Meet our Musicians- Beanie Odell
Nestled on the rugged west coast of Ireland, Doolin is a picturesque village renowned for its vibrant traditional music scene. This small enclave in County Clare has earned a reputation as a musical epicenter, drawing enthusiasts and musicians from around the world. Steeped in rich cultural heritage, Doolin’s pubs come alive with the sound of fiddles, flutes, and bodhráns, creating an atmosphere that is as enchanting as it is authentic.
Here at Doolin Tourism, we are delighted to bring you the third in our series of “Meet the Musicians”. A glimpse into the world of some of our best loved artists that play music in Doolin. The local musicians of Doolin are the custodians of our treasured music tradition, ensuring that the soul of Irish music thrives in every corner of the village. Our next musician is Beanie Odell.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Beanie Odell, I play fiddle and am originally from the United States. I moved to Ireland 7 years ago and live in Corofin, County Clare.
How did you get into playing Irish Traditional Music?
I spent my youth in Chestertown, Maryland where there was a lot of revolutionary war history and reenactments. There I joined a fife and drum corp (playing the fife) and that was my first introduction to Irish tunes. I went once to a big gathering of fife and drum corps and I happened upon a stall that sold books of Irish music notation. I bought the popular O’Neill’s book of Irish music and was in heaven with all the tunes. I also played the recorder in a family recorder ensemble, so I would read the tunes on the recorder. In college at the University of Maryland, I eventually met some folks who played Irish music and I joined in their informal house gatherings of music, originally playing on the recorder, then switched to tin whistle. I wanted to play the concertina, but I couldn’t afford one and found an old fiddle under the bed in the family home and decided to give that a go.
Which musicians have influenced you the most?
Been through many phases! Started with a trip to Clare in the early 90s and came home with a Mary MacNamara CD. My only Irish music CD for ages. Fiddlers that have influnced me: Yvonne Casey, Andy McGann, Martin Hayes, Tommy Peoples, John Weir & Frankie Gavin. In a more personal way, I have been greatly influenced by Pat O’Connor, Terry Bingham and Siobhan Peoples.
How long have you been playing in Doolin and where do you usually play in the village?
I moved to Ireland in 2017 and started playing in Doolin pretty much that year in Fitz’s pub. I play in the Fiddle and Bow and do the odd gig in Fitz’s, McGann’s and McDermotts.
What makes Doolin so special in your opinion?
People know to come to Doolin for music. I did in the 90s because I heard it was a place for music. You will get people who are curious about music and want to hear what you do and will pay attention to your music. The pubs in Doolin still provide a place for that to happen and there are many nights of great music still happening.
Can you share a special musical memory associated with Doolin?
My first time in Doolin, my friend and I were dropped off by bus and I looked around and wondered where it was. Someone pointed in the direction of the hostel and we found the pubs on either side of that later. I was staying at the Aillle River Hostel and I had my fiddle with me. I was making coffee in the morning at the stove I had the fiddle out to maybe play a tune and I hear this man behind me asking “whose is this?” referring to my fiddle and I said mine. He was bald, very tall and had a northern accent (it was Terry McKee-bouzouki) and he said , “are you any fucking good?” I was so intimidated! I just said I am where I am. I had no idea! We played a few tunes at the hostel and he ended up taking me around everywhere he was gigging and that experience really hooked me on Irish music.
Thank you so much to Beanie for joining us on meet the musicians- be sure to say hello to her the next time you see her gigging in Doolin! View Beanie in action on the video here: Beanie Odell
Read Next: 9 Travel Tips for Planning an Adventure to Doolin
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