Of all the instruments in traditional music, the bodhran has arguably enjoyed the most spectacular renaissance. When Paddy Moloney was forming the Chieftains in the early 1960s, he recalls that players of the hand-held drum were only marginally more plentiful than unicorns.
Nowadays there's no shortage of bodhranistas, the best of whom match virtuosi on fiddle, pipes et al for musicality and loads more seek to emulate them.
In its second year, Bodhran Beat had some 50 students spending the final weekend of Edinburgh's Ceilidh Culture celebration of the traditional arts learning from five top players. If Saturday's tutors' concert was any guide, they'd leave with food for thought.
Contrary to jokes of popular perception, the bodhran is as much a team player as any other instrument. Bodhran players can do star solo spots - as the much-in-demand Martin O'Neill illustrated by incorporating jazz drummer-style brush work, walking basslines and intricately rhythmic melodies into one impressive fantasia. Put O'Neill together with fiddle and accordion, though - as with the unfussily articulate Junior Davey in his trio set - and he's selfless, driving tunes with precision, imagination and an unfailing awareness of form.
The music was played in mostly intimate groupings, including an entertaining duet between Orcadian Aimee Leonard and husband Rory McLeod's harmonica and spoons, and much of it was impromptu. A spontaneous jam featuring all five tutors was a fine example of stealthy co-operation and in accompanying Siobhan O'Donnell's lilting and Claire Mann's flute, the former De Dannan stalwart Johnny "Ringo" McDonagh displayed the marvellous creative fluidity and rhythmical ease that have earned him legendary status.
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