Miss McCleod's Reel

I've put this tune up many times before, but really I just can't get enough of it. This tune is played a few different ways, and it's also known as Uncle Joe. It's played in either G or D.



YouTube/fiddle4u

More Irish Traditional Music

I can't get enough good Irish music. Here is a really fine session.



YouTube/coguish

Live from the Blue Plate Special

I am usually unable to go to the Blue Plate Special in Knoxville because it's in the middle of day during the week. I went on a fluke yesterday and much to my surprise, Chance McCoy was there playing with Old Sledge. They're really great, play a variety of styles from western swing, to Mississippi riverboat-type of music, and of course Appalachian old-time music.

The second band was one I had never heard of, the Defibulators, but they are interesting to say the least. They are high-energy, have like 8 people on stage at a time, and have a good stage presence.

the Defibulators - "Winchester" from BoB Coon on Vimeo.

What struck me with both of these bands (Chance McCoy himself excluded) was the confirmation of what I have commented on here often. The people in the bands are from Vermont, Brooklyn, and California; places that are well outside the traditional hub of old-time music, especially the style they play. Not a criticism, just an observation.

That's the direction old-time music in America is moving. It's increasingly played by young people who come from urban areas out West or in the northeast. They're good, and give the music a new kind of sound that is distinct from what came before it. In the same way, the people playing in the 1930s sounded distinct from those that came before them. It's really interesting to see how the music is evolving, both demographically and geographically.

If you're looking for some modern twists to traditional styles of music, I recommend looking up both of these bands.

St. Patrick's Blue Plate Special

If you're local, or even if you're not, this should be a good celebration on Wednesday. You can tune on on the web if you want to hear it at www.wdvx.com.

The most beautiful music of all is the music of what happens. - Irish proverb WDVX Spring Fund Drive March 17 to 28 Matt McNeely Four Leaf Peat Cutthroat Shamrock Shamrock Road JOIN US March 17th for an all-Irish, all-local Blue Plate Special 12 noon to 1:30 PM A special kick-off party for the Spring Fund Drive With delicious refreshments from: Mapgies Cakes It is time again to show your support for YOUR independent, commercial-free station... WDVX-FM Don't you feel fortunate to have WDVX as a part of your life? Everyday you know you can tune in and hear quality music, without all the commercials and other distractions. You can always count on WDVX to be your connection to the newest, hottest in bluegrass and Americana, as well as some of the classics you love. And where else can you hear so much quality live music? WDVX counts on listeners like you to keep the music going. So call us, write us, email us, go online, or just come on by... and make your donation today! After all "The most beautiful music of all is the music of what happens" when you support WDVX! Sincerely, Your friends at WDVX

More Lunasa to Get Ready for St. Paddy's

Yesterday I posted on Damien Rice, a fine Irish musician. To continue honoring all of the great music out of Ireland as we get closer to St. Patrick's Day, here are some of the finest musicians playing Irish music these days, Lunasa:



YouTube/k4hx1

Not Exactly Old Time, But....

Well, this is not really old-time at all, but one of the best acoustic performers in Ireland not doing traditional music is Damien Rice, and this is one my favorite songs of his. It's not on one of his two albums, but it is relatively easy to find. It's called Lonely Soldier. Though this isn't the best version of it that I've heard, it's good nonetheless.



YouTube/tripleheartheart

Lonely Soldier MP3

Sandy Boys

One of my favorite YouTube profiles is fiddlinred because he always posts easy to follow tunes. He's been gone from the internet for a while, but he's back now and his most recent post is a tune called Sandy Boys.

I first heard this from the Striped Pig Stringband, which is linked somewhere in the archives of this blog if you want to use the search box.

If you want to learn the tune, here's fiddlinred's version. Pretty nice.

Petronella

Frank George is a living legend in West Virginia. Here he is playing a tune I like but don't get to hear too much. I believe it's more popular in New England, and it's called Petronella.



YouTube/chrisvia1

Dervish

I'm certainly more into American old-time music than Celtic music, but lately Celtic music has been kind of my thing. I still don't know too much about it, or how to play it. No matter, Dervish seems like they know a thing or two.