Slip jig set: Na Ceannabhain Bhana/Wheels of the World/Dever the Dancer

 Now here's a beautiful set of slipjigs played by Gregor Harvey. Keep an eye on his YouTube Channel too.

Robin Jones - about Picks, Capos, Strings etc.

 In this video Robin Jones talks about essential gear for Bouzouki players. A must-look at for beginners.

Pigeon on the Gate Reel - Practice Irish Traditional Music With Me - Tuesday 10 March - Declan Plummer

 This weeks tune in Declan's "Practice with me" series is the reel "Pigeon On The Gate", in E-Dorian. Watch Declan finding an arrangement for this tune. By the way he shares some tips and tricks on finding counterpoint melodies.

Beth Patterson at the New Orleans Jazz Museum

This is a one hour live performance of Beth Patterson, a fantastic bouzouki player from Louisiana.

"Beth Patterson is a versatile multi-instrumentalist from Lafayette, Louisiana, best known for her mastery of the eight- and ten-stringed Irish bouzouki. Described as a blend of "a cobra and a puppy," her performance style—which she calls "SWAP" (Songwriter/World/Acoustic/Progressive)—merges Celtic traditions with progressive rock and global ethnic influences.

Patterson's diverse background includes classical oboe, Cajun bass, and formal studies in ethnomusicology at University College Cork. Her prolific career spans nine solo albums and appearances on over 200 recordings. Her work has reached global audiences via the BBC and NPR, and she has performed in over 20 countries. Beyond the stage, she has contributed to film soundtracks (including The One-Eyed King) and even appeared in Spinal Tap II."

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Dónal Lunny discusses his evolution through Irish music (Belfast 2004)

This rediscovered 2004 interview from Belfast offers a rare and intimate look into the life of Dónal Lunny, a foundational figure who fundamentally reshaped the landscape of Irish traditional music. Spanning a career that began in the 1960s, the footage captures Lunny’s transition from a young musician in Tullamore to a visionary producer and founding member of legendary ensembles like Planxty and Moving Hearts.

Innovation Meets Tradition

The interview highlights Lunny’s role as a pioneer of musical evolution. Key themes include:

• Instrumental Revolution: His discovery and adaptation of the bouzouki, which introduced a distinctive harmonic depth to Irish folk.

• Iconic Collaborations: Insights into his work with heavyweights such as Christy Moore and The Clancy Brothers.

• Evolution of Sound: His perspective on the shift from analog to digital recording and his unique philosophies on music production.

A Catalyst for Change

Beyond simple melodies, the discussion delves into Lunny’s commitment to social change. Through Moving Hearts, he helped merge traditional sounds with contemporary political messages, bridging the gap between folk roots and modern world music. His approach wasn’t just about preservation; it was about moving the genre forward while maintaining its soul.

Historical Significance

For cultural historians and fans alike, this footage serves as a "masterclass" in Irish musical history. It documents the technical and artistic shifts that allowed Irish folk to survive and thrive in a modern context. Lunny’s story is more than a biography; it is a roadmap of how tradition can be innovated without being lost.

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The Otter's Holt Reel - Practice Irish Traditional Music With Me - Declan Plummer

 Declan Plummer offers regularly practice videos where he shows his approach to accompanying tunes. They usually last for about two hours, a long time watch. But worth it. He also shows the software he uses and gives a lot of insights. This time he uses the Reel "The Otter's Holt", a well known session favourite.

As audio he uses a video by Olivia Barret, who kindly gave him permission to use her videos. Maybe you want to have a look at her bandcamp site.

Declan's Top Score Music Academy can be found here

At 1hr 14sec he tries out some countermelodic parts

When watching the video I found a passage where he is reminded of the song "Hotel California" and shows some chords for the song. Here they are:

Matt Heaton - New Bouzouki Lesson on YouTube: Break the First Position Habit

Now this is an important lesson not only for newbies on the bouzouki. Lots of possibilities to play chords up the neck. Now let's practice! You'll find most of these and lots more on this blog here: