Music
A Photo of myself circa 1997
The nineteen sixties were a great time in which to be young, and with Skiffle and Rock and Roll from the fifties showing the youth that it was quite feasable to make a living by playing simple understandable music and with the success of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, I think most teenagers learned to play a guitar or the drums.
I was no different and took up playing guitar in 1965. I soon realised I was useless as a singer or instrumentalist so I was happy to strum along in folk sessions or play rythm in various bands though none of them ever really got off the ground.
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These three pictures are of myself with first Russel Hall, with whom I tried to start a rock band the centre with Michael Waterhouse and last is with John Hinchcliffe.
After years of strumming I decided that talent or no talent that I would master an instrument with which I could take a lead part. After a trip to Whitby Folk Festival I decided to choose the fiddle for this purpose and I set out to teach myself to play. I now possess three violins, a classical guitar and a mondolin. I have done one or two gigs with a duo called "The Jolly Beggarmen" consisting of myself and Mick and when he left John. (see two photo's above).
The main violin that I use today is a Stainer dated 1753 so it was actually made after Jacob Stainers death so it was obviously not made by the man himself. With this violin I played in the "Wentworth String Orchestra" based in Barnsley.
Playing my Stainer alongside Mr James Bingham in a concert at the Lamproom Theatre here in Barnsley with the Wentworth String Orchestra.
My Stainer
Patrick Joseph Hanna, one of the best entertainers I have had the pleasure of knowing, and a very good friend. Pat performs country and Irish music under the name of
"Pat McClusky"
Wath-upon-Dearne Music Festival, of which I used to be a commitee member, is an annual event that that brings the music of the world to the town of my origin and on the 2nd of May 2009 and I found myself free for the first time in 10 years to call and visit. While I was there I took these three Videos and though the atmosphere cannot be the same as actually being there I hope you ejoy them.
Having not playes for about a year I thought that I would get the fiddle out last week (January 2010) and have a go. Here is the result, seem to have lost a little intonation accuracy but I remembered the tune at least. I have ordered a new bow which should be here any day now, then I shall get stuck in to some serious practice and record myself again. Watch this page for the result.
The Tune is a traditional hornpipe called "Harvest Home"
I have also refitted my fiddle with new rosewood parts giving it a much more classy appearance. Compare this picture with the one at the top of this page.
Boxing day 2011 I cycled out to Heath near Wakefield to watch the Wakefield Morris dancers perform outside the Kings Arms.
Inside the pub a session was on the go, so before I left I popped in for short while. I really enjoyed what I heard and it rekindled my love of playing folk music. When I was outside I had spoken to Raymond Padget and he told me that Barnsley Folk Club now had a slow session just proir to the singers starting their sing around.
Straight after the Christmas holidays I called in and really enjoyed playing again. Now I spend a couple hours each evening on practice and leaning new tunes.
Me at Practice |
