The best of the UK Concertina players

Subject: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 01:25 PM

Here are two concertina players who I love to listen to. You can as well.

The first is Bill Whaley from Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher
This video was taken by Sue Dewsbury at Faldingworth Live.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1kAMmkLHC4

The second is Iris Bishop, seen here with Martyn Wyndham-Read

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKKJzzChzRQ&feature=PlayList&p=50D5402B4373FE8B&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=41

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Bernard
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 01:49 PM

I think 'best' is a very personal thing...

I know lots of excellent concertina players, Bill Whaley included, but I wouldn't want to say any were 'better' than others.

Given that, here is my list of concertina players among my favourites, in no particular order...

John Kirkpatrick
Keith Kendrick
Brian Peters
Roger Edwards
Mary Humphreys
Alastair Anderson
Steve Turner
Bernard Wrigley

Apologies to those who I've inadvertently missed, but I'm in the middle of cooking my evening meal!!

;o)

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 01:53 PM

..if we are making a list, let's add Pete Trimming!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Bernard
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 02:02 PM

Oops... I hope no-one thinks I was excluding Bill from my list! I have fond memories of the Purple People Pleaser...!

For those who don't know, it was a prototype MIDI English Concertina, painted purple.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Les from Hull
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 02:25 PM

Well it's obviously Chris Sherburn on Anglo!

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 02:39 PM

Sorry Bernard, wasn't implying anybody was better than anybody else. Substitute Best for "Who you like"

Saw Chris at faldingworth and yes a fine player.

Saw Keith Kendrick when he was live on the folk program for Radio Lincolnshire. I was in the same room as he explained to Rodders how to suck and blow. Yes another fine example.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: vectis
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 06:19 PM

Will Duke

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Tootler
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 06:57 PM

Andy Turner

Mary Humphreys was mentioned above. I'm surprised that Anahata wasn't also mentioned at the same time.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Bernard
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 07:06 PM

Like I said, I was cooking my tea... of course Anahata should get a mention!!

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Bernard
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 07:07 PM

The late Tony Rose, too...

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Will Fly
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 02:54 AM

Let's not forget Alan Day. The fact that he's my partner-in-crime and I owe him a tosheroon is quite beside the point...

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: SteveMansfield
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 03:09 AM

Robert Harbron surely deserves a place on any 'best of' list, and certainly comes right at the top of my 'those you like' list - lovely technique and a dab hand with a tune counter-melody and/or a song accompaniment.

And for sheer speed and key-clattering technical brilliance, Simon Thoumire earns a mention.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Alan Day
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 03:27 AM

Thanks Will, but the likes of Concertina Players can be put down to styles of playing a few names not mentioned are
Anglo Players

Niall Vallely
The late Andrew Blakeny Edwards
The late Nigel Chippendale
Harry Scurfield
John Watcham
Roger Digby
Mandy Murray

English System Players (missing out the past greats)

Robert Harbron
Danny Chapman
John Nixon
Lea Nicholson
Martyn Bradley
Dave Townsend
Alistair Anderson
Damien Barber
Simon Thoumire
Graham Jenkins
Sarah Graves

Duet Players

Ralphie Jordon
John Morgan
Gavin Atkin
Jon Boden
Pam Bishop
Geoff Lakeman
Chris Coe
Sylvia Needham
Becky Taylor

Above are all featured on the International collections
Duet nearing completion
Al

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Erich
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 04:21 AM

Chris Timson & Anne Gregson

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 06:32 AM

I would like to add Louisa Killen ,Alf Edwards,The New Mexborough Concertina Quartet,New Mexborough Concertina band, Harry Scurfield,Chris Droney,Mary Macnamara, Dick Miles, ScanTester.
http://www.dickmiles.com

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: bubblyrat
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 06:48 AM

Well, people I know, like ,and admire ;

Patti Smith

    Noreen Keene

      and on "duet", Alison Fenner

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Arnie
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 07:02 AM

Good Soldier - I saw Dick Miles perform for the first time last Friday night. He explained that he'd had a house fire in Ireland and his favourite concertina was damaged. He turned up at our folk club with a new concertina that he was breaking-in. Now I have little knowledge of concertina playing but Dick sounded pretty good to me, even with his new concertina and some buttons in different places. He's also not bad on guitar. As he's written a couple of concertina tutor books, according to his website, then I suppose he must be up there as a contender.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 07:05 AM

I am surprised nobody has mentioned Dick Miles, probably the only concertina player who could give Simon Thoumire and Aly Anderson a run for their money in the technical virtuosity department ...

