Dan Worrall

Wow, Robin. Sounds as if he had learned Kimber's version almost note for note, never realizing that Kimber played an Anglo! Didn't know you could play an English quite that way. I guess it is all about rewiring the brain....

Well, Jody, perhaps the reason for the similarity is that they both come from the same inventor....at least in part. Carl F. Zimmerman (1817-1898) was one of the early player-champions, and later, developers of the Uhlig German concertina (later to morph into the Anglo) in Germany. He built two and three row concertinas and may have been the first of the German concertina builders to adopt the six sided shape borrowed from English concertina builders (see my Anglo-German Concertina, A Social History, vol 1 pp 9-19). He also invented the Carlsfelder keyboard system for the concertina. He then moved to the US, built concertinas for a time, and then invented an early version of (and coined the term) "autoharp." See this link for that part of the story http://www.pickaway.press/fz/ahhistory.html. Zimmerman appears to have first patented the instrument and term in 1882, but a German inventor built the first one that more closely resembles that played today. Zimmerman was the first to build and mass market the improved version in the US, however. So it is no coincidence that they have so many similarities! Raise a glass to old Carl while (or maybe better before) you play them both. Dan

Nice place, thanks for posting. Interesting that they don't mention the previous owners. You'd think that the Russell name would mean something to at least a fraction of potential buyers, especially being that close to Doolin.

Steve, Thanks! I was thinking just the same thing, and will send Warren a note. Dan

Gary, many thanks, but I'm just one of several cogs in this wheel, and none of us are entirely respectable!

Just a head's up on the previous announcement. The first issue contains a number of items of interest, including the long-awaited history of the Charles Jeffries company by Randall Merris and a number of collaborators; a couple of brief articles on early concertina images and on Richard Blagrove; articles on the status and 'lay of the land' of the concertina today by 'country correspondents' in Ireland (Tim Collins), South Africa (Stephaan van Zyl), and Great Britain (Harry Scurfield). There are also reviews by Roger Digby on a number of recent CD releases. If you have a written contribution that is itching to see the light of day, do drop us a line. Also, we are looking for knowledgeable 'country correspondents' for other countries where there is a significant concertina presence, especially Australia and Germany. If you have anyone you think we should consider, please let us know. It is our goal to have this Journal truly reflect the broad international scope of the concertina today. Meanwhile, enjoy the first issue, and let us know what you think!

Announcing a new Concertina Journal, published online at www.concertinajournal.org The Concertina Journal is a new online magazine that provides an opportunity for publication of articles related to all aspects of the concertina. This nineteenth-century musical instrument has a small but dedicated following of aficionados from locations that range from the UK and Ireland to Australia, South Africa, Germany, and the Americas, among others. In its various forms, the concertina appears in genres ranging from classical to deeply rooted traditional music to contemporary pop. The new journal gives voice to this great diversity by providing space for scholarly articles, both long and short, each of which is peer-reviewed and edited to academic standards. In addition, a Current Chronicle will invite reflections on present-day concertina playing around the world, while the Reviews section will carry reviews of books and recordings. The Journal's founding editors include Allan Atlas, Roger Digby, Randall Merris, and Dan Worrall, each with a long list of publications and involvement with concertina-related activities in the UK and the US. Invited “country correspondents” in the first launch include Tim Collins, Ireland; Stephaan van Zyl, South Africa; and Harry Scurfield, Great Britain. A true online journal, articles are published as they are edited and reviewed, without waiting for arbitrary issue dates or print deadlines. The contributors, including Webmaster Alex Holden, are all volunteers, and they invite colleagues around the globe to submit articles for publication. There are no subscription fees.

