Cogsey

Hi there. I teach from time to time. Have played anglo for 26 years and would have a very good reputation as a concertina player (I think). I sub for Micheal O'Raghallaigh's classes from time to time. Haven't taught across skpe before but don't see it as a problem. I'm based in Kildare and the Broadband is occasionally poor but I'd be prepared to give it a go. I don't really have conditions other than you practice what you learn in the lesson and make progress! Up to you what you want to learn - whether it's technique, style, tunes etc. I have a day job so evenings would suit me better. I'll do half hour or hour lessons depending on what suits best. Would be happy to give a discount on the first lesson so that we're both comfortable with the format etc. If you're interested, send me an e-mail to concertina@ireland.com and I'll quote rates All the best Ciaran O'Grady

I've just checked the thread indicated by Daniel Hersh. Seems unbelievable but I have no cause to doubt Mr Chambers. As I promised to check out the machine for you, P.con, I will do so if you still want me to but my judgement is already somewhat coloured, I have to admit! Let me know. Ciaran

Update! Just spoke to Sean Garvey and unfortunately he doesn't have any Dubliner concertina's in at the moment. He's taken my details and will give me a shout in a few weeks. I'll keep you posted. Ciaran

If anyone is interested, Ciaran O'Grady (that's me) and Aifric Boylan (that's my wife) will be performing a lunchtime concert between 1 and 2pm this Thursday 7th October at National University of Ireland, Maynooth in Co Kildare. It's in the Riverstown Hall (South campus). We'll be playing Concertina and fiddle and performing a mixture of Irish Traditional and English folk music as well as several contemporary compositions of our own. Admission is free and all are welcome. Pop along if you're in the vicinity.

It's rare that I'm able to contribute something useful to this site though I peruse regularly. I happen to work 2 miles from Walkinstown in Dublin and so will undertake to call in there some lunch time this week (probably Friday) and see what they've got. Thwe website mentions Klingentel, Germany but I'll try and get a better understanding and test drive it. If you have anything in particular that you want to find out add it to this topic and I'll check in before Friday. Ciarán P.S. I had expected to have my new C&R Dipper concertinas by now and to give an update on concertina.net. It's looking likely that I'll have them before Christmas. The fact that Ireland Inc. is effectively insolvent, it's comforting to know we'll shortly be even worse off courtesy of a devestating Budget. So, scraping together the funds for two Dipper concertinas for which I have waited an eternity (and happy to do so!), will easily outweigh any tax increases or other such fiscal strangling that the government can throw my way.

Alan Day's thread on the future of the concertina has given me an idea. I'm currently finalising the keyboard layout of my new Dipper concertina and it's obviously hugely important to me (and my wallet) to get this right! I play a 28 key C Jeffries but am aware that some of the 38 key anglos have a thumb button on the left-hand-side that has a 'C' on the push and pull. It's wonderful for delivering a continuous drone/bass that doesn't require thought as to the bellow movement in the tune or positioning of the fingers. So I have been thinking - would it make sense to place another thumb button nearby that could produce an 'E' in both directions (or an 'A' or a 'G' etc) to suit other tunes? If there is an identical thread elsewhere - apologies. If this is a new idea, I'd welcome your thoughts and sugestions as to the best note to go for and if it's possible from a mechanical point of view. Based on your feedback, I'll mention it to Colin and Rosalie Dipper. It might bridge the gap, in some small way, between anglo and english models?! Best regards Ciaran O'Grady. P.s. Marien's picture of an ideal new concertina is very funny. I assume it would be played with the thumb!

For many years now I’ve been badgering Colin and Rosalie Dipper to make a concertina for me. We began discussing it when I was 18 so that’s 13 years in all. I spoke with Colin last week and he asked me to forward the final keyboard layout as he and Rosalie will start building it this Summer. I simply had to share this news with people that would understand. I am now spending lots of quality time with my wife and children as it’s unlikely that they’ll see me much when it arrives. Incidentally, I write music from time to time and a group called Beoga have recently released their 3rd album called “The Incident” which includes 3 of my compositions. Beoga don’t have a concertina player in their line up but despite this horrendous oversight, they’re damn good (imho). If anyone is interested you can go to their website at www.beogamusic.com or Compass Records. For my part, I promise to shed my luddite ways and make some sort of a recording when the Dipper concertina arrives. I’ll try and post it on MyTube or YourFace or whatever those pages are called (or chlidren/recession permitting - record a full album). I know someone who knows someone who can do the webpage sort of thing. That’s it really – I just needed to tell someone. Feel better now. Must go home and finish that keyboard layout! Best wishes and Happy Easter Ciaran O’Grady

