Elspeth Grant’s fifteen comments

I've been playing the whistle for more years than I care to admit. I don't have a regimen but I do try to play everyday. Usually I play along with music on Spotify or CDs or along with the backup tracks from the Online Academy of Irish Music https://www.o... more…

Mirella Murray ain't too shabby more…

Thanks for the notification and I will donate! The 'fame factory' comment was unwarranted and unnecessary. I have both facilitated and participated in go fund me campaigns that raised thousands of dollars for deserving individuals and groups who, like Fr... more…

Kellie, your rendition of Green Mountain is lovely, and quite accomplished for 6 years in, I'd say, in my humble experience as an advanced whistle player of 25+ years. You have a very good command of ornamentation and use them effectively in highlighting ... more…

The Waves of Kilkee by Joanie Madden (on Cherish the Ladies' album "At Home"). I was at a retreat once where Joanie gave an 'informance' about her music, and someone mentioned this tune (which she said was composed at Kilkee after a horrible, turbulent fl... more…

The Session has been absolutely critical to my sanity during these long spells of isolation and uncertainty. I have spent many happy hours acquiring new resources and learning tons of tunes, toggling back and forth between here and Spotify. Many thanks t... more…

By the way, if you haven't read "Last Night's Fun, there is a free copy on the Internet Archive, link below more…

In South Louisiana this type of melodeon or diatonic button accordion is called a Cajun accordion, essential to traditional Cajun and zydeco music. Hohners are still played but are pretty rare, I think, as there are a number of builders in Louisiana and T... more…

"Flowing Tides: History and Memory in an Irish Soundscape" by Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin. This book focuses on the musical traditions of County Clare and features performers like Sharon Shannon, Maura O'Connell, Geraldine Cotter, Martin Hayes, John Lynch ... more…

I attend the O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat nine times over the years - a really great experience that advanced my whistle playing considerably and introduced me to many artists and fellow retreat-goers. more…