The Palestine concertina weekend in the East Texas Pineywoods (and the accompanying old time music festival) was a big hit, and here is a photo of the 2017 Palestine concertina crew. Ann Kirrane wowed 'em in concert with her gorgeous singing and Clare style concertina playing, as did Roger Digby with his English tunes and completely different approach to the concertina. We held a house concert in Fulshear, Texas for the two of them before taking off to Palestine, where Roger told a very funny story (with tunes) straight out of the English pub playing tradition. Ann and Roger held a total of five workshops and three concert appearances during the weekend; they worked hard. Ann emceed the main festival concert on Thursday night, skillfully weaving together a variety of old time performers from the festival who playing a mixture of English, Irish, and American music....showing off the very obvious links among their music. At one point, one of the concertina players, Erica Braverman, performed a broom dance while three of us (Ann, myself, and Katie Meeks) played a couple of North Clare concertina reels. Great fun. I think we had 16 registered attendees for the concertina workshops, which is a record. Ann taught tunes, and Roger held forth on technique, so it was an excellent mix. As usual, there was plenty of old time music at the rest of the festival, with lots of impromptu sessions, old time gospel singing, and the like. The Spring weather was delightfully warm as usual. Thanks to all involved for a great weekend. Now to plan for next year! Dan

Congrats, Gary! You've been busy. Looks like a very useful addition to the library.

Gary, We need to get the costs of that Honolulu to Palestine non-stop flight down to manageable levels! Many thanks for thinking of us with the books; as always in recent years, you are missed. Dan

Just a month away now! Those who have confirmed should by now have received the workshop schedule plus access to the Dropbox with all the workshop music and tunes. There is still plenty of time to sign up, so join us....should be a memorable weekend in the east Texas Pineywoods! For confirmation, please email Katie Meeks at mrskatiemeeks@gmail.com or message me via this site. See you at Palestine, Dan

Ruth, That is good advice from Don. I'll bring a spare CG that you can use during Roger Digby's workshop, if you wish... It will make it easier in the moment. Your GD is just fine in Ann's workshop.

Ruth, If harmonic playing is your thing, then Roger Digby's workshop on use of the left hand (for accompaniment) is not to be missed. He is extremely skilled at that style, having played that way for decades. And you'll enjoy Ann's Irish tune workshops as well. My advice for any beginner is to try to master both styles at some stage in your Anglo journey. Cheers, Dan

Ruth, No worries...you'll keep up! I wish there were such learning opportunities when I started out playing in the seventies. No net, no networks....luckily a couple of friends in Austin got me started. Just the occasional inspirational boost, which today is what Old Pal provides, is all that is needed! See you there. Dan

We'll hope to see you back again soon....and bring your limber jack....what was his name? Dan

Great, Tom. It will be good to see you again! We'll have a good group, as always. Others -- especially those in the US -- do consider joining us! As I said in the previous posting, this is a very special year, with workshop leaders from both Ireland (Ann Droney Kirrane, from North Clare/Galway) and England (Roger Digby from Essex), playing in very different styles. Neither are commonly in this country. And there are tons of other music items and concerts to satisfy even the most jaded, non-concertina'd spouses. The old time American music and singing in the main festival is wonderful to hear and to play along with in the sessions. There is always a shape-note singing workshop that raises the rafters. Etc., etc. All concertina systems are both represented and welcome. And we promise Spring weather and flowers. This is basically a Friday and Saturday event, kicked off this year by a Thursday evening concert that is emceed by Ann - featuring music and dance that keys in on the musical ties among Ireland, England and North America. Send us a note via Katie Meeks at mrskatiemeeks@gmail.com if you are coming, and we'll get you on the digital list for the workshop tunes. Best, Dan