Just read Ptarmigan's comments which I probably should have read before I went off on my rant. I agree fully. I also gave up the wet sounding PS box - some 20 years ago - in favour of a honey toned Jeffries. Ciaran

I don't normally get worked up about threads on this forum. however.... If Irish music on concertina is considered boring because it does not use hormonics enough, frankly I think the argument is weak. There are lots of approaches to ITM. Lots of lovely styles. plenty of players enjoy the simplicity of the melody and its reflection on simpler times/tradition without the layering of harmonies etc. That's their choice. I appreciate and play a variety of styles (sometimes simple/sometimes complex) depending on my mood, environment, piece of music etc etc etc. It would be a boring musical landscape if we all engaged in one true style to appease folk who consider melody making to be boring. So I suggest you try to appreciate the merits and clarity of simple melody playing and enjoy the textures/complexities etc of those who play to the instruments full potential but don't generalise about irish music on concertina. There are many different species of concertina player out there. Dare I suggest that you do some more research before concluding that Irish concertina music is boring? Ciaran O'Grady Kildare

This thread is fascinating. I used to be a paid musician in the Lobby bar in Cork city - 8 or 9 years ago now. Gerry Mckee (bouzouki) and I would play tunes from 9.30 til 12.30. some times longer but not often. We got 30 pounds each and put most of it back behind the bar in drink. They were fun times but musically empty. Gerry and I would often be the only two playing and we'd regurgitate our repertoire which seemed to be contracting week by week. That was Friday nights. It was very obviously a paid gig with no real dynamic. some of the locals loved the music alright but mostly we were the background noise. On Monday's there was a college session in the Spailpín Fanach. the Trad society got some cash but everyone turned up to enjoy themselves and play tunes. It was much more enjoyable musically. These days I'm married to a fiddle player with a young son and whilst we don't go to sessions often, we tend to go to more house sessions with local musicians in the Kildare/meath area. We're fortunate that most are great singers and players and there's occasionally a bit of dance too. we keep meaning to organise something regularly and I'm sure we will in the new year. Perhaps the house session does discriminate against people who are not in the circle of friends but from a musicians point of view, the music is fully appreciated and enjoyed and it feels far more tangible and real than pub ssessions which have altogther lost their appeal for me- probably because they're a paid event as everyone's said. I can't imagine saying the above as a teenager but things change and maturing occurs. I was once obsessed with the technical graces of the concertina. It's now simply (and beautifully) a medium/conductor for real music. Something tells me that as Ireland continues to change and the paid session becomes even more redundant, house sessions will emerge again as the focal point. I see this as no bad thing. Long after the session saturation has passed people might return to pubs to enjoy music as a voluntary thing without the pressure of tune, tune, song, tune, sip pint, tune, tune, sip pint etc etc (- exhaustion!). The last gig I played was in the four seasons in Dublin - it was a corporate gig playing back ground music for a large group of Americans who were over on a food convention. Lots of very nice people I might add. However the coordinater had to leave early for personal reasons so one of the American committe took over the coordination. She checked what time we were meant to finish and when we should have a break etc. we played a few tunes and were applauded (unexpected at this kind of thing). We sat back and gathered our thoughts for another set. Not 30 seconds passed and the lady came over. "Oh...are you guys taking your break now??...Oh, you;re not?...It's just that you stopped playing..." I felt like slapping her but it reminded me of the paid session all over. Play - play - play. Keep it going. In that atmosphere there's no room for the full experience of a good session. And I agree with Mr Laban - there are very many fine young musicians out there. Full maturity in music takes time and many of the young speedsters will turn into reliable, mature musical drivers! If they play lots of technical stuff when they're mastering the instruments - let them. They'll steady up and realise there's much more to it in time. The above is rather convoluted. hope my points are understood. Real sessions are not dead- just harder to find. Ciaran O'Grady Kildare

This is an interesting thread. I play a 28 key Jeffries and lacking the E on the draw, I asked Colin Dipper to put one in on the left side, outside row 4th note. Colin obliged. Can't remember what I lost at the time (I was ten) but as a more mature player, I now find myself lacking low Bflat - so that was probably what I lost. The E (pull) is extremely useful though - perhaps I should have thought of swapping the D instead! ~Just need to find space for a Csharp on the push!!! ...eh....Colin? Ciaran Kildare

