Who’s your Top 5 Flute Players and why?

Bored again in work!
Hope my boss doesn’t play trad and visit this site!

Anyway I was listening to different flute players on me ipod on the bus this morning and tried to rate them.

Of course this is totally my own personal taste, (hope they wont mind being rated!)…..

5th. Liam Kelly - Often overlooked a brilliant player and a sound guy.

4th. Harry Bradley - some really distinctive touches, you know as soon as you hear the first 3 seconds it’s Harry.

3. Seamus Egan - When he’s playing at his best , a brilliant player and though I dont like all that he does he has really branched out and shown what can be done.

2. Mike McGoldrick - Beautiful playing, Mick has it all and writes some great tunes within the trad genre.

1. Matt Molloy - Who else? In a word I would say his playing is ‘epic’. It doesn’t hinder him either that Lunny and McGlynn back him on his recordings 🙂 He would appear to have completly mastered the technical requirements to playing the instrument but is also one of the most expressive.

That’s my Top 5 anyway,
just a bit of fun don’t take it too serious!

K

The problem with the flute is that Malloy is so far ahead. The fiddle doesn’t seem to have that problem, you can enjoy many different fiddle players without having to compare them.

In no particular order:

Harry Bradley
Conal O’Grada
Peter Horan
Matt Molloy
James Carty

You’re not a flight controller, I take it.

Me? Well, actually…

These 5 Flute players:

Kenny Hadden, Matt Molloy, Packie Duignan, Marcus O Murchu & Catherine McEvoy.

{In no particular order}

These Flute players have influenced me & my music the most, over the years.

Cheers,
Dick

Six of my favourite flute players, great tone musical etc.
Pat Mahan of Easky, Co.Sligo - inspiring flute player & singer
Conal O´Grada - inspiring flute player
Ciaran Somers - inspiring flute player
Tara Diamond - inspiring flute player
Catherine McEnvoy - inspiring flute player
John Kelly, Roscommon inspiring flute player

In no patricular order:

Catherine McEvoy
Seamus Tansey
Eamon Cotter
Marcas O’Murchu
Dave Sheridan

James Galway because he has a better tone than any trad flute player.

My top 3 in no order

John Wynne
Kevin Crawford
Matt Molloy

Molloy
Tansey
Desi Wilkinson
Packie Duignan
Frankie Kennedy

Kevin -
If thats you, most of mine have been mentioned - All except this man . Who is the only one still around still playing Old true Irish music one the flute not a explosion of rolls, octave, change’s and over blown Improvising…
Just great Pure Irish music and no ‘’ Frill’s Attached ‘’ - And as a local from Rosscommon said to me once - ‘’ Sure he could knock the plaster off the wall ‘’

In Real Irish Music, My Number one - Patsy Hanley -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjLcfnY8-gY

play video

jim,,,

Kevin Crawford
Matt Molloy
Michael McGoldrick
Mike Rafferty
Sylvain Barou

I forgot to post why…

Kevin Crawford- I am actually surprised he wasn’t mentioned more. He has some of the most energy in his playing, and his style has elegent, yet has a good bark to it.

Matt Molloy- He is one of the best ever. None can really compare when he goes into those crazy tunes like the Mason’s Apron.

Michael McGoldrick- He is probably one of the smoothest Irish players out there. I can’t even tell when he takes breaths a lot of the time, even when I try to listen for them.

Mike Rafferty- He has been an inspiration to many excellent flute players today, and he is as pure and raw as they get when it comes to ITM.

Sylvain Barou- He brings a new flare to Irish music. He is extremely talented and sounds great and clean playing lightning fast or nice and steady.

‘He brings a new flare to Irish music.’

I hope you mean ‘flair’, Jonny, unless Sylvain’s a truly explosive player! 🙂

peter horan
peter horan
peter horan
peter horan
peter horan

enough said. go back to work and stop thinking like it matters who is the very best at anything.

“I hope you mean ‘flair’, Jonny, unless Sylvain’s a truly explosive player! ”

I always thought “flashy” wasn’t a good thing in a flute player.

Matt Molloy
Paddy Carthy
Eddie Cahill
Harry Bradley
Colm ODonnell

tommy guihan - roscommon
michael flatley - states
Pat Mahon - sligo/roscommon i think (aka ‘Poor Pat’)
Marcus Hernon - Gaillimh
dave sheirdan - Leitrim

Apologies forgot to give the ‘why?’
No pretention, no airs and graces, very genuine people.

What about Mulvey?

Patsy Hanly, JC Talty, Mick Tubridy anyone?

Cathal McConnell, because he is a lovely man……

OK then Tansey molloy mulvey omurchu egan. no order. But there are many more. should be a top ten

Yeah Prof, I’d include Patsy Hanly in my top 10. And Marcus Hernon. And Bradley and Paddy Carty. Cathal McConnell as well.

