Thank you for listening, and for making an exception! And how you found it only minutes after I posted it I don't know, but I'm impressed!

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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i have no words to say, how happy you made me with your posting. my heart so aches of missing feeling for ireland. i was there already three times, and for sure these times were not the last ones. i ADORE your posting. it is played so fantastic, what a bright, clear sound. brilliant, truly brilliant. oh boy you made my day. please post more of such beauties. it is so few of them here on this site.
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
paja

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a stunning picture of stunning cliffs of moher... ach my ireland

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GOOGLE CLIFFS OF MOHR.
Stunning 2D Images
(As opposed to the Envelopment of this Fine Piece - 3D, to me).

-rtc

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"What you Don't use, You Lose." Get Rockin'

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With a name like Ceilidh, I guess I picked the right song to post for you!

Thank you so much for your wonderful encouraging appreciative post. I have family roots in Ireland, but I have only been there once, last year. It captured my heart and inspired me to start learning to play Irish music, and I will definitely be going back as soon as I can.

Beautiful place, beautiful people, beautiful music...

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Peace Through Music

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Very beautiful and accomplished performances here. I recognise Planxty Fanny Power ... as I'm sure you know it was originally written for harp, so the combined string power of two guitars is an appropriate yet different approach to it.

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"Twas by Turlough O'Carolan, I believe?

I traveled to Ireland last year and played in some pubs and did a little busking on Grafton Street in Dublin and heard some amazing music. One of my favorites was a brother and sister from the County Clare who were all of 11 and 13, repectively, and both played harp. Their sensitivity and musicianship were simply stunning and this is where I first heard "Planxty Fanny Powers."

Max arranged this tune and one of the things we discussed as we were working it out and rehearsing it was how much harmonizing we should do and whether too much would make it sound less "traditional." But, as you noted, just playing the tune on a guitar already takes it out of "traditional," so we just decided to let the guitars do what they do best!

Thank you again for the listen, and the wonderful comments.

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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I do like Celtic, though new to the genre.. I thought this was just lovely. and it has made me wish for more

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...for listening!

Max and I actually are recording more Celtic music, so I may post more. The first few we recorded are actually under copyright so that is why I didn't post those, but I love the old songs, too, so we'll keep working on them.

Thank you again!

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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Absolutely beautiful guitars here. I wish I could play like that. You both play with a lot of powerful restraint, something I need to learn. But make it louder! I had to turn the volume way up to be able to hear it.

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...for your kind words about our playing!

I agree with you totally about the volume issue- sorry about that. I wanted to post this before I went to school this morning (I'm a music teacher) but realized I didn't have time so I grabbed a AIFF file of it and put it on a zip drive and went to work. During my lunch break I put it into iTunes and was about to convert it to an mp3 when I realized there was about 10 seconds of silence at the beginning I wanted to chop off. I know I can tell iTunes to start at any point I like, but I don't think iTunes actually alters the file, so I dropped it into Garageband, lopped off the silence in the beginning, and then just used GBs "Send to iTunes" function to bring it back to iTunes, where I converted it to an mp3. And, of course, it's volume was now set at whatever Garageband was set to when I selected "Send to iTunes," which was pretty low because I was alone in the room and it's not exactly a blastin' kinda song!

So that was definitely way more info than you wanted, but that's how I screwed up the volume. Sorry about that!

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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...your friend, Max, is a master....

...and you, my friend, are no slouch, yourself. Sounds great. Those Goodalls shor are good!

;-)

Excellent tracks and downloaded immediately into my iPod. I love this, Brian...and am very happy to have you back at macjams...

Bob

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Guitar compliments coming from you are high praise, indeed. Thank you!

It's good to be back! I just ordered a spanking new MacBook Pro to be the backbone of my mobile recording rig, and school gets out for me a week from today, so I have every intention of being a lot more active here. (I do have to wait at least a month for the Mac, though, 'cause I want the 7200 rpm drive- I guess I'll have to console myself by playing with the free iPod Apple gave me for buying a new Mac. Believe it or not, this is my first iPod- what a great little invention it is!)

Anyway, thank you a lot for the listen, and I'm glad you downloaded it!

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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Excellent production in this recording - and the playing's not bad either ;) Was it recorded in a single pass??
Acoustic guitar duets are fairly rare here, and I hope this is inspiring to others. Your timing is superb.
Neil

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Thank you for the listen, and the wonderful comments.

