Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

You're about to watch one of the best fiddlers on the planet and a subtle guitar master work their magic. For too many of us, Irish music is something that merely gets trotted out around this time of year, associated with St. Patrick's Day and the coming of spring - and made a cliche by commercialism and whatever other shallow notions make cliches what they are.
But for a moment, stop, put aside your notion of jigs and reels, and just listen. Martin Hayes plays his fiddle with an exquisite touch and tone, as well as a magnificent sense of melody and rhythm that never ceases to astonish.
I'm a year-round Irish-music guy. I've spent many summers at Celtic-music camps trying to improve my mediocre guitar skills and enjoying late-night Irish music sessions. I've seen Hayes at these camps as a teacher and performer; his playing has brought me to tears at times, and at others has made me burst out with joyful laughter. I couldn't be prouder to have him perform for us.
Hayes has worked with many accompanying musicians, and some are equal partners, but with Dennis Cahill you get delicate support. It's a rhythm that keeps the tune in; that accents and colors it but never overtakes it. It's brilliant restraint that serves the music and perfectly suits his parter. So with fresh ears, come join us in a rare treat with a familiar sound. --BOB BOILEN
Set List
"The Mountain Lark/Tom Doherty's Reel"
"P. Joe's Reel/The Obama Reel"
"O'Carolan's Farewell To Music"
Credits
Producer: Bob Boilen; Editor: Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Gabriella Garcia-Pardo; photo by Gabriella Demczuk/NPR

[@nathansomers]

RIP Dennis Cahill - Your contribution to great traditional Irish music lives on!

[@GrainneMhaol]

RIP Dennis. You were part of the most dynamic and important movement in modern Irish traditional music.

[@walneylass]

So amazing. I was lucky enough to see these two in concert about 18 years ago in a village hall over in East Yorkshire. I was brought to tears for the sheer brilliance of it. RIP Dennis. Martin.....hope you play on for many years. Your playing is straight from heaven.

[@mickryn]

So sad to hear about the death of Dennis Cahill. I was fortunate enough to see and hear Dennis and Martin in concert on several occasions. It is hard to imagine one without the other. Like Seamus Begley and Steve Cooney they were a magical duo with a total understanding of each other as musicians, they were a duo but played as one and their music will live on forever on the great albums they made together and indeed in videos like this one. This is how I like to remember Dennis - A remarkable guitarist. May You Rest In Peace.

[@digitaldolf]

So sorry to hear about Dennis' passing. R.I.P Dennis Cahill. Thanks for the brilliant music.

[@waynecameron4411]

Hayes and Cahill, Carroll and Doyle. I love both of these magical duos. Dennis and John are so different in their approaches to fiddle accompaniment, and both slay me every time I hear them!

[@sketchbookessay]

Exactly. People like Martin Hayes really affirm my interest in Irish Trad. music. It's a shame that this type of music isn't taken seriously by a lot of people.To me, Irish trad can be just as beautiful as any classical symphony, or as edgy and interesting as jazz or punk music. As an aspiring Irish fiddle player, I hope to reach the level of musicianship that Martin has presented here.

[@mick_crosse]

I totally agree. As a classical violin player and lover of Irish trad, it wasn't until I heard Hayes that I got interested in learning Irish fiddle and I've been trying to emulate his style ever since (it's not easy).

[@untonsured]

Most people don't take most genres of music seriously full stop.

[@splortz]

I've run into Martin numerous times on O'Connell St in Ennis on my way to morning coffee. I've seen him play in cathedrals and churches in Dublin. And living now in California for almost a year, nothing in the past has quite moved me to tears so much as this rendition of "O'Carolan's Farewell to Music". It is perhaps a symptom that I need to return and breathe the sweet, clean Clare air.

[@TigiousViolinious]

I second that, his O'Carolan's Farewell to Music is the greatest fiddle playing i've ever witnessed.

[@andrewculwell707]

Rest In Peace Dennis Cahill 06/21/22 A great musician and a sweet man!

[@TongaRoots]

Irish ornaments for the fiddle are incredible. I started playing the fiddle because of Irish music but it's just too difficult to do anything close, like replicating an actual spoken accent. Amazing. Greetings from Uruguay!

