Ireland's Whistling Ambassador (w/ subtitles)

"Ireland's Whistling Ambassador: Micho Russell of Doolin, Co. Clare" features the singing and tin whistle playing of Micho Russell (1915-1994) along with an interview of Micho by Mick Moloney. The video was produced and directed by Bill Ochs (1946-2016) in 1993. © The Pennywhistler's Press 1993 & 2016. Special thanks to Paola Contardo for her help with this digital version of the video.

[@anahitas7812]

I was in Doolin for one night in 1975 and never knew the name of the penny whistle player until I returned last month. He has become a legend during the past 49 years, much beloved and celebrated every year. What a privilege to have seen him in the tiny, packed back room of Gus O'Connors. Some memories last a lifetime.

[@derrik-bosse]

His playing is so clean and sparse! Very motivating.

[@clarebannerman]

Glorious...We won't see his likes again...R.I.P. Micho....And what's more important I understand every word he says...that lovely west Clare accent..

[@happybiker365]

Well, I had the pleasure to listen to him and his music two times. Once in a performance in Mainz and I think close before his tragic accident in the winter of 93/94. And some years later I went to his grave. And when I stood there thinking back and givin' a prayer some rain drops where falling down from a perfect blue sky. Magic! So beautiful this video - thank you!!!

[@bhgardeners]

I have never heard such "clean" playing of the whistle and the whistle looks to be a standard generation or similar? This fella must rank as one ,if not the best player from Ireland. God rest his soul, Heaven will be a happy place with his music to listen too.

[@bealmor1963]

Just the essential notes. It's lovely to remember what was 'traditional ' before all the undoubtedly great showboating we have today.

[@defaoitavitch]

The macaronic song Micho sings is 'Cúrsa Ráis Shliabh na gCaorach' by Tomás Ó Tiarnaigh from Sandfield (Liscannor/Moher). The local landlord, Cornelius O Brien, developed a race course on the slopes of Moher at Sliabh na gCaorach

[@mickrussell74]

My nameis Michael Russell to , my father was from YOUGHAL and my mother from COBH,I am fascinated by the music and the history, amazing enduring people and sounds

[@peterdunworth3811]

Every note and every work is priceless! I never heard the tune/song John Philip Holland. I was pleased to hear it here. I used to work for John Holland's company, Electric Boat, in Groton Conn.

[@derrik-bosse]

The way he whistles, much like the way he talks, you can tell he puts a lot of thought into everything he does.

[@astrorafhan]

this is gold

[@peteflute2817]

Rip to the tow of these musicians, thanks for your honest on how you found the music scales were strange ,I struggle myself I had no one to teach me I don't know what key a tune is in but iv learn how to play listening to cds and going to session, it's all technical and standard now in Irish music you have to be the best and there's no problem with that there fantastic musicians out there and I've played with some I sessions but I don't have that standard but yet I can play to all kinds of music on my flute and play other music instruments from around the world,

[@carlosmacmartin4205]

Wow! I really enjoyed this video. An amazing man and musician. 😊 Erin Go Bragh!!

[@concertinachick1982]

God rest his soul xx beautiful 😍❤

[@martinmcnamara547]

Well this was wonderful and it got better as the video played on. His personality complimented the music and also his singing. I was in Doolin just last week and now I can just picture him playing in one of the cottages.

[@OCAMarciFlutes]

This video is a treasure, indeed ! Thank you for sharing !

[@listairgin]

Thank you so very much for posting this, I can't really find words just now to say how this man and the way he plays this music effects me. It's honesty and beauty has left an impression in my mind that is hard to explain. 🌠🌌💕☘️❤️. Thank you for all you have given us Michael Russell, 🙏❤️ RIP.

[@terencegorman4672]

Very nice from Australia

[@Rain9Quinn]

Lovely & such a wonderful interview❤️❤️

[@UISTMAN59]

Lovely!

[@gppasini7620]

Solid bloke 🇨🇦

[@ariel4kees]

Thanks Bill, for uploading this!! This is great stuff, love it!! :-)

[@toyotagtcoupe8487]

The Boss

[@claudequeignec6450]

Un grand homme, un trésor national.

[@peterdunworth3811]

Wonderful! I love it!

[@bealmor1963]

Lovely clean style. No unnecessary embellishments.

[@martifingers]

This sound embodies what Martin Hayes has called "the lonesome touch". Irish soul , I suppose is another way of saying it...

[@jimrudd9610]

Proper chap

[@cigh7445]

I'm... almost insulted that there's subtitles here. I suppose I am a born and bred Munster man but do people really find this hard to understand?

[@samlichtenstein2754]

Sorry, but yes. The subtitles helps.

[@wade4452]

I meant every word I said commi trash Utube. Now that I said that, I'm making an Irish flute friom black PVC. So much fun!

[@cmur078]

Looks like a pounamu he's wearing? Must have been to New Zealand as well.

[@brombeerbluesr]

17:00

[@CREDIBBRITTANY]

Spered Bro Iwerzhon