Alas Peter Horan is in the heavenly session and have a grand time no doubt .
Does the OP mean those still with us ?
I like Marcus Hernon, Harry Bradly, Jean Michel Veillon , Sylvan Barou, and tooty Flutey of course

FWIW, tomorrow’s Come West Along the Road is all about Roger Sherlock.

“I hope you mean ‘flair’, Jonny, unless Sylvain’s a truly explosive player! ”

Hahahaha, thanks for that correction.

Mike McGoldrick
Kevin Crawford
Brian Finnegan
Dave Sheridan
and who could forget “The Mighty” Peter Horan RIP

The 1st 5 players are those I probably listen to the most.
Harry Bradley
Liam Kelly
Frankie Kennedy
Matt Molloy
Desi Wilkinson
Shannon Heaton ~ because I’m actually learning something from her Tune of the Month.
There’s definitely others who I enjoy hearing.
Steamwilkes list, for instance.

Patsy Hanley, hands down.
Conal O’Grada
June Ní Chormaic
Dee Havlin
Kevin Crawford
Seamus Tansey

Picking five (OK I did six) is a bit limiting as I’ve been nodding my head in recognition of so many great players listed here. The ones I tend to like best have a lot of drive and “nyah” to their playing and a big, rich tone. Kev is the odd man out on my list but I love his playing too.

Update …………. in no particular order!

Kenny Hadden, Matt Molloy, Desi Wilkinson, Marcus O Murchu & Catherine McEvoy.

Cheers
Dick

June McCormack (June Ní Chormaic) is a quiet achiever -
surprised she wasn’t listed more often

I like blue more than red.

Malloy and Crawford are able to change their style to fit in with
who they play with. In the album “Noel Hill And Tony Linnane”
Malloy plays on a few tracks but the way he blends in, you’d
hardly know it. From my limited experience, this is unusual for
flute players.

Seamus Tansey, Matt Molloy, Conal O’Grada, Josie McDermott, Sean Gavin (Detroit)

Anyone who want to make funny faces and blow into a little hole on the side of a tube is cool with me.

Don’t forget Frankie Gavin, who plays in McKenna’s style. Catherine McEvoy and Harry Bradley cite Gavin as a big influence on their playing style.

Eddie Moloney represent Easy Galway flute musicians though his style is quite different from Paddy Carty.

I’ve heard quite a few of the famous flute players listed above in person, but my favourite flute player is Sheena Vallely, who is originally from Armagh. She hasn’t made a recording, but has a great style, which is even more powerful than Catherine McEvoy’s or Harry Bradley’s.

Sorry for grammatical errors.

Anyone mentioned John Wynne yet?

meeeeeee, way back at the start, ar nós na gaoithe is my favourite album of the last few years

For overall musicality, tone, and technical virtuosity: Matt Molloy

For powerful rythm and lift: McKenna, O Grada, Tubridy

There’s a special place in my heart for some of the smooth mechanised-flute guys: Carty and O Donahue (who hasn’t been mentioned yet, I don’t believe)

All in all Molloy would be my favourite to listen to, O Grada my favourite to dance to.

Tough to pick five …

Josie McDermott
Catherine McEvoy
Peter Horan
Kevin Crawford
Colum O’Donnell

Five players I listen to regularly/find particularly inspiring (in no particular order, and leaving out lots of others):

Catherine McEvoy
Mike Rafferty
Harry Bradley
Jack Coen
Paddy Carty

There are too many to mention…

Kevin Ryan
John Rynne
Eamonn de Barra
Barra McAllister
Emer Mayock

are just a few nobody mentioned above

Dave.

Oh, and why: in all cases, I find them extremely musical players who use their skills to showcase the tune and are comfortable taking things at a moderate pace. And they all have distinct, individual styles (and repertoires), demonstrating a variety personal approaches to the music.

In no particular order;

Lesley and Tara Bingham
Matt Molloy
Frankie Kennedy
Mick McGoldrick
Marcas O’Murchu

and yer man from Flook

Yes I alomost forgot the brillant

Cathal McConnell

He was brillant a few years ago at Willie Clancy in Tom Malones pub

I remember seeing a great flute player in Clomell at the Fleadh Ceoil a few years ago. Im not quite sure , but think her name is Patsy OHalloran ?? she plays sessions around Dublin. Anybody hear of hear, or did I have a few to many!!

Jonathan - yes, you’re right - you did mention John Wynne.

Thanks to Belfstrab, for the memory jog.

So those who have been the biggest influence on my playing, have been:
Kenny Hadden, Desi Wilkinson, Marcus O Murchu, Cathal McConnell, & Catherine McEvoy.

Cheers
Dick

Catherine McEvoy -- because her pulse, articulation, phrasing are so uplifting, and she’s a wonderful personality

Paddy Carty -- because his tone, breath control, and phrasing are otherworldly

Mike Rafferty -- because his settings are so unique and tasteful

Siobhan Kelly -- because her kindness and her tone are second to none

Every other flute player but me -- because I am positively brutal

Not in any order (Except I think Conal is the best!)

