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Carmel Gunning TTCT is an Irishcomposer and musician, born in Sligo, Ireland. Carmel Gunning has been one of Ireland's most accomplished tin whistle players for many years. A native of famously musical South County Sligo Gunning's rich tapestry of culture and tradition steams from her iconic homeland of Geevagh in South Sligo, a region steeped in native culture, a region with such musical luminaries as James Morrison, Michael Coleman, Paddy Killoran and Josie McDermott and the legendary McDonagh Brothers. Against such a background her introduction to music took place at an early age and was nurtured by her parents who recognized her rare talents..
Musical Beginings
In 1969 she sang in her first band, "Carmel and the Chrystals", when they played at local dances in Keadue, Geevagh, Boyle and surrounding areas. Playing in the band with Carmel was her brother, Tom Nangle, Kevin Conlon and his brother, and Tony Mullaney..
Former Students
Carmel is highly regarded by her fellow traditional musicians for her fast-paced modern whistle style. She has also worked hard to pass on the Sligo musical tradition to younger players and recently celebrated her 25th anniversary as a music teacher. Alumni of her Queen Maeve School of Music include flute and whistle masters Liam Kelly of the group Dervish, Oisín Mac Diarmada and Damian Stenson from Teada, Olivia McTiernan and June Ní Chormaic(McCormack).
Musical Style
Gunning's reputation in the wider world was boosted by the release of her first solo recording, The Lakes of Sligo, which features four unaccompanied songs as well as 14 tracks of virtuosic tin whistle playing..
One reviewer noted that "the music she plays is in a matured and confident manner" and singing is "rich voiced". and that "it was quite common for musicians to attempt to play tunes beyond their style and capabilities, not so with Carmel, who, although a master, still plays within a comfortable range with music that suits her style and personality. This talented lady is an accomplished singer and composer, as well as a dynamic musician". .
Another reviewer of her music noted that "no modern tin whistler can escape comparison to Mary Bergin, and Carmel's playing does indeed remind some of the Dublin-born star. If anything, however, Gunning plays reels with a more insistent headlong drive. Her ornamentation is also more diverse, featuring many tongued triplets in imitation of the bowed embellishments popular among Sligo fiddlers"..
"This was the first, and perhaps still, in some ways, the best CD to be issued by the Coleman Heritage Centre in Gurteen, County Sligo".
"This extensive 20-track survey of the state of music in South Sligo is sponsored by Gurteen's Teach Murray pub"
"The liner notes state, the Centre's aim is to "promote the living tradition" and this CD is, in reality, an extensive tribute to the strength of the local musical heritage".
"tracks by singer and flute player Colm O'Donnell and his brother Séamuson flute, whistler and singer Carmel Gunning, the fiddles of Andrew Davey and Declan Folan and the presence of accordionist P.J Hernon, playing both with his son Domhnaill and the Swallows Tail Céilí Band.
"Flute player Peter Horan, accompanied twice each by guitarist Hazel Shannon and bodhrán player Junior Davey (son of Andrew)"
The Irish Traditional Music Tune Index A searchable database of traditional dance tunes which identifies sources for tunes on commercial recordings and in tune books.
