Some of the players who have influenced my playing and approach to the bouzouki and traditional music include;
Terry Blankenship plays traditional celtic music on the Irish bouzouki, octave mandolin, mandola, mandolin, bodhran. He plays and sings traditional Irish, Scottish, and English folk songs and instrumentals. Besides playing celtic music Terry also plays experimental music, and has played guitar on a couple of CDs with Robert Fripp. Also check out: Terry Blankenship's Australian mp3.com site
Martin Carthy is one of my biggest influences and inspirations as a singer, guitarist, and for his approach to songs, songwriting, and traditional music in general. I can't say enough good things about Martin. I have seen him play several times live and had the good fortune to be able to spend time with him on several occasions. Recently I got to spend five and a half hours straight playing music and talking with him. I played bouzouki and sang and he played guitar and sang. I went out to dinner on another night with him and his lovely wife Norma Waterson and got to ask them about their approach to singing, songs, arranging, and traditional music. I have the greatest love and respect for this family. Their daughter Eliza Carthy is wonderful too. I consider Martin a friend and kindred spirit. Here is a song index for Martin, Norma, and Eliza. Check out this great Martin Carthy Chronological Discography, and also the Watersons Chronological Discography.
Nic Jones is one of the all time great English folk singers. While visiting Dervish in Sligo, Brian McDonagh told me that my playing and singing reminded him of Nic Jones. I asked him if this was a compliment or not as I had never heard Nic Jones. He said Nic was great and he played me a couple of songs off of Nic Jones "Penguin Eggs" Cd. I have been a Nic Jones fan ever since. Recently Martin Carthy told me that I had to check out Nic Jones other four albums, and that all of them were great. They are all out of print but my friend Steve Carson had them all and let me borrow them. Someone needs to re-release all of these Cds. They are great. There is an article on Nic Jones new Cd In Search of Nic Jones and there are some really good websites on Nic Jones. Check out Nic Jones - "Music That Means Something" and Nic Jones - "Selected English Folk Singers".
Dick Gaughan is the other one of my biggest influences and inspirations as a singer and guitarist, and for his approach to songs, songwriting, and traditional music in general. Seeing Dick Gaughan live was one of the most inspiring moments in my life. The passion and intensity in his vocals, songwriting, and guitar playing have been a major influence for me. I have been fortunate to see him several times also and talk with him on several occasions, four times in Ohio and once in Sligo, Ireland.
Brian McNeill is an inspiration to me as a songwriter and musician in general. I got to meet him when he and and Alasdair Frazier jumped up on stage and played "Rattlin Roarin Willie" and "The Rovin Dies Hard" with me, Rick, and Margaret.at the Arlington, Texas Scottish Festival. Later he taught me how to play "No Gods and Precious Few Heroes" and I got up on stage and played that song with him during his set. Brian told me that he liked my playing and thought we had a similar approach in our playing. I think there is a good chance I will end up working with him on some level in the future. He has agreed to produce a cd for me in the future. I just need to get my end of it ready. He is a great songwriter, fiddler, and plays guitar, bouzouki, mandola, mandolin, concertina, and sings. He is the real thing.
Pentangle were one of the first bands that I heard that played traditional music. John Renbourn and Bert Jansch were both in the band and I really loved the band. I learned some of my first traditional songs like Wedding Dress and Rain and Snow, off of their albums. I love Jacqui McShee's voice. I also like The John Renbourn Group very much.
Fairport Convention were another of the first bands I heard that played traditional music. I really loved their album Full House and learned Dirty Linen and Sir Patrick Spens off of that album. I really liked their guitarist Richard Thompson , their bass player Dave Pegg and their fiddler Dave Swarbrick. I got to meet Dave Swarbrick when he was playing in a duo with Martin Carthy a few years ago. He was a great fiddler and a real character. I liked him a lot. I'd love to see Fairport Convention in their current line up.
