The Champaign Jig Goes to Columbia

I've mentioned before that I have waves of favorite fiddlers.  I'm on a Caoimhin O Raghallaigh kick, and thereafter all I listen to is Kevin Burke, and then maybe I'll dwell for a while in Old-Time land with some Bruce Molsky... But Liz Carroll is like the North Star, ever-constant in my library of favorite fiddlers.  She kicks butt not only for being virtuosic on the fiddle, but also for being probably the best tune-smith this side of Ed Reavy.  She rocks.

The Crooked Road

I just joined an online community of Irish trad musicians called TradConnect.  One member suggested the other day that I learn this tune, so I did.  He actually gave me a link of Ronan Browne and Peter O'Laughlin playing it with the reel "The Morning Thrush," which I think I'll learn pretty soon, too.  It's been nice meeting and socializing with other trad musicians since starting this project.  I started it for my own personal development but it really has been a great way to meet other people from all over the world.  If you're a trad enthusiast, consider joining TradConnect, too!

Julia Delaney's

First day of classes was today.  I'm in my final year of a Masters degree NOT in Irish fiddle, alas.  So I finally got to learning and recording a new tune at 9pm.  I have a feeling many of my forthcoming videos will be dark and grainy.  Woops!

Killavil Jig

I got a message today from a fellow who runs a site called TradConnect, which traditional Irish musicians of all levels and locales can join to share music, tips, discuss, and of course organize themselves.  He invited me to join and post these videos there.  So of course I was excited to sign up.  If you're interested in checking it out, follow this link: http://tradconnect.com/

The Old Bush

Sore sore sore muscles.  I followed the pain and suffering from the half marathon I did today with an ice-bath chaser, which I guess is supposed to help.  Pain!  Suffering!  All of this sarcasm is a facade, though.  I'm extremely proud of myself, which is why, as I play this fiddle tune for you, I'm actually wearing the medal they gave out at the race.  It's the only medal I have ever earned ever.  Ever.  So I'm going to weariteverysingledaydammit!

The Wave Sweeper

In between bowls of noodles, (I'm carb loading.  Not because I want to.  Tomorrow I may die in a half-marathon) I learned a crazy composition by the whistle player/piper John McSherry. It's in that new genre that uber trad people probably can't stand... like a pop Celtic, or new Celtic. Neltic. Jazzy Irish. Jirish. Okay I should stop. Anyway, it's full of syncopation, which, if you listen to his recording, is emphasized even more by his back up rhythm section. Super cool. 

La Bétaille

I'm sure this word means something, but I'm not sure what.  The full name of this tune is "La Bétaille dans le 'tit arbre" (the ---- in the little tree.)  What the ---- is I'm not sure.