The Paddy and Liam show
 Paddy Glackin and
Liam O’Flynn are also heading for the Hammersmith Irish Centre this
month.
The pair are two of Ireland’s greatest and most influential musicians.
Donegal fiddler Paddy Glackin was a founder member of the great Bothy
Band and while his art is essentially that of a soloist he has been involved
in a range of groups and performances which demonstrate his musical flexibility.
He was fiddle player with the group Seachtar — later to become the
Bothy Band and — a member of Ceoltóirí Laighean.
His fiddling can also be heard on recordings by Van Morrison, Kate Bush
and John Cage.
Uillean piper Liam O’Flynn’s father was a schoolmaster and
fiddle player and his late mother who played and taught piano came from
a family of famous musicians from Clare.
With the likes of Junior Crehan in the family background not only was
the house full of music but also the young Uilleann piper O’Flynn
was keenly aware at an early age of his rich tradition and lineage.
He says: “I always imagine that it must have been extraordinary
when the pipes were first developed in the 18th century — a whole
new instrument and here’s a fellow coming around to the local fair
with this amazing instrument with extraordinary sounds.
“It became an in instrument that very quickly occupied prime position
in the tradition and people of all stations took to it.
“The big houses took to the instrument and they had their own resident
pipers. Then you had the travelling pipers who played at all sorts of
outdoor events and they evolved a different style that was very immediate
and quite open and spectacular.
“I suppose the whole idea of power was attached to people who played
such an extraordinary instrument.”
This promises to be a spellbinding night of Irish music, a not-to-be-missed
opportunity to listen live to two of Ireland finest traditional musicians.
The pair appear at Hammersmith Irish Centre on Saturday November 25. Doors
open at 7.30pm and tickets are £12. For details telephone 020 8563
8232 or e-mail irish.centre@lbhf.gov.uk.
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