Found a video: Down by the Salley Gardens

[Dog Whistler]

Hi folks,

I was trawling youtube for whistle videos and came across this rendition of Down by the Salley Gardens, a song I've loved as a song, and lamented having no singing voice worthy of it, but now realise that I might be able to play it on this little tube thing!

But my question is whether this rendition is any good. Obviously, I'm impressed, but what do the educated ears on here think of it? Something to emulate?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFHz0ts ... ZfnFzO_GPw

I'm still on less than two weeks practice, still working on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and still struggling to consistently hit D but you've got to have goals, otherwise where's the motivation?

Cheers

[Feadoggie]

But my question is whether this rendition is any good.

I'm not the judge or jury on these things. I am partial to this version for many reasons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LrZa-QcNQA

Joanie, the one and only!

Feadoggie

[ytliek]

The tune is lovely. DW just keep practicing and listening... its the only way to get where you want to be. Keep it fun.

With enough practice you'll make the Sally Gardens your own. That's what its really about, making the tunes your own.

[Nanohedron]

I am partial to this version for many reasons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LrZa-QcNQA

Joanie, the one and only!

That IS the stuff.

Dog Whistler, about the playing in your link: It's not bad, but it's not advanced either, and since you're learning, I think it's important to compare it to Joannie's now that we have that here and can easily do so. Even if her version isn't your thing for some reason I couldn't fathom, there's a lot more to be learned out of her playing, and the good news is, what she's doing isn't really difficult. It IS fine-tuned, though. But that's what you want to pick up, right?

[BigDavy]

My favourite singer of the Saileach Gardens is Maura O'Connell.

Transatlantic Sessions - Down by the Saileach Gardens Ronan Browne on the flute plays a nice sensitive version of the tune, (Maids of the Mourne Shore), during the instrumental break.

David

[Feadoggie]

My favourite singer of the Saileach Gardens is Maura O'Connell.

In a kind of "best of both worlds" experience for me Maura O'Connell toured with Cherish the Ladies for an Irish Homecoming concert series a couple years ago. Maura O'Connell singing and Joanie Madden playing Down By The Salley Gardens - priceless.

Feadoggie

[nursefroggy]

Thank you for the links, Feadoggie and BigDavey.

[benhall.1]

The Joanie Madden one is brilliantly done, but I find it hard to listen to for two very specific reasons (maybe specific to me): I can't stand that much echo; and I don't like the droopy bits at the end of notes. I imagine it's done like that because people kind of expect it, and it's become popular to do both of those things. However, I would say that it's perfectly placed to do exactly what she intends - there's stunning control in that playing.

The Transatlantic Sessions version is amazing. Beautiful singing, beautiful playing and lovely harmony.

[whoanellie]

What I hear in Ms Madden's playing is a quality I admire in all the best instrumentalists--they sound as if they're singing the tune through their instrument, not simply rendering the tune on an instrument. Indeed, that demands great control, and also a thoroughly personal intimacy with the tune itself. If it sounds easy and effortless, just try to emulate what Joanie did there.

[pancelticpiper]

Joannie is awesome! But that Maura O Connell version is the best I've ever heard. Amazing stuff.

I humbly submit my own version, on a Ronaldo Reyburn Low C.

My breathing here is sub-par because I'm suffering from a respiratory infection, hence the frequent gasps for air.

And don't watch the end! My little Flip camera isn't working right, and I had to push the button several times to get the darn thing to stop recording!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWr434aFHQk

[meanswell]

Yes...as has been said before...it's primarily about listening, once all the other choices have been made...or NOT even...
It's one thing to read the written notation of any music, but rarely does that convey the emotion involved in the rendition, which is what it is really all about....and listening takes time, patience, and Love.....otherwise it's just a bunch of notes played in the right order...