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Richie
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 07:16 AM

Dick Miles was mentioned Murray, By dick himself.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 07:23 AM

This is a wind up. Dick Miles is Good Soldier Schweik LMAO

Nobody needs to mention Dick as he does it himself LOL wink wink

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Alan Day
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 08:27 AM

There are some wonderful Irish players, but as UK was mentioned and the precise address of them, Southern or Northern was unknown to me I thought best to leave them off my list. There are of course some wonderful old players including William Kimber that I thought would make the list endless
Al

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: SteveMansfield
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 08:52 AM

Wasn't Dick also in both the New Mexborough Quartet and the New Mexborough Band?

I would just like to recommend myself as the best English concertina player in our house, and my wife is the best anglo player.

And if only the lurcher had opposable thumbs we could buy her a duet, and then she'd be the best duet player in the house and we'd have all three systems covered.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Bernard
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 09:30 AM

Okay, as we're going down the shameless self-plugging road, I play both English and Anglo, and am considered fairly adequate...!!

A Leg End in my own lunchtime...

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Will Fly
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 09:40 AM

sfmans - is the lurcher available for gigs yet?

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: SteveMansfield
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 10:15 AM

sfmans - is the lurcher available for gigs yet?

I'll check her diary, but she won't get off the settee for just any old gig you know, I'm not sure you'll be able to afford the Winalot ...

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Will Fly
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 11:29 AM

sfmans - is the lurcher available for gigs yet?

I'll check her diary, but she won't get off the settee for just any old gig you know, I'm not sure you'll be able to afford the Winalot ...

Bugger - I was hoping to hear her play with David Grisman on one of his ""Dawg" duets... :-)

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 11:32 AM

Someone once said : 'on the internet, nobody knows you're a dog'. True, isn't it? Unless you put videos on Youtube ofcourse.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 12:12 PM

the trouble with Dick Miles is that his head is so big,he cant get out of his house.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 12:55 PM

Alexander Prince.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,guest - Jim Younger
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 03:57 PM

Julie Carter, who played with Ian Blake (and me) in the Momeraths, and also with Shirley Collins, was pretty damn good at constructing interesting accompaniments on the English - a much better musician than a number of the English system players mentioned here, a couple of whom frankly make me chortle with derision. But whatever turns you on, folk fans ... hey ho. She gave it all up years ago, so I believe.

Not wishing to rain on anyone's parade, of course. (As if I could.)

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,surreysinger sans cookie
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 04:32 PM

Alexander Prince on Maccann duet - definitely. (Said by someone who had never heard of him, or heard his playing three years ago ... LOL)

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 04:41 PM

And there's always Paddy Marchant on English.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 05:51 PM

for the record, guest Mick Diles is not me, but someone intent on taking the Michael.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Tootler
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 06:36 PM

I'm not bad on the Shruti Box, but I don't think that qualifies somehow [g]

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Les from Darlo
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 08:12 AM

An older lady, greying hair plaited in a bun, who went into a pub session in Whitby an hour or so after it had started, took an Anglo out of a hessian shopping bag and played 'David of the White Rock' in a minor key and a selection of O'Carolan tunes then quietly went away before I could get her name. Moved me nearly to tears.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: mikesamwild
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 08:25 AM

I've just got a Jeffries Duet
so Michael Hebbert (Free Reed CD, Rampin'Cat) and 'Big Nick' Robertshaw RIP and Gavin Atkin

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:13 PM

Gordon Cutty.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: treewind
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 02:12 PM

"Gordon Cutty."
Now you're talkin'!

