I
play the ENGLISH concertina. It is built differently than the
anglo in that there is only one note for each button (sounding
the same on both push and draw), while the anglo has two differing
notes depending on the push or draw.
You
can usually find me playing concertina Thursdays from 8-10:30
p.m. at McGinley's
Pub in Anchorage, where there's a great Irish session.
I do play other styles of music on concertina: old-time
fiddle and dance tunes, for example, though I mostly
seek Irish tunes when I'm ready to add something new
to my repertoire.
My husband Jim and I play in an Irish band called Crooked Road,
with fiddler Maura Walsh (or often a substitute, if she can't
make it!). Ben Saylor has joined on on flute, but is currently
out of state. I used to play with John Walsh and Richard Gelardin
in a group called Rakish Paddy: here we are at a downtown gig
during Alaska's 50th Statehood Anniversary celebration, 2008:
Photo by Karen Copley |
The anglo concertina is more often used among traditional Irish players,
but I enjoy playing my English instrument at sessions. My aim
is to "blend" with other players and produce an acceptable
adaptation of style.
I have produced a CD of Irish tunes on concertina:
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Useful
Concertina links:
concertina.net
Great place to shop for and learn about concertinas
concertina.com
Digital
reference collection for concertinas; a lot of history!
thesession.org
If you're into session playing, visit this site! Tunes galore,
great forum and find an Irish session anywhere in the world the
button box
Shop in Massachussetts that specializes in accordian and concertina
sales and repairs |