Tag Archives: celtic

New Year, New EP!

Posted on by
Reply

At long last, after several attempts at recording a follow-up to ‘Ireland Bridge‘ over the last few years (which have mostly ended in disaster – story to follow!), I am delighted to say that the new 5 track EP ‘Tune Chaser‘ will be out on the 1st February 2020!

“a new EP absolutely drenched with brilliant music”
Mike Harding – The Mike Harding Folk Show #278

“an evocative and uplifting listening experience“
“a kaleidoscopic mix of both traditional tunes from the British Isles and original compositions”
Bright Young Folk Feb 2020

A mix of five varied traditional and original tracks featuring Uilleann Pipes (Flat set in B and concert set in D), Anglo & Duet Concertinas, Northumbrian Smallpipes, Fiddle and Whistles accompanied by Steve Lacey (Guitar), Hugh Bradley (Fretless Bass), Stewart Shearer (Banjo, Mandolin, Electric Guitars & Piano), Leigh Stothard (Drums). Recorded, mixed and co-produced byl Steve Smith of Kimbers Men fame up at Smithsound Sowerby, who also contributed some American Reed Organ to the mix, and mastered by Sam Proctor Music Production. Cover Photography by Keelan T Scott.

AVAILABLE FROM BANDCAMP and CD direct from our online shop (Paypal) here

Tune Chaser EP

1. Bright Slide Set (4.23)
Johnny O’Learys (Trad. Arr Taylor)   
Bright Slide (Taylor)
Baile an tSamhraidh (Trad. Arr Taylor)

Becky Taylor – Uilleann Pipes and Fiddle
Steve Lacey – Guitar

2. Tunechasing (5:10)  
Tunechasing (Taylor) – Reel/Jig
Sliabh Russell (Trad. Arr Taylor)

Becky Taylor – Uilleann Pipes, Anglo and Duet Concertina, Low and High Whistle
Steve Lacey – Guitar
Steve Smith – ‘Tabor’ American Reed Organ

3. Roadfrog – Orkney mix (2:46)  
Roadfrog (Taylor Arr Shearer)
The Lass of Dundee (Trad. Arr Taylor/Shearer)

Becky Taylor – Northumbrian Smallpipes
Stewart Shearer – Banjo, Mandolin, Guitars, Piano, 
Leigh Stothard – Drums
Hugh Bradley – Fretless Bass

4. The Hairy Slip Jigs  (4:18)
Comb your hair and curl it (Trad. Arr Taylor)
Comb your hair and curl it again (Taylor)
The long and the short of it (Taylor)

Becky Taylor – Uilleann Pipes, Anglo and Duet Concertina, Low and High Whistle
Steve Lacey – Guitar
Hugh Bradley – Fretless Bass

5. Heed the Call (Taylor) (3:57)
Becky Taylor – Uilleann Pipes in B 

Recording, mixing and co-production by Steve Smith @ Smithsound Sowerby
Stewart Shearer – co-production and part recording on Roadfrog
Mastered by Sam Proctor Music Production
Cover photo by Keelan T Scott

A few action shots of Steve, Steve (it gets confusing!) and Hugh while they put down their tracks…
Our executive producer Callydog is also snapped in her favourite pose, catching a few zzz’s after a busy day Tune Chasing!

Learning the Tin Whistle

Posted on by
Reply

The tin whistle is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get started playing traditional folk music. It is lightweight, portable, easy to play and get hold of as well as being available in many different keys. Learning the whistle can be a stepping stone to other instruments such as the Flute or Uilleann pipes. Lessons with Becky will help get you off to the right start aiming to get you started on your first tune at the first lesson.

Lessons are offered at the following stages of whistle playing:

  • Complete Beginner
  • Intermediate/Improvers
  • Advanced

Beginners:
Beginners lessons focus on establishing the basics of good whistle technique:-

  • Essential techniques to get you started.
  • Basic fingering.
  • Venturing into the upper octave.
  • Breathing and tuning.
  • Posture and hand positioning.
  • Dealing with squeaks and leaks!
  • Your first tune.
  • Introduction to Ornamentation – the basics.
  • Irish traditional tune types and styles.

This will help you make quick progress and establish a solid basis when you move ahead to Intermediate/Improvers and Advanced levels:–

  • Increasing Repertoire (more tunes!)
  • Tips and tricks.
  • More complex ornamentation types (‘rolls’, ‘crans’, triplets and more!)
  • Developing your style.
  • Playing with others and in sessions.
  • How to ‘practise’ and improve your playing.
  • Preparing for performance.
  • Moving on to other instruments

Contact becky@beckytaylor.info or here for further details and to arrange your lesson