Steeleye Span were another of the first bands that I heard playing Traditional music. What a great band. I still love all of those early albums in particular. I really liked Ashley Hutchings and Rick Kemp's bass playing. Maddy Prior is a great singer. She also has a good web site with a lot of good links.
The Albion Band are one of the all time great English folk groups. Ashley Hutchings is considered by many to be the father of folk rock.
Pierre Bensusan is one of my favourite guitar players. He uses DADGAD tuning. His albums "Pres de Paris", "Pierre Bensusan 2", and "Musiques" are my personal favourites.
Soig Siberil is another favourite. He was the guitar player with the bands Kornog and Gwerz.
Jamie McMenemy from the band Kornog, is one of my favourite bouzouki players and singers. His first solo album and Kornog's "Premiere" are two of my all time favourite albums. I liked his work with the early Battlefield Band as well. He is probably the one bouzouki player that I would most like to get a chance to play and record with. My ideal band would be a cross between Kornog and Dervish. Jamie McMenemy was born in the Irish community in Glasgow, Scotland. While a student at Glasgow School of Art, he started playing and singing in several local traditional folk bands, before turning professional in 1976, and touring for three years with the Battlefield Band . On his first tour, Jamie discovered Brittany, its music and its people, and moved there in 1979, where he was immediately adopted by the traditional musicians; it is now his permanent home. He performed with the Breton group Djiboudjep for two years before recording a solo album and forming Kornog in May of 1981. When the group stopped in 1987, he took a break - until 1993. He has since been playing in various line-ups from duos to 6 piece outfits, Breton dance bands, or Irish/Scottish bands where he sings, and regularly gigging with other Kornog members. At the moment he concentrates on his singing repertoire.Jamie He played in Taxi Mauve, and also played in the Belgian band Orion from July 97 to Oct 99. Their booking agency Herschel Freeman has a web page for Kornog, and Green Linnett also has a page for them. .
Brian McDonagh of Dervish is my biggest influence for playing the bouzouki, mandola, and mandolin, and because of his approach to the music in general. I love his work in "Oisin," and "Dervish" are hands down my favourite traditional Irish band. I have been fortunate to cross paths with "Dervish" many times on the road. We got to be friends and they invited me to Sligo to visit them for two weeks. Brian and I climbed to the top of a mountain and played music together. Kathy took me on a picnic and a horse and buggy ride, and we saw a Dick Gaughan concert together. Liam had me over for dinner and he went through his music collection and turned me on to some things. Shane Mitchell gave me his personal copy of "Trip to Sligo" as a going home gift. Shamie played the blues for me in the local pub. Besides being a great fiddler, Shamie can play the guitar like Rory Gallagher, and play guitar and sing like Dick Gaughan. Shamie is a great guitar player. The band had just bought a pub and there were sessions going on with a lot of the musicians who were there playing at "The Sligo Arts Festival. I went to an all night party at Kathy's house with Sliabh Notes and other musicians from the festival one night. Finn Corrigan their sound man is one of the best in the business. He has made them sound great in every situation I have seen them in. On large and small p.a. systems. At outdoor festivals and indoor concerts. Finn is great and an all around good guy. I most recently ran into Dervish when we both played at the Milwaukee Irish festival for four days. Their new fiddler Tom was in top form and a great addition to the band. Shamie was great also. The new line up sounded great. It was good to see them again.
Tom McDonagh is Brian McDonagh's brother. I got to meet him when I was in Sligo visiting Dervish. I got to play hear him play and got to play his bouzouki. We spent some time together walking around Sligo during the Sligo Arts Festival. I was really impressed with him as a player and person. He has a cd with Brian McNeill called "Horses for Courses". His playing is great. He also played on the first three "Oisin" albums with his brother Brian McDonagh. I am looking foreward to the next time I meet Tom. He is a great bouzouki player and really nice guy.
Michael Holmes of Dervish is another of my favourite bouzouki players. His work together with Brian McDonagh is great. The two of them play together so well. No one could ever replace either one of them in that band. They really work great together. Mike is a really nice guy also. I don't think he knows how good he really is.
