This is serious funkin' on da flute! Awesome and inspirational...it's wonderful to see someone totally absorbed in the music when they are playing! I can't wait to funk on da flute too! keep it up!
I see two dislikes. How dare those people impose that drivel that they dare to call an opinion upon such an impassioned and skilled player as yourself. That sir was OUTSTANDING. PLEASE continue to play! I am a keyboard player but I cannot think of another circumstance in which I would enjoy your playing more than I just did. Really VERY good, thank you.
I play along with EVERYTHING I listen to, whether it is bebop, swing, R&B, Cuban or Brazilian, EVERYTHING! Also, my CDs are available at CDBaby and IndiePool (...And, finally, thanks for listening!... :-) Bill McBirnie
As I marvel with delight listening to this funky flute excursion, I cannot help but think bitter-sweet thoughts of Brookly-born Herbie Mann - RIP! This was the kind of pugnacious ferocity he exuded ceaselessly - with the sole purpose of commanding/demanding attention for the flute as an upfront, able-bodied, solo, lead instrument, Herbie Mann did. His "New Orleans", "Memphis Two Steps", "I'm A Soul Man", "Hi [Sky] Jack", "Push, Push" - among many others - do attest to Herbie Mann's penchant for Flute Funkiness, and for its being recognised and accepted as a lead instrument. Whatever the genre - Jazz, Pop, R 'n' B, Soul, Fusion, Samba, Bossa Nova, Dixie, Calypso, Soca, Reggae - Herbie Mann did it, in a "Herbie-Mannesque" fashion. Needless do I assert that Bill, not unlike Herbie Mann [RIP], is a virtuosic veteran of many genres. Great workout. champ!
That's really funky. Love it. Reminds me of one of my favourite tracks of all time, Ronald Snijders (Netherlands) Funky Flute (1985). Despite looking for a copy for a long time its only recently (thanks to the web) I've been able to even find evidence of its existence. And there's no download version I can find. Thanks for bringing back great memories and feelings. From your new fan.
Actually, I have a lot of classical background. (That is likely one of the reasons Sir James Galway solicited me to serve as his resident Jazz Flute Specialist !) Also, I have a student who was playing some Bach at a lesson one day and I expained what was going on melodically and harmonically in relation to what I was teaching him, and I went on to make some performance suggestions which shocked him so much that he actually dropped his classical teacher and now studies BOTH idioms with me! :-)
Hi Bill, awesome as always :) The no.1 inspiration for me on flute! I had some Skype lessons with you a couple of years ago, just picking the flute up again now my second child is sleeping through the nights :) The energy, rhythm and forward motion you play with is great. Right I'm off to the shed to play! Cheers, Charles from the U.K.
I've been working at improvising for years now...and, I admit, it took a long time to learn (...but then I am not very swift...) I studied a lot of theory once upon a time...but I try not to think about it anymore... The best way to learn how to improvise is by doing precisely what I am doing here; i.e., playing along with records. That is, in fact, how I started...and that is how I practice now....In fact, I am actually practising here!... :-)
...I choose NOT to beatbox...and that is the entire point!... I might add that, if you think it's so easy, then by all means, post your own version. (...Let me know when you have done so and I'll have a listen to it!... :-:) Bill McBiirnie (P.S. Good luck!)
(Oh, but I should mention that you will then be subject to MY judgement!..And I am very critical...as perhaps you can tell....So go right ahead...and give it your best shot!...Ha!...) :-)
@dojufitz (...maybe i should move there...because you would be surprised at how extraordinarily difficult it is to make a living at this here in canada!...but i am grateful for every gig i get!... :-)
I love the freestyle fluent aspect of the flute on this track. Funky flute over an overlay of an already impressive funky track. Super sweet. Bill - do you have cd material of this stuff that I can buy.
ahhhh this warms my heart and soul. Funky flute to a killer funk beat, it doesnt get any better. Checked out your CD's but unfortunately they don't compare to this. (I am not into latin) I also share your experience regarding how to learn improvisation, however I am not even near your skills. Thanks for posting, you really made my head nod. /Anders
This is a big question! I actually learned a lot by doing exactly what you see me doing here - just playing along with records. Also, listen to the greats - for example, Miles, Trane, Bud Powell, Lester Young, Aretha & Ray, etc. Sincerely, Bill McBirnie
Dont give up hope man once you play this jazz youll be one funkified swing man do it dont give up its not over man HEY!!!!!!!!!! TURN IT ALOOSE!!!!!!!!
Very nice! How did you learn how to improvise?, and at what point did the improvsation start to flow where it sound like u knew what u we're doing. Did it happen wks, months, or years later??
Wow. I'm a musician also, and I know how hard it is to improv over the same darn chord for 4 mins. and still keep it fresh and interesting. It even sounds like you ran out of song in the end! ku 2, my man.
very nice your swing like it..!!!!!! you sell your music by internet? I´m jazz flute player student, I live in southamerica, could you tell me what kind of play alone are you using? is really good for practice.
