|
TODD
DENMAN
Introduction
From theatrical productions to pub
sessions, Todd Denman is a recognized master
of the uilleann pipes, the most sophisticated and complex instrument
in Irish music.
Synopsis
Todd began the pipes in 1980 and received early recognition when
he was awarded National Endowment for the Arts support in 1982
to apprentice with master piper Denis Brooks. After four years
performing in Europe and Ireland, Todd returned to the US
and has been a performing presence in America since 1990. He has
performed for the San Francisco Symphony, toured with folklorist
and Irish music pioneer Mick Moloney and others, produced six
critically acclaimed recordings as well as original theatrical
productions.
Bio
Todd Denman has been performing the uilleann pipes since 1982
and is recognized as an American master of the instrument. A rare
form of bagpipe native to Ireland, the uilleann pipes are bellows
inflated and have the largest musical and harmonic capacity of
all bagpipes in the world. Having received an NEA
endowment as a young man in 1982, Todd studied in Ireland
and performed in Europe, Ireland and across the US. His recordings
have reached Top-10 charts and received wide acclaim in both Ireland
and America. His theatrical performances have sold
out and he has been a California Arts Council Touring Artist for
many seasons. Combining American
clogging and Irish step dancing with original choreography,
Todd Denman and Aniar perform a fully theatrical musical show,
entitled Soulstice.
Playing in
a variety of advanced piping styles, from traditional to modern
improvisations, including both period "flat" pitch and
modern instruments, Todd's music combines drive and detail with
a musical originality.
Community
Todd
was a founding member of the Seattle Pipers Club under Denis Brooks
in 1981, and has served as President of the San Francisco Pipers
Club and Editor of the national Pipers Review, and has been very
active in the teaching of the rare uilleann pipes on
the west coast including outreach performances for the San Francisco
Symphony.
Recordings
Reeds and Rosin with fiddler
Dale Russ, was hailed as "one of the best Irish albums of
the year" by The Irish Voice in New York and charted Top-10
sales in Dublin, Ireland. Soulstice
establishes a new position for the Hammond B3 organ in Irish
music, drawing from soul music-styled accompanimnent for traditional
Irish music. Other recordings include A Celtic
Peace with many guest artists and original tunes including
African and Celtic styles, and Like
Magic with fiddler Bill Dennehy and guitarist Gerry O'Beirne.
Todd also produced the Theo Paige debut
recording, made while Theo was between the ages of 15 and 17 and
creatively interweaving Irish music and American fiddling, accompanied
by renowned English guitarist and bluesman Martin Simpson.
"Todd
Denman is a wonderful musician and a consummate performer with
a rich and rare repertoire. He is a virtuoso on the tin whistle,
flute and uilleann pipes – the most sophisticated and complex
instrument in the world of Irish traditional music. He brings
to every public performance an engaging enthusiasm embellished
with whimsical flair. A musical evening with Todd is always thoroughly
entertaining and uplifting."
–Mick Moloney, Musician and Folklorist
"What
is without equal, is the utterly brilliant juxtaposition of old
and new in a way that is seamless and bewitchingly natural. ...until
you hear this band, you will never know what the genius of a fortuitous
alliance of talented musicians can do."
–Iris na bPiobairi
"Todd
Denman is a superior piper, having toured with Irish music pioneer
Mick Moloney (who's troupe [also] appeared here previously). His
is an understated mastery of the uilleann pipes..."
–The State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL
"Todd
Denman... is now recognized everywhere as a master of the uilleann
pipes and whistle."
–Irish Music Magazine, Dublin, Ireland
"...introduces
the Hammond B3 organ to a role in traditional music at the hands
of Dublin native Eamonn Flynn,
adding clever touches of 1960s Motown soul sound."
–Dirty Linen, Baltimore, MD
Transcript
of Peter Browne's RTE interview with Todd
Denman.
Transcript of Ita Kelly's Radio Ireland
interview with Todd Denman.
|