[@acuddlyheadcrab]

one of my all time favorite recordings

[@mariehamiltonmusic]

Rest In Peace, Dennis ♥️ Thank you for the music ✨

[@franksabatino7576]

The music of Hayes and Cahill feels like a force of nature.

[@OShaughnessyC]

Dennis's accompaniment is SO sophisticated!

[@procarpenter1788]

I mean, if you like just the d chord played through the entire time, than sure.

[@EamonKelly]

@@procarpenter1788 No.

[@sundayoliver3147]

@@procarpenter1788 Well, if you don't have ears to listen to the nuances he puts into that chord, so it's different every time, sure.

[@shanefiddle]

Always a joy to hear indigenous music from the ancients played so beautifully and brought into the present. Blessings on this work, may it continue for many, many generations!

[@eoinlinehan2944]

Thanks Dennis for all your beautiful music. RIP

[@Planxty96]

Exquisite music played with such feeling by both. For those of you interested in exploring another dimension of this duo’s magical music, ‘Shared Notes - A Musical Journey’ by Martin Hayes (published by Penguin Random House in 2021), gives many in-depth insights into Martin’s background and evolution as a musician and as a performing artist, including many insights into his collaboration and deep friendship with Dennis. Everything Hayes and the Hayes/Cahill duo touches resonates with authenticity. Two hugely talented and deeply devoted souls. Sweet music roll on!

[@paullitsky9627]

Dennis Cahill - we loved your style and your music. You will be missed!

[@pauleire]

I've seen a LOT of gigs by some of the world's best musicians but these guys provided me with what I consider to be the best gig Ive ever seen. I'm an (Irish) professional musician and had no real interest in Irish trad or indeed in going to see them, but I've seen them 4 or 5 times since. You also couldn't meet two nicer guys.

[@sundayoliver3147]

I was lucky to be at fiddle camp with them, and I agree: amazing musicians, willing to share freely about music, and super-nice guys.

[@mick_crosse]

This is one of my favorite recordings of Hayes and Cahill. I think Boilen perfectly sums up the contrast between contemporary Irish trad/folk and the stuff that most people outside of Ireland are exposed to in the pub. Fair play to him and NPR for giving so many people the chance to hear Irish traditional music at it's best. I can't wait to see Lankum's NPR appearance soon!!

[@martinanderson312]

Well-written intro here, Bob. Glad you're a year-round Irish-music guy, too. Rest in peace, Dennis Cahill. You'll also find his work in the group The Gloaming.

[@martinbanks7686]

God bless you Dennis, may you rest in eternal peace and whatever lies in store for your marvellous ilk.

[@Illneverremember1]

This may be the best fiddle/guitar duet I've ever heard..

[@tracymargolis3940]

That's what two soul brothers who have been playing music together forever💜💜

[@padjo59]

Martin Hayes is probably my favourite Irish fiddler (along with maybe Brian Rooney) so it is wonderful to see he got on Tiny desk. But what strikes me most as well as his lovely sweet playing is how much he and Dennis Cahill are having a real musical conversation. A lot of guitar accompaniment can be powerful but formulaic. This is definitely not. It's two friends chatting without using their voices.

[@eileennestor9274]

Fantastic i just Love Martin Haye's music....He is out on his own UP THE BANNER ********

[@elizabethrogge7908]

I will never ever tire of Martin Hayes’ music and the wonderful music he makes with Dennis Cahill

[@veroniquefargue9096]

I love the way Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill played together... I'm guitarist and I'm so sad about the death of a such "talentueux" guitarist. Martin Hayes is also a so talented violonist ! Sorry for my English I'm French ...

[@sundayoliver3147]

I'm from the US, and your English is a lot better than my French is! Fully in agreement with your comment.

[@veroniquefargue9096]

@@sundayoliver3147 thank's a lot :)

[@karenvarian1174]

Two amazing musicians. They send my spirit soaring........

[@micahlanboney7830]

This music gets in your soul if you let it

[@conorconnole7537]

Musical Transmutation. Anyone who doesn't know, or understand the word it's changing one form of something, into another. A musical Alchemist. Almost magic like. The sonical geographical environment he encompasses is Incredible. An honest, and introspective understanding of raw skill(s) The relationship between notes is paradisiac. As real, and sonically bewitching and mesmerizing I ever heard. Up Tulla 🙂

[@sallyjw6966]

Wow I am speechless..How have I missed this Man play? I am in tears right now. I am humbled..xx

[@anphash]

oh deary me..... My favourite trad musician (other than Brian Finnegen) playing on NPR which is my source of new music and has been for 4/5 years....This is my new favourite thing on the interweb........