We'll probably tell other people it was done in one pass, but as long as this is a community of recording musicians, I must admit that it wasn't. Max recorded it in two sections (the introduction was recorded separately from the duet section), and then I overdubbed my part over his. I SLAVED over the timing, so I'm glad people are noticing that. Max was very insistent on my doing it again and again until it was perfect!

I've heard many speak of the "magic of the first take" and I know that there are certain situations where spending hours and hours slaving over tiny details can spoil the groove, but this was slightly different because Max's playing is so sensitive and has such a sense of space and breathes so freely. So my big challenge was to simply mirror the natural flow of Max's playing.

We actually CAN play it live, though! We performed it at the christening of my baby boy, Aiden, whose godfather is Max!

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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Now you gone and made me cry - just achingly beautiful.
Now that I'm over that - the production is absolutely perfect. Stunning, really, and I see that you did this on a g3 Mac??? Wow.
It's the absolute total control of melody and harmony and the perfect ensemble you have here that lifts this far above the ordinary.
When are you coming on tour to Wisconsin? I'll buy a couple of tickets.

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I think that the highest possible compliment someone could ever give a song or performance is to say that it touched them emotionally. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I just ordered a new MacBook Pro to replace the G3- think I'll notice a difference? : )

I'd love to tour again! Max is probably doing some touring this summer. He'll be doing a bunch of folk festivals, but I don't know if he's going that far.

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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this, it has a very nice sensitive touch. Very danceable and full of nice recording contact.

Terrific recording. Nice chordal changes and the list goes on.

Way to go!

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I have listened to your recordings. Praise from a guitarist as accomplished as you is very wonderful! Thank you very much!

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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We play it over throughout the day.
New Favorite of all current music.

In iTunes it comes on just after the Traveling Wilburys video and fits perfectly.
We'd like to hear when the CD is ready!

DIXIE

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I LOVE the feeling of being on someone's playlist. And right after the Traveling Wilburys is good company! I have a friend who likes my music but is otherwise a pop fan, and because my first name is Brian, on her iPod I'm in between Bananarama and Brittany Spears!

I'll definitely let you know when the CD is done. We were hoping it'd be done now so he could take it on tour with him, but when has a recording project ever been done in time? : )

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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I'm a great O'Carolan fan, and you've done a great job with the Planxty Fanny Power portion of this medley...

This is a beyond-flawless performance from the two of you, and a terrific arrangement... You've worked together nicely without over-ornamenting the tune...

And the recording is clear, crisp, airy and alive...

And heck, man, you're on the VINEYARD... you can practically VISIT... Guitar picnic at Ziti's house! Woo hoo!

Consider me an instant fan...

Ed

Gee, I've got a picture of me on a stone wall on Nantucket... yours looks better...

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I drive tour buses on the Vineyard in the summer, so if you ever visit, I'm pretty easy to find- just ask one of the drivers where I am, and I'll give you a tour!

And I've mentioned this I think in other posts, but I definitely feel obligated to give Max Cohen full credit fot the arrangement. I think he's utterly brilliant- he is capable of playing with jaw-dropping speed, but more importantly, he knows when not to do it.

He's also really funny to watch, because every time he bends a note, his eyebrows arch. That, I think, is the secret to sensitive playing- get the eyebrows involved!

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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I have PHENOMENAL eyebrows....

Ed

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This is really nice and clean. I like how the two guitar parts totally compliment each other! This would be a solid bed for vocals but I realize that it probably wasn't written with that in mind. Stellar performance at any rate. Thanks for sharing.

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...very much for the listen, and the compliments. Glad you liked it! I know it's pretty different from what you do with the guitar, but that's one reason I love the guitar so much!

I'll be looking for updates to "And I Trudged." (Or whatever else you post!)

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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I've never been to Ireland, but this makes me feel i am there. You two complement each other perfectly.

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Thank you very much! I am very happy that you liked it.

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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I just noticed your name on the "whose online" box - with a musical note beside it! So I sez to myself, "self, does this mean that Brian has a new tune to bedazzle you with?"

And I was right. And... what a gem it is. There's real magic here, a genuine touch of why human beings create, need and seek out music. As real as grass under bare feet, delicate as tears and sure as the first love we remember to our dying days... thanks to you and your friend Max for bringing this beautiful piece to life.

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Rik, I'm seriously going to start looking for songs just to read your reviews! You have the most interesting, flattering, encouraging, fresh and beautiful way of describing music I think I've ever encountered!

Thank you for the listen, and the wonderful words!

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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I really like the combination here of Celtic and acoustic guitar.
So lovely...

Thank you for sharing your music here :)

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And thank you for listening, and your kind words!

