I've got my computer to play vids, at last. The sound (the thing that matters) comes through well, but the picture looks like slowed down First World War footage, that is when it's not stationary. Not much good if one wants to watch where the musos' fingers go - but a whole lot better than nothing.
Isn't that just marvelous to listen to? John has a great rhythm and there's something quite magic and personal in his playing. It's not overly complicated with technique either. Let me tell you, there's a handful of musicians who have sent tingles up my spine (John included) and their rhythm was much more to the fore than their technique!
On the accompaniment point, I really like good piano accompaniment and you can't do much better than Felix Dolan. In my own personal opinion, I think Felix's interpretation on the piano suits this better than any great guitar player could manage. In saying that, I'm saying that I prefer to hear John's playing backed by piano than guitar. I'm not dissing guitar players at all.
Felix Dolan is one of my favorite backers, bar none. His timing is impeccable, discreet, and always supports where the melody players are going. He's one of the best listeners in the game.
I read all these comments about John, and found them interesting. I happen to know him pretty well, as he is president of our Comhaltas group, and since this is about him, may I add, as a relative beginner and newcomer to this music, that it is generous spirits like John who make a real difference to newcomers. He shares, he gives and gives and gives. His willingness to make time to play with and help folks who are new to this music, along with his love and respect for traditional Irish music, is, honestly, more important to folks like me than all the recognition he has deservedly earned for his musicianship. Thanks John. You bring honor to your tradition. "Professor"
I must add to what's been said about John's generosity. Some years ago he was in Dublin for an American Tour rehearsal which finished around 10.00pm. A few of the regular musicians were in the Cultúrlann Bar afterwards and John just came over and joined in with the session. Between chatting and playing it was almost 4.00am before we wound up on what was a really memorable night. It's not often that musicians of this calibre will even sit down in an average session let alone spend the whole night there!
Both these gentlemen are friends of mine and I must say that you couldn't meet two nicer men. The way they're playing in this video, the smiles on their faces, the pure joy coming out of the music, reflects the way they feel about the music and the kind of people they are!. This was just a small peek into the music scene that happened during the convention that weekend. I might also add that both John and Felix are great supporters of the next generation of Irish musicians. They love to help and support the kids and nurture their growth.
I remember John coming to a fundraiser (a good 2 hour ride for him when he was not in the best of health)---so not as to dissapoint all the kids who love him!
You're right PaddyCmusic---this was marvelous!!!!!
In the jig clip the first tune that John Whelan plays is down as Paddy's Resource. I learnt it in the fifties as 'The Streets of New York'.??? Incidentally by the look of John I'd say that he has gone through his Nigel Kennedy look alike period '
John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
Found this on the comhaltas website. Thought it was FANTASTIC. You don't get much better than this.
http://comhaltas.ie/music/detail/comhaltaslive_251_3_box_player_john_whelan_with_felix_dolan_at_convention_2/
# Posted on April 16th 2008 by Walnut Box
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
Thank you Walnut.
Playing a set of jigs::
http://comhaltas.ie/music/detail/comhaltaslive_250_3_a_set_of_jigs_from_john_whelan_and_felix_dolan/
# Posted on April 16th 2008 by Ramiro
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
Great stuff.
But it was so flat without a few sensitive celtic guitarists, using interesting tunings, to give it that much-needed "lift".
Don't you think?
# Posted on April 16th 2008 by maxF
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
Brilliant.
I've got my computer to play vids, at last. The sound (the thing that matters) comes through well, but the picture looks like slowed down First World War footage, that is when it's not stationary. Not much good if one wants to watch where the musos' fingers go - but a whole lot better than nothing.
# Posted on April 16th 2008 by nicholas
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
nicholas--Try clicking the Pause button until the clip is completely downloaded, then clicking Play.
# Posted on April 16th 2008 by mickray
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
I'd prefter Felix Dolan over "sensitive celtic guitarists" any time;)
# Posted on April 16th 2008 by Larshansen
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
Oh, all right then, insensitive ones.
# Posted on April 16th 2008 by maxF
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
Isn't that just marvelous to listen to? John has a great rhythm and there's something quite magic and personal in his playing. It's not overly complicated with technique either. Let me tell you, there's a handful of musicians who have sent tingles up my spine (John included) and their rhythm was much more to the fore than their technique!
On the accompaniment point, I really like good piano accompaniment and you can't do much better than Felix Dolan. In my own personal opinion, I think Felix's interpretation on the piano suits this better than any great guitar player could manage. In saying that, I'm saying that I prefer to hear John's playing backed by piano than guitar. I'm not dissing guitar players at all.
# Posted on April 16th 2008 by PaddyCmusic
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
Felix Dolan is one of my favorite backers, bar none. His timing is impeccable, discreet, and always supports where the melody players are going. He's one of the best listeners in the game.
# Posted on April 16th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
Felix Dolan? - flaxen idol!
# Posted on April 16th 2008 by maxF
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
Elf lad oinx!
# Posted on April 16th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
A flex - no lid...
# Posted on April 16th 2008 by maxF
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
Fix - all done!
# Posted on April 16th 2008 by maxF
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
Fixed Anole
# Posted on April 17th 2008 by PaddyCmusic
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
I read all these comments about John, and found them interesting. I happen to know him pretty well, as he is president of our Comhaltas group, and since this is about him, may I add, as a relative beginner and newcomer to this music, that it is generous spirits like John who make a real difference to newcomers. He shares, he gives and gives and gives. His willingness to make time to play with and help folks who are new to this music, along with his love and respect for traditional Irish music, is, honestly, more important to folks like me than all the recognition he has deservedly earned for his musicianship. Thanks John. You bring honor to your tradition. "Professor"
# Posted on April 17th 2008 by wmmorse
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
I must add to what's been said about John's generosity. Some years ago he was in Dublin for an American Tour rehearsal which finished around 10.00pm. A few of the regular musicians were in the Cultúrlann Bar afterwards and John just came over and joined in with the session. Between chatting and playing it was almost 4.00am before we wound up on what was a really memorable night. It's not often that musicians of this calibre will even sit down in an average session let alone spend the whole night there!
# Posted on April 17th 2008 by Bannerman
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
Both these gentlemen are friends of mine and I must say that you couldn't meet two nicer men. The way they're playing in this video, the smiles on their faces, the pure joy coming out of the music, reflects the way they feel about the music and the kind of people they are!. This was just a small peek into the music scene that happened during the convention that weekend. I might also add that both John and Felix are great supporters of the next generation of Irish musicians. They love to help and support the kids and nurture their growth.
I remember John coming to a fundraiser (a good 2 hour ride for him when he was not in the best of health)---so not as to dissapoint all the kids who love him!
You're right PaddyCmusic---this was marvelous!!!!!
# Posted on April 18th 2008 by fiddlefamily
Re: John Whelan and Felix Dolan Video
In the jig clip the first tune that John Whelan plays is down as Paddy's Resource. I learnt it in the fifties as 'The Streets of New York'.??? Incidentally by the look of John I'd say that he has gone through his Nigel Kennedy look alike period '
# Posted on April 19th 2008 by Free Reed