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Josie McDermott was an Irish flute player from lived in Coolmeen, Sligo, near the border with Roscommon & Leitrim, in an area rich in folklore and musical traditions.
His flute playing was in the pulsing rhythmic style of the Sligo/North Roscommon area. His whistle playing was also rhythmic with the notable use of staccato tongued triplets in place of rolls, which he developed because of what he called a “lazy” left hand when younger, to keep the style when his left hand improved.
He had a diverse musical taste and played various genres from traditional Irish music to jazz, playing the trumpet and saxophones as well as flute and whistle and playing with local jazz bands.
He won an All-Ireland title on the whistle and alto saxophone in 1964 and was also a singer and composer, known for tunes like ‘A Trip to Birmingham’ and ‘Darby’s Farewell to London.’ which have entered the tradition.
Going Further
Irish Flute Geezers tape featuring Josie McDermott
John Joe Gardiner – Irish Flute Player
Patsy Hanly – Irish Flute Player
The Instruments of Irish Traditional Music
The Tin Whistle – A Comprehensive Introduction and Resource Guide
Ornamentation in Irish Traditional Music