I was writing earlier about having Irish roots, but having only been to Ireland once, last year. Therefore, I didn't really know until then that Irish music is not traditionally played on the guitar- at a session the guitar is strictly rhythmic accompaniment. But I like guitars! And I LOVE the way Max plays them! And I am thrilled to be recording with him.

Thank you again for taking the time to post. We'll record more of them!

~Brian


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Peace Through Music

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Brian - I often feel like a fake at Macjams, 'cause i can't really play any instrument ... this makes me feel like that. A stunning level of talent here, you both should be very proud of this piece ... takes me back to my youth in Belfast!

Wonderful

Steve

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First of all, thank you for the listen, and the compliments!

Secondly, Dude, what're ya talkin' about!? Not a musician?! "Manhattan Hangs" sounds AMAZING!!! I don't care if you did it with a keyboard, loops, or kazoos, that's some GREAT musicianship there! I'll be checking out the rest of your catalog as soon as I get a chance!

Thanks again for the listen.

~Brian

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Peace Through Music

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for me, this is a nice green spring day. things are starting to grow, life is returning to the land. there is a light breeze, and the sky is filled with cottonball clouds. it makes all the other cares of the day disappear for a while.

i'd walk down to the pub for a Guinness, but, there is no pub nearby, and besides, they would be closed: it's only 6 in the mornin'.

thank you!

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Great image!

Hey, I've read your forum posts and had an email exchange with you and checked out your stuff for several months now, and I only now just realized that your avatar - which I've always liked - actually says "Smokey VW." That's pretty darned cool! Did you design that?

Anyway, thanks for the listen!

~Brian Weiland

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Peace Through Music

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This is so delicately beautiful and so precisely played. The duet works extremely well and you two are in sync throughout. I very much liked the quite opening and how, and the "verses" progressed, you "grew" the accompaniment so that there was sort of an expanse by the time you made it to the end. In my head I can hear this opening into a grand theme with full orchestration as the country side comes more and more into view. Beautiful work. I hope there will be much much more of this sensitive kind of writing.
Paul

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Thank you so much! I know I've mentioned this before, but I definitely need to give full credit for the arrangement to Max Cohen. And we definitely worked hard to get the "precision" you mentioned, so I'm glad you noticed!

~Brian Weiland

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Peace Through Music

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Really nice and sweet. As Ejh said, not over-worked, just what is needed for a nice and realaxed musical experience.

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Maintaining the relaxed feel while being absolutely precise is definitely the challenge of duet playing. I'm very glad it worked for you! Thank you for the listen.

~Brian Weiland

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Peace Through Music

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Just lovely to listen to. :O)

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I genuinely appreciate your taking the time to listen, and I am truly thrilled that you enjoyed it!

~Brian Weiland

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Peace Through Music

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These guitars are played with such technical excellence, and great pacing... this is the sort of thing you don't want to rush through... but the sound is killer... I've been away for 3 out of the last 4 weeks... sorry I missed this.... I'm glad to see though, that this received the attention that it deserves

completely pro

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I'm glad you listened to this, and even more glad that you liked it.

Since you mentioned the sound, I'll point out that I actually have two problems with it: One is, as has been mentioned earlier, it's a little quiet. That was my fault when I converted it to an mp3. But the other problem is a little more serious- I actually think it has too much background hiss. We're recording a whole album of these, and this was the first one we did, and so the newer ones are quieter. We may end up having to redo this, but I hope we don't have to, because it represents a lot of work!

Ah' the curse of the recording musician!

~Brian Weiland

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Peace Through Music

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Fanny Powers is a tune I know because I play it from time to time and I really enjoyed your lovely arrangement. The Gentle Maid is a new one on me but after listening to this I feel encouraged to learn it.

KK

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I'm glad you enjoyed our version. I feel a little self-conscious as an American trying to learn to play traditional Celtic music on an instrument that wasn't really part of the tradition. But then I listen to your amazing ability to throw together completely different styles and create something amazing and fresh even as it acknowledges the music it's built on, and I remember, "Oh yeah, it's folk music- you're supposed to take it and make it your own!"

Anyway, thank you for the listen, and the encouragement.

~Brian Weiland

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Peace Through Music

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This is my first time hearing Celtic music. I really really enjoyed this. I love the two guitar harmonies which is just beautiful. Very creative. Thank you for this post.

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You're very welcome, and thank you very much for the listen!

I am very glad you liked it.