I agree with much of what’s been said. As you improve, tune your ear/(eyes) into the various techniques and you’ll realise how they work and why they work. Then it’s a matter of taste, I suppose. Personally I enjoy experimenting with several different styles as they each have something to offer. Perhaps my own style is less obvious as a result but it makes playing more cognitive than following the same pattern each time. It’s kept me interested these last 22 years anyway. The concertina is one of those glorious breeds that allows amazing versatility in very subtle ways. A few years ago I was adjudicating a fleadh in Kilcormac, Offaly and a girl in the Under 15 competition (who’s name I can’t remember unfortunately) astounded me with her approach. I really thought I’d seen/heard all the known styles yet this child was adjusting her hand so considerably to access the lower keys yet not interrupting the rhythm of the tunes. The movements and key choices led to a unique sound and style. It looked impossible but it worked. I speculate that she was the product of self-teaching. No matter how laissez faire some teachers are – they would certainly have highlighted easier approaches. I hope she’s still playing and engaging her own unique style somewhere. Anyway they’re my thoughts for what they’re worth. Once you enjoy the music you play, does it really matter what style you use? Good luck with whichever style you choose. Ciaran

Hopefully sometime this year but you never can tell. I'm a long time waiting already - but I'm sure it'll be worth it. I've ordered a concert pitch and an e flat. sick of transposing and not having all the notes. Figured that by the time the first one arrived, I'd want the second so - in for a penny - in for a pound. Gotta run C

Hi there, time for a little self-congratulation. I just received a copy of Beoga's second CD entitled Mischief. If you haven't heard of them they're a 5 piece from around Antrim (www.beogamusic.com) featuring two accordion players, keys, percussion, fiddle/vocals - that description doesn't really do them justice. They really are very very good and innovative (in my opinion) and what's more they've recorded a piece of music that I wrote some years ago called "Dipper's Dilemma". The track is called "Trolleyed" They're interpretation is fantastic and I'm delighted with it - particularly as I don't play out as much as I'd like - so it's very nice when someone else does it for you! The whole album is well worth a purchase. Hopefully the Dipper concertinas will arrive sometime this year and I can resolve the dilemma. Regards to all Ciaran

Aogán. Ciaran O'Grady here. Hope all's well and that you're not on the motorbikes too much! What's the self promoting news? ? C

Very, very sad news. The removal to the church is this evening at 6.30. I'll be going to the funeral mass on Saturday too. I expect there'll be an appropriate musical tribute at it. Michéal said that bodhrán and banjo players will be directed toward the other church in the village... even at the most painful times, the O'Raghallaigh's wit is as sharp as ever. Ciaran O'Grady

Maybe her name is "M'Hohner Lisa". Sorry about that. Brian Vallely from Armagh has painted some fascinating pictures of traditional musicians - many including his son Niall on concertina. really beautiful work - great energy - he brings the musician to life like no other. Ciaran O'Grady Kildare

Lovely to read your comments. Thank you. Would you belive I still haven't heard the album! My wife discovered that we have visitors...mice...and their despatch has been prioritised. The album certainly looks fun - wish I was old enough to discover it first time around! However, I will treasure it. Already keeping it away from suspicious two-year-old-with-crayon. To respond to a few comments, I've had a Dipper on order since I was 18 - let me see... that's 11 years. Mostly my fault though. Colin knew I didn't have the money initially - and I didn't know what I wanted - but he was good enough to put my name in "the book". A few years ago I asked if it was still there and he said "Oh yes" so we got to talking again and have been discussing my requirements for a while. I have a 28 key Jefferies which is a real gem, but I find it lacks a few critical keys and notes for some of the more creative pieces so Colin is going to build a 28 key and add on the extras. I belive his concertinas are the best available and are also a work of art. Can't wait!...well I can...and obviously I will. Very interesting to read your comments, Larryo - We live out in Straffan the last while and I haven't played any tunes out here except in the house with my wife who plays fiddle. The butcher in the village is a fiddle player but we haven't organised a tune yet. Our son keeps us occupied and so we don't play in town much the last while. I used to play a few sessions in the Harcourt Hotel and pubs around Dublin. Keep meaning to go to the early session at the Cobblestone. Some day over the Christmas we're going to head in. John - the keys do have the band members faces on. Better get back to work. all the best Ciaran

Myself and the two-year old were strolling through a Dublin market on Saturday and spottd a vinyl stall. I started flicking through the records and happened upon a Horslips album - "Happy to meet". The album sleeve is eight sided with intricate detail of an English concertina. Couldn't resist the temptation (even though I'm an Anglo player!) so bought it. What with parental duties I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet or even look at it closely so I have no idea of the significance of cover. Does anybody else have a copy? Is it any good. I have to say that it must have cost a packet to print! On another note - was talking to Colin Dipper last week and he said he will "soon" be getting around to making my new concertina. "Soon" is good enough for me! I'm like Pavlov's dog - salivating (musically) at the prospect. to those of you that remember helping me out with the audacity/sony MD query previously -we've moved house since summer and the recording stuff is taking a back seat for a while. I will get around to it - promise. Best regards Ciaran O'Grady 28 key Jeffries Kildare