[@xntricity6446]

RIP Dennis my man, thanks for your wonderful music x

[@jeanniecampbell1374]

So in the Zone together ...Love them .

[@WGBHMusic]

"For too many of us, Irish music is something that merely gets trotted out around this time of year, associated with St. Patrick's Day" Well said, NPR Music! We couldn't agree more. Celtic music is part of our life-blood. Great Tiny Desk, BTW.

[@bethmiller7091]

Absolute magic! Martin Hayes always amazes!

[@amadain1]

RIP Dennis Cahill

[@RNWard1954]

Beautiful. So happy they closed with an O'Carolan tune. Makes me want to pull out all my Bothy Band cd's and have an Irish binge.

[@anfiorsceal]

It reaches right into your soul...

[@FrontRoomProductionsanimation]

Wonderful!

[@nottyboi1349]

The master with the fiddle! Your music is so evolved!! Martin Sir!!! I love your music!!

[@conorconnole98]

Sensational opening. Such life and energy 🙂

[@conormurphy3657]

Amazing

[@karenvarian1174]

Magical!!!!!

[@dohertymusicproductions1186]

Love this first tune!! HUP!!

[@dermoring1]

sublime

[@RyanMcMusic]

Watching from Belfast, it's mad that I could head out and hear this type of music on my doorstep but never bother to... I may have to sort that out.

[@alexkirwan1192]

Me too

[@stephenthornton86]

Amazing two masters at work

[@thecorkplaylist]

R.I.P. 🙏🏻

[@slevinslevin5700]

Fantastic

[@littletriptoheaven]

Love this. That man sure can play the fiddle.

[@dermotmoloney7542]

Brilliant

[@daveyclayton]

Wonderful - and you make it look so easy - MANY THANKS!!

[@mapatterson22]

Wow, what a wonderful set! They are both brilliant musicians.

[@mapatterson22]

I didn't know. RIP Dennis, what a fantastic guitarist! ❤

[@Oakheart]

Thanks tiny desk keep it up.

[@akkaadadimana]

that's a beautiful guitar!

[@thomasdonelon8384]

I'd contest that as an Irish musician in reference to the left hand position . It predisposes one to wrist problems due to continuous strain being placed on the collateral ligaments of the radiocarpal joint. Have a look at other fiddlers and its not a common position. I DO love Martin Hayes however , he is just soo special

[@mao-tse-tung]

Long life Tiny Desk Concerts

[@worldcapers]

Sublime!

[@wupeide]

I don't think I was finding fault with it. As a young person, I studied violin and viola somewhat seriously and spent a great deal of time working on posture and technique. This approach to the instrument is totally different and thus interesting to me. I will certainly enjoy Beethoven as well as a hundred other types of music.

[@mainsblanches8793]

Notice how they move together!!...

[@azzarough]

loved it!!! thanks.

[@head4togo]

Amazing fiddling!

[@Lochlannach661]

Awesome concert! These guys need to get Kevin Burke in to play a concert.

[@lissayaalaska]

Loving you r beautiful sound here in wild Alask.Will ye no come back again?Lis saya

[@jimmymullen5269]

Hypnotic....class

[@EricSkyeMusic]

So wonderful

[@Teona1212]

Wonderful music! Thank you.

[@iTomAnks]

I only clicked on this because the thumbnail looked like Geddy Lee on a violin but this was pretty damn good

[@wupeide]

It's always fun to watch a "fiddler" break all the rules of classical playing.

[@Mikri90]

As a classically trained violinist, I couldn't have said it any better. And "breaks" in a good way of course :)

[@HEADSUPBERKELEY]

Great playing, lovely job on the AIRE

[@MikePowerWeb]

Why have 14 people given a thumbs down? Some people, eh? Jeez.

[@markoconroy]

go on the banner county

[@bothyrat]

It seems some people's ears go to their brains via their hearts and others via their backsides. Just close your eyes and listen.