~Brian Weiland

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Peace Through Music

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I was at The Cliffs of Mohr several years ago. This song evokes what I felt when I experienced that view, although it was quite a wild Irish morning. Thank you for taking me back for a visit.
Elizabeth

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Very cool when a song can evoke a memory or place or feeling. I think that's pretty much what makes music so magical. If Max and I have approached that, that is surely among the highest compliments you could possibly have given. Thank you very much!

~Brian Weiland

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Peace Through Music

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As a celt meself i love celtic music whether folked or rocked. This is a very nice duet. Beautiful playing. Good clean sound. Bravo!

Cheers!

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Like many many people who live in the Northeastern part of the US, my ancestors came over from Ireland during and after the potato famine, so I guess I have some right to play the tunes. But I'm still pretty nervous to have them heard by people who grew up hearing them played the way they're supposed to be played. I am very glad you liked our version.

I've only been to Ireland once, last year, but I absolutely loved it, and I will be returning as soon as I can. I even did some busking on Grafton Street in Dublin, and was invited to sing in a pub somewhere in County Clare.

Thank you very much for the listen.

~Brian Weiland

PS- The "Dangling Goodwillys" is, I think, the best band name EVER!

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Peace Through Music

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I just joined macjams-I'm amazed at all the great music.This is really nice-very precise playing and a great arrangement.
Did you write this out in notation or just do it by ear?


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Having listened to both of your posts, guitar praise from you is high praise, indeed.

Max has been playing both songs for at least a year. I am certain that he worked out his arrangement by ear. (We are recording a CD of Celtic duets, but most of them feature me playing the hammered dulcimer. I'll probably post one of those soon.) Anyway, Max sat here in my living room one night a couple of months ago and in about an hour went through the song(s) phrase by phrase and by ear developed the harmony part I played. He would play his part and then sing a harmony along with his guitar, and then I would figure it out on my guitar, try it against his playing, and if we liked it I would then write in down (in tablature form) just so neither of us would forget. Once we had the whole thing with both songs worked out I practiced it that evening, and then the very next day we recorded the version posted here.

I know I'm supposed to say that we tossed this off in one take while the dog slept at our feet, then we both had a beer and took a nap, but we didn't. Max's part went down easily, but I had to simultaneously learn my part and completely sync with his phrasing, so it took many many passes!

Anyway, thank you again for the listen, and I look forward to hearing more from you!

~Brian Weiland

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Peace Through Music

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that you commented on my song because it brought me here. Very accomplished and masterful playing.
Cheers
Len



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Thank you for the listen! Your stuff is cool, too! When I get the time I'll start in on your back catalog.

~Brian Weiland

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Peace Through Music

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Your guitars blend so easily and comfortably that there's no real overlap unless, I guess, you're really listening for it. Even though it may not have been, it certainly SOUNDS effortless. The recording has a wonderful range as well. A gem of a piece.

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What a great sound you two get, and I love where the melody is played with a harmony part a third below. Well-played and well-recorded.

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Very fine work. This has been calming for me after a hectic week. The harmonies are entrancing. Thanks for sharing this.

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Thanks to EJH for pointing me in this direction - I love "Planxty Fanny Po'er" - and you've treated her with such a loving touch - she's never looked or sounded better! Very nice interweaving of the two tunes - are you guys in the pocket or what?

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This is so nice to listen to. I'll have to try and get into more of this style of music, I love it.
Thanks for sharing this.
Steve

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I love the sound of the guitars. The arrangement is very professional and interesting. I realize they're both slow tunes, but I missed a little bit of power, or maybe I mean tension. It could be interesting to put in a bit more strain between the two guitar voices, maybe only at certain points. The counterpoint feel is already there, but if anything I would add a bit more subtle discord. Great job!

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Wonderful warm Irish tune. The quality is very nice and so great to see 2 musicians in one piece .. Wonderful playing and composition .. 10's all the way friend !

Thanks for sharing ..

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Oh, this is do very nice. Such wonderful tone, such warmth and clarity, and both of you perform the parts so skillfully together. Beautiful how the patterns play with each other. The melody is so gently uplifting.

This is wonderful. Makes me want to go for a hike on a sunny morning... and to maybe practice my guitar playing a lot more. hehe

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Really nice job interweaving these two parts; some lovely harmonic moments result and gladden.

Kudos to you, Brian... and Max. It's a charming piece. ;)

--- Joe

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I'm seldom speechless. I am...

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thank you!

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This is absolutely amazing. That's really all I can come up with at the moment. The guitar work here is nothing short of spectacular in both it's execution and the production. This really is an amazing piece of music that makes me, like ceilidh a bit wistful for Ireland.

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