How To Play The Bodhran

James Leva and Purgatory Mountain perform at Lexington's Lime Kiln Theater

A longtime resident of Rockbridge County, Leva is a highly respected musician whose sound takes root in old-time music that has its American origins in rural and mountain areas, but, as he explained recently to the News Leader, has literally worldwide influences.
Leva has toured around the world in many musical adventures and just weeks ago returned from a State Department-sponsored tour of Morocco and the region. Fellow Purgatory Mountain member Danny Knicely also was on the bill at the tour’s various stops.
“It was fun. There are links to our music in all of it. Blending music with different origins makes music what it is,” said Leva. Many American instruments such as the banjo have direct origins from abroad, he said.
“It’s a very fun way of finding roots, and it was not a stretch for us to play with them. We played with a guy named Abdullah L Miry who is kind of like the Elvis of Morocco. His band plays on what is like their ‘American Idol’ on TV there, and everyone knows his face. He also has the only hillbilly band in Morocco. Danny and I worked hard everywhere we went and played. We had to learn every day to play with the local musicians. It was a lot of work, but really fun learning to play with a different perspective,” he added.
Not one to sit still long, as soon as Leva got back to the States, he headed to the Mount Airy section of the Virginia/North Carolina border to play at a fiddle festival, near the home of the late Tommy Jarrell, one of the all-time great fiddle players. Leva spent a lot of time with Jarrell, soaking up the old-time influences and learning much from him. As he said, “That’s Mecca for me.”
When asked what Jarrell would make of the music of Purgatory Mountain, Leva laughed and said, “Well, that’s kind of funny. When I had a band called Plank Road and he heard us, he said, ‘You boys play too fast. You got to let the music sound.’ Then I went and listened to recordings of his young days, and he just tore it up, playing just as fast. I think really he’d be happy we’re all carrying all his music. He really made a big difference in a lot of people’s lives with his music, and we’re trying to do the same thing he did.”
Leva freely admits that while old-time music is his first love, his music and that of Purgatory Mountain has other influences.
“Musicians have ears wide open.

(How To Play The Bodhran) Mother Of All Jig Rhythms Part 2 ...

Hi Michelle

It is remarkable just how helpful it is to play along with your video.

I’ve had a bodhran, for a couple of months already, but haven’t previously made enough effort to overcome my initial difficulties.

I reached the 130 quite easily today. For the first time, I have reached the conclusion that I will eventually get to play this instrument well. Thank you!

I’m getting hooked, and can’t wait to explore your material much further.

Paul

Your lessons are helping me so very much; so thank you for posting them! I’m in a pop/rock band with my sisters, but we’ve all been trying to get back to our Irish roots (our mother is Irish, from Country Cork) by picking up trad Irish instruments. I play the tin whistle, but always wanted to play the bodhran (my great aunt learned in school in Ireland). So, thanks again for your wonderful posts; they’ve helped me immensely!

Its been many years ago that I played the drums and now I’d like to return to it starting with the bodhran and sit in with my friends who play endless jigs and reels. This is the best lessons for me as a beginer that I have seen. You are a great teacher. Question: While playing is your elbow tucked into your side or away from it. I’m having a problem with my shoulders, wrist, and forearms tightening after sustained repitions. What do you suggest to prevent this.

thank you so much for putting your time and energy into making these videos. I played basic bodhran in school but gave it up. I’ve had a bodhran hanging on my wall unused for almost 15 years. thanks to you I’ve begun to breathe (beat) new life into it. again, I’m now able to easily play this beat at 130bpm… A BIG THANK YOU :-)

Hi Michelle.

I’ve always wanted to learn this instrument but never had the ‘guts’ to give it a try. Watching this video has inspired me to go buy a bodhran & give it a go!!

Please, could you tell me the order I should watch your videos for being very much a beginner? or let me know the first 2 I should watch.

MANY THANKS! YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH A GIFT!

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