I also use both G/A buttons and find that chord sequences are much more comfortable given the choice. My Jeffires is a 28 key so when I was 12/13, Colin Dipper changed the low Bb (accidental row) to an E-pull. I have found this extremely useful and comfortable - particularly as you can play E and lowB together in both directions. Now that I'm older and possibly wiser, I very much miss the Low Bb for big phat chords! It will be the 29th key on my Dipper when that arrives. It probably goes to show that the standard layouts of Jeffries and Wheatstone are very sensible indeed and that we should add keys if necessary but not change existing ones if it can be helped. I always find it slightly inconvenient when trying other concertina's to try and adapt back. Ciaran O'Grady Dublin

Grew up in the Irish music tradition but have found a love for Classical/Baroque music. I play Anglo which makes it tough to fit in chords etc to fatten the melody but it's possible and challenging. Tried playing bits of Bach and Boccherini but my limitation is knowledge of suitable pieces in the first place to go and try. All ideas very welcome. (BTW - Still working on the audacity recording etc, but hopefully will soon have some offerings to share - some with a classical flavour) Ciaran O'Grady Dublin 28 Jeffires anglo

Jim, Larry, Sandy & Chris, Thank you all very kindly. It's now working like a dream. I nipped home at lunch time to try it. Yipee! ! THANK YOU!!. In hindsight it all sounds so simple. I have no idea why my small brain did not offer any of the multiple solutions you gave. I guess some people have the logic. So now it works and I can record and mess around and start getting somewhere with my writing. Just incase you thought that was the end of this thread I still need some guidance. How do I make the music recorded in .Wav form (seemless use of techno speak!) available on this website?...or anywhere else for that matter. Either that or I post my humble offerings on CD to the people who have pulled me aboard the technology ship and saved me from drowning in the "SeaPU" ! Many thanks again. Ciaran O'Grady 28 Jeffries Anglo Dublin

Well I'm back. The earlier optimism is all but gone. I need your help again. spindizzy mentioned previously that if I had a Sony Net MD player I wouldn't be able to import the music and I would have to play it into audacity. That seems to be the problem. When I connect the MD to the Laptop, and I open MDJukebox ( I think) the tunes sit in the loading bay. I then open audacity and fiddle intently for hours but cannot get audacity to pick up the music. Am I thick or what? Don't answer that one. I'm not a great man for reading the manuals but have tried. Jargon kills me. I get the feeling that I need to store the MD music somewhere and then get audacity to pick it up. Kind people - lend me your expertise! Also, my microphone is currently broken but when I get a new one will the following be possible? I plug in the mic to the mic hole on the side of the laptop (apologies for poor techno-lingo). I open audacity and click record. It starts recording sounds in the room - (will it recognise the microphone or do I have to "tell it" where to look?) I have no idea of the internal workings of laptops (sony Vaio) and want to exist on a need to know basis - selfish, I know but I have such little spare time these days that any I do have I want to be able to devote to the music (facilitiated by IT!) and not devoted to IT facilitated by a CD in the background! Yours ignorantly Ciaran, Dublin.

Loved the music Johan. Very nice chord work too. Really like the 5/4 waltz. Ciaran

Thank you all for your generous contributions. As Easter is upon us, I'm going to try and lock myself away and do this. I think I'll try the audacity software first. I'll let you know how I get on and if/when I'm successful - I'll ask you bright people how to put those fancy links into your messages so that you can hear my efforts at a click!!! Thanks again - such a decent bunch of people you all are! For the record (but not album just yet!) - I play a 6 fold 28 bone key Jeffries (which is in need of a trip to Michéal O'Raghaillagh for a tune up) - even so it's a delight to play and I'm very lucky to have it. Mum and Dad went shopping for a concertina for me when I was 8 (20years ago) and a shop in Oundle, Northamptonshire had a scatter of concertinas but only one anglo - they bought it. Consider myself very lucky indeed. Spoke to Colin Dipper recently and he's optimistic about my new Dipper - hopefully sometime this year! Very excited indeed! Back to you soon. (Not sure what model of Sony MD it is but I think I have enough info in this thread that my small brain should cope...hopefully!) best regards and thanks again Ciaran O'Grady Dublin