Tin whistle is one of the most iconic instruments across various genres of music, often seen at concerts spanning all styles from folk rock to traditional Irish music. Players of this instrument have developed unique playing styles which have made it part of many songs from these genres.
Played by both solo artists and bands alike, accordions can be seen being performed everywhere from music festivals to soloist concerts. While some are known for playing them regularly, others might not.
Brian Finnegan
Brian Finnegan has long been recognized as an innovator of traditional Irish music. With an extraordinary technical ability on whistle and flute, Brian creates melodies which are entirely his own.
He has traveled the globe with his band Flook and released three critically-acclaimed albums – Flatfish, Rubai and Haven – as well as working alongside Ed Sheeran on his Divide album.
Mary Bergin
Mary Bergin is widely recognized as one of the premier tin whistle players of this century, and her first solo album ‘Feadoga Stain’ released in 1979 remains an influential classic.
She stands out by playing Irish tin whistle in an older, more traditional style; but what sets her apart is her masterful use of ornamentation. Her performances are vibrant yet uncluttered; each flourish or embellishment carefully considered when adding flourishes or embellishments to each flourish or embellishment.
Michael McGoldrick
Michael McGoldrick is an internationally-acclaimed flautist, piper, and composer best known as an innovator of traditional music rewriting. Initially recognized in Manchester while performing in Toss The Feathers – an energetic Celtic rock band – as a youngster.
In 1995, he won BBC Radio Two’s Young Tradition Award and produced his excellent “Champions of the North” album with Dezi Donnelly from Toss The Feathers.
Kevin Crawford
Kevin Crawford made the journey from Birmingham, England, to Ireland in order to pursue his love of traditional music and release his debut solo album; The D Flute Album quickly became a classic within this genre and required listening by Irish flute players globally.
Carrying The Tune, Kevin Crawford’s third solo release, offers another stunning example of flute and tin whistle playing excellence. Accompanied by bouzouki (Mick Conneely & John Doyle), guitar (Doyle), and bodhran (Brian Morrissey), Kevin presents an array of breathtaking virtuosic performances that will delight even seasoned listeners.
Phil Hardy
He played an instrumental role in Brian Flynn’s side’s success and was recognised by being chosen to the PFA Team of the Year for 1991-92 Fourth Division campaign.
Phil was an all-round talent who could adapt to most tasks; he enjoyed challenging himself with new challenges and always relished a sense of adventure, eagerly exploring new ideas.
Davy Spillane
Davy Spillane is an Irish musician and songwriter, as well as an uilleann pipe and low whistle player who is part of Doolin music scene and has released multiple albums.
He is one of the best-known tin whistle players and an accomplished composer and arranger, known for blending traditional with contemporary styles – particularly Irish folk music – into his compositions and arrangements.
Paddy Keenan
Paddy Keenan is one of the best-known musicians in Ireland. He received two major accolades – an TG4 Gradam Ceoil Musician of the Year award as well as an Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irish Music Association – making him an indisputable superstar of Irish music.
He is widely acknowledged as the premier Irish uilleann piper today, with his solo and collaborative albums becoming classics of traditional music genre. Additionally, he has performed around the globe at festivals and concerts of every sort.
John McSherry
John McSherry is widely recognized as an internationally acclaimed exponent of Uilleann Piping. Irish Music Magazine described him as a ‘true master,” having performed with such Irish artists as Clannad and Sinead O’Connor.
McSherry is a renowned composer, arranger and studio session musician known for his distinctively improvisational flair that has drawn comparisons to jazz legend John Coltrane. He has performed extensively with several top Irish bands.
Fred Morrison
Fred Morrison is widely acknowledged to be one of Scotland’s premier pipers and among the world’s finest players. A master on all types of pipe instruments – Highland bagpipes, Scottish small pipes, bellows blown or reel pipes and Irish uilleann (low whistle), as well as being an accomplished composer – Morrison has become an esteemed performer and composer alike.
He is well-renowned for his dynamic concert stage work – his highly charged performances often feature moving pieces composed specifically for him by composers. Additionally, he has composed for and performed with some of Scotland’s premier bands like Clan Alba and Capercaillie.
Rory Campbell
Rory Campbell is an internationally recognized figure in Scottish folk revival and founding member of groundbreaking new folk band Deaf Shepherd. In addition to these achievements, he has established a successful solo career.
Rory is the Director and Co-Founder of New Vantage Consulting. In his role, he helps businesses, not-for-profits and public sector agencies achieve their ambitions through purpose, leadership and outstanding delivery. Rory specializes in executive coaching, leadership facilitation and purpose and engagement initiatives.
