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akeller

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Everything posted by akeller

  1. I have been concerned about playing Irish on my EC (EC works for me from my prior musical training) but after attending Wendy Morrison’s Rhythm and Emphasis work shop, I fear no more. That one work shop alone was worth the price of admission and the cost of travel. The other two work shops were an extra bonus beyond that. Sign me up for next year! Al
  2. Hello Bob I'm a newbe on the concertina and advanced on the Mandolin. I picked up a Morse Albion (English) this spring and have been slowly squeezing some Irish tunes out of it. I live near Allentown PA but often travel to/thru North NJ so if you would like to make a connection and try the Morse out send me an email. Cheers Al
  3. Interesting research by the good professor. I would be curious as to his sources, but he didn’t divulge them in the article other then the vague references in paragraph two. Not that I have any dispute with his findings. I have been attending sessions for many years and it all rings true. I never thought to ask. Look around your area for any music instructors teaching ITM. They are always looking for venues to get their students out in public. Slow sessions are perfect for this. I would suggest using the last hour of the session for speeding things up. This attracts the advanced players and keeps their interest as well as some added excitement for the listeners. Just make sure everyone understands that no one accelerates before the agreed time. Adversely you can start the raw beginners before the regular session. This is a chance for some close instruction and gives them confidence to stay as they are already seated, and have a pint or two in them, when the regulars arrive. I wish you great success!! Al
  4. The "concertina reel". I thought it was required!
  5. Andy Irvine. One of the grand statesmen of the Irish Folk Music revitalization. http://www.andyirvine.com/ It's not his primary instrument so he uses the harmonica to fill in the gaps, so to speak. He does occasionally use it to lead a fiddle tune. Good stuff. Al
  6. I guess I’m living my ideal but I never really thought of it that way until this thread. I have the full band with lead/harmony vocals, two guitars, bouzouki, Irish/Scotts fiddle, Irish flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, B/C box (about to change to an EC, hence I joined Concertina.net), bass and keyboard. We play traditional and contemporary Celtic. It’s a big sound complete with sound rig, engineer, and a lot of work on our part to keep it flying. It comes with a big price tag so there’s revenue to be dealt with. Then there is the half band with me (banjo, mando, box), one guitar player and the fiddle player doing strictly traditional instrumental. Small sound and it comes easy as we travel light and half the time we don’t use sound gear. Cash in our pocket. Plus we host a local session. Truth be told if I had to choose between the two, after 10 years of the big sound, I would go for the small combo. It’s just too easy and that makes it fun all the time. Not much in the pocket but the two band mates are like family, the music just flows, and the step dancers keep “breaking the boards”. That’s what it’s really all about for me. Al
  7. Greetings to all. I am a new member to your forum and I would like to introduce myself. I am a Celtic musician and a colonial history buff. I am not a concertina player but intend on becoming one very soon as I’m selling a button accordion to help finance the purchase. I have been lurking your forum, and others, both shopping and learning and I wish to thank everyone here for the valuable education. Feel free to offer a newbie any advice you think I might need. Cheers Al Keller www.blackwatermusic.com www.coloniallivinghistory.org
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