My uilleann album of the year: Copely Street

[shakyhands]

I've been pretty much exclusively listening to this album by Joey Abarta and Nathan Gourley for my trad fix for the past six months, and have still not tired of it. And this is after being thoroughly obsessed with the other relatively recent releases by Mick and Caoimhin, Jimmy OBM, and Tiarnan. It could be the quintessential trad album, yet has a distinctive American-ness to it. Also, and this may require its own thread, it's another example of how bouzouki makes for the best trad. Plug over.

[An Draighean]

I have been enjoying that one as well. My tastes are highly slanted towards those playing flat sets, and it sort of surprised me how much I like that record and Mr. Abarta's playing in general. Have heard him play live a few times, and he is treat to hear.

[Nanohedron]

So that's what Nathan's been up to. Can't say as I'm surprised, for he is a top-shelf fiddler and no question. Anyone should be happy to work with him.

When he lived in the Twin Cities, he and I had permission to hold unscheduled sessions at Kieran's during the quieter hours. It was usually just the two of us, and I was happy to stick with cittern backup for the most part, because he had a special touch and sound that I preferred to support rather than compete with. Those were good times.

There was another session elsewhere where, toward the end, things switched to Eb. Nathan didn't even bother to retune, but instead adjusted without a hitch, and he was spot-on as if it were nothing.

I realize this thread is more about Joey, but if ever you have a chance to hear Nathan's fiddling on its own, take it.

[Steve Bliven]

And it might be worth mentioning that Joey will be an instructor, along with Torrin Ryan, at the Pipers Gathering in Litchfield, CT later this month. He'll be appearing in one of the concerts, providing group and individual tuition and a workshop.

Best wishes.

Steve

[elbowmusic]

Ditto, my album of the year.

[Mr.Gumby]

my album of the year.

You have to wonder which year though. I see it has been sitting on my hard drive since June 2017 and I am sure it wasn't new then.

[colomon]

CD Baby thinks it's a 2016 album, and the MP3 files I have are dated July 12 2016.

[RenaissanceGuy]

Likewise, Bandcamp says it was released July 14, 2016: https://copleystreet.bandcamp.com/releases

[elbowmusic]

My album of the year for non-trad is Bruised Orange, an album from 1978. I wish I was more aware of John Prine much earlier, but I'm loving him now, so that's what counts.