Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Ragtime

I'm busy composing a "think" post, which is really making me think, so I've decided to take a break from thinking and offer y'all this bit of enjoyment before I get a thinkache.

Yes, another video. I know they make the page sluggish and screw up scrolling, but the content makes up for it.

The group is named Leahy, the surname of a family of eight brothers and sisters. They are Canadian, and another example of Canada's super-rich musical heritage and talent. Ponita featured them in her last blog post, so I went searching for them on YouTube—in lieu of having to think.

Leahy performs much more than Celtic music—in this video it's ragtime, a uniquely American forerunner to jazz. I prefer rag (and its offspring honky tonk) played on an upright piano, but that's just quirky me. Watch the video, marvel at how good the ladies are, and I dare you not to tap your toe.




I'll be back later in the week, but I have to do some thinking first.

 

24 comments:

Sharon Longworth said...

You're spot on, as usual, the ladies are indeed marvelous.

Tiffin said...

And they're just a lovely family too. They live very nearby (just outside the next village over). Donal Leahy is one of the best fiddlers in Canada and the whole lot of them can clog dance up a storm. Thanks, Charlie!

Tiffin said...

p.s. that was Donal introducing his wife, Natalie McMaster, at the very end. I think Natalie is one of THE best fiddlers in the world. Google her too, Charlie, for a real treat.

Charlie said...

Tui: I remember you telling me you had dinner with Donal and Natalie at a University function and how nice they are.

As far as Natalie goes, I'm way ahead of you: I have three of her CDs.

Tiffin said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BJSnP2NpW8&feature=related

Donal with The Chieftains, playin 'is 'eart out.

Tiffin said...

Yes, Charlie! They are lovely and as natural as can be. I'm just beaming because you have them here!

Pat said...

Not just foot tapping; the whole room is shakin' and I'm bouncin'!

Fay Campbell said...

whooo hoooo!

savannah said...

absolutely grand! toe tapping, chair dancing and shoulder shaking here, sugar! xoxoxox

Lo said...

Oh, Lordy,I love Ragtime......these guys (gals) are great. Thank you for finding them.

Linda Koons said...

You're screwin' up my scrollin', Charlie! (Oh, and that was some fan-damn-tastic music-making.)

Trina Y. said...

what you left out the violin player! ugg! ;)


that was so cooooool! Thanks for sharing
Trina
www.mommeville.com

Ponita in Real Life said...

Excellent!!! Thanks, Charlie!

And whatever it is you're going to be doing... hope it is all good. :-)

Bill Lisleman said...

Another good find on youtube.

I have not heard music like that since watching the movie "The Sting"

Aoife.Troxel said...

Great medley! I loved the way their hands looked reflected in the piano, like some kind of spider dance...

mapstew said...

I was dancing with Pat & Savvy! :¬)

Them Leahy's put The Corrs into the minor league! :¬)

The Good Cook said...

Those dancing hands made me smile this morning. I haven't smiled in the morning for quite some time. Thank You!

CiCi said...

Ah, thinking. I try not to do that. It gets me into trouble.
I really like this video. Great family music makers.

Charlie said...

GOOD COOK: I'm so GLAD you smiled!

Wandering Coyote said...

Glad to see Leahy getting some cowbell! Have fun thinking! Have you got Mockingjay yet?

Kevin Musgrove said...

Ta for this Charlie. I'm always a sucker for Ragtime.

Warden Files said...

Wonderful composition, and most entertaining indeed. Thank you.

Kim Ayres said...

What's all this business about "thinking" Charlie? Don't you know it's hazardous for your health? Only ever think in moderation...

Barbara Bruederlin said...

That was a lovely little break. I was tired of thinking as well.