February's, 'Player of the Month'...............
You may not recognise the name but if you are half a folkie you will have tapped your feet to his 'banjoing' expertise. Yes, that's Gerry 'Banjo' O'Connor. He does have solo albums to his name. In fact from way back in 1992 with 'Time to Time'. 'No Place Like Home' released in 2004 was voted 'Album of the Year' by the Irish Times, so he is no stranger to solo success. 'High Up Low Down' brings us right up to date (2011) on the solo front. He is much in demand as a session musician and it is for this work he sticks in my mind. Along with other traditional muso's such as Manus Lunny and Kevin Doherty the release of 'Myriad' (a superb album well worth adding to your collection) in 1999 just shows that things can go from great to greater!
Add to this list, work on the 'Lord of the Dance' soundtrack for Michael Flatley and 'guestings' alongside the likes of Mary Black and Chris Rea. And in the mix of series 4, Transatlantic Sessions.
This guy is well worth a listen. And to add yet another string to his banjo he produces rather good 'Irish Tenor Banjo' tutor books, CD's and DVD's. In fact, my first ever book and CD was 'The Complete Guide' to ITB and very good it is too. Good solid basics and good tunes too!
He must be one of the best all rounders when it comes to tenor banjo, much respect.
Email: folktalkinfolk@gmail.com, Twitter: @folktalkinfolk, Moan Line: 07526 504285.
'Pet hate' of the week: 'Diet Chef' or, 'how to sell small portions of food at inflated prices'. Go and buy yourself a calorie counting book for 99p! Byeee.
You may not recognise the name but if you are half a folkie you will have tapped your feet to his 'banjoing' expertise. Yes, that's Gerry 'Banjo' O'Connor. He does have solo albums to his name. In fact from way back in 1992 with 'Time to Time'. 'No Place Like Home' released in 2004 was voted 'Album of the Year' by the Irish Times, so he is no stranger to solo success. 'High Up Low Down' brings us right up to date (2011) on the solo front. He is much in demand as a session musician and it is for this work he sticks in my mind. Along with other traditional muso's such as Manus Lunny and Kevin Doherty the release of 'Myriad' (a superb album well worth adding to your collection) in 1999 just shows that things can go from great to greater!
Add to this list, work on the 'Lord of the Dance' soundtrack for Michael Flatley and 'guestings' alongside the likes of Mary Black and Chris Rea. And in the mix of series 4, Transatlantic Sessions.
This guy is well worth a listen. And to add yet another string to his banjo he produces rather good 'Irish Tenor Banjo' tutor books, CD's and DVD's. In fact, my first ever book and CD was 'The Complete Guide' to ITB and very good it is too. Good solid basics and good tunes too!
He must be one of the best all rounders when it comes to tenor banjo, much respect.
*** Top Tip ***
If, like me you keep your mandolin, guitar etc, out on a stand I have a super dooper tip for you. To rid the inards of your instrument of dust and crud drop in some grains (uncooked!!) of rice. Give the 'old girl' a shake and empty. Bobs your uncle, a clean interior! NB. if you own a fiddle by 'Stradavari' go easy!
Friday evening (20.30) we have 'Transatlantic Sessions' on BBC 4 TV.
Email: folktalkinfolk@gmail.com, Twitter: @folktalkinfolk, Moan Line: 07526 504285.
'Pet hate' of the week: 'Diet Chef' or, 'how to sell small portions of food at inflated prices'. Go and buy yourself a calorie counting book for 99p! Byeee.
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