The Bodhran is a Cornerstone of Irish Music
The bodhran is more than just a drum; it represents an entire musical tradition. From being used for ritual purposes to becoming the cornerstone of Irish music, its versatility stands out.
Johnny McDonagh is one of the great bodhran players of his generation. A member of De Danann and Mike Oldfield’s band, he was also responsible for developing new playing techniques on this instrument.
Origins
Though considered a percussion instrument, the bodhran doesn’t necessarily resemble one. Instead, it is an upright frame drum covered with skin. Historically it was usually played using either sticks or hands; at first jingles or embellishments would often adorn its sound before eventually developing a playing technique with notable figures such as Peadar Mercier, John Joe Kelly, Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh as well as innovative makers such as Seamus O’Kane being central figures.
Glasheen’s captivating four-part documentary features rare archival footage with interviews of many early players and innovators as well as older traditions such as Scandinavian frame drumming and Crowdy-crawn from Cornwall which uses an adapted sieve.
Construction
Traditional Bodhran players employed both hands when performing, but in modern times many prefer using a tipper as an additional instrument – its smaller size allows more flexible playing techniques and offers greater precision when it comes to technique and timing.
The Bodhran is an intricate frame drum with unknown origins. Some believe that its precursor may have been a variation of a tambourine, which may have entered Ireland through trade relations, while others theorize that it may have been used agriculturally for winnowing or wool dyeing purposes.
Whatever its source, bodhrans have become a mainstay in Irish folk music. Be it accompanying an Irish flute or playing solo, they provide powerful accompaniment. Waltons offers a selection of entry level tunable bodhrans as well as complete kits to cater to serious musicians.
Styles
Bodhran playing involves many styles. Some styles are associated more closely with certain regions and genres than others; jig stroke technique often accompanying Irish jigs while reel stroke techniques commonly accompany Irish reels are among these.
Peadar Mercier, Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh and John Joe Kelly have played an invaluable role in shaping and expanding the Bodhran’s style and technique over time. Through their playing they have propelled it forward towards new frontiers of traditional Irish percussion music.
As they explore and master bodhran technique, their exploration has led to an array of sounds and rhythms ranging from jig stroke and reel stroke techniques, as well as variations such as these demonstrating its versatility for use across a range of music genres and contexts.
Techniques
Compared to many musical instruments, the bodhran is one of the easiest instruments for newcomers to pick up quickly and is an excellent way to progress beyond beginner status. Once you master its basic up and down wrist motions, playing reels, jigs or complex patterns on this drum becomes effortless.
Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh developed innovative bodhran playing techniques. For instance, to reduce edge-loading – where vibrations hit the rim and rebound toward the center, altering tone – he covered his bodhran rim with electrical tape in order to lessen edge loading, which causes vibrations from hitting its edge to hit back toward its center, altering tone; dampening unwanted overtones with tape; this created more consistent tone control over his drum’s volume with greater consistency in tone control over volume control as well. His son Mel Mercier is also well known bodhran player.
Music
It is thought that the Bodhran was used in battle as a war drum to stir the emotions of fighting men against enemies, while also serving as an instrument in Wren Boys performances for food or money or simply providing enjoyment and camaraderie in local areas.
Sean O Riada introduced the Bodhran back into modern Irish music through his playing with Ceoltoiri Chualann and later with The Chieftains. Peadar Mercier took it a step further with his use of cipin, or beater instead of playing by hand; and Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh became legendary for using one hand to dampen its sound from behind the drum.
Seamus O’Kane pioneered the use of thin lambeg skins to reduce edge loading on bodhrans, thus opening up an extensive variety of sounds and styles for players like John Joe Kelly, Mel Mercier and Tommy Hayes. This innovation eventually spread throughout Ireland.