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Jane Bird
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 02:20 PM

Sheena Masson - terrific dance musician and English concertina player

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 05:17 PM

Treewind, yes, but it illustrates how badly phrased the original question was,best at what,song accompaniment? playing classical music? playing jazz,playing morris tunes, playing northumbrian music, playing irish music.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Alan Day
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 05:55 PM

I agree with that Dick,we can go on and list just about every UK and Irish and Concertina Player and Bands past and present and have a never ending list. There are concertina players mentioned on this thread that I have not hear of, although I have been working on this players subject non stop for six years.Even then some wonderful players are out there playing along in their front room that only their family know about.
Al

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 05:06 AM

Which opens up another area of discussion that would warrant another thread maybe: does it matter that fine players don't pursue getting wellknown and play away happily in their own environment?

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Alan Day
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 05:23 AM

Interesting Peter as I have just been discussing that very subject with Colin Dipper. There are a number of excellent players that like to remain anonymous.
Al

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 06:22 AM

The subject of being happy to play in private and shun the spotlight has been touched upon on concertina.net. To my surprise some people got almost angry at the notion that someone would want to stay in his/her own environment and play for the entertainment of friends, family and oneself above all.

Someone should start a separate thread.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: mikesamwild
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 02:28 PM

Peter if you start it you can ask the appropriate question

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 05:28 AM

I agree that I could have done a better job on the wording of the title.

I was hoping that mudcatters would provide names (not a list) of nice concertina players and provide links to youtube videos so that the uneducated could gain knowledge about them.

I might not like each video, but it would give me an idea of who these artists are. After all I might like to go and see them, if they are ever in my neck of the woods.

HTH

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Gail
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 06:45 AM

Hi Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr/Prof Itus, may I then take the liberty of adding 2 links to my favourite UK concertina player? It's Chris Sherburn, who has been mentioned once on this thread. He plays a Dickinson Wheatstone anglo and currently plays in 2 duos who tour regularly in the UK.

1st duo is with his long-term Irish partner Denny Bartley:
Chris Sherburn and Denny Bartley


2nd duo is with his English partner Bella Hardy, with whom he appeared on BBC4 at the Folk Proms:
Bella Hardy and Chris Sherburn


Gail

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 07:01 AM

Hi Gail

I know Chris well and thank you for posting the links. He is a fine player.

Arthur

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Graham O'Callaghan
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 09:59 AM

Well, his name has already been mentioned earlier and I must agree that Rob Harbron is THE best. A virtuoso concertina player of outstanding sublime quality. Technically brilliant within such line-ups as Van Eyken:Harbron, Dr Faustus, English Accoustic Collective and numerous other duos; musically gifted with a huge base knowledge and experience of world music (especially Scandinavian) and music history; a master of musical style and adaptability - he toured with the Chip Taylor band (writer of Wild performed by Jimi Hendrix and Troggs)and finally an outstanding song accompaniest - of which I have some experience of.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 10:01 AM

Wild Thing?

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 10:17 AM

he may be the best in your opinion,but this bring us to a point raised before ,subjective opinion.
now there is no denying he[robert harbron] is a very good player,I certainly prefer him to some of the others mentioned,whose playing[ im0] are reminsecent of typewriters, but that he or anyone is the best is just an over simplification, there is no best, music is not like sport, music is a very individualisitic genre.
when i listen to nic jones or martin carthy, i enjoy them both, i dont have to make immature judgements that this one is better than the other, they are different, but both very good.
likewise there are many good concertina players,all of whom are different[thank god for that], and whose differences in style provide and maintain interest.
to say Robert Harbron is better than Alistair Anderson or Steve Turner is rather like saying an orange is better than an apple or a banana.
finally to lump all 3 concertina systems together is just silly., it is akin to comparing a c melody sax with an alto sax or a soprano sax.
the[EC, ANGLO, DUET are three totally different instrument] all with different advantages and disadvantages

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 11:19 AM

Dick
What classification does a Polish Chemnitzer Concertina come under.

Example
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHNKnifOrJg

Looks more like a melodeon to me.

I am off to Specsavers!

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Roger Gawley
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 11:29 AM

Well, they are all very good, but so are some younger players: Michael Jary, Emily Ball (her dad is pretty good too) and Alex Wade whose mum is not bad) spring to mind.

