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| FUTURE CONCERTS Read about The Coatesville Traditional Irish Music Concert Series Page provided by: THE OLD MUSIC PROJECT |
| Brian Conway, Sligo Fiddler accompanied by Darin Kelly, guitar *** Sunday, Jan. 9th, 2005, 8:00 PM Admission: $10; children under 12, free [Coatesville Traditional Irish Music Concert Series: (610) 486-2220] Here's a review of Brian's long-awaited solo CD "First Through The Gate" Brian Conway, born and raised in New York, is one of those rare musicians who has developed a naturally Irish way of playing without having spent long periods in Ireland. All the tracks are top class and have a freshness and clarity which add to the enjoyment of the music. It takes a special combination of circumstances to produce a fiddler of this maturity and style, and Brian has enjoyed his fair share of help and encouragement. His first teacher was Martin Mulvihill from Limerick. Brian's other big influence was Martin Wynne, one of Sligo's best-loved sons. As his experience and ability grew he became friends with Andy McGann, a man who in his early days met, studied with and played with some of the great names of the 78rpm era, including Michael Coleman, Lad O'Beirne & Paddy Killoran. Kicking off with a set of reels, Brian's mastery of the instrument is obvious, as is the influence of Andy McGann. Anybody who has listened to McGann's playing will recognize the master's tricks; a wonderfully light touch on the bow that emphasizes the triplets and rolls and a fierce rhythm that bounces along without ever feeling hurried. What can't be learnt though, is the way traditional players introduce subtle variations in ornamentation and melody. The choice of tunes often has references to those recordings that McGann made with Paddy Reynolds or Joe Burke, although they are not slavish copies. Conway plays a couple of duets with his guests. All three fiddlers join forces for one selection each of reels and jigs and their playing is wonderful throughout. This is a good example of how Irish music bridges the generations. |
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