Subject: Obit: Derek Bell From: bill kennedy Date: 17 Oct 02 - 11:33 AM this from RTE today: "17/10/2002 Chieftain member Derek Bell has died Derek Bell, a member of the Chieftains, has died suddenly in the US. Bell, who was 67, had been recovering from minor surgery. He had been involved with the Chieftains for the past 30 years. Widely considered to be one of the finest harpists in the world, he also had a successful solo career while working with the Chieftains. Bell joined The Chieftains in 1972, after a career as harpist with the Northern Ireland BBC Orchestra. A resident of Northern Ireland he has several solo albums to his credit, in addition to the more than thirty recordings with the The Chieftains. He also gained a reputation, along with the other Chieftains, for unearthing rarely heard music." I haven' heard any other details, will pass them on when I do, I spent a long time this morning searching for his cd of O'Carolan tunes for my radion program this evening, to concentrate on the harp in Celtic music, couldn't leave the house until I found it, now I know why it was pressing me so. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Ron Olesko Date: 17 Oct 02 - 11:39 AM Oh no. This is a real shock. Derek Bell brought such beauty to traditional music, and his sense of humor was a real charm. I am at a loss for words. My condolences. Thank you for the pleasure you brought us, rest in peace. Ron |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 17 Oct 02 - 11:55 AM What a shame! I first heard Irish harp via Derek Bell. He had a way of transmitting such beauty. Go well, Derek. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: DMcG Date: 17 Oct 02 - 11:57 AM Yet another who will be greatly missed ... |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 17 Oct 02 - 11:58 AM A sad day for all who play and appreciate Irish music. He was a true statesman of the art. We'll be sure to dedicate a tune or two to Derek's memory at tonight's session. And I'm sure others all 'round the world will be doing the same. Let us honor his memory by carrying on in the tradition he loved. Bruce |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: wysiwyg Date: 17 Oct 02 - 12:00 PM ????!!!!!!! No! ~S~ |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Willie-O Date: 17 Oct 02 - 12:08 PM Oh jeez. This is getting to be too much. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: katlaughing Date: 17 Oct 02 - 12:24 PM This is incredibly sad. I had the privilege of seeing them perform in 1987 and have several recordings of them and of Derek Bell's solo works. They remain some of my very favourites. He will outshine any harp-strumming angels. I am very soory for the loss for his family and the Chieftains. Thanks for letting us know, kat |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Alice Date: 17 Oct 02 - 12:24 PM I was just thinking of him yesterday as I had the interview on NPR of Paddy Moloney on my mind, and I was picturing Derek Bell at his harp. For some reason the thought came to me that he looked the most fragile of the group. A loss to music. What joy he brought to people with his playing. I particularly appreciate the bringing to light of old and obscure works for which he had a liking. Alice |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Sorcha Date: 17 Oct 02 - 12:25 PM Too sad; I love the Chieftans. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: PeteBoom Date: 17 Oct 02 - 12:28 PM Damnandblast. A not good day has gotten worse. He was one of the two harpers whose work I admired above all others. Must have heard about a session John Riordan was having and wanted to sit in. Go easy, Derek. Pete |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Bat Goddess Date: 17 Oct 02 - 12:49 PM First time I every remember hearing Irish harp, he was playing it -- many, many years ago. A sad day. Linn |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Giac Date: 17 Oct 02 - 12:50 PM What a loss for this plane, but what a gain for the next. Had the pleasure of seeing him and the Chieftains in a small setting a few years back. Was close enough to the stage to enjoy their expressions and the subtle signals to one another. Just too sad for everyone who did so enjoy his music. ~:o( Mary |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: InOBU Date: 17 Oct 02 - 12:56 PM Who would have thought they needed more harpers in heaven. Oh my. Larry... PS But what a grand rerah there must be tonight up above with O'Caroline, Roy Dall, O'Riada and now Derek! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 17 Oct 02 - 12:58 PM Only 67, only in his prime for a harper. I suppose he's in the right place for playing harps now, anyway. Himself and O'Carolan playing together at last. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: bill kennedy Date: 17 Oct 02 - 01:01 PM perhaps someone who has an account with the Irish Times online can reprint here the article on tributes to Derek they are showing today. I can't access it myself. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: GUEST,threaddrift Date: 17 Oct 02 - 01:07 PM A great loss to the tradition. His rendition of Carolans Farewell to Music was wonderful. drifter. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Kim C Date: 17 Oct 02 - 01:24 PM Oh my stars. I so loved that little nerdy man. Just when I was starting with the fiddle, I read an article about him, that he hadn't started with the harp until he was an adult. And I thought, hey, there's hope for me! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: GUEST,Ard Mhacha. Date: 17 Oct 02 - 01:43 PM The man was a genius,listen to his "Celtic Way" and you will hear all that is serene, beautiful, and melodic, in Irish Harp music. Another great man of music is taken from us, rest in peace wee man you left behind a treasure of memories. Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: GUEST,ArdMhacha. Date: 17 Oct 02 - 02:00 PM BBC Ulster TV have just relayed a news item on Derek Bell`s death. The Chieftains say they are devestated, and added that this is a musical silence that can never be filled, there was also tributes from James Galway and others. Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: GUEST,Bill Kennedy Date: 17 Oct 02 - 02:10 PM text of BBC report is here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/2337799.stm |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: GUEST,Ard Mhaca Date: 17 Oct 02 - 02:27 PM Sorry that LP was Carolan`s Receipt, not Celtic Way, produced by Claddagh Records. Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: John MacKenzie Date: 17 Oct 02 - 04:33 PM Well Christy will have to change that verse in Lisdoonvarna to 6 creamy pints. At this time I am reminded of the Irish saying. "May you be in heaven half an hour befors the devil knows you're dead" Still such a fine harpist must be bound for the glory route. Another one bites the dust. Sadly......Giok |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Gloredhel Date: 17 Oct 02 - 04:47 PM No!! What a loss for the Chieftans. One more person I wish I could have met. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: RolyH Date: 17 Oct 02 - 05:02 PM Not good news He was a fine player. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Bonnie Shaljean Date: 17 Oct 02 - 05:06 PM Stunned to hear it. I knew him slightly, met him on the odd occasion for a chat or harp biz, and as the James Taylor song has it "always thought I'd see you again". My last communication from him was an ornately typed (that's the only way you can describe it) letter, full of fun but unprintable gossip and little doodles, which was meant to be about the reissue of the Carolan biography which I was working on at the time. Derek's the only one I know who could so completely express his personality in a medium as neutral as typeface; but his charming quirky self could shine through ANYthing. Too sad to write more because this will turn into a book if I get started telling Derek Stories. As one of the group's members said today, the world is a less interesting place without him. But Heaven will henceforth be MORE interesting now that he and John Doonan have joined the celestial band. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: GUEST,toribw who should be working Date: 17 Oct 02 - 05:29 PM Damn! Such a sad thing... I had the honor of meeting him in a rather funny circumstance. The Chieftains were playing in San Antonio, and as they do in most places, they allow some local musicians to play along onstage for the encore. I was lucky enough to be one of them at this particular show. After we left the stage, I was milling around with some other folks when up comes Mr. Bell, headed straight for me. I stuck out my hand to shake his, he ignored it and hugged me instead, then planted a kiss on both cheeks. I was stunned, but really got a kick out of meeting him. He was a very kind man. I'm sorry to hear this news. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: fat B****rd Date: 17 Oct 02 - 05:46 PM Sad indeed, I love the Chieftains. RIP Derek. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: alison Date: 17 Oct 02 - 08:52 PM what sad news....... saw him a few times playing in Belfast Opera House........ I always thought he looked too straight for the rest of the chieftains......... but the music was great slainte alison |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Barry T Date: 17 Oct 02 - 08:55 PM I recall a performance here in Victoria a few years ago. Derek wore a local souvenir baseball cap through the entire performance! Here was this virtuoso of the Celtic harp playing incredible music... juxtaposed against that hat. It's a vision I'll never forget. I smile every time I think of it! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: smallpiper Date: 17 Oct 02 - 09:11 PM BUGGER BUGGER BUGGER!! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Mountain Dog Date: 17 Oct 02 - 10:49 PM Too soon gone. McGrath has it right, however; the consolation is knowing that Masters Bell and Carolan are gigging together where the heather never fades... |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Mooh Date: 17 Oct 02 - 11:54 PM How sad! He always seemed to play the harp with the balls it deserves, and set a fine example for others to follow. Tomorrow, it's the Chieftains all day! Peace, Mooh. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Dave Swan Date: 18 Oct 02 - 12:48 AM What rotten news. I was lucky enough to catch the Chieftans in venues large and small and always looked forward to what Mr. Bell would do next. He always appeared to be at play as he did his work. Condolences to his partners. Fear no more the heat of the sun... D |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Helen Date: 18 Oct 02 - 02:00 AM I echo smallpiper's pithy comment. This is the last thing I expected to read today. Although he has been on my mind in the last couple of days because I made the comment in the Mudcat harpers thread that his harp playing and that of the harp duo called Sileas, i.e. Patsy Seddon and Mary McMaster, are the only people whose harp playing I like - because of what Mooh said - playing harp with the balls it deserves. Then I noticed in the Secret Santa hints thread that Fibula Mattock said that she is allergic to harp music and I was wondering if she meant that soppy, slushy type of harp music which is everywhere, or whether she would include the gutsy, raunchy players like Derek Bell & Sileas as well. I'll be getting out my Derek Bell harp records then, for a fitting farewell, as well as playing a few tunes on the Celtic harp for him - especially Carolan's Farewell to Music - a truly lovely tune and the best epitaph for Derek that I know of. Helen |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Fibula Mattock Date: 18 Oct 02 - 04:56 AM Ah Helen, I'm as sad as the rest that another great musicianer is gone. Aye, it was the slushy stuff I meant - the Chieftains' music is soul-stirring stuff. It's a poor day indeed now that Derek is gone. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: The Pooka Date: 18 Oct 02 - 06:26 AM Damn. / Unbelievable. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: The Pooka Date: 18 Oct 02 - 06:32 AM Well. This shocked me. Just too much. One of the very best of our time. Perhaps of any time. Gone from us, too suddenly and too soon. Well farewell then Derek. We will miss you terribly. / If it's true the angels have harps -- show 'em how it's done. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Peter K (Fionn) Date: 18 Oct 02 - 06:50 AM Like Alison I never saw him as a natural in the Chieftain's lineup, though he deserved the acclaim it brought him. He was a magnificent harpist and a fine pianist as well. (Studied with James Galway at the Royal College of Music). (By the way, Ard Mhacha, it's Sir James Galway, of course, just as it was Derek Bell MBE. They should have had more sense!) No chance now of catching Derek playing at the back of Geordie McAdam's stained-glass workshop in Bangor, Co Down, along with Geordie's bluegrass fiddle. Just catching him there once was a real treat. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Brían Date: 18 Oct 02 - 07:26 AM His humor which is so often mentioned shone through on the stage in little musical jokes. I recall him strutting over to the piano during the DROWSEY MAGGIE finale in Portland, Maine and playing long passages of Scott Joplin. Beannacht Dé lena anam! Brían |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Fiolar Date: 18 Oct 02 - 08:15 AM One of the greats of the music scene gone. I had the privilege of seeing him and the Chieftains in two concerts and his playing was just magic. I'll bet he had that elfin grin when they produced that solo record oddly named "Derek Bell Plays with Himself." He'll have little rest in the great hereafter when he meets all the other great musicians and compares notes. Ar Deis De le na hAnam. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Jimmy C Date: 19 Oct 02 - 01:23 AM Very sad news indeed and so sudden. It's amazing how someone who looked like an auditor or a bank teller could still stand out in the crowd. He will be sorely missed but thanks to his recordings and books he will be with us for years to come. A real class act. " The minstrel boy to his rest has gone, with his wild harp slung behind him " |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: The Pooka Date: 19 Oct 02 - 02:19 AM Amen, Jimmy C. And, such a good memorial lyric. / Another, albeit not strictly harpist - But remember his fingers, they once did move sharper, To raise up the memory of his dear native land. God bless Derek Bell. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Kaleea Date: 19 Oct 02 - 05:45 AM I was also stunned when I opened my email & got the obit which was sent by a friend on the other side of the Atlantic. I went to our local session, & mentioned it to a couple of folks who knew his work. We did have to play a few tunes in tribute to him & the music he has inspired in us all for many years. When there is an artist such as Derek Bell, in such an amazing "band" as The Chieftains, whose albumns we run out & get hot off the shelves, it is quite a blow. Then to consider his contributions to the world of Music, it gives one pause to think of the music we will not hear because he has joined the ranks of Heaven's Musicians. I can only believe that if we think of him & listen very carefully, we might hear a few strains of the wildest jam session ever! (Contact your local Spiritualist for details! she said l-ing-ol) |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Helen Date: 19 Oct 02 - 06:50 AM Well, I played (haltingly) Carolan's Farewell to Music for him, but it felt more right when I played Carolan's Welcome. It seems to me that though we farewell him here, Carolan was probably welcoming him in heaven. Helen |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: Helen Date: 19 Oct 02 - 09:15 PM Just as I thought, Fibula. I'm allergic to the slushy stuff as well - unless I just want a soporific - better than chamomile tea for sending me off to sleep. helen |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: GUEST,BigDaddy Date: 20 Oct 02 - 03:21 AM It's not a word I sling around often, but I feel truly "blessed" to have seen him (with the Chieftains) five times since the mid-seventies. He could make us smile, or bring a tear. And he obviously enjoyed what he was doing. A fond farewell to a lovely man. We'll not see his like again. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: alison Date: 20 Oct 02 - 05:51 AM great minds Helen.... I played Carolan's Welcome for him at my gig on Friday..... slainte alison |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: GUEST,van lingle Date: 20 Oct 02 - 07:22 AM "Serene, beautiful and melodic", well said, Ard. I was always amused by the thought of the man with his suits and ties and impish smile. He was my first introduction to the music of O'Carolan so I owe him big. vl |
Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Bell From: GUEST,Wolfgang Date: 21 Oct 02 - 08:06 AM A sad loss and a big loss Wolfgang |
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