I’m not sure how your winter is going, but there are icicles dripping off my barbed wire fence today. Yikes. Time to think about warm Spring days, dogwoods, azaleas, and the 2017 Palestine Old Time Music Festival, with a very special Concertina program this year! It is our thirteenth such gathering, and occurs March 23-25 in the small east Texas town of Palestine, a bit over an hour’s drive east of Dallas. Concertinas: This year, our concertina workshops will be graced by not one but two skilled and renowned teachers and performers from the other side of the pond: a repeat appearance by Ann Kirrane, of Tuam, Co. Galway Ireland, and a first time visit by Roger Digby, of Fordham, Essex, UK. Both will give multiple workshops as well as perform in concerts. Ann Kirrane is a member of the famous Droney family of traditional musicians from Bellharbour, north County Clare. She plays Anglo concertina in the same style as her father Chris Droney and grand-father Jim. Her father Chris is now in his 92nd year, still playing, and is known the length and breadth of the country and beyond. From the age of seven Ann learned to play and won at the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil on three occasions. While she continues to play, these days her clear, soaring voice is her primary instrument. She is a rare performer whose return visit is eagerly anticipated by both the concertina players and the Palestine festival crowd in general. Ann and her father Chris Droney conferred recently on what she should teach at her three workshops this year, and came up with six tunes from the Droney family’s vault: two polkas, two jigs, a hornpipe and a reel. The workshops are accessible to all types of concertinas, not just the Anglo which she plays. Roger Digby has been an Anglo player for over 40 years, well known for his performance and knowledge of the traditional dance music of rural England, ‘English Country Music’. He founded ’Flowers and Frolics’ in the mid-70s, a band at the spearhead of the resurgence of interest in ECM and continues playing in that style today with ‘The Valiant Dance Band’. With the young, supremely talented, fiddle player Liz Giddings he has formed a highly respected duo playing a wider range of traditional music. He also gets together with Liz and Michael Sheehy once a month and plays the Sliabh Luchra music that Michael has taught him and he still, very rarely, recreates his long-standing musical partnership with Bob Davenport, now an octogenarian and regarded as one of the greatest living traditional singers in the UK. He is an experienced teacher and workshop leader. This is Roger’s first trip to the US since he took up concertina playing 40+ years ago….a rare treat for us. Roger will give two workshops. The first involves left hand techniques for accompaniment and rhythm. Like many players of English Traditional Music on Anglo concertina, Roger tends to keep the tune on the right hand, and use the left hand to support and accompany that tune. His first workshop looks at the main ways of doing that. The techniques that it explains are available for players of other styles should they wish to use them. It is aimed at both Anglo and Duet players, and although based on English music this is not a workshop which is solely for players of that musical style. The second workshop will involve bellows control. Roger believes that the use of bellows is by far the most important aspect of playing the concertina. This workshop explores the different effects that can be achieved by bellows control and, most specifically, by change of bellows direction. It is suitable for all concertina systems and all stages of learning. Concerts: Ann Kirrane will Emcee and perform at a gala concert on Thursday evening, 7pm, which will kick off the weekend. The music will feature a mix of related tunes and songs from America, Ireland and England. Ann Kirrane as well as Roger Digby will play tunes on the concertina, and will be joined by members of the Wright Family of Kennard Texas, as well as and Steve and Sheryl Hartz of Nacogdoches, all of them very accomplished in American traditional (“old time”) music and song, playing a variety of stringed instruments. Ann will be accompanied in her songs by Bill and Emily Galbraith of Houston. Some of our local concertina talent may even show up for a tune or two. It will be a fun evening! Ann and Roger will also have brief appearances at the festival’s other concerts on Friday and Saturday, noon and 7pm. The Festival: All this occurs in the midst of an old time music festival with friendly sessions and twice-a-day concerts. Performers and teachers, on all manner of stringed instruments, come from all over the Southern States and Midwest. It is a small festival, meaning that one can readily access all the performers, and all the sessions are welcoming. There is more information on the festival (including accommodations as well as the concertina portion) at http://www.oldpalmusic.com . Registering for the concertina workshops and obtaining the workshop music package: The standard price for the weekend is $80, which includes all concerts, workshops and sessions. There are reduced fares for spouses and family members who do not play instruments. The concertina community taxes itself an additional $35 per person in order to help defray travel costs of our workshop hosts, Ann and Roger. That extra fee is collected beforehand or at the workshops. Those who confirm their attendance by emailing Katie Meeks at mrskatiemeeks@gmail.com, will receive early access to the workshop tunes and/or sheet music prepared by Ann and Roger, prior to the weekend. Please let us know you are coming! Katie can also answer questions about accommodations and the like, and is herself chairing a workshop for beginning Anglo players. Who comes: We get a friendly group of players of various skill levels on a wide variety of concertinas, from Anglos to English system and most types of Duets. Moreover, if you are a beginner, you will find friendly help from any of these folks. Just let Katie know ahead of time, and we will organize an introduction to a player who can help you. And Barbecue, don’t forget the barbecue….. See you there! Dan Worrall

