New release (February 2025) from Conal featuring new compositions accompanied by Caoimhín Ó Fearghail (guitar, bouzouki), Colm Murphy (bodhrán), Caitríona Frost (marimba, drums, tambourine, brooms, jawbone) and Benny McCarthy (accordions (high chords, basses, sub basses, basse aux pied). Also available on Bandcamp (along with Digital download) https://conalgrda.bandcamp.com

Widely regarded as the best Irish flute tutor available

Build technique progressively from basic breathing to advanced articulation

Step by Step: What does it sound like…How do you do it…Where do you use it

Comprehensively illustrated with both notation and audio examples (free CD inside)

Learn how to listen critically to top players and improve your own playing

Features playing from: Cathering McEvoy, Harry Bradley, Aoife Granville, John Wynne, Tara Diamond, Mike Rafferty, Patsy Hanly, Eamonn Cotter

Based on the premise that ‘If you can’t hear it, you can’t play it’, Conal takes a progressive approach to building the students flute technique (What does it Sound like…How is it done…Where is it Used), starting with the basics (Holding the flute, Breathing, Cuts etc.) and working up to more advanced techniques (Glottal Stops, Rolls and combining of techniques), supported with both Audio and Notated examples. A unique aspect of the book is the chapter on Critical Listening, where the student is taught how to build their listening skills to recognise how top players achieve the musical impact they do.

Recorded in 1990 Conal's first solo CD The Top of Coom is regarded as a classic

The Top of Coom Conal Ó Gráda

1 Colonel Frazer reel 2.30

2 The Peacocks Feather and Petticoat Loose jigs 2.48

3 Anderson’s and The Green Gates reels 1.45

4 The Castlebar Races, The North Clare and The Butchers March jigs 2.50

5 The Duke of Leinster and The Woman of the House reels 2.59

6 The Carnival of Venice waltz 3.33

7 The Gold Ring jig 3.10

8 Richard Dwyers and Cathal McConnell’s reels 2.04

9 O’Connell’s Trip to Parliament and Gregg’s Pipes reels 2.14

10 The Sweet Flowers of Milltown schottische 2.22

11 Lucky in Love and Spindle Shanks reels 1.47

12 The Cuckoo’s Nest and the Fairy Queen hornpipes 3.02

13 The Tinker’s Daughter and Miss McGuinness reels 2.41

14 Ride a Mile and Haste to the Wedding jigs 2.49

15 Blackberry Blossom and The Coalminer’s reels 2.05

16 Captain Kelly, The Galway Rambler and The London Lasses reels 2.35

Conal Ó Gráda: flutes Arty McGlynn: guitars Colm Murphy: bodhrán Sean Ó Loinsigh: bouzouki Bernadette McCarthy: piano

Recorded at Sulán Studios, Baile Mhúirne, Co. Chorcaí, January 1990 Engineered by Gerry McBride Assisted by Jim Carroll Produced by Hammy Hamilton Cover photograph by John Kellett