Tony McMahon is keeping the Old Time Irish Music alive. And I agree with him about what has happened to the culture. The music/ dance/ song that have empowered the Irish were like “natural springs” or “wells” that everyone shared and had access to. Now all of those good things have been mutated, undermined, abandoned, and face extinction. The “natural springs” that sustained us and were available to everyone have been taken and turned into things that the average person cannot make for himself like Gatorade, Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Red Bull, and Perrier bottled water. In fact, the few “wells” that are still available have been ruined due to “fracking.” The simplified music of the Irish had allowed more people to play traditional musical instruments. Playing simplified acoustic music develops the mind and body in many amazing ways which provides advantages. Old Time Musicians/ Dancers/ Singers developed their whole brain and therefore have greater intelligence. The old tunes are sacred/powerful and provide a spiritual connection. Like the Eastern Spiritual Masters, the ego must be quiet/small to connect with our Higher Power/ Ancestors and everyone who participates. For an Old Time musician, the tune is more important than the musician/ singer. The repetition of the simple tune puts everyone involved into a transcendental state of mind. Modern Irish musicians have gone in a different direction. They feel like they are improving the music and giving it a "fresher sound." "High energy," excessive use of ornamentation, improvisation to the point of making the original tune unrecognizable, and behaving like rock stars is the behavior of modern Irish Musicians/ singers/ Dancers. Modern Musicians listeners are unable to feel the power of the Old time Irish music. People who are use to caffeinated or sugary drinks are unable to appreciate real “spring water” directly from the “spring.” Without the spiritual benefits, community, or connection to nature, Old Time music seems too simple and boring for “modern” ears. Most Irish musicians I know, who have been trained in the old ways, have succumbed to the pressure to “Modernize.” It is the equivalent to fracking. My generation has aggrandized their egos and mistaken form for content. The advantage of Old Time music it that it is simple enough so that it could allow a lot more people to drink from the 'natural spring." And everyone participated. Old Time Irish music is designed to be more user friendly.
Thank you for your wise comment, Colman Cloonan. Takes courage to express such understanding of the old ways. While the mutilation of the music scene is terrible and seems beyond healing, I believe the old ways cannot be totally crushed forever. They visit those who appreciate them. The old ways can make themselves known in the simplest of acts, like a seagull landing next to a person who's sitting on a rock, gazing out to sea.
This is silly. Spend a fair amount of time around Irish musicians and one will see the tradition is alive and well. There are many people, of multiple generations, who study and care about traditional Irish music and do their best to honor and preserve the roots of the music.
Suaimneas síorraí Tony. In ancient times, Gaelic musicians had to master the Goltraí (sombre / funeral), Geantraí (lively) and Suantraí (calming music).
My observations are the opposite of Mr. Macmahon's conclusion. I have in my own town in California seen a rapid increase in the number of traditional irish musicians and sessions. It's astonishing. It is almost as if people are rejecting the mass media "packages" MacMahon refers to, and reaching back to a time of simpler and slower tunes. For instance, it is 2010 and there are 4 uilleann pipers living within a mile of me here in California.
I own a copy of Tony McMahon and Noel Hill I gNoc na Grai. It is the most rythmically inspiring and wonderful traditional music. I play but these guys make the music alive and great. Many Thanks
@clarebannerman I fully expected you'd be the poster of this tune. What a surprise. Still, you've posted so many great tunes that have helped me on my way in the tradition, from accordion to fiddle to pipes. I love this tune. And so many of these tunes bring tears to my eyes. And that's a good thing.
Another theory suggests that it's inspired by the songs of humpback whales which are common in The Blasket Sound.....from my own experience I'd say there's some truth in that. Great interpretation from Tony.
@actowl It's from the music documentary called 'Bringing it all back home' by Hummingbird Productions as far as I remember. Was broadcast in Ireland round about 1990 or so. I would think it can still be bought on Amazon.
What he says about traditional Irish music at the time could equally be applied to the treatment of the blues in the 60’s, faster, louder, music reflects it’s landscape...in the city now
One explanation for the paranormal auditory experience of the Great Blasket Island Fiddler who heard his 'ghostly' sound one night and composed the tune is that it may have been the 'singing' of passing whales in the sea below. Whatever the explanation, it's certainly a 'haunting' slow air, suitable for upcoming Halloween! Hup!
Well said Tony! I spent a night on the inish, Man! The sounds that came from the sea were haunting. I do believe in fairys, the wans with pink scarfs and good manners, but this was something that truly stuck me to the ground. It came from all sides for about two minutes, and then moved on, fading. The wind changed and that was it. No one will ever believe you unless you hear Port Na Bpucai for yourself.
@spunnek75 He is a purist and much of what he has been trying to say may be lost to commercial considerations ..He is one of those early post World War II generation ..who looked up to Ennis / Clancy/ PaddyO'Brien/ Paddy Canny/ Joe and Seamus Cooley/ Peter O'loughlin/ PJ Moloney/Pady Carty/ Mickey Reilly etc. These were the standardbearers .....but maybe our day is over?
there is a theory that sean o riada `embellished `the original blasket island tune and the present tune is now the one played. liam o flynn did a great job of it on pipes at seamus heaney`s funeral.
