I've been a whistler for years, but now that I've stumbled on Brother Steve's page, I realize I've been wandering in the Outer Darkness, trying to pick up the style from books, notated music, and the occasional catchy tune that surfaces commercially in movie and TV soundtracks.

What I think would help me at this point is ear training...a small collection of the best recorded examples of traditional Irish whistling to soak into my head. And just solo whistling -- I've no interest at this point in guitar or orchestrated accompaniment or trying to pick the whistle out of session recordings. Just maybe a half dozen of the very best recordings of the very best players playing the very best tunes in the very best and most representative styles, to train my ears.

Suggestions?

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Everything will be all right in the end. If it isn't all right, it isn't the end.

Micho Russell is your man:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Micho+Russell

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Deartháir don phaidir an port.

Thanks An Draighean. Found him, and snagged Rarities and Old Favorites. Excellent. Also ran across Mary Bergin and snagged Feadoga Stain. Seems like a lifetime of close listening right there. A few more like this, and I should have what I need.

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Everything will be all right in the end. If it isn't all right, it isn't the end.

Some I've enjoyed...

Conneely, Kathleen - Coming of Spring, The
O'Briain, Donncha - Ceol ar an bhFeadóg Stáin
O'Donohue, Bríd - Tobar an Dúchais
Potts, Seán - Number 6

Best wishes.

Steve

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"[Some flutists] place the flute between the upper lip and the nose, blowing the instrument from below. This position does not prevent good playing, but it does not look graceful."
~ Antoine Mahaut, 1759 in a tutor for playing the transverse flute ~

A million thanks for Donncha O'Briain, Steve. Brilliant, and what a story.

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Everything will be all right in the end. If it isn't all right, it isn't the end.

You didn't happen to stray into his transcriptionpage while there?

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My brain hurts

Just this very moment, Mr. Gumby. That's an amazing treasure trove of style and insight.

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Everything will be all right in the end. If it isn't all right, it isn't the end.

After fifteen years the clips could do with an upgrade though.

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My brain hurts

Top of this whistle forum page has a locked recordings thread with a plethora of whistle specific examples to choose.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=72798

Style is something I think you develop over time with experience. It is personal. I don't think copying any particular top shelf whistler is even possible.

I'd love to see some more transcriptions. I learned so much from those during my formative whistling years,

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Charlie
Whorfin Woods
Don't blame me, I voted for Cthulhu