of those rare tunes that can be played entirely on the A and E strings, or on the G and D strings.
"Jade Tiger" - Kevin Burke's musical "roots" would generally be accepted as being in Sligo-style fiddling, rather than Donegal. Just thought I'd mention it.
Dude, this is not even representin'. House sessions are where it's at. Lived a block from Kevin back in the day. Nothing like being completely Langers to the hilt while he slept on the couch for 4 hours, fiddle propped against himself. Or, so we thought... occasionally he would wail out this Jabba the Hut gut laugh at a tune he either loved or hated. He came to about 4:15 a.m. carried us through sun up at 7. Jesus. Crookedly grabbing his case left the house... only to turn back inside, "THANKS FOR THE SNOOZE!!!" The 6 people still left lost their shit. 11:00 a.m. phone rings..."THANKS FOR THE SNOOZE!!!" -Click-
I was a young fiddler in Portland at that time, and I remember Kevin taking over sessions with his encyclopedic repertoire, and his stamina as a fiddler and drinker. Usually the last man standing, or I should say sitting, until the locals were cut one after the other. I have a clear memory of a session in a dive off Burnside. Kevin, playing with his left arm resting on his knee, except to execute a series of beautifully supple rolls on the e-string. One reel after another until he was sober enough to walk home, I guess. Kevin is and was completely dedicated to his music, and a fine gentleman. Zeez, I imagine we crossed paths in the day. Thanks for your story, it brought back some good memories.
Such an incredible fiddle player... the Abbey Reel is a joy to listen to :)
Kevin Burke always makes me cry
In fact, he's a very funny guy.
I started playing fiddle around the time of this recording and Kevin was my role model. I've even taken a couple of lessons from him. Now in 2011 I don't even come close to sounding as good as he was back then.
I looked at the CD of "Portland" and "The Daisy Field" is known as "The Wild Irishman". But "The Abbey Reel" is know as "The Moher Reel". Those are the second and third tunes in the medley and the first tune in it is "Maudabawn Chapel". But that tune isn't played on this RUclips video.
The Wild Irishman is an oft' played session tune, that bears no resemblance to the first reel here. Did you listen to the CD or just look at the liner notes? Of course it is possible that two reels have the same title. I first learned the Wild Irishman off a Paddy Glackin record. It's in D, and the second part starts with a descending then ascending A major scale. It's one of those rare tunes that can be played entirely on the A and E strings, or on the G and D strings.
It’s very likely both reels were composed by Larry Redican.
Bilko - these are true treasures, thanks for sharing them.
Great playing
Interesting, both masters have roots in Donegal no wonder they sound so good together.
"Jade Tiger" - Kevin Burke's musical "roots" would generally be accepted as being in Sligo-style fiddling, rather than Donegal. Just thought I'd mention it.
Have heard a medley of them and another reel on Portland.
Are there interviews as well from this session, or what's up with the guy watching them?
Guild D25 dubh!!! 1980! :D
Seo an Máistéir na Tara, Micheál abú!
Dude, this is not even representin'. House sessions are where it's at. Lived a block from Kevin back in the day. Nothing like being completely Langers to the hilt while he slept on the couch for 4 hours, fiddle propped against himself. Or, so we thought... occasionally he would wail out this Jabba the Hut gut laugh at a tune he either loved or hated. He came to about 4:15 a.m. carried us through sun up at 7. Jesus. Crookedly grabbing his case left the house... only to turn back inside, "THANKS FOR THE SNOOZE!!!" The 6 people still left lost their shit. 11:00 a.m. phone rings..."THANKS FOR THE SNOOZE!!!" -Click-
I was a young fiddler in Portland at that time, and I remember Kevin taking over sessions with his encyclopedic repertoire, and his stamina as a fiddler and drinker. Usually the last man standing, or I should say sitting, until the locals were cut one after the other. I have a clear memory of a session in a dive off Burnside. Kevin, playing with his left arm resting on his knee, except to execute a series of beautifully supple rolls on the e-string. One reel after another until he was sober enough to walk home, I guess. Kevin is and was completely dedicated to his music, and a fine gentleman. Zeez, I imagine we crossed paths in the day. Thanks for your story, it brought back some good memories.