Jennifer Mylod... and the various "Boys of County O'Cean"
09/25/06 05:23 PM
I'm
thrilled to have so many wonderful friends who come
play with the band... and comprise "the Boys of County
O'Cean"...
I'm always here... (where ever I go... there I am!)... but the wonderful OTHER musicians who join us for this or that gig - varies sometimes... So here are a few of the wonderful friends I'm so thrilled... and honored... to play music with... that make "the boys" what they are!
Read
More...
I'm always here... (where ever I go... there I am!)... but the wonderful OTHER musicians who join us for this or that gig - varies sometimes... So here are a few of the wonderful friends I'm so thrilled... and honored... to play music with... that make "the boys" what they are!
Read
More...
Jennifer Mylod
09/25/06 04:24 PM
Jennifer grew
up in a family where playing music - was like
breathing. The baritone uke, mountain dulcimer and
guitar were her first instruments, as well as singing
the songs of Jean Ritchie, Pete Seeger and many
others. 
Training in classical music, began with the cello - then became her goal all through school, and she eventually became a member of the Ocean County Adult Orchestra, with conductor Don Spaulding.
Her real love of Irish music started in 1985, when she won 2 tickets to see the Irish band, “Da Dannan”. Captivated by the passion and life of Irish music… she easily shifted her classical abilities to the fiddle. Though she reads music, she chose to learn traditional Irish music the way it’s been done for 100’s of years… through listening, listening… & listening more. The music of Bobby Casey, Junior Creahan, John Vesey, Seamus Ennis, Planxty, Altan, Arcady, Solas… and many more, were her teachers.
She believes Irish music can absolutely NOT be learned solely by sheet music… for that will not keep the music truly alive… it will perpetuate the tunes, yes… but it will not bestow, or carry on - the true life and passion held in the ancient music of Ireland.
In addition to Irish music, Jennifer writes her own, original music, songs and lyrics. She produced her first music cd entitled “At This Moment” which was comprised of original, contemporary, Celtic folk music, in 1999.
In 2006, Jennifer & her husband Philip were selected by the History Channel to provide the music for an Irish documentary , entitled “Paddy Whacked – The History of the Irish Mob” based on a book by T.J. English. Jennifer worked with Wayne Chesler, the Director and provided him with 6 musical tracks for this documentary which has been broadcast yearly, and sold as DVD’s.
Jennifer taught Irish fiddle – group lessons… at “Brian Sexton’s School of Irish Dance” where her daughter took lessons in Irish step dance for 7 years. She then branched out in 2004, and began teaching private Irish fiddle lessons out of her home, and continues to do so to this day.
Jennifer has been a fiddle, and Mt. Dulcimer instructor for the annual “Music By the Bay” music festival - for the past 3 years.
She also performs regularly as “Jennifer Mylod & the Boys of County O’Cean”. They will be one of the featured bands at the first annual Spring Lake Irish Festival in June 2010. They have performed at endless Festivals through out NJ, and been featured performers at various township’s concert series throughout NJ.
Teaching is something Jennifer truly loves to do, and knows she does well. She is sensitive to her students, and their abilities… and tries to draw out the good qualities they hold… and teach them accordingly. She teaches not only Irish tunes, but tries to impart the techniques to give the music the passion it deserves, while keeping it fun, and enjoyable. If it’s not fun, students won’t want to do it on their own… so she tries to keep it interesting. She brings each student to the point where they can make the tunes their own, all the while - while keeping within the realms of traditional quality. She gives them the tools to not only play well, but play with feeling. She home schooled her daughter until she went off to attend Monsignor Donovan H.S. in Toms River.
3 ½ years ago, Jennifer and her husband were hired to lead the Irish session at St. Stephen’s Green Public House, in Spring Lake Heights.
They perform there every Tuesday evening - from 7 to 10 pm.
Read More...
Training in classical music, began with the cello - then became her goal all through school, and she eventually became a member of the Ocean County Adult Orchestra, with conductor Don Spaulding.
Her real love of Irish music started in 1985, when she won 2 tickets to see the Irish band, “Da Dannan”. Captivated by the passion and life of Irish music… she easily shifted her classical abilities to the fiddle. Though she reads music, she chose to learn traditional Irish music the way it’s been done for 100’s of years… through listening, listening… & listening more. The music of Bobby Casey, Junior Creahan, John Vesey, Seamus Ennis, Planxty, Altan, Arcady, Solas… and many more, were her teachers.
