Forum Activity for @macaodha

Excellent Strumelia.

Best wishes to all at FOTMD.

Best wishes to all on this International Appalachian Dulcimer Day.

I have a beautiful photo of Jean playing dulcimer in the kitchen of Bess Cronin, having difficulty posting this picture. 1952 possibly the first time a mountain dulcimer was ever seen or heard in Ireland. 

Well done and best wishes for '22.

Hi Paula, the first Dulcimer I had made back in the mid 70's had a cedar top, since then I've made 4 with cedar tops and a few with spruce. My personal choice is cedar I love it's lightness and mellow sound.

I've admired John's dulcimer playing and .singing for many years. Found him to be very encouraging and helpful. RIP John. 

Amazing. Any idea what tuning he is using on his dulcimer.

This one Robin is a Christmas present for my niece she wont know till Christmas day. Will get my son do to do some photos of my builds and will post.

Getting close to finishing my 6th dulcimer, hour-glass mahogany back and sides spruce top. And loads of other stuff.

Amazing.

Love that.

At a session one night a fellow took out a pair of bones to play along, after a few sets of tunes I heard someone say"Tis a pity  there isn't a bit more meat on those bones.

What's the difference between a fiddle and a violin, you can spill porter on a fiddle you can't on a violin.

If you remember the names of your tunes, you don't have too many.

Only for you Lisa, I might not be playing today and as it happens  I just sat here for the past few hours singing and playing after our wedding anniversary  dinner that our sons cooked for us. Thank you LISA had this not come along I would not be playing . Best wishes.

The music will always be in you John and I know your Mary will be glad to hear you play again as will all at FOTMD. We think and talk of you quiet a lot here in Ireland John, Mary is afraid that you might not want to talk to us, now that you are so famous. Best wishes from us both. Val.

He's looking great, love it.

Sounds very interesting, look forward.Going to a lecture myself tonight given by Terry Moylan on Poetry and Songs of the Irish Revolution 1887-1926. The Indignant Muse title of this Landmark work by the speaker contains 560 of the thousands of  songs and poems created during this extraordinary period of Irish History. Two songs written by James Connolly (Executed for his part in the 1916 Rising) the music for these two songs was composed by a relative of mine Seamus Hughes.  

Would love to hear and see your presentation and performance as I'm sure other FOTMD  members would, hope you record it.

There is a community living in Newfoundland whose ancestors come from the south east of Ireland (Wexford, Waterford area ) They still speak with the same accents and dialect and a lot of the traditions are the same. The Wexford area still has a very strong tradition of Mummers.

It's a tradition that is still very strong here in Ireland. Back in the late 70's a local play write, wrote and composed the music to the Mummers of Rellig. Myself and some friends were the orchestra for the play. We performed at the Listowel writers week and came away with the top prize. 

Fair play to you Robin," ya have it in ya."

A master at play.

Just to add a little bit to this wonderful discussion. I've posted a recording of of an elderly gentleman by the name of Vail Ó Flatharta from Connemara. The recording was made in 1976 and he was an elderly man then. I doubt very much if he is still with us. The area of Connemara is an Irish speaking area the majority of songs would be sung in Gaelic but Barbara Allen would be one of number of ballads in English to be found in the singing tradition of the Irish speaking districts of Ireland. Vail got the song from the singing of Beairtle Choilm Rua Ó Flatharta.This is just one of a number of versions of this song that I have and they all differ.

What gauge string would one suggest for a 28.5 inch VSL. Presently I'm using 10, 13, 22wound. On one Dulcimer they seem fine on another of the same VSL they can seem a bit flappy.

I am truly shocked and saddened to hear of the death of John P. Since getting to know him I found him a very knowledgeable and sharing person. One of my favourite players, I found his style of playing so perfect and relaxing. He will be sadly missed by all. Natures true gentleman may he rest in peace.

Patricia, keep up the great work. A real treasure for now and the future.

You wouldn't find two many of those yokes around Sligo Town.

Grahame it was used sparsely down through the years by different bands and musicians. I gave examples of it's use by different musicians from the 60's to the present day some years ago. My first encounter with the dulcimer in Irish music was Paul Brady backing Mick Moloney on a 1969 LP by the Johnston's. Mick Moloney played The Kilfenora Jig on the Mandolin and Paul did the backing on Dulcimer.

Sorry John, I mentioned NC in a different thread, where I should have said Marion, Virginia. Hope I did not cause any confusion.

First song was Verdant Braes of Skreen which I got from More Irish Street Ballads by Colm O' Lochlann, first tunes were Petrie's Polka and Murphy's Polka I learnt from the group Na Fil.

Robin beautiful playing, hard to pick a favourite from the play list, I do like B in the L. I love them all.

Very well put together Dusty, Rest in peace Pete.