|
REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk
|
|
||
Joe McKenna - "The Irish Low Whistle" - Shanachie 78043 | ||||
Joe McKenna's might
not be the first name you associate with the low whistle: he's probably
better known as a piper, and even as a manager and promoter of traditional
Irish musicians. Those of you who have heard him play live recently, or
are familiar with his group Slua Nua, will know that his exhuberant piping
is complemented by deft and tasteful whistle playing, and a quick listen
to this CD will confirm that Joe McKenna is a top-flight performer on
the low whistle. The release of this recording, Joe's first solo credit,
should establish his whistling credentials beyond any doubt. More leisurely listening
shows that Joe is a master of several styles on the low whistle. On some
tracks he transfers piping technique directly onto the whistle, which
is not always successful (something about the volume velocity, or the
source characteristics, probably) but which makes for exciting and fluid
dance music. Faster tunes such as Colonel Fraser and Tommy Peoples' Reel
with its abrupt ending show both the possibilities and the limitations
of this challenging instrument. It's interesting to compare the Stone
in the Field set, the only piping track on this CD, with the following
set of reels on the low whistle. The misty, moody,
sometimes mushy aspect of big whistles is more well known. Joe provides
some fine examples, avoiding the trap of new-age vacuousness. On two of
his own compositions he indulges in world-music accompaniments, but both
tunes are robust enough to take it and it works well, especially behind
the monster Bb low whistle used for Behind the Trees in the Forest: this
7-minute track is one of the highlights. Sister Antoinette's air When
Evening Comes Around and the currently popular Caoimeadh Eoghain Rua are
more traditional in feel, and more like previous McKenna albums. Among several other
medium-paced tracks, the two which stand out are Joe's duets with Mary
Bergin. The combination of low and high whistles is extremely effective,
and Mary's instantly recognisable brilliance is the perfect complement
to the earthier tones of the big instrument. In the Mooncoin Jig set,
the use of two mid-pitched whistles is a lovely innovation. This a well-thought-out
recording, full of fine music. It's also a superb showcase for the low
whistle and for Joe's considerable talents as a composer and performer
of Irish music. Well worth a listen, I'd say, especially if you're a whistle
player. At 44 minutes there would have been room for a couple more tracks
of Joe's world-class piping, but I suppose we'll have to make do with
the eleven tracks here until he gets round to making another CD. Alex Monaghan |
||||
|