Rocky Mountain Session - Preview of New Hoover Line

thomlarson · Post by **thomlarson** » Sun Jul 22, 2001 11:18 pm

Mack just sent this pic to me (I'm still laughing...), asking me to post it here because he's having some FTP problems. Don't groan at me for the text below the pic, that's his also:

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<IMG SRC="http://www.thewhistleshop.com/images/misc/rmgang.jpg">

<I>'The Rocky Mountain Boys playing "Wind in the Rockies" a sort of jig style AIR. Brian Lee on the Hoover uilleanns, Mack on the low D Hoover upright, and Tom on the Sears contra bass. We're working on a CD on the Eureka label.'

Mack</I>
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Brian Lee · Post by **Brian Lee** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 8:09 am

I can safely tell every one of you...these new whistles SUCK!!!

This was one of the very best experiences with whistles/music/people in general, that I've had in many long years!

If any of you EVER have the opportunity to visit Mack, you should try to make a point to do so! It was certainly worth eight hours of driving!

As a side note...there's going to be a big Celtic festival in Grand Junction this coming September (the weekend of the 22nd Mack??) that I plan on driving back down for. Perhaps I'll see more of you there.

Tom...you gonna make it too? I'm hoping to have drones for my uilleann vaccum by then!

Slán!

Brian~

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 9:06 am

That is one of the funniest pictures I have ever seen! Thank you to all who had anything to do with it!

Jessie

Ron Rowe · Post by **Ron Rowe** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 9:16 am

Sounds like you guys had a really great time, I wish I could have been there. Did anyone record any of the sessions?

The weekend wasn't a total bust for me, I finally got out of work about 10:30 yesterday and went to a folk festival sponsored by Swallow Hill. They had a whistle workshop I attended and I am happy to say I found a really good whistle teacher. She plays beautifully and I will be taking her classes starting next month.

WyoBadger · Post by **WyoBadger** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 9:25 am

Well, now that I'm home and somewhat caught up on my sleep (free advice: avoid staying at the "Sagebrush Motel" in Wamsutter, Wyoming, at all costs short of death)...

I'll echo what Brian said about Mack! He told us not to praise him to the heavens because he really didn't have time for a six month back log. Suffice it to say he is a master craftsman, and his whistles are absolutely beautiful to hear. "Almost Endorsed By Joanie Madden." He is also as kind and gentle a teacher and friend as you're ever likely to meet.

Both Brian and I were able to produce our own whistles under his instruction, and we both came away with a couple other "artifacts" from his shop as well. And I ain't talkin' about vacuum cleaners, either!

Then there's Brian--a great hand on the whistles and bodhran, and his enthusiasm is a force of nature! I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of each other!

I learned lots of new (to me) tunes, and thanks to Brian I now have a burning need to acquire a bodhran...

Thanks, guys, for all the tunes, laughs, the lawn to pitch my tent on, and the whistles. Except for the "gravel matress" that first night, I can truly say I enjoyed every minute! Next year in Lander?

God bless all!
Tom

Whistlepeg · Post by **Whistlepeg** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 9:31 am

Jeeeeeez, you guys!
What do you do about "condensation" problems or do I really want to know??
Very, very funny......made my day, thanks!!
Sue

Whistlepeg · Post by **Whistlepeg** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 9:35 am

I just had a thought. Isn't this the dreaded "advertising" that we should not be having on this board? Are you guys "sucking" up to us.....you know that we can't resist new whistles.........what is the waiting period for aquiring one of the instruments in this new line (or should that be hose...)

WhistlingGypsy · Post by **WhistlingGypsy** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 10:08 am

Great picture! wHOOeVER came up with that idea deserves a medal.

I guess you guy's will 'Clean Up' with this line of instruments!

Gerry

WyoBadger · Post by **WyoBadger** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 10:09 am

No worries about condensation on the contra bass, Sue--it's a wet-dry shop vac. If the fipple clogs, just turn in on for a couple seconds (the motor doubles as a drone, too).

T

marceemae · Post by **marceemae** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 12:16 pm

Looks like you guys had a great time. Wish I could have been there. I spent Saturday morning being an Emery Highschool Marching Band mom. It was fun. The kids did two parades on Saturday and will do another one tomorrow, which is Pioneer Day in Utah. I told my daughter, since I was missing all the fun in Grand Junction, I might bring my whistle and play along with the band. She didn't think that was very funny.

So far I'm planning to be at that Celtic Festival in September, maybe I'll get to meet some of you there.

Marcee

Brian Lee · Post by **Brian Lee** » Mon Jul 23, 2001 11:10 pm

I too am hoping to make it back out for the Celtic Festival in Sept. Perhaps I'll bring my friend Joe. An absolute whiz on the whistle/flute and bodhrán!

Mack's promised me a whistle I can plug into the lighter jack in my car too, so I'll have my own portable car Hoover!

And yes, I know this has been said ad nauseum..but Mack is SUCH a wonderful person!!! I would highly encourage ANYONE with even the slightest interest in whistles and their crafting to visit him.

My absolute best to you Mack, and every other wonderful person on the board! May God hold you in the hollow of his hand!

Brian~

Grannymouse · Post by **Grannymouse** » Wed Jul 25, 2001 9:57 am

I am speechless.....that picture just sucked the wind right out of me! One never knows what you're gonna run across on this board....that's what so delightful about it.
And I....just came back from Evart Music Fest in MI....one of the greatest experiences of my life. And watch out for the Bodhrans!!!!
I gave a workshop 3 days in a row and there's at least 60 Bodhran players running around out there some place........

Gm

Brian Lee · Post by **Brian Lee** » Wed Jul 25, 2001 12:25 pm

BTW, For anyone who asked over the weekend and I may have forgotten, the address for Fred Halpin, the maker of that amazing bodhrán, is:

http://www3.sympatico.ca//halpin/home.htm

Betty, you never said you were a drummin' girl! I'm sure you could teach me a thing ot two!

Bri~

Digger · Post by **Digger** » Wed Jul 25, 2001 7:09 pm

Mack, Brian, and Tom, a pleasure to meet you guys last weekend. Hope to see you again before too long, maybe September in Grand Junction. Brian, in case you're interested, there is a band called the Lab Dogs at the offices of the State Archaeologist (Rio Grande building). They play bluegrass and some Celtic and appreciate a good whistle and bodhran player. Ask for Ron or Kevin; I mentioned you to Ron.

Rand

Brian Lee · Post by **Brian Lee** » Wed Jul 25, 2001 7:33 pm

On 2001-07-25 21:09, Digger wrote:
Mack, Brian, and Tom, a pleasure to meet you guys last weekend. Hope to see you again before too long, maybe September in Grand Junction. Brian, in case you're interested, there is a band called the Lab Dogs at the offices of the State Archaeologist (Rio Grande building). They play bluegrass and some Celtic and appreciate a good whistle and bodhran player. Ask for Ron or Kevin; I mentioned you to Ron.

Rand

Hey Rand!

So this group is in Salt Lake? Do they have a contact ph# or email? I'd love to get a hold of them. And it was indeed good to play in CO! I'll be looking for you all in Sept!

Bri~