cab’s one hundred and forty-seven comments

"Highland March" is in fact Bó Mhín Na Toitean. They acknowledge Johnny Doherty as the source but comment that it is "clearly of Scottish origin." more…

Wayne Green wrote: "The concertina was invented in England or Germany (depending on which argument you want to believe). The Irish Anglo was an adoption." more…

I love tarantellas too but one useful ITM spin-off of this thread is Arthur's mention of Michel Balatti's fluting. Great playing. Thanks for the heads-up. more…

N'oublie pas d'embrasser Montcuq. more…

I too play an 8 key R&R style in D. Great flute. Fantastic value. A lot of makers prefer block mounted keys but Tony uses post mounts and I've never had a problem with these - my old Jil Lehart flute has the same and they've been good for many years. ... more…

I shall try Eejit! Always found it hard to shout Ecumenical Matters quickly between bars when I'm playing flute. more…

Listen to 1920s and 1930s recordings of Irish players - the likes of Coleman and McKenna - they're fast. more…

Experienced dancers are often used to ceilidh bands (live or on CD) complete with piano and drums, going hell for leather. more…

Some of us will call out the key of the next tune before the end of the current one, sometimes using the Father Ted method, or Father Jack to be precise, where G, D and A are replaced by Girls! Drink! and Arse! (I don't think there's anything for E, and ... more…

And the pronunciation of An Phis Thirim? more…