As others have already said, there is no "best" but there are a lot of very good.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: oggie
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 02:25 PM

A chemnitzer is definitely a concertina not a melodeon. All the lefthand chords have to individually formed from the notes, not just press a button like a melodeon or accordion. Imagine an anglo concertina on steroids with a range of about five octaves.

Steve

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 07:32 AM

whether, I am best or not does not bother me ,
the only thing that bothers me is that when I do a gig I try and put on a professional performance,and play /sing to the best of my abilty
however I have an English Concertina song accompaniment tutor[which is the most comprehensive one available to my knowledge] and an English Concertina tutor, plus a new cd Windy Old Weather, visit my website.http://www.dickmiles.com

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 10:21 AM

judgements on virtousity are best made by players of a particular system, very few other[ to my knowledge] than A Anderson, G Cutty, lea Nicholson AND myself have attempted RAGTIME PEICES or duet style [on the English], with out double tracking.
then we must consider skill at double tracking, Lea Nicholson comes into the picture again, on both his lps [but particularly the second one]
but is technical virtuosity of paramount importance, well when combined with musicality, yes, but not as in an end in itself.
   musicality is a subjective opinion, personally I respect every player who has put in hours of practice.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 01:40 PM

As Alan Day pointed out . there are different instruments that all get called Concertinas and any ability on (Say) Anglo does not mean a similar ability on Duet (Of whichever breed)
However Keth Kendrick is WELL worthy of extra mention . as to MY ear he seems just as capable on Anglo as on English !

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 02:24 PM

ye, keth kendrick is good, but keith kendrick is even better, oh and 100

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 02:55 PM

100???
58, it says here...
(this'll be 59)

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Geoff Wright
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 09:00 AM

My all-time UK favorites - JK, AA,(GW with L plates on)

My World favorite - Noel Hill

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: mikesamwild
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 06:09 AM

Have we squeezed the last drops out of this one?

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Alan Day
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 07:06 AM

I hope so.
Having listened to about 300 players in the last six years even a beginner can come up with a new approach, or style that is interesting.
It also comes down to the type of music you enjoy.
Al

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Stockport
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 07:04 PM

I looked for a clip of Tim Laycock on U tube but couldn't find any of him playing one!He is one of my favourite concertina players though.
I've seen Brian Peters play Dallas Rag on what I think is an Anglo --

Saw this bloke on U tube who also looks very handy!...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqcosJHAepA&feature=related

Now,to someone who don't play concertina, he looks impressive!

Peter

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Surreysinger
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 12:46 PM

Jeff Lefferts - Hayden duet player (who I believe is going to be on Duet International as well) ... I think I remember someone saying that he's been playing for 4 years. Al?

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Stockport
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 07:39 PM

Yep, Jeff Lefferts,I've had another look and there's lots of stuff.
here's the link again , it may work this time


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqcosJHAepA&feature=related

He's got loads of stuff on there and its fun.
I saw a u tube clip of Stan Laurel playing concertina and that was well worth a look! Since he's from Ulverston it makes him Uk concertina player!
Peter

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: mikesamwild
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 07:24 AM

I was just listening to Holly Geraghty (Anglo) and Jonathan Roche (box) a great couple of young players and we haven't scratched the surfcae of the plethora of young and olde Irish Anglo players.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Alan Day
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 08:21 AM

I have been enjoying some recordings this week ,just received from Jon Boden and Paul McCann , very nice Duet playing.
Al

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 10:21 AM

we haven't scratched the surfcae of the plethora of young and olde Irish Anglo players.

That's probably because it's outside the brief of this thread. Hundreds of fine concertina players here but maybe they deserve a thread of their own.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 12:30 PM

yes ,Peter, correct. SADLY[IMO] very few of them use it for song accompaniment.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 10:44 AM

I don't know, about it being sad I mean. It's just not something people do around here.

I think you mentioned this before (recently) here or elsewhere, I could come up with Frank Harte as a singer who used a concertinaplayer in his backing occasionally, not many more (although Dolores Keane did a bit as well but I am not sure now she sang to her own playing or just backed John Faulkner).