well, here are some old German tunes for the German Concertina (lower two rows of the Anglo) that date from the 1830s... http://www.concertina.com/worrall/hoeselbarth-tutor/index.htm

South African Boer players commonly play in Bb on a CG concertina....even those with only 30 buttons. Here is a youtube of Faan Harris, one of the great ones, playing a tune he composed in memory of his son, killed by a drunk driver. Hartseer (Heartache) Waltz is in Bb, played on his 30 button Lachenal metal-ended CG. The chords in Bb, as someone mentioned, are a bit different and more nuanced in Bb, and the notes more legato because most can be played in one direction. I think he picked this Bb key for this sad tune for just those reasons. I worked this tune out once, fingering and all, but gave it up eventually; my brain is just not wired that way (or maybe I am a bit lazy!). But many Boer players swear by this key. By the way, I haven't checked the speed of this particular Youtube recording against my concertina. But he was playing in Bb on his CG. His CG was in the old high pitch, so regardless of which recording you have of him, you must adjust the tuning in something like the Amazing SlowDowner if you want to play along. Dan

This is a first announcement of the Concertina Weekend at the Palestine Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival in Palestine, Texas on March 23-25, 2017…our thirteenth! Always a musical treat in the midst of fragrant springtime dogwood and azalea blossoms, this will be a special one. This year, our concertina workshops will be graced by not one but two skilled and renowned teachers and performers from the other side of the pond: a repeat appearance by Ann Kirrane, of Tuam, Co. Galway Ireland, and a first time visit by Roger Digby, of Fordham, Essex, UK. Both will give multiple workshops as well as perform in concerts. Ann, a daughter of famed concertina player Chris Droney in north Clare, will teach Droney family tunes from that region, as well as sing and play in concert. Roger, a well known performer in southeastern England as well as a proponent of traditional English Country Music, will teach workshops on left hand Anglo technique as well as bellows control. All this occurs in the midst of an old time music festival with friendly sessions and twice-a-day concerts. Performers and teachers, on all manner of stringed instruments, come from all over the Southern States and Midwest. It is a small festival, meaning that one can readily access all the performers, and all the sessions are welcoming. A search of this website for ‘Palestine’ will bring up many reports from past years, where our previous concertina headliners have included Jody Kruskal, Bertram Levy, John Roberts, and others. You can also visit the main festival site at http://www.oldpalmusic.com . We hope you can come! If interested, please send a message to me via this site that includes your email address, and I’ll put you on the mailing list for further details as they emerge: costs, schedules, sheet music, etc. The following includes snapshot bios of Ann and Roger; we are excited at having both of them attend! Cheers, Dan Ann Kirrane (née Droney) is a member of the famous Bellharbour family of traditional musicians. She plays concertina in the same style as her father Chris and grand-father Jim. Her father Chris, now in his 92nd year and still playing, is from the famous Burren region of north Co Clare, is known the length and breadth of the country and beyond. From the age of seven Ann learned to play and won at the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil on three occasions. While she continues to play, these days her clear soaring voice is her primary instrument. After the launch of her first solo album 'One Small Star' in 2004, Ann toured in the U.S. and this year her second album, 'Behind Yon Mountain' was launched at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Ennis, Co. Clare. She is currently touring the eastern U.S., and is hugely looking forward to a return visit to the Old Pal Festival in March 2017. She is a rare performer whose return visit is eagerly anticipated by both the concertina players and the festival crowd in general. An Anglo player for over 40 years, Roger Digby is known for his performance and knowledge of the traditional dance music of rural England, ‘English Country Music’. He founded ’Flowers and Frolics’ in the mid-70s, a band at the spearhead of the resurgence of interest in ECM and continues playing in that style today with ‘The Valiant Dance Band’. With the young, supremely talented, fiddle player Liz Giddings he has formed a highly respected duo playing a wider range of traditional music. He also gets together with Liz and Michael Sheehy once a month and plays the Sliabh Luchra music that Michael has taught him and he still, very rarely, recreates his long-standing musical partnership with Bob Davenport, now an octogenarian and regarded as one of the greatest living traditional singers in the UK. Roger has always enjoyed taking the Anglo into musics where it is not expected to be found! He is an experienced teacher and workshop leader. He has very forthright views on the nature, the importance, and the integrity of Traditional Music - a topic best avoided in his company unless you have a good few hours to spare! This is Roger’s first trip to the US since he took up concertina playing 40+ years ago….a rare treat for us.

