1st Kerry Optima Review.
Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 12:46 pm
Just seen this on the Kerrywhistles News.
Optima Low D Player Review - Jenny Rees Composer and Whistle Player!
First impressions on holding the instrument - it's balanced and delightfully light, whilst having the feel of a fine quality instrument. I must admit to having some initial reservations about a plastic headed low d, however, having seen and played this instrument I concede that the plastic head has added some magical alchemy of its own, more about this later!
Playability - here goes! It sits very well under the fingers. Any female players out there who have concerns about stretch need have no worries, I play two other low d's and this is by far the most comfortable to play. I'd love to see more female low d players, if you play the usual higher d whistle then I assure you that you could move with ease to this instrument, a whole new tone world is open to you - don't hesitate, you'll love it!
What about the sound? It's gorgeous, moving through warm and dark to soft and singing and with the added excitement of subtle dancing high end harmonics, all dependent on your breath - this is what I meant when I talked earlier of the plastic head adding an alchemy to the sound - there's some sort of magic in there. I spent ages simply playing long held tones just to enjoy the response of the instrument to subtle changes in breath. I also found it very easy to move from the first octave to the second with a wonderful continuity of tone colour and agility.
My own playing style moves through traditional to less conventional genres and this whistle offers exciting possibilities of use. I will definitely be recording with it and using it in my professional capacity as media music composer and player.
Finally, thanks to Phil for producing a great whistle and a special call to all female whistlers out there - take the plunge!
Jenny Rees - Composer and Whistle Player.
wiz
Optima Low D Player Review - Jenny Rees Composer and Whistle Player!
First impressions on holding the instrument - it's balanced and delightfully light, whilst having the feel of a fine quality instrument. I must admit to having some initial reservations about a plastic headed low d, however, having seen and played this instrument I concede that the plastic head has added some magical alchemy of its own, more about this later!
Playability - here goes! It sits very well under the fingers. Any female players out there who have concerns about stretch need have no worries, I play two other low d's and this is by far the most comfortable to play. I'd love to see more female low d players, if you play the usual higher d whistle then I assure you that you could move with ease to this instrument, a whole new tone world is open to you - don't hesitate, you'll love it!
What about the sound? It's gorgeous, moving through warm and dark to soft and singing and with the added excitement of subtle dancing high end harmonics, all dependent on your breath - this is what I meant when I talked earlier of the plastic head adding an alchemy to the sound - there's some sort of magic in there. I spent ages simply playing long held tones just to enjoy the response of the instrument to subtle changes in breath. I also found it very easy to move from the first octave to the second with a wonderful continuity of tone colour and agility.
My own playing style moves through traditional to less conventional genres and this whistle offers exciting possibilities of use. I will definitely be recording with it and using it in my professional capacity as media music composer and player.
Finally, thanks to Phil for producing a great whistle and a special call to all female whistlers out there - take the plunge!
Jenny Rees - Composer and Whistle Player.
wiz