This is serious funkin' on da flute! Awesome and inspirational...it's wonderful to see someone totally absorbed in the music when they are playing! I can't wait to funk on da flute too! keep it up!
Yeahhhhh boi🔥
Glad you like it! ...I'm happy to have inspired you!...
Oh man this screams old school RUclips and I love it!
I see two dislikes. How dare those people impose that drivel that they dare to call an opinion upon such an impassioned and skilled player as yourself. That sir was OUTSTANDING. PLEASE continue to play! I am a keyboard player but I cannot think of another circumstance in which I would enjoy your playing more than I just did. Really VERY good, thank you.
Wow i love it.,..make it funky baby
I was waiting any second there for James to scream you name. Just insert you name where Maceo goes. Works for me.
man, produce an album
I play along with EVERYTHING I listen to, whether it is bebop, swing, R&B, Cuban or Brazilian, EVERYTHING!
Also, my CDs are available at CDBaby and IndiePool
(...And, finally, thanks for listening!... :-)
Bill McBirnie
CDs available at BandCamp! billmcbirnie-extremeflute.bandcamp.com/music
As I marvel with delight listening to this funky flute excursion, I cannot help but think bitter-sweet thoughts of Brookly-born Herbie Mann - RIP!
This was the kind of pugnacious ferocity he exuded ceaselessly - with the sole purpose of commanding/demanding attention for the flute as an upfront, able-bodied, solo, lead instrument, Herbie Mann did.
His "New Orleans", "Memphis Two Steps", "I'm A Soul Man", "Hi [Sky] Jack", "Push, Push" - among many others - do attest to Herbie Mann's penchant for Flute Funkiness, and for its being recognised and accepted as a lead instrument.
Whatever the genre - Jazz, Pop, R 'n' B, Soul, Fusion, Samba, Bossa Nova, Dixie, Calypso, Soca, Reggae - Herbie Mann did it, in a "Herbie-Mannesque" fashion.
Needless do I assert that Bill, not unlike Herbie Mann [RIP], is a virtuosic veteran of many genres.
Great workout. champ!
Insane flute solo.. best ive ever heard
Fantastic! Play that funky flute!!
Brilliant and beautiful
Not so obvious but very hip, Mista McB!!
First time hearing Bill McBirnie...Funky...good riding music! thanks for sharing!
Now I understand even better why this is my favourite instrument.
THANK YOU!
Absolutely phenomenal!!! 🥰
WAOWWW I did not known it was possible so funky things with a flute. You really master your instrument
you sir, are fantastic.
That's really funky. Love it.
Reminds me of one of my favourite tracks of all time, Ronald Snijders (Netherlands) Funky Flute (1985).
Despite looking for a copy for a long time its only recently (thanks to the web) I've been able to even find evidence of its existence. And there's no download version I can find.
Thanks for bringing back great memories and feelings. From your new fan.
Superlativo
Actually, I have a lot of classical background. (That is likely one of the reasons Sir James Galway solicited me to serve as his resident Jazz Flute Specialist !) Also, I have a student who was playing some Bach at a lesson one day and I expained what was going on melodically and harmonically in relation to what I was teaching him, and I went on to make some performance suggestions which shocked him so much that he actually dropped his classical teacher and now studies BOTH idioms with me! :-)
Love this Bill
Great playing bill! Funky as hell.
it's jolly funky ..well done ..I hear minor pentatonics with gold knobs on and loads of diminished shit for good measure AWESOME DUDE
you are seriousely funky brother...respect...pls. keep posting funky flute stuff and make our days pls...greetings from Switzerland
Funky..
..beautiful
Pure funk!👍👍👍
Great command over your instrument!
When he said capture the groove I knew it was over
...Hey, thanks a lot, Stephen!... Sincerely, Bill McBirnie
Great groove.
Incredible solo! Thanks for sharing. Best wishes from uruguay
This is AMAZING!!! I LOVE your style!!!
Super Funky! thanks for sharing!
Nice chops brother; funky and very cool....!
Thank for posting the clip man....
AMAZING !!!!! Keep groovin' !
off the chain
Hi Bill just wanted to say I bought your Mercy album on cdbaby. Really like it...Bless
Man, I have to say that is BADASS! Please come to Janesville, WI and play with us! We would welcome you!
hi ~
I'm from Korea
You are playing funky jazz flute so amazing!!!~~
and art work is just amazing!!!
Terrific jam Bill, thanks for posting this.
Nice chops brother; funky and very cool....!
Talent and a half!
Hi Bill, awesome as always :)
The no.1 inspiration for me on flute!
