Cathal McConnell's flute

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 2:13 pm

Complete with electrical tape on the barrel and rubber bands all over the keywork:

<img src=http://home.hvc.rr.com/kislin/boys/instruments.JPG>

Loren · Post by **Loren** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 2:31 pm

Sorta makes one feel a little foolish about all the "Which flute is better" discussions, doesn't it?

Loren

tt327 · Post by **tt327** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 3:37 pm

Amen, brother! (Loren, that is).

I admit that I am as interested in discussing the qualities of various flutes as anybody. But sometimes I think (guiltily) that all this research and discussion could be much better spent...practicing.

Tim

sturob · Post by **sturob** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 4:00 pm

OK, this shows my ignorance about Cathal.

He plays left-handed, right? From that picture he plays a right-handed flute. Is that why he's rubber-banded the keywork?

Stuart

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 4:01 pm

Yes and no. He plays a right-handed flute left-handed. But the keys are rubber-banded to avoid leaks.

kevin m. · Post by **kevin m.** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 4:42 pm

The two Generation whistles also make me feel a bit guilty about my ongoing 'whoa',as well!He's certainly one of my favourite musicians.I think that the difference between Cathal and me can be summed up in one word-TALENT!

gcollins · Post by **gcollins** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 7:40 pm

Don't feel guilty for wanting nice instruments when poor 'ol Cathal is playing gens and a beat up 6-key. He has made his choices.

By the way...He doesn't like to travel with his custom keyed Copelands and cocus Olwell 6-key...for obvious reasons. So there you go.

Gordon · Post by **Gordon** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 7:56 pm

Yes, but you must realize that that rubber-banded flute is a wonderfully playing Rudall Rose. I had the pleasure of meeting and playing with Cathal a few years back, and the flute absolutely sings. What it probably needs is a good repair job, but that's not for want of a good sound.
Many of the old-timers play very beat up flutes, repaired hastily, but they have generally chosen very favorable flutes for their styles.

jim_mc · Post by **jim_mc** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 9:31 pm

That flute only had one rubber band around it the last time I saw it!

Cathal looks great, though. Is that water in his glass?

gcollins · Post by **gcollins** » Sun Dec 15, 2002 3:12 am

Gordon and Jim, good posts. Nice water comment.

johnkerr · Post by **johnkerr** » Sun Dec 15, 2002 12:47 pm

On 2002-12-14 17:00, sturob wrote:
OK, this shows my ignorance about Cathal.

He plays left-handed, right? From that picture he plays a right-handed flute. Is that why he's rubber-banded the keywork?

Stuart

Cathal McConnell plays left-handed on a right-handed keyed flute. But unlike other left-handed flute players who don't use the keys on their right-handed flutes (e.g. Catherine McEvoy, who has blu-tacked all the keys on her beautiful old Rudall flute), Cathal uses his keys. It's a rather interesting sight to see him reach over with his left hand to open the G# key in the middle of a tune!

ErikT · Post by **ErikT** » Sun Dec 15, 2002 4:22 pm

This is off the topic of the flute, but on the topic of Mr. McConnell's music. I've been listening to my new Wooden Flute Obsession CD's and noticed that he plays accompanied by a piano. I didn't expect this when I first put the CD on (not ever heard his playing before). I thought it sounded fine, but it was just unexpected. (I think that I also heard an electric guitar!) What do others think about piano accompaniment?

Erik

JamieHamilton · Post by **JamieHamilton** » Sun Dec 15, 2002 4:39 pm

I thought it sounded fine, but it was just unexpected. (I think that I also heard an electric guitar!) What do others think about piano accompaniment?

Erik

An invention of Satan himself and responsible for the ruination of more otherwise fine albums than any other contraption ever seen in a studio!

JH.

sturob · Post by **sturob** » Sun Dec 15, 2002 6:37 pm

Oh, I agree completely. I think it ruined Eamonn Cotter's solo album. His sister plays well, but the piano sounds, well, dorky.

Stuart

Gordon · Post by **Gordon** » Sun Dec 15, 2002 6:54 pm

I don't mind the piano that much in ITM -- it's a style of ceili playing that I've gotten used to hearing, the Felix Dolan-style backdrop. Much better to my ear than an accordian, which I've also gotten used to.
I did mind the electric guitar, though (and that was my main instrument for 20 some-odd years) on the Cathal CD. Came completely out of nowhere and did nothing for an otherwise lovely tuneset. Downright goofy.