[@tstain355]

Hon the lads!

[@georgiabulldogs251]

Hahahaha, that is without a doubt the most perfect description of this guy...can't stop laughing.

[@UncleCaptainMidnight]

Thanks, NPR !!!!!! Also, the tune listed as P.Joe's Reel..isn't? Can anyone help me on the title?

[@UncleCaptainMidnight]

Joe Bane's Reel

[@amandagregg9368]

I'm not sure which tune is first before the Obama reel, but it's definitely not P. Joe's Reel.

[@tomwalsh6184]

It's Joe Bane's

[@ooooneeee]

Shiny :-)

[@christhacke9595]

It seems to be working out just fine for him, however

[@Rory99M]

What rules did he break I'm interested? thanks

[@procarpenter1788]

Mostly the way he holds the fiddle. Flattened wrist, and he holds it out of level with the scroll down, and sort of weirdly under his chin. Bows mainly from the elbow instead of the wrist. And plays such exquisitely perfect music, in spite of all that, so who cares?

[@JuanchOliva]

Dat violin technique

[@gingersndragons]

He doesnt play violin he plays fiddle. Different styles and techniques

[@SaredJolomon]

wearing jeans and a flannel

[@TheWhistler]

That's a learned position, just like classical; you have to play like that to play trad properly. Kind of explains why classical players can't play Irish trad properly as well.

[@procarpenter1788]

No. No. What the hell? I've never heard such a load of bullshit. Wow. Just. Wow.

[@oncleben5885]

Look at Zoe Conway. She's playing with a perfect classical position...

[@dobrocop]

You guys are great but for the life of me i dont understand why you joined up with the GLOAMING, the Piano dosent leave any space for the soloists???.

[@dobrocop]

SavageArfad i totally agree.

[@Plafintarr]

IMO Cahill´s playing is restrained to the point where it becomes boring rather than subtle.

[@UncleCaptainMidnight]

It's OK by folk music standards :)

[@MarkDiSciullo]

This was great until the Barack Obama reference :( I guess Liberals need to pay homage to their messiah any chance they get.

[@ireland776]

Mark DiSciullo Not the case at all, it's a well known fact here in Ireland that Obama has distant relations tied to a place in Cork, hence the name of the tune

[@MarkDiSciullo]

Thanks for the clarification Danial. President Reagan also had ties to Ireland too. I wonder why Martin isn't equally motivated to offer up a reel in his honor? Not sure why Obama gets a tribute for the random coincidence of just having a tiny bit of Irish DNA. Music shouldn't be political (at least "US" political). It should draw us away from the divisiveness, not pick a side and flaunt it every chance (as in the US). Obama administration created a horrible divide in the USA. A person like that shouldn't be celebrated.

[@eannafahy4980]

Mark DiSciullo I would imagine because there weren’t any reels written about him by Martins friend would be the logical conclusion.

[@HeyloVideo22]

I saw Martin at the IAC in NY in April, where he discussed his political work both in Ireland and in campaigning for and supporting Barack Obama in Chicago and around the US. If that puts you off his music, too bad. BTW, the Obama administration tried to work with the GOP; they rebuffed him, refused to even hear his SCOTUS nomination and dissed him every change they got. But your side wouldn't know the truth if it bit them. Martin knows.

[@MarkDiSciullo]

@@HeyloVideo22 The Democrats do nothing but divide us. They've always been that way (remember the civil war? They weren't too happy about working with the Republicans to give up slavery, or to pass Civil Rights). In 1992, Ex-Vice President Joe Biden (D) even said that it's not right to vote on a SCOTUS during a presidential election year (it's actually called the "Biden Rule"). This year, the Democrats attempted to destroy a good man because he wasn't their SCOTUS choice and they were still having a hissy fit about loosing the election two years ago. If you're being intellectually honest with yourself, yuu'll have to concede that Democratic party is an embarrassment to our country. Ex-President Obama's legacy has been left to the circus clowns of Elizabeth Warren, Maxine Waters, Cory Booker, Dianne Feinstein, Richard Blumenthal)

[@bfalava]

His position is just awful by classic standards... especially his left hand!

[@hughmcnamara1790]

still sounds good

[@rikstavale]

Apparently classic hand position doesn't matter to sound masterful