Fiddle Workshop: The Fiddling of James Morrison
Originally from County Sligo, fiddler James Morrison was a prolific recording artist in New York City in the 1920s and 30s. His virtuosity and attention to detail resulted in some of the best recordings of Irish music of the era. We’ll learn a tune from one of Morrison’s recordings, paying particular attention to the characteristic bounce, lift, rhythm, and ornamentation that make his playing unique.
Piping Talk/Demonstration: The Taylor Brothers, the Famous Irish Pipemakers of Philadelphia
Uilleann pipemakers William and Charles Taylor emigrated from County Louth to Philadelphia in the 1870s, establishing themselves in the city as first-rate craftsmen. Over the course of their career in Philadelphia, the two would make revolutionary improvements to the instrument, developing a style of uilleann pipes that are still copied to this day. Join piper and pipemaker Will Woodson for a discussion of Philadelphia’s famous pipemakers, including live music played on an original set of Taylor pipes.