Dave Richardson from the Boys of the Lough is another player who has influenced me. I particularly like their early work. I got to see them play once and briefly met them after the show.
Alec Finn from DeDannan is another favourite of mine. When ever I ask any pro bouzouki player who there favourite bouzouki player is they almost always say Alec Finn. His style is so unique. I got to meet him when we played the Milwaukee Irish festival together. He let me play his bouzouki, and played some for me backstage. I really liked him a lot. I'm looking forward to the next time our paths cross. The band sounded great, and they were all really nice.
Dolores Keane and John Faulkner did some great albums together. I really love her voice. John is a good bouzouki player also.
Johnny Moynihan (Planxty, De Dannan) is one of the guys who started it all when it comes to using the bouzouki in Irish music. I love his playing and wish I could find more albums that he plays on.
Donal Lunny , Bothy Band, and Planxty) will most likely have been a major infuence to anyone who plays the bouzouki. I recently got to meet him when I played at the Milwaukee Irish festival. He was playing there also with his new band "Coolfin". They were incredible. Their new material is great. I got to meet him after the show and he let me check out his bouzouki which he said was the very first instrument to be called an Irish bouzouki. He was a really nice guy. I immediately liked him. He continues to break new ground with his music.
Andy Irvine from (Planxty) is another bouzouki player who has influenced almost every one who has ever tried to play the bouzouki. I have seen him play as a solo artist several times, and once with a trio including Nicola Parov and Rens. They were unbelieveable. Nicola has to be seen to be believed. There are no commercial recordings of this lineup yet. I have seen Andy play several times in Ohio and once in Ireland. He let me try out his bouzoukis and his mandolin. He has a great new web site that any of his fans will love.
Paul Brady is another musician that I really like. His "Welcome here kind stranger" and "Paul Brady & Andy Irvine" albums are two of my all time favourites. I love his singing and playing and his approach to traditional songs. The album with Matt Molloy, Tommy Peoples, and Paul Brady" is another favourite. I hope to meet him some day. Here is a Paul Brady lyrics link for songs he has done..
Eoin O'Neill plays on John Williams cd and on an early Mary Custy cd that I have. He has a unique style that is very good. He is one of the best bouzouki players I have heard. I really like his style. I haven't yet had the pleasure to see him play live.
Niall O'Callanain - The great bouzouki player from Deiseal and co-writer of "The Irish Bouzouki" book. His playing can also be found on CDs by Devenish, Meristem, Máire Breatnach, and Cormac Breatnach. Check out his web site for his full discography.
Les Wilson from The Tannahill Weavers is another one of the guys who started it all. The first four Tannahill Weavers albums really sound great. Our paths have crossed several times at festivals we were both playing at. I got the chance to talk with Les and try out his bouzouki. I really like him. The band sounded perfect every time I have seen them. True professionals. They still have the power and drive of their early albums. The last time I ran into him was when we both played at the Chicago Celtic Festival.
The Battlefield Band in their early days had two of my favourite players in the band, Brian McNeill and Jamie McMenemy.
The Chieftains were one of the first bands that I heard playing Irish music. I still live their early work.
Ciaran Curran from Altan is another bouzouki player I like a lot. I met him after a show in Dayton a couple of years ago and the band invited me back to the hotel. I got to talk with him a lot . He was a really nice guy. I ran into the band next when were were both playing at the Dublin Irish festival and staying in the same hotel.
Solas is another good band. I met them when we were both playing at The Master Musicians Festival. It was their first gig as Solas. They came up with the name of the band while they were sitting under the stage.
Lunasa is a good new band. I saw them a couple of years ago at the Sligo Arts festival. They really rocked the place. People loved them.
Danu is another good new band. When I was in Sligo visiting Dervish a couple of years ago I asked them who the best new bands in Ireland were and they all said Danu. They said they had incredible energy live. I bought the cd and loved it.
Bothy Band were one of the most loved and respected Irish traditional bands.
Paddy Keenan is one of the all time greats. Check out his official website.
