Usually solo hurdy-gurdy but occasionally as a duo with Tom Walsh on button accordian
Influences
Back in the 80s, there were few hurdy-gurdy oriented bands around and the main influence was the traditional French group La Chavanee which is still a highly respected group. Blowzabella and Rosbif were also inspirational back then. In later years, many French bands have brought the music of the hurdy-gurdy up to date, notably "Tapage" and the music of Gilles Chabenat, Maxou Heintzen, Patrick Bouffard,Philippe Besson,Philippe Prieur and many others.
Sounds Like
The hurdy-gurdy has its own distinctive sound. The drones work with the melody to give a constantly changing harmony which works well in many musical genres. The mainstream repertoire of the instrument in modern times is French traditional dance music where it is often played with the French bagpipe and melodeon. I have been playing some Irish trad. tunes lately which also work well.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
HEY MAN HOW GOES IT?- LOOKS LIKE WERE MOVING TO PITTSBURGH NOW...LOTS OF FRIENDS AND BANDS THERE AND LOTS MORE TO BE INVOLVED WITH-LOTS GOING ON-YOU SHOULD MAKE A T-SHIRT FOR YOUR MUSIC BRO-HELL GIVE ME AN IDEA ILL MAKE YA A DESIGN!-PEACE BRO!
Hi Neil, your wonderful hurdy gurdy has been out and about this summer and the two songs I play with Pressgang on it are being well received. All the best Damian from Pressgang
GLAD TO BE YOUR FRIEND NEIL, YOUR TALENT IS OVERFLOWING INTO UNDESCRIBABLY AMAZING UNCOMMON TUNES. IF ALL THESE THINGS ARE NOT TRAD, YOU ARE ONE OF THE MOST GIFTED NEW FOLK COMPOSERS OF THE PERIOD. WELCOME TO MY NEW UPLOAD - ROYAL GUARDS - ON WWW.MYSPACE.COM/LEOSDEPOT MEET THE BRAVE AND HONEST LADS! BEST SUMMER INSPIRATIONS LEO
Hello, thanks! there isn't very much hurdy hurdy on our site yet, but with the help of your maintenense site i hope to have it up and running soon. great site!
/hans
Good to have a hurdy-gurdy friend! It sounds great by the way. Thanks for the friend invite and for dropping by MySpace. All the best from a freakishly cold Dublin, Ireland.
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