The Narrow Edge

I think this is his first solo CD, though he’s well known for his work as an accompanist, his ensemble work, and as a member of Teada. Here he plays flute, guitar, piano, and whistle, with Ruairi McGorman on bouzouki. A fine album.

Thanks for posting this, Gary. Would this be mainly a flute CD ? I’m a big fan of John Blake’s flute playing, and am glad to see this recording being released. I might get slagged for this, but does he play banjo on the CD at all ? I seem to remember him playing banjo with “Teada”, and being a very tasteful player of that instrument [ as well as all the others ].

It’s all flute and whistle, Kenny.

Thanks Gary - I’ll look forward to hearing it.

Niall Kenny and myself [ along with several others ] bought this CD when John “re-launched” it at Hammy and Conal’s Flute Gathering in Ballyvourney last week. Niall posted it here with very positive comments yesterday, but because it was a duplicate posting of a recording already here, it’s been removed. I’d like to echo his comments, that this is an excellent piece of work, noteable for several unusual settings of well-known tunes, and the standard of John’s playing is superb. I recommend this recording to absolutely anyone with an interest in any aspect of Irish traditional music. Essential listening for any flute player.