Whistle Man by Olaf Sickmann
Pure passion – irish whistle, Lord of the Rings and more …
The eight solo CD of composer, guitarist and tin whistle player Olaf Sickmann is a real treat. Supported by a former member and a member of the internationally acclaimed band Cara he recorded the album WHISTLE MAN which is a real gem. Rolf Wagels, one of the best bodhrán players in continental Europe and Claus Steinort, a master on the Irish flute enrich his flowing compositions. WHISTLE MAN is a lively and varied Tin Whistle CD, inspired mainly by Irish Traditional Music. Crisp bodhrán playing meets Tin Whistle virtuosity and the simple but energetic guitar backing provides a carpet on which the music can unfold. Beautiful, quit pieces (e.g. Cave Music, To Be At Home), played by Claus Steinort amongst others with elegance and feel for the composition remind the listener of movies like Braveheart or Lord of the Rings, before the music picks up again (e.g. Whistle Reels) and one feels being part of a traditional Irish music session. A not often heard balance between perfect playing technique, emotions and wonderful catchy compositions are the leitmotif of WHISTLE MAN. In some pieces, like A Morning Tune one can hear the classical training Olaf had in his child hood. The eponymous 'Whistle Man' reflects the relaxed atmosphere of a trip to New Zealand like a movie score. Olaf Sickmann manages to produce an organic sound, combining his passion for composition, for the Tin Whistle and for Traditional Irish Music in every note. The booklet providing background information and stories add a great personal touch to the album. In the last few years, Olaf Sickmann´s music was played on the radio/TV more often and some pieces of WHISTLE MAN will surely follow this path.
Tracklist
Credits
All music by Olaf Sickmann (guitar, tin whistle).
All music published by Timezone Musikverlag, except 'Go!', 'Paul The Cat' (published by Jetelina Musikverlag) and 'Bowed Glass', 'Whistle Waltz #3, 'Joseph, 'Early' (published by Dream Dancer Musikverlag).
Guest: Rolf Wagels (bodhrán), Claus Steinort (flute).
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Robby Ballhause at Land's End Studio in Hanover/Germany, spring 2014.
Cover design by Monika Schmettow.
Photography by Sebastian Conrad.
Produced by Olaf Sickmann.
License
All rights reserved.
In the course of the last 20 years, the German composer, guitarist and tin whistle player Olaf Sickmann has carved out his own niche with timelessly beautiful instrumental music. His compositions are played regularly on radio and TV and are also popular as teaching material. Increasingly they are also used by businesses for promotional purposes.