Last night, I dropped by Geraghty's on the recommendation of Anke and Tuen, a Dutch couple we've befriended. They thought I would like Occan, the flute player performing there that evening. Geraghty's turned out to be a cozy two-room establishment with a back-room table for the musicians. Occan played flute and whistle -- both with consummate skill -- accompanied by a pair of guitarists and a bodhran. (A bodhran is a handheld Irish drum played with the fingertips, palm, and/or a small two-headed stick called a "tipper.")
Occan led the session through a set of jigs, reels, and an occasional lament. At times, one of the guitarists broke into song. Another time, they sat out to provide room for an intricate duet between a whistle and a conga. Unlike many sessions, which can serve as a soundtrack to events happening elsewhere in the pub, the appreciative gathering hung on every note. The intimate atmosphere gave the impression that it was all happening in someone's living room (albeit a living room with a well-stocked bar...
We also saw another side of Irish music, a pair of nine-year old cousins busking as The Bullets. Here, they're performing a driving rendition of "Whiskey In The Jar" ("we really like Thin Lizzy"):
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11 comments:
Heh, heh! They start 'em early in Ireland, don't they? I think that's the first time I've ever seen 9-year-old buskers. I wonder if this is how Bono and Edge started out? Here's hoping these two go as far!
The cousins are adorable. Great photo, too, K. I like how the audience is visible in the window.
Keep me posted on the Bullets!
That pub looks like an ideal spot for music--listening or playing. & I'm thinking the Bullets rule!
No Edge or Bono, think Clancy Bros and Tommy Makem.
I'm requesting Carl Jung's Man And His Symbols be sent to my library branch. Thanks, K. :^)
Your comment at my blog, about differences between the Democrats and Republicans, deserves an answer in depth. I will use as a basis for a future post.
I want to give you more of an answer, than just a few words comment, or a simpleton slogan.
Willow: I think you'll appreciate Jung, M&HIS was required reading in many 70's English departments.
Ren: Thanks! I'm sure that I'll get plenty of answers!
John and all Bullets lovers: We saw the lads later that night, happily eating ice cream. I complimented them on the act. "Thank ye! Thank ye very much!"
What a marvelously fun trip you guys are having! And I am so happy for you! The cousins are so cute and I would have loved to gone to Geraghty's and heard the music there!
Hey tip one for me!
Sylvia
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