Cailleadh Tony cúpla mí ó shin anois. Go ndeine Dia grásta ar a anam uasal - ana-cheoltóir, agus fear ana-shuimiúil. Is trua liom go mór ná féadfad choíche comhrá a dhéanamh leis.
'DochasIontach', those aren't 'stout bottles' at all but relics of good times past. The past is always with us. BTW, Tony's favourite drink/an deoch is diubhail do is Red Wine/Fion Dearg.
If there was ever proof needed that the accordian is an unsuitable instrument for Slow Airs, then this is it. It is claimed that Seamus Ennis showed Tony McMahon how a slow air could be played successfully on the accordian. I don't for a minute believe that to be true.
Geez I cant believe you two. Did ya listen? By your take, the concertina wouldnt be any good either. It was only made in England and Germany so forget it. Lmao!
@@rattyfingers8621 "My" take? And what is "my take", praytell? I wasn't aware that I had one. And who, beside you, said anything about where anything was made?
@@nozecone well I just think that it doesn't make any sense to repeat something heard that is dismissive of the accordion for Irish trad. Im also feeling that there is is bias toward the instrument as it was introduced to players later in the game, so not as preferable to the ear. I could be wrong. I say, listen to him play. Haunting beautiful. In the end, each to his own.
May Tony rest in peace and play music n next life
May you rest in peace, Tony. Thank you for the riches you have shared with us all.
.heard tony mc mahon back in the 70 s .loved his slow airs .. r i p. ...
May he rest in peace a true genius that made his bosca speak,a master musician
Tony restored the versatility of the accordion..his playing truly 'emotes' slow Irish tunes.
he is hands down one of my favorite players :-). Thank God for the music... that brings joy to life :-).
An artist of immense integrity
Tony McMahon is keeping the Old Time Irish Music alive. And I agree with him about what has happened to the culture. The music/ dance/ song that have empowered the Irish were like “natural springs” or “wells” that everyone shared and had access to. Now all of those good things have been mutated, undermined, abandoned, and face extinction. The “natural springs” that sustained us and were available to everyone have been taken and turned into things that the average person cannot make for himself like Gatorade, Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Red Bull, and Perrier bottled water. In fact, the few “wells” that are still available have been ruined due to “fracking.”
The simplified music of the Irish had allowed more people to play traditional musical instruments. Playing simplified acoustic music develops the mind and body in many amazing ways which provides advantages. Old Time Musicians/ Dancers/ Singers developed their whole brain and therefore have greater intelligence.
The old tunes are sacred/powerful and provide a spiritual connection. Like the Eastern Spiritual Masters, the ego must be quiet/small to connect with our Higher Power/ Ancestors and everyone who participates. For an Old Time musician, the tune is more important than the musician/ singer. The repetition of the simple tune puts everyone involved into a transcendental state of mind.
Modern Irish musicians have gone in a different direction. They feel like they are improving the music and giving it a "fresher sound." "High energy," excessive use of ornamentation, improvisation to the point of making the original tune unrecognizable, and behaving like rock stars is the behavior of modern Irish Musicians/ singers/ Dancers.
Modern Musicians listeners are unable to feel the power of the Old time Irish music.
People who are use to caffeinated or sugary drinks are unable to appreciate real “spring water” directly from the “spring.” Without the spiritual benefits, community, or connection to nature, Old Time music seems too simple and boring for “modern” ears.
Most Irish musicians I know, who have been trained in the old ways, have succumbed to the pressure to “Modernize.” It is the equivalent to fracking. My generation has aggrandized their egos and mistaken form for content.
The advantage of Old Time music it that it is simple enough so that it could allow a lot more people to drink from the 'natural spring." And everyone participated. Old Time Irish music is designed to be more user friendly.
Jesus Mary and Joseph just enjoy the fucking music and stop talking shit
yea...in fairness whatever it is that's in that natural spring, you've drank far far too much of it. Real Natural Pontification Spring Water.
Thank you for your wise comment, Colman Cloonan. Takes courage to express such understanding of the old ways. While the mutilation of the music scene is terrible and seems beyond healing, I believe the old ways cannot be totally crushed forever. They visit those who appreciate them. The old ways can make themselves known in the simplest of acts, like a seagull landing next to a person who's sitting on a rock, gazing out to sea.
This is silly. Spend a fair amount of time around Irish musicians and one will see the tradition is alive and well. There are many people, of multiple generations, who study and care about traditional Irish music and do their best to honor and preserve the roots of the music.
As Simplified as your waffle is short
Suaimneas síorraí Tony.
In ancient times, Gaelic musicians had to master the Goltraí (sombre / funeral), Geantraí (lively) and Suantraí (calming music).
What a wonderful man.
Sweet Jesus!