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 11:01 AM

I have seen one video where Dolores used it on one track, Liam Clancy[EC] used it of course, But when you think of the concertina song accompanists from England,SteveTurner Louisa Killen, Dick Miles, Damien Barber, Keith Kendrick[Anglo and English], John Kirkpatrick, TimLaycock[Duet],Brian Peters,PeterBellamy,MtheGM,Robert Harbron, Sandra Kerr.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 11:26 AM

and Tony Rose,Alf Edwards,Dave Townsend,Harry Boardman,Mark Dowding,VeraAspey,Sara Graves,RogerDigby.HarryScurfield

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 11:37 AM

furthermore the irish concertina tradition is in danger of disappearing up its own rectum, there is too much slavish copying of ornamentation, too many people trying to win competitions by over ornamenting.and toomany people slavishly copying Noel Hill, and too many idiots who assume that there is only one way to play ITM.
that was why the lkate Kitty Hayes was such a refreshing change

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:45 PM

I would have thought that someone would have mentioned Sandra Kerr by now. I once heard her and Pam Bishop playing a duet together - and they were absolutely awesome!

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Old Grizzly
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 02:03 PM

Good Soldier Schweik said :-

< furthermore the irish concertina tradition is in danger of disappearing up its own rectum, there is too much slavish copying of ornamentation, too many people trying to win competitions by over ornamenting.and toomany people slavishly copying Noel Hill, and too many idiots who assume that there is only one way to play ITM.
that was why the late Kitty Hayes was such a refreshing change >

Hear hear !!!

Kitty Hayes was a delightful lady and a wonderful player in that old uncluttered, steady style where the tune itself really mattered.

Players these days are all trying to 'out-ornament' each other while trying to win the race to the end of the tune !

The rigid teaching of the Noel Hill method, now also taught by so many of his ex pupils, has killed off so much individuality and stifled innovation.

At Clancy week some years ago Noel was preaching at the Sat night concert and was bemoaning the loss of all the different regional styles of music in the west of Ireland, ie East clare, West clare ... etc ...

He then introduced 6 of his star pupils, none over about 18 years old, who 'trooped' on stage, each with a Jeffries under the left arm, sat in a line and all played the same tune over-ornamented and far too fast, in perfect unison with each other. Although technically skilled, nay close to 'perfect', they might just as well have been robots.

I got up and walked out before my anger & frustration got the better of me

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 02:15 PM

I did mention Sandra kerr

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Bob M
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 04:00 PM

The Best..... Roger Edwards

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 06:17 PM

Great thread !! Thanks to all for ading information .. Dick I am so sorry to hear of your fire .. Not great . All the best to all here . Guy

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: treewind
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 06:33 PM

"Kitty Hayes was a delightful lady and a wonderful player in that old uncluttered, steady style where the tune itself really mattered."

So is Mary Macnamara.
(not that I'm an expert on Irish music - I gave it up years ago, but I heard her play a couple of years ago and I know what I like)

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 07:13 PM

thanks Guy, it was a bad thing, but I have my health and still have a tina to play.
yes, I like Marys style too

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 03:24 AM

How are the five note rolls coming along Dick? You really should make up your mind whether or not you like them. ;-)

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Alan Day
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 03:49 AM

I certainly would not have walked out on young players trying to play the concertina, I applaud Noel Hill for the tuition he gives to players. Young players learn the basics and then formulate their own styles based on what they like. Whatever Noel has taught them will set them up for life. Just in the same way Dick you and I are offering tutors to help players learn the instrument. If you introduced five youngsters that cloned your playing I would stand and applaud their efforts and congratulate you on your advice to them.
A classic example of this is Kate McNamara a superb Irish Concertina player that has been tutored by Mary McNamara (no relation). She has taken all that Mary has to teach her and added her own style to it. In exactly the same way that the Noel Hill youngsters will develop their own style.
Al

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 04:22 AM

Personally I get very tired of people who whack around the old platitudes like it was done before. Especially if they can be found elsewhere advocating the use of rolls on the English concertina.