Paddy Glackin is one of my favourite fiddlers. The CD by Paddy Glackin and Robbie Hannon is one of my current favourites.
Tommy Peoples is another of the great Donegal fiddlers.
Kevin Burke is another of the greats. I met him once when he did a house concert as a duo with Jed Foley.
Vasen are a group from Sweden that are doing some really great music.
Hedingarna are another interesting group fron Sweden.
ChulruaI got to see this band at one of their first concerts together. They were really good and their new cd is raelly good also. I have been fortunate to run into Paddy O' Brien at several festivals that we both happened to be performing at and he is a great guy as well as a great player.
Ossian
Iron Horse
Old Blind Dogs
Gerald Trimble
Silver Arm was my very first Celtic band with Steve Matyi, Cindy Matyi, Susan Cross, Rick Evans, and Terry Blankenship. I had a lot of fun when I was in the band and we made some good music together. Our performance at the Master Musicians festival was filmed and aired as a TV special.. Other than that tv special this line up didn't record any CDs. After Cindy retired to concentrate on her art work for a while, Susan Cross, Rick Evans, Terry Blankenship, and Mike Wrackers and did a tv special for the "Culture of Diversity" show in Cincinnati. Terry and Rick then teamed up with Scottish singer Margaret Gravitt and formed a new trio. Silver Arm eventually reformed with different members and has gone through several different lineups since then, the only original members left being the husband and wife team of Steve and Cindy. (The link is for the current version of their band.)
Margaret, Rick, & Terry were a Celtic trio with Margaret Gravitt on vocals, Rick Evans on bodhran, and Terry Blankenship on Irish bouzouki and vocals. We mailny played at Scottish Festivals. We had the pleasure of Alasdair Frasier joining us onstage at a couple of them, and Brian McNeill and Alasdair Frasier both joining us onstage at the Scottish Festival in Arlington, Texas. We put out one CD together, and also did a tv special for "Culture Of Diversity" in Cincinnati. After Margaret retired, Terry & Rick continued on as a duo for a while and put out one CD together.
The Gabriel Hounds were a great Celtic band based out of Columbus, Ohio with Deborah Colon on fiddle, Carl Colon on guitar and vocals, Brian McCoy on flute, penny whistle, low whistle, Eddie Cotter on bodhran & percussion, and Terry Blankenship on bouzouki, mandola, mandolin, guitar, & vocals. We played at a lot of Irish Festivals including the Dublin irish festival and the Milwaukee Irish Festival together. When Deborah and Carl eventually left the band to concentrate on their duo act "Changeling": Brian, Terry, and Eddie continued on as a trio called The Kells.
The Kells were a Celtic band with Terry Blankenship on bouzouki, mandola, mandolin, guitar, & vocals, Brian McCoy on flute, penny whistle, low whistle, & uilleann pipes, and Eddie Cotter on bodhran & percussion. We put out two live CDs and one studio CD before going our seperate ways.. Brian and Terry carried on as a duo for a while afterwards.
Irish Bouzouki
Tuning and stringing the bouzouki
Playing the bouzouki in GDAD tuning
Playing the mandola in DAEA tuning
Playing the bouzouki in ADAD tuning
Playing the bouzouki / octave mandolin and mandolin in GDAE tuning
Playing the bouzouki in ADAE tuning
How to tell a mandolin, mandola, octave mandolin, bouzouki, and cittern apart
Joe Foley
Rich Westerman
Celtic Guitar Links
Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar (by Pat Kirtley)
John Sherman's Celtic Guitar Page
Celtic Guitar Page (by Glen Weiser)
Various Musical Instruments
Online stores that sell Celtic cd's, cassettes, books, videos, and various musical instruments
Irish Import Shops in North America
Record Labels
Useful Links
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann North America
Irish Traditional Music Archive
Bodleian Library Broadside Ballads
English Folk Dance & Song Society
English Folk and Traditional Music
Folk Music of England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and America
A Discogaphy of Traditional Music