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Section 1: The Development Accompaniment
Section 1 of Accompanying Irish Music on Guitar reviews the
emergence of the guitar in the accompaniment of Irish music. The
first recordings of Irish music with chordal accompaniment (usually on
piano) were the 78 rpm records made in America in the early 1900s by
musicians such as Michael Coleman and James Morrison.
The evolution of the guitar in Irish music was
chequered however, and its introduction was perceived as a mixed
blessing. Performance by less than competent players led to the
radical banning of the instrument by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann- the
organisation set up in 1951 to promote Irish music and dance!
Thankfully, the folk revival from the 1960s onwards was strong enough to
wade through opposing conservative forces and the guitar enjoys a popular,
secure position in Irish music today.
The first part of
Section 1 concludes with a definition of accompaniment - essential for any
tutor on the subject!
In the next part of Section 1 Frank outlines
his favourite accompanists plus, more importantly, players who he personally
thinks have made or are making a significant contribution to the broadening
of accompaniment styles. These include people such as Paul Brady, Mícheál
Ó Domhnaill, Arty McGlynn and Steve Cooney. A comprehensive discography for these
and other players is also
included in the Appendix to the book.
Section 1 concludes with three rules on accompanying
tunes effectively: listen, listen and listen!
- Listen to other accompanists
- When playing, listen to the tune
- Listen to your own playing
Useful tips are provided on what to do when listening to Irish music to
increase your chances of hitting the right chord!
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