Harry Bradley
Conal O Grada
Matt Molloy
Eamonn Cotter
Seamus Tansey

Matt Molloy
Seamus Tansey
Harry Bradley
John Wynne
Kevin Crawford

I don’t feel a reason is necessary. Their music speaks volumes for them. Loads others though who deserve a top spot.. brian duke for example!

favorites, no “best” pronouncements here….

paddy carty
jack coen
mike rafferty
eamon cotter
eddie moloney
patsy hanley

Also forgot to mention the one the only;

SPIKE O’CALLAGHAN OF BELFAST

Mostly to be found in the john Hewitt Belfast on Sat, but last seen in Friels Milltown Malby…..excellent player

Not sure I like the idea of top 5 of anything but since I am contributing I must agree somewhat! Here goes.

Mick McGoldrick - 1
Matt Molloy -2
Kevin Crawford - 3
Seamus Tansey - 4
Jean Michel Veillon - 5

McGoldrick and Molloy - I don’t even try to play they do! I know I can’t
Crawford - great energy
Tansey - makes tunes sound so different
JMV - great on the slower tunes

Tough one…not necessarily in order….

Matt Molloy
Conal O’Grada
Harry Bradley (especially with Michael Clarkson)
Michael Tubridy
Frankie Kennedy
Brian Finnegan
Kevin Crawford (sometimes)
Mike McGoldrick

Too many of the ‘older generation’ to list, but I do listen to them a lot…would love to hear more of Patsy Hanley; what I have heard is superb, but there should be more.

Don’t worry Llanman, I think we all agree here that it’s just plain silly to say that any 5 players are better than any other & makes about as much sense as having competitions in music. On your Marks … Get Set … Go! 😛

That’s why most of us have simply described our choices as our own personal favourite players. Those who have most influenced our own style of playing &/or choice of music we enjoy playing.

Cheers
Dick

Only one mentioning of Shannon Heaton, and none of Steph Geremia and Clare Mann is not enough, really.
Deirdre Havlin from Deanta.
All of these for their great energy.
And these relatively young players are of course the future.
Shannon Heaton and Grey Larsen for their efforts in sharing, both having great books out.
Kind greetings,
Thony

Harry Bradley
Conal Ó Gráda
Matt Molloy
Dave Sheridan
Seán O Broin

simply because theyre all just amazing!

I printed off the replies here and went throught them to pass the time on a train to the west coast of Scotland a few days ago. Where people mentioned more than 5, I took the first 5 names. 59 players’ names were mentioned.
“El Supremo” - at No.1 with 19 votes was Matt Molloy.
I was pleased to see Harry Bradley at No.2 with 11 votes.
3rd equal - 8 votes each - Kevin Crawford and Conal O’Grada.
closely followed by Catherine McEvoy and Seamus Tansey
[ which surprised me somewhat ], with 7 votes each.
My 5 would have been Harry Bradley, Desi Wilkinson, Frankie Gavin, Kevin Henry, Larry Nugent - [ the last 2 were not mentioned by anyone else ].
At the end of the day, we’re lucky that there are so many great players to choose from.

Today the winner is (ex aequo) Órlaith McAuliffe Catherine McEvoy Nuala Kennedy Emer Mayock Louise Ní Mhaolcathaigh Steph Geremia June Nic Chormaic Tara Diamond Joanie Madden and a lot of other talented ladies (and pleeease Kenny, don’t take only the first 5 names for the stats !)

1.) Matt Molloy - Hard driving fast precise hard hitting ornaments and most consistent over the years with great recorded material. Very listenable. Very trad.

2.) Kevin Crawford - All of the same reasons as Matt Molloy.

3.) Seamus Tansey - Incredible virtuosity aggressive style and speed.

4.) Orlaith McCauliffe - Aggressive precise heavily ornamented. Rock solid and trad. Thundering embellishments.

5.) Sylvain Barou - Unbelievable virtuosity speed precision. Hard slamming ornaments are my go to for every flute player. It is the case with a tragic hero that their strength is also their weakness. The fact that he ventures away from trad to other styles is why he’s such a virtuoso but it also makes him less listenable for me. When I want trad (which is always) I’m going to turn to Matt Molloy etc. Arab music doesn’t hold my interest for very long. It impresses me that he can pull it off but then I want trad again.

Honorable mentions:

Brian Finnegan - It hurts me to leave him out but it was a top 5. My deciding criteria is hard slamming ornaments aggression speed and virtuosity. Brian Finnegan is the living embodiment of these characteristics.

Cein Sweeney - Straight forward trad played with expertise. Definitely in my top 7. Listen to his live stuff. The album waters him down. He’s aggressive and fierce. One of my faves for sure.