Cat's Melodeon is a
group consisting of some of the finest Irish
traditional musicians on Cape Cod. They perform at
sessions, concerts,
festivals, and private functions throughout the
year. The group (originally named "Cape Tradition")
was founded in 2005 by
Bill Black.
The group's instrumentation
includes fiddle, guitar, flute, recorder, uilleann
pipes, banjo, accordion, harmonica, concertina, bouzouki,
whistle,
mandolin, and bodhrán (the Irish frame drum). The
group's repertoire consist of the Irish dance tunes
-
primarily reels, jigs, and hornpipes - that have
been the staple of the Irish instrumental tradition
for hundreds of years.
Any musician familiar with the Irish tradition is welcome to attend,
regardless of playing ability. It should be noted that our sessions are
not "slow sessions" and playing speeds might be a bit brisk for some musicians.
Our policy however is to allow each musician an opportunity to start a
tune or two at her own speed, and the rest of us will join in.
It should also be noted that our sessions should not be viewed as an
opportunity to "practice". We recommend to less experienced musicians
that they devote more time to listening than trying to play, especially
on tunes with which they may not be familiar. Recording devices present
no problem - we have all learned this music in different ways, and if
you do better with a sound file than with notation, go for it!
Most of the Cats are pretty good with tune names, so avail yourself of
their experience. (I find it easier to play a tune if I know its name -
not sure why!)
Cat's Melodeon is primarily an acoustic
(non-amplified) group.
Here are a couple of sound samples: snip 1 - snip 2. (I think we're on YouTube somewhere too.)
Although the group totals
about fifteen members, they are quite capable of
performing in smaller units depending on the requirements
of
the audience or the venue. The members are also
versatile in that most are capable of performing
other types of
traditional music - American, Canadian, Scots - and
of adding vocals in English and Irish.
Individual members are often
called upon to act as teachers to the growing number
of young (and not-so-young) people who
have
become interested in Irish traditional music. Cat's
Melodeon is also highly supportive of more
formal teaching
efforts such as those of the Irish Cultural Center,
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, the West Bend Music
School, the "Back of the House" slow session group, and Nik
Engstrom's "Sonnay" fiddle group.
Over the years, the Cats have performed at many Cape venues. They appear annually at:
Note:
At the invitation of owners Des and Terry Keogh, the Cats have started a Saturday afternoon session at the "Auld Triangle" pub in Hyannis (3 to 5 pm). All "tip jar" proceeds from the session will benefit the Cape Cod Veterans Inc.,
a great organization of volunteers who assist local vets and their
families in need. It's a 501(c)(3) with zero overhead (= no
salaries paid to anyone).
As of today (3/23/24), the Cats have raised close to $2500 for the
cause. Every penny of this will be used for vets and families who need
help. "Bravo Zulu" (= "well done!") to all involved.
For more information on Cat's
Melodeon, contact Bill Black
via email bill@capeirish.com or
at
508.564.8764.
At the Auld Triangle Pub in Hyannis, 2/3/24
Cat's Melodeon at Gray Gables Market
for the "Project Bread" fundraiser session
4/4/15
session for the Housing Assistance Corp. 9/19/15