It's a tunnel vision view. In fact there's great variety in approaches among concertina players in Ireland, both young and old. It's nonsensical to give out to players in their mid teens when found playing like their teacher. If you look at the generation of players older than them, say those now in their mid twenties and produced by the same teaching method, you'll find styles develop, new directions are found.

I am not a big fan of Noel Hill or his method but I did send my son to him for lessons for a few years. Why? Because he is a good and thorough teacher who teaches his pupils to find their way around the concertina.

He's been taking his best Willie week pupils out on stage during the concertina concert for the past thirty years or so. I have seen Dympna O Sullivan, Edel Fox, Yvonne Griffin and who knows go through the ranks. They played the tunes they learned the week before the concert and then they went home and found their own voices.

Some years ago, maybe ten even, Yvonne Griffin was talking about the background of her concertina-playing. 'Noel Hill opened up the rows for us' (She was talking about both herself and her sister Lourda) implying they found new possibilities, more room to bring out the music they had in their heads. And that can only be a good thing, can't it? Yvonne is definitely among my top three concertina players, great heart in her music.

And moaning everything used to be better? That isn't what it used to be either, is it.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 07:56 AM

Idont think I said that anything used to be better.
neither is it Noel Hills fault, any more than it is Martin Carthys fault, if people slavishly copy Martins style,
The problem[ the disappearance of regional styles] however does not go away and is not helped by Comhaltas who tend to promote a homeogeonised irish style, and is not helped by tutors, if they do not make pupils aware of different styles.
Peter, I am getting rather fed up with your personal attacks upon me, if you visit my you tube site you will see that as well as five note rolls, i advocate four note rolls, that is a single grace note[note above] , before the main note and a single grace note[note below]before the next main note[ example dotted crotchet in jig time], I also advocate playing a dotted crotchet as four notes two semi quavers two quavers or one quaver two semiquavers one quaver, I ALSO ADVOCATE [SOMETIMES PLAYING THE NOTE UNORNAMENTED],or with just a double stop.soIattempt to show different possibilities, and allow pupils to make up their minds what to do themselves.

"How are the five note rolls coming along Dick? You really should make up your mind whether or not you like them. ;-)"
this statement is a classic peice of flaming by Peter Laban.
my answer to trolls like PETER is this, it depends on how I am feeling at the time and the speed of the music[five not rolls are more satisfactory at a slower speed],
in fater peices i use four note embellishments,
I rarely play the same peice twice anyway furthermore I dont let anyone else tell me how i should play.
so Peter go away and in the words of the bantry girls lament
" And the piper with his bellows may go home and blow the fire "

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 08:03 AM

I am not telling you how to play, dick. Why would I?

I haven't complained about anyone's playing here, not have I suggested anything is disappearing up a hole, have I? That was someone else, and I was replying to that comment.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 08:37 AM

"A classic example of this is Kate McNamara a superb Irish Concertina player that has been tutored by Mary McNamara (no relation). She has taken all that Mary has to teach her and added her own style to it."   
exactly, Alan,lets hope there is still room for many styles in irish music, otherwise the music will ossify.
My tutors are a song accompaniment tutor and an English Concertina tutor, the latter contains Scottish, English and Irish tunes, it make suggestions and discusses alternative ornamentation, at no point does it specify that there is only one way of playing ornaments, it is atutor to help people learn the English Concertina[nothing more nothing less].
Peter, Irish music will ossify and become monotonous if everyone ends up playing in the same style,
tutors have a responsibilty to try and show at least two different styles, or point pupils in the direction of recordings that show different styles.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 08:45 AM

Peter, Irish music will ossify and become monotonous if everyone ends up playing in the same style,
tutors have a responsibilty to try and show at least two different styles, or point pupils in the direction of recordings that show different styles.

Really Dick, I asked you before, read my posts before you address me. And I really can't see why you address this bit at me here.

