VIDEOS
This is a Peter Pan visual piece, set to the music of Peter & Wendy, with Johnny Cunningham.
Leading figures in Scottish traditional music, brothers Phil and Johnny Cunningham were founders of the seminal 1970s band Silly Wizard and the 1980s supergroup Relativity.
Posted in tribute to Johnny Cunningham, who died 10 years ago today, on 15 December 2003. He plays here with "Relativity", a group formed in 1985, with his brother Phil, and Michael and Triona Ni Dhomhnaill, both formerly of "The Bothy Band".
Recorded in November, 1983, this interview features the great Scots-Celt fiddler Johnny Cunningham in the studio with promoter Nina Mollica and host "East Side" Dave Kline.
JOHNNY IN THE PRESS
Follow this link to view videos of Johnny performing at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
PETER & WENDY
"Beautifully magical!" - The New York Times
"Celtic musician deluxe Johnny Cunningham has put together a haunting and rich score that constantly reminds us of Peter Pan author Barrie's Scottish roots, as well as the nimbus of profound spirituality that is in the tale itself." - Jonathan Warman, Culture Shock
"Enchanting melodies creat[e] a rich tapestry of images that filled the theatre with a euphoric atmosphere . " - Mary Power, Irish Echo
"Four stars! ...here is a musical soundtrack that is both enchanting and haunting, but more important, spiritual." - Chicago Tribune
THE CELTIC FIDDLE FESTIVAL
"Three of the finest folk violinists anywhere. A mastery of regional fiddle styles with alternately soulful, dazzling and nuanced performances." - The Washington Post
"Three sensational fiddlers from three distinct Celtic traditions. The second live album, Encore, is a thrill. Jazz and rock musicians should take note: bravura, lightning-fast playing is rarely such exhilarating fun. Breathtaking." - Boston Herald
"Kevin Burke, Johnny Cunningham, and Christian Lemaître are among the world's greatest Celtic fiddlers. Whether alone or á trois, they possess a breathtaking virtuosity." - Philadelphia Weekly
"The juxtaposition of fiddle styles was fascinating. Mr Lemaître's work was notable for its straightforward lyricism, Mr Burke's for a greater soulfulness. Both men played with easy grace, Mr Burke seeming to hold vast technical resources in reserve. Mr. Cunningham was...electrifying...a refined sonority and brilliant violinistic command." - The New York Times
"Burke, Cunningham, and Lemaître wowed the audience with quick-step jigs and reels as well as beautiful, soulful melodies. Cunningham played some gorgeous slow airs...Burke's Irish reels were silky smooth, each note crisp and clear." - The Christian Science Monitor
"A treasurable meeting of minds, music and cultural roots, this collaboration between premier league fiddlers lays on a four-course feast of choice Celtic delicacies." - The Scotsman
"Scotland's finest fiddler" - Boston Globe
Read Dirty Linen's article here
PHOTOS
Subject: i love johnny ........ "He was one of the few humans who make me almost proud to be one too." ~ Bill Fitch
© McKensey Chapman, 2003
McKensey Chapman, 10 years old: "I enjoyed his music & his outgoing personality. I was very saddened by his death. I am honored to have his autograph on my violin."
Aunque tarde, hoy he visto la posibilidad de darte un adios, desde aqui, cadiz. Solo tuve la oportunidad de verte una sola vez en directo. Fue en Jerez, una ciudad cerca de la mia, en la ultima gira en Espana de Nightnoise.
La recordare siempre, y con ella a ti, con tu musica, gracias Johnny seguro que estaras en paz en esa noche y en esa Tierra.
In the mid eighties, when he was in the rock band the Raindogs, Johnny often came into the Sunday sessions on Batterymarch St. in the financial district of Boston, which at the time was only one of two sessions in town. It began quietly and then in a year grew to a great eclectic gathering of accomplished musicians. Johnny sometimes stopped in just for a listen and a pint, but a few times when the session was particularly rocking, he would be hit with the urge and fly off home and back to retrieve his fiddle (a trip that took a total of 40 minutes)...
... It was an honor to see this spirit in motion, and it will forever be. Johnny shared stories in the years that followed with such wit and detail, that it was pure poetry and I am glad to have shared those few hours that were filled with such purity of soul. Best wishes on all your magical journeys, Johnny. ~ Loreen Hurley