Matt Molloy, flute player

In November of 2011, Blayne Chastain and I had the opportunity to go to Ireland for 10 days to film flute players for our documentary, “The Keymaster: Patrick Olwell’s Story”. We met and interviewed 14 flute players, traveled over 1,000Km, and had one of the most memorable trips of our lives.

One highlight of our trip was getting to meet, and interview, Matt Molloy of The Chieftans, at his pub in Westport, County Mayo. Matt was very gracious, and even stood us to a pint of Guinness. His stories about Pat and his flutes kept us entertained, and at the end Blayne got to have his Olwell played by Matt as they shared a few tunes. An incredible experience all around...

[Mongosm]

Had the pleasure of meeting him. Unbelievably friendly, very kind. We haven‘t heard of him or „The Chieftains“ but barkeeper told us everything. It was probably one of the best evenings or experiences I‘ve ever had.

[antonioherrera]

Best flute player I have ever heard. He adds his own distinct sound, it's absolutely beautiful.

[cyndifallon]

What a gift Mr. Molloy has been to the region and world. Welcoming pub, beautiful uplifting music, and decades of good music on recordings as well. Visited in June of 2011. Would love to go back to Ireland, luxuriate in listening and playing a bit at sessions too.

[veroniquefargue]

I love the way this man plays this music... :)

[Mongosm]

We had the honor to meet him at his pub, very friendly and nice man, although we just learnt about the Chieftains and him a few minutes earlier. Just wonderful.

[lisaflute]

A beautiful flute player . I enjoyed hearing his vibrato on the slow air . So expressive and Such good traditional technique . Total inspiration and an excellent example for us flutists ! ☘️👌🏻😊

[jjyork]

An-álainn!! Have been there a cupla times. Met his son, Peter also phenomenal flutist.

[claughlin]

Thank you for sharing this. It's really nice to hear him playing in a casual environment, unamplified, with no backing, to be able to really hear his tone, breathing, and phrasing, and to watch his fingerwork and ornaments. What a legend. I also used to know his son Peter quite well - a brilliant player and a fantastic guy who get's one heck of a sound out of the first flute Olwell made for them.

[drumjoey]

Now I want to see his son play the old one. Wow what a great story

[eileennestor]

Fabulous player lovely style great tunes love it

[pablocianain]

Lovely version of Stór mo chroí in the middle of that Mattie

[rudallcarte]

I agree Christopher Laughlin. No compression EQ or reverb, just the draiocht. He's a master and a gentleman.

[melindagaineswright]

Omg I was looking for a tune and found this gem! Wow! Thank you so much for sharing and dang right it must have been such an amazing experience to interview him!

[coronelsakura]

The photo on the wall is Jim Morrison having a pint

[philruane]

Tis a great post alright xxxx
Theres a place in Ireland, tunes,
Hobans bar round the corner in Westport is mighty fine

[tomgreene]

Note the emphasis on tone and sound ...many of the older flutes had a charm about them in terms of tone colour and balance if yo worked them that seems harder to match on some of the newer(louder?) models ...any views??

[johndriscoll]

Beautiful air towards the end there. Anyone know what it is? I'm guessing A Stor Mo Croi?

[briankavanagh]

Up Mayo from Brian Cavanagh Loughrea Co Galway

[Grixxly]

Matt... If you don't play it, can I have your Hammy??? Pour a Guinness down before you send it. I'll give you $1000 for it.

[claughlin]

What's the last tune he plays here - the jig?