I think I made the point above that a lot of people find their own feet.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 09:37 AM

"How are the five note rolls coming along Dick? You really should make up your mind whether or not you like them. ;-)" quote PETER lABAN.
that sounds like you are trying to tell me what to do ,Peter.
ITM consists of songs a well as tunes, in my opinion, it would be more interesting if more of the irish concertina players used their concertinas to accompany songs, I like SEAN NOS singing, but a little more variety might be acheived with the addition of concertina accompaniment, it is certainly one area where concertina players in England appear to have explored in more depth.
of course not all songs benefit from accompaniment, and the skill of a good performer is to know when to accompany and when not to.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 02:28 PM

"And moaning everything used to be better? That isn't what it used to be either, is it."
nobody has done that, however it used to be different[not necessarily better but different], have a listen to PADDY IN THE SMOKE,the players sound like they are enjoying themselves, they sound like people who worked all the week, and really looked forward to playing some music on a sunday, and that is what happened, now it sounds to me[that sometimes] we have people of very polished technique, who sometimes can sound like they are on automatic pilot and a little bit bored, who can blame them, if they have just done their twenty third gig in twenty four days.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,An Leathcheann Beag
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 04:36 PM

I like SEAN NOS singing, but a little more variety might be acheived with the addition of concertina accompaniment.<-i>

Oh dear, oh dearie, dearie me.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Jul 10 - 12:00 PM

Foc il leat

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 03 Jul 10 - 12:22 PM

Always ready for a polite reply

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Jul 10 - 12:43 PM

I am polite to you Peter,[ brain specialist].
I agree with the OP they are worth a listen.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 03 Jul 10 - 01:53 PM

We could argue about the polite bit, but I won't.

Your [ brain specialist] is beyond me. Care to explain?

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,paul downes
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 05:49 PM

There has, amazingly, been no mention of Martyn Bradley, surely one of the most adept in every style from Handel through Playford and Irish to jazz. i suppose it is because he now plays drums!

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Alan Day
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 07:25 PM

Hallo Paul long time no see.
Martyn is listed by me above.
Al

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 10:00 AM

has anyone mentioned Frances Wilkins?

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: oggie
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 05:45 PM

Pedant point, but Eire is not in the UK and it has a totally different tradition and styles of concertina plying.

Steve

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 04:24 PM

jim younger

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 04:25 PM

100, leadfingers

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Les from Darlo
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 08:17 AM

Still haven't found out the name of the lady in the Whitby pub session but she was playing everything from Purcell, Playford, O'Carolan, Ragtime, Tango's, Morris, Music hall to the Bluebell Polka and that beautiful rendition of David of the White Rock (before quietly disappearing)   :) Think she was a local judging by the shopping she had with her but someone on here must know her name. When asked if she knew a particular tune her reply was 'You hum it pet, I'll play it'

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Alan Day
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 10:25 AM

Les - Iris Bishop would be capable of running through all those tunes, but she lives down here in Crawley. I do not know of the concertina player that may live in or near to Whitby, she may have been up there on business however.
Do you know what system she was playing Anglo, English or Duet?
Lesley Heneker could manage it, but she plays to dots on her Duet.
Al

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 10:58 AM

Hi Al, she had what looked like an Anglo and played all the tunes from memory. I could kick myself for not asking who she was but it was during folk week and I was with a group of friends, by the time I thought to ask she'd gone and most of the musicians who'd been in the session had changed (rolling session) and they didn't know her either but said she'd mentioned having to get back home to feed a neighbour's cat which combined with the shopping makes me think she lives in Whitby. Didn't look like a business woman, more like someone's Mum or Auntie and wasn't dressed like a 'folkie', just a pleasant middle aged woman but I'd have happily paid to listen to her playing.          Les

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 01:03 PM

could it have been valmay[not goodyear]but a singer, anglo concertina player who lives in Whitby.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Alan Day
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 01:55 PM

Interesting Les I have not heard of her and when we were booked for Whitby some years ago I do not remember her in the sessions.I would certainly like to hear her play as well .
Have you come across her Dick, I only know the Valmai at Lewes who plays English, never heard the name Valmay mentioned though.
Sounds an interesting player and not the repertoire from someone that just sits at home and plays for their own enjoyment.
Al

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Les from Darlo
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 02:38 PM

This lady didn't sing, I remember hearing her say that she had the voice of a tone deaf frog and stuck to playing tunes rather than empty the pub :) The range of tunes and styles was interesting, plenty played in minor keys too. Is Valmay plump, just over 5 foot tall with glasses, long hair up in a bun and a yorkshire accent? I'm going to look out for her in Whitby during Folk Week whoever she is.    Les

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Tootler
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 05:12 PM

I think GSS is referring to Valmai Brown. She did live in Whitby but has moved to Filey fairly recently. She is not plump but silver haired and she sings very well, so I don't think it is the lady being referred to in this thread.

