Jammin’ sean-nós style in Bantry at Masters of Tradition Festival
YOU never can tell, says Martin Hayes. Sometimes a musical collaboration works, sometimes the chemistry fails to manifest. He shrugs: Often it’s only in the moment the truth of the thing is laid bare. Music isn’t a science — and who would wish it to be?
“There is no predicting anything,” says Hayes, one of Ireland’s foremost fiddle players. “You don’t know the outcome — have to live with some uncertainty. You can minimise the risks by working with good musicians. Nonetheless, the chemistry isn’t always as it should be: The dynamics aren’t always the way you want them to be. No matter who it is you are playing with you are taking a chance. That’s where the excitement lies.”
