Brian McGrath (banjo) & Johnny Ringo McDonagh (bodhrán) - Spike Island Lasses set

Two reels from the De Danann concert at the 2012 Philadelphia Ceili Festival: Spike Island Lasses and Bill Hoar's Reel (thanks to comment below). Brian's banjo playing is awesome as usual. As a fellow bodhrán player one of the things I've always loved about Johnny Ringo's playing is the way he often adds a harmonic/bass element to the mix. You really need to listen with some decent headphones to hear it as clearly as it came across in concert. For example at the beginning of the B part of both tunes (0:12, 0:44, 1:16, 1:56, 2:28) he hones in on a low D and holds it for a few seconds providing an awesome & in-tune harmonic/percussive accompaniment for what Brian's doing on the banjo. Live in the hall you were looking around to see if another instrument (like guitar or bass) had suddenly joined them. It helps that the retro Christian Hedwitschak TrHed that Johnny's playing really honks out the low tones.

[@johntuohy1867]

Johnny Ringo- the original unique trailblazing quality caliber set for good. Both backbone and heartbeat.

[@psjasker]

McGrath is the epitome of “cool”; the laconic but insanely talented Irish bard. That’s a man you could quench a pint or five with.

[@8tomtoms8]

Brian is just too good on that banjo!!!

[@rolandpotter479]

Wowser!! Shredding on a banjo 🙂

[@bruceprigge5212]

Magnificent!

[@tonymccann8853]

This is as good as it gets brilliant.🌏

[@SteveCournane]

beautiful tasteful playing. Thanks so much for the post

[@roddygeoghegan9757]

Beautiful playing

[@tsubasagoto]

One of the best bodhran playing in video ever. The second tune is Bill Hoar's Reel which Brian plays on his album also.

[@DaveHansonWebDesign]

tsubasats thanks, it took a few years but I'm glad to have a name for that second tune.

[@CaliforniaBrowngrass]

Wow, this is fantastic!

[@mrbodhranhead]

Even if I couldn't see the video, I'd know that was Johnny Ringo -- his style is unmistakable. And you're right, that Hedi is fabulous. I have two myself. I met Christian and Ringo at Craiceann in 2006. Fine gents, the both of them.

[@bernardmurphy2683]

My cousin Brian on banjo..man is awesome😊😊

[@EllieConnolly-ro1qb]

❤❤❤❤

[@YELLOWNITA]

Great sound 🎶🎵

[@philochristos]

If I could play a banjo like that I'd give up all my other hobbies.

[@MichaelMAFox]

Doesn't get much better than that. Great stuff!

[@greenhouseceltic1903]

Last time I was in Galway, I happened upon a session these two were in, along with Lunasa's Sean Smyth.

[@ericlong9085]

Class

[@jimmcveigh4313]

Pick the bones out of that! Beautiful.

[@rogermallais6719]

Quelle belle sonorité...! Un rythme endiablé..comme les irlandais savent le faire...!

[@ArundoTrad]

Beautiful bodhran and mighty banjoing. All these mini bodhrans and one-sided styles take a close look.

[@GOLDSMITHEXILE]

He's a cracking drummer, yet seems the odd one out, doesnt have black tape stuck on his drums

[@Ratstick58]

Does anyone know how Brian gets such a percussive tone from his banjo? Looser head tension?

[@BrianBell4073]

Steel strings probably. I haven't met those pair in about 30 years, but McGrath always got that sort of sound from any banjo.

[@bernardmurphy2683]

As he is my cousin...he just has the kill and approach of the banjo...he is definitely best banjo player in Ireland without a doubt..steel strings!

[@forestcitytrad2948]

Clareen Banjo sound

[@Sirtuner]

Likely the choice of pick and the amount of string grabbed.

[@leavser1]

I don't want to listen but I have to for boodbran

[@plasticbucket]

Brian ain't no Barney but it's ok . Ringo wears the years well . B

[@rogermarkendale5404]

You need your ears cleaning out 🤣

[@BrianJMonahan]

you dont play the tune on the drum, you play rhythm only.

[@BrianJMonahan]

Its Hell for the musicians if a bodhran player thinks that its for anything else but rhythm, imagine a drummer playing with the melody, it would be Hell.

[@liamhickey359]

Angela dean