I once thought the Irish tin whistle was nothing more than a child’s toy. I really could not take seriously that a simple metal tube and mouthpiece, costing less than $10 from a store could produce such a magical sound.

Over the last few years I have been spending more and more time with and listening to traditional Celtic musicians and have come to realise how just how beautiful whistle music can be.

Here celtic musician Ray Smith makes that litte Irish tin whistle sing like a bird during the recent Paddy’s Day festivities.

I first met Ray on New Year’s day at a piper’s afternoon where I listened to and enjoyed first hand some of the most beautiful playing of pipes and whistles I have ever heard.

I think I’m hooked. 🙂

Photo: Robert Rath, ‘The Whistle Master’, 1/100s f4.0 ISO800 200mm