Passion, power and flair combined

Traditional music endures while other fashions may come and go – Gavin Whelan proves without a doubt why the music of tradition persists. He also proves that in the hands of a master the whistle can take the lead with flair. There’s no unearthly longing for the past or worship of the ‘old ways’ in his playing it’s just bloody good traditional music, bang up-to-date and played from the heart.

If you can’t get along to a gig, then the CD ‘Another Time’ gives you get a classic opportunity to hear Gavin at his best. The album also features a fine group of musicians that lend their skills to Gavin’s playing. They include Donnacha Moynihan (guitars) Colm Murphy (bodhran) Zoe Conway (fiddle) Eoin O’Neil (bouzouki) Finbar Naughton (mandolin, fiddle) Aogan Lynch (concertina) Gavin Ralston (guitar) and Peter Eades (keyboards). And just to prove the breadth of his talent Gavin plays uilleann pipes too.

Backed by the strings, skins and keys of his fellow musicians, Gavin weaves the whistle around a selection of jigs, reels, hornpipes and airs with such dexterity you just know the whistle is in his blood as well as his fingers. That Gavin can extract such power and expression from the instrument is statement enough of his skill, the fact that he adds an untapped sparkle to traditional tunes shows his talent. From slow airs that drag tears from your eyes to jigs and reels that won’t allow you to sit still, Gavin enables the smallest of instruments take on the largest of mantles.

In some circles the whistle is thought of as a ‘toy’ - not true any more. Listen to Gavin and you’ll realise the whistle is become far more than a plaything. It’s also supposed to be easy to play – not true either. Just try to match his abilities and you’ll never think like that again. This man ranks among the great whistle players of his own or any other generation – and that my friend is undoubtedly true!

Click here to return to the News page