Tony makes it allmost sound like an opera!
My observations are the opposite of Mr. Macmahon's conclusion. I have in my own town in California seen a rapid increase in the number of traditional irish musicians and sessions. It's astonishing. It is almost as if people are rejecting the mass media "packages" MacMahon refers to, and reaching back to a time of simpler and slower tunes.
For instance, it is 2010 and there are 4 uilleann pipers living within a mile of me here in California.
Each era reacts against the previous order.
Jaysus that's 4 more than where I live in ireland. Well done.
I wonder 12 years on is it a similar situation?
I own a copy of Tony McMahon and Noel Hill I gNoc na Grai. It is the most rythmically inspiring and wonderful traditional music. I play but these guys make the music alive and great. Many Thanks
@clarebannerman I fully expected you'd be the poster of this tune. What a surprise. Still, you've posted so many great tunes that have helped me on my way in the tradition, from accordion to fiddle to pipes. I love this tune. And so many of these tunes bring tears to my eyes. And that's a good thing.
Wow the best ever Amazing
Another theory suggests that it's inspired by the songs of humpback whales which are common in The Blasket Sound.....from my own experience I'd say there's some truth in that. Great interpretation from Tony.
Haunting music
@actowl It's from the music documentary called 'Bringing it all back home' by Hummingbird Productions as far as I remember. Was broadcast in Ireland round about 1990 or so. I would think it can still be bought on Amazon.
superb
I got in here following a tweet by Michael D. Higgins. Suaimhneas síoraí.
What he says about traditional Irish music at the time could equally be applied to the treatment of the blues in the 60’s, faster, louder, music reflects it’s landscape...in the city now
One explanation for the paranormal auditory experience of the Great Blasket Island Fiddler who heard his 'ghostly' sound one night and composed the tune is that it may have been the 'singing' of passing whales in the sea below. Whatever the explanation, it's certainly a 'haunting' slow air, suitable for upcoming Halloween! Hup!
Yes I like it aswell,and I know this man is an absolute purist if it comes to Irish traditional music..
Well said Tony! I spent a night on the inish, Man! The sounds that came from the sea were haunting. I do believe in fairys, the wans with pink scarfs and good manners, but this was something that truly stuck me to the ground. It came from all sides for about two minutes, and then moved on, fading. The wind changed and that was it. No one will ever believe you unless you hear Port Na Bpucai for yourself.
@spunnek75 He is a purist and much of what he has been trying to say may be lost to commercial considerations ..He is one of those early post World War II generation ..who looked up to Ennis / Clancy/ PaddyO'Brien/ Paddy Canny/ Joe and Seamus Cooley/ Peter O'loughlin/ PJ Moloney/Pady Carty/ Mickey Reilly etc. These were the standardbearers .....but maybe our day is over?
there is a theory that sean o riada `embellished `the original blasket island tune and the present tune is now the one played. liam o flynn did a great job of it on pipes at seamus heaney`s funeral.
Cailleadh Tony cúpla mí ó shin anois. Go ndeine Dia grásta ar a anam uasal - ana-cheoltóir, agus fear ana-shuimiúil. Is trua liom go mór ná féadfad choíche comhrá a dhéanamh leis.
Perhaps a certain prophetic element here ....there is a real danger of some loss .
🌺❇️💗
Port na Bpúchaí (Fairy Tune) .....translation Song of the Pooka
'DochasIontach', those aren't 'stout bottles' at all but relics of good times past. The past is always with us. BTW, Tony's favourite drink/an deoch is diubhail do is Red Wine/Fion Dearg.
The amount he would drink was miniscule,I would put more in a Christmas cake.
Do you have any more of this?
Yes our Irish music is dessgressiong
Laoch ar lár, suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam
What year was this?
1 person prefers laws and mechanics to rocks rivers mountains and ghosts.
HE WOULD HAVE MADE A GREAT SAXOPHONE PLAYER;
go bhfanfaidh Tony i suaimhneas na bhFhlaitheas anois 🙏
3 thumbs people . Go get a culture, you forgotten yours
If there was ever proof needed that the accordian is an unsuitable instrument for Slow Airs, then this is it. It is claimed that Seamus Ennis showed Tony McMahon how a slow air could be played successfully on the accordian. I don't for a minute believe that to be true.
My understanding is that Tony M. himself was dismissive of the accordian as an instrument for ITM.
Geez I cant believe you two. Did ya listen? By your take, the concertina wouldnt be any good either. It was only made in England and Germany so forget it. Lmao!
@@rattyfingers8621 "My" take? And what is "my take", praytell? I wasn't aware that I had one. And who, beside you, said anything about where anything was made?
@@nozecone well I just think that it doesn't make any sense to repeat something heard that is dismissive of the accordion for Irish trad. Im also feeling that there is is bias toward the instrument as it was introduced to players later in the game, so not as preferable to the ear. I could be wrong. I say, listen to him play. Haunting beautiful. In the end, each to his own.
Nonsense