Last time I saw Valmai was at the June Black Bull Bender and she was in fine voice then although I gathered she had had some health problems.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Alf
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 03:43 AM

I think I met Les's 'Whitby Lady' a couple of years ago. Sat in the front little bar of the pub near the railway station with a pot of tea, a bag of shopping, playing Playford tunes on an Anglo, only a couple of other people in even though it was Folk Week as it was not long after opening time. I know it was an Anglo (a Dipper) as I asked her, she then gave me an impromptu lesson, explained how to play a simple scale and had me playing 'Frere Jaques' within 10 minutes !! ( Never been able to play any instrument before, it made my week :D )Then she said it there was no limit to the types of tunes that an Anglo could do and played a waltz, a tango, 'I do like to be beside the seaside' and finished with the Bluebell Polka before excusing herself as she had to get home with as her husband was ill and couldn't be left alone for long. She'd taken the concertina with her when she'd gone shopping in the hope of finding an early session for half an hour but as there was no-one about she'd started her own :)   I'll keep an eye out for her this year too, it's going to be 'Spot the Concertina Player' at Whitby            Alf

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Les from Darlo
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 03:51 AM

Thanks Alf, that sounds like her and if she's caring for a sick husband that explains why she wasn't out playing for long. 'Spot the concertina player' it is   Les

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Alf
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 02:53 PM

The concertina case had a Guild of Assassins badge on the front (Discworld) if that's any help in jogging anyone's memory for a name. (She did mention that people rarely complained about the music...... and never twice :D )    Alf

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 03:03 AM

I wonder if the International Concertina Association or the Yorkshire Concertina Club could help identify the lady.

I'll be at Whitby this year with the Spare Parts Concertina Band and would be delighted to meet someone else saddled with a similar name as well as hearing her play. The only other Valmai I've met was my father's sister, whose name I got as a result of my parents' lack of imagination. It's pronounced either 'Val-My' or more usually 'Sorry, what was that?'

Mind you, Edna Everidge's daughter is apparently called Valmay but I haven't heard that she plays any sort of concertina.

Valmai (Lewes)

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Chipple Chapman
Date: 10 Jan 11 - 10:35 AM

Found this thread searching for any mention of Martyn Bradley, a very old and dear friend. When at college, Brads would decide he fancied an instrument, pick it up and learn it! When I met him he was an accomplished folk/blues guitarist and jazz drummer and subsequently learned bluegrass banjo, psaltrey, sitar and dulcimer just as his musical interests took him (could always play better spoons than him though!!) It was many years later I heard him play concertina and guess what - he was v v good!!
Anyone know where he is??

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,oldnickilby
Date: 11 Jan 11 - 05:35 AM

I suppose we could always ask Colin Dipper if he knows this virtuoso.

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: Alan Day
Date: 11 Jan 11 - 05:56 AM

Martyn is one of the artists on English International.
He has a new Email address and sadly I have mislaid it, if Warwick Downes reads this perhaps he would be kind enough to pass the number on.
Al

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 15 Jan 11 - 06:18 PM

Her nam is Ann & lives on the Railway in Whitby (the area near The First Inn Last Out) . She plays a beautiful Crabbe Anglo & often pops in to Tues night sessions at FILO

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Alf
Date: 16 Jan 11 - 11:05 AM

Hi Jim, do the Tues sessions run in Folk week? We're planning to go again this year & I'd like to hear Ann play again, bumped into her last year when we were doing 'Spot the Whitby concertina player' for Darlo Les but never got to listen to her.

Alf ......    planning for Whitby already :)

Subject: RE: The best of the UK Concertina players
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 18 Jan 11 - 01:52 PM

alf...The session runs every night during folk week