Harold and I were good friends, and he helped me to build my first (of two) concertinas. I remember that instrument and his other square ones fondly. Not to complicate your sale, but I would be willing to even-swap my hexagonal Herrington with whoever buys your instrument, and pay for all the shipping for the swap. I just obtained mine a few months ago from Frank Edgley, who just retuned it. CG 30 button, metal ends with hard case. Frank wrote about it on his blog, and advertised it on this forum; I paid $1800 for it. Happy to send pics to anyone interested. The hex is probably a better instrument for most general purposes; the square ones are, as someone said, somewhat boisterous but endearing to some of us who knew Harold. Cheers, Dan

My interests have moved on, and I'm not going to renew the charges on my anglo concertina website. If there is anything on there that any of you would wish to download, please feel free to take it before August 5, when I will pull the plug. It was fun and useful for a time, but I haven't updated that site now for ages. The site is www.angloconcertina.org If you poke around a bit, you'll find some research articles, and some photos of 'concertina trips' to South Africa and Australia a few years ago...those trips were great fun. Cheers, Dan

Kalie de Jager passed away yesterday. Not himself a concertina player, Kalie spent many, many hours collecting and preserving old 78rpm recordings of Boeremusiek, and was a tireless supporter of this music. He was a founding member of both the Traditional Boeremusiek Club of South Africa and the more modernist Boeremusiek Guild. Thanks to him and some others, many of us have had the opportunity to hear some of the classic old recordings of this style of concertina music. Rest in peace, Kalie. Dan

Roger, I think that you misrepresent the ICA position. There have certainly been some problems, many of them my fault, but moving forward the International Concertina Association would be happy to host "son of PICA" on its website. Will send you an address to reach the committee. Best wishes, Roger (until recently secretary to the ICA) Roger, From my perspective, Roger (Digby) didn't stretch anything. He tried over a two year period to get something to happen - we were asking for almost nothing - and the lack of response from the ICA was deafening. The two or three year lapse in getting out the last completed PICA was also disheartening, especially to the authors. Thanks for the offer now to do something, but we have obtained a website and webmaster and will try our hand, with a first product in coming months. It is probably best that we are in full command of the site. Like Roger D., I have nothing but the highest regard for the ICA, and especially for Pauline's great work on Concertina World. To all who responded with offers to help on the new website, many, many thanks! Alex Holden is taking on that work, and we are excited to finally be off to the races. Cheers, Dan

The four of us are planning an on-line website to publish academic articles on issues related to the concertina. We are looking for a fifth colleague to take on the role of Webmaster. If this might be of interest to you please send a pm to Dan Worrall (danworrall"AT"msn.com, or via this Forum's pm facility). Allan Atlas Roger Digby Randall Merris Dan Worrall