I had some Skype lessons with you a couple of years ago, just picking the flute up again now my second child is sleeping through the nights :)
The energy, rhythm and forward motion you play with is great. Right I'm off to the shed to play! Cheers, Charles from the U.K.
Hey, thanks, Charles! I know you will now have your hands full! (...Merry Christmas though!… :-)
Sir grooves a lot !
Bill's one heavy cat.
simply amazing
Wonderful
use flute for Jazz musics is something takes a long time to perfect. this is amazing.
This is amazing
❤❤ love this man
@knowledgeispowerfful
I've been working at improvising for years now...and, I admit, it took a long time to learn (...but then I am not very swift...)
I studied a lot of theory once upon a time...but I try not to think about it anymore...
The best way to learn how to improvise is by doing precisely what I am doing here; i.e., playing along with records. That is, in fact, how I started...and that is how I practice now....In fact, I am actually practising here!... :-)
this is on fire.
Inspirational!! Thank you so much for putting this out there
hello~
I think the performance is really great.
It's like a performance with a great jazz style.~I think the great performance is so great!!~^^
This made my day. Thank you
This is AMAZING.
Loving this!
Bravo 👏👏 👏👏 👏👏 👏👏 👏
It's amazing
Super
My stuff is available at CDBaby and on iTunes. Don't hesitate to go either place and see what you can find! (...Thanks for listening!...)
Yesssssssssss!!!!!!!
...I choose NOT to beatbox...and that is the entire point!...
I might add that, if you think it's so easy, then by all means, post your own version. (...Let me know when you have done so and I'll have a listen to it!... :-:)
Bill McBiirnie
(P.S. Good luck!)
(Oh, but I should mention that you will then be subject to MY judgement!..And I am very critical...as perhaps you can tell....So go right ahead...and give it your best shot!...Ha!...) :-)
very good !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the awesome video!
Smashed it
man AMAZING.
amazing simply amazing
@dojufitz (...maybe i should move there...because you would be surprised at how extraordinarily difficult it is to make a living at this here in canada!...but i am grateful for every gig i get!... :-)
Nice!!!!!
I love the freestyle fluent aspect of the flute on this track. Funky flute over an overlay of an already impressive funky track. Super sweet. Bill - do you have cd material of this stuff that I can buy.
I'm now at BandCamp!
ahhhh this warms my heart and soul.
Funky flute to a killer funk beat, it doesnt get any better.
Checked out your CD's but unfortunately they don't compare to this. (I am not into latin) I also share your experience regarding how to learn improvisation, however I am not even near your skills. Thanks for posting, you really made my head nod.
/Anders
hell yeah. all my black brothers unite for the funk. damn
Amazing
this made my day!
This is a big question!
I actually learned a lot by doing exactly what you see me doing here - just playing along with records. Also, listen to the greats - for example, Miles, Trane, Bud Powell, Lester Young, Aretha & Ray, etc.
Sincerely,
Bill McBirnie
Very very Great!!!!
Thats amazing!!! Am going to have to stick with the Irish reels and theyre hard enough!!!
Anything will do! (...Because it's the player, NOT the instrument, that produces the results!...)
Awesome!
this is so good>!!!!
Nice!
Mmm....liked and subscribed.
Any more like that?
Try the following (same channel!) "Some Funky Beatbox Flute (...Without The Beatbox!...)"
this guy rules.
this is righteous!
(...If you are really interested, then that's why I offer online lessons!... :-)
Hint: I think of scales rather than chords.
Wow, beatifull job! A big hug from Brazil! inscribe.
that's that funk I like
Dont give up hope man once you play this jazz youll be one funkified swing man do it dont give up its not over man HEY!!!!!!!!!! TURN IT ALOOSE!!!!!!!!
Very nice! How did you learn how to improvise?, and at what point did the improvsation start to flow where it sound like u knew what u we're doing. Did it happen wks, months, or years later??
...Years...( won't pretend!) :-)
buenisimo,gracias
I am starting with some improvisation ... I'd like your opinion ... thanks ...
Cool!
mmmmm 2 people didn't like this.2 people have no soul.
Good job man..Long live da funk ;-)
...Hey, Greg, I'll take that from you!...
Sincerely,
Bill McBirnie
Goddamn, where do all these supertalented musicians come from, where can I download, jeez papas got a brand new bag whoohooo
Wow. I'm a musician also, and I know how hard it is to improv over the same darn chord for 4 mins. and still keep it fresh and interesting. It even sounds like you ran out of song in the end! ku 2, my man.
...I can go on forever!... 🙂
What are the chord changes and what kind of lines are you playing over them? Thanks for sharing.
(...I'm using my ear...)
very nice your swing like it..!!!!!! you sell your music by internet? I´m jazz flute player student, I live in southamerica, could you tell me what kind of play alone are you using? is really good for practice.
Good God this guy is jammin!!!!!!!!!
Great!!
you are a very talentous what a fuck great improve i want a teacher like you