She believes Irish music can absolutely NOT be learned solely by sheet music… for that will not keep the music truly alive… it will perpetuate the tunes, yes… but it will not bestow, or carry on - the true life and passion held in the ancient music of Ireland.
In addition to Irish music, Jennifer writes her own, original music, songs and lyrics. She produced her first music cd entitled “At This Moment” which was comprised of original, contemporary, Celtic folk music, in 1999.
In 2006, Jennifer & her husband Philip were selected by the History Channel to provide the music for an Irish documentary , entitled “Paddy Whacked – The History of the Irish Mob” based on a book by T.J. English. Jennifer worked with Wayne Chesler, the Director and provided him with 6 musical tracks for this documentary which has been broadcast yearly, and sold as DVD’s.
Jennifer taught Irish fiddle – group lessons… at “Brian Sexton’s School of Irish Dance” where her daughter took lessons in Irish step dance for 7 years. She then branched out in 2004, and began teaching private Irish fiddle lessons out of her home, and continues to do so to this day.
Jennifer has been a fiddle, and Mt. Dulcimer instructor for the annual “Music By the Bay” music festival - for the past 3 years.
She also performs regularly as “Jennifer Mylod & the Boys of County O’Cean”. They will be one of the featured bands at the first annual Spring Lake Irish Festival in June 2010. They have performed at endless Festivals through out NJ, and been featured performers at various township’s concert series throughout NJ.
Teaching is something Jennifer truly loves to do, and knows she does well. She is sensitive to her students, and their abilities… and tries to draw out the good qualities they hold… and teach them accordingly. She teaches not only Irish tunes, but tries to impart the techniques to give the music the passion it deserves, while keeping it fun, and enjoyable. If it’s not fun, students won’t want to do it on their own… so she tries to keep it interesting. She brings each student to the point where they can make the tunes their own, all the while - while keeping within the realms of traditional quality. She gives them the tools to not only play well, but play with feeling. She home schooled her daughter until she went off to attend Monsignor Donovan H.S. in Toms River.
3 ½ years ago, Jennifer and her husband were hired to lead the Irish session at St. Stephen’s Green Public House, in Spring Lake Heights.
They perform there every Tuesday evening - from 7 to 10 pm.
Read More...
Philip Mylod
09/25/06 03:28 PM
Philip has
a fond appreciation and bond to his family heritage,
which traces back to County Kildare,
Ireland. It is in this tradition that Philip
plays the music including the Irish whistle, flute,
bodhran and dearest to his heart, the Uilleann pipes.
Philip firmly believes you can not truly play Irish music unless you listen to Irish music. Initially drawn to Uilleann pipes by listening to the old Planxty recordings, and the piping of Liam O'Flynn, Philip set off to learn the pipes after hearing an inspiring live performance by the great Jerry O'Sullivan. The Uilleann pipes are said to be the most difficult instrument to learn, yet Philip considers it a wonderful, musical journey that supercedes the importance of the destination.
Philip plays a full set of pipes, hand crafted by the late Dave Williams. His chanter is made by Martin Preshaw of Ireland. Philip has studied for years, under the skilled instruction of world class piper, David Power, of Waterford, Ireland.
It's been a soulful journey for Philip, where mastery is always the goal. The Pipes bring with them much frustration yet this is countenanced with musical moments of joyous celebration of tonal harmony which he feels, no other instrument can muster. Philip's favorite teacher and fiddler, is his wife Jennifer. Together they join their love for each other- and their music - resulting in a highlight of passion that few musicians can achieve. Together they host play live, Irish session style music at St. Stephen's Green Public House in Spring Lake Heights, NJ.
Read More...
Philip firmly believes you can not truly play Irish music unless you listen to Irish music. Initially drawn to Uilleann pipes by listening to the old Planxty recordings, and the piping of Liam O'Flynn, Philip set off to learn the pipes after hearing an inspiring live performance by the great Jerry O'Sullivan. The Uilleann pipes are said to be the most difficult instrument to learn, yet Philip considers it a wonderful, musical journey that supercedes the importance of the destination.
Philip plays a full set of pipes, hand crafted by the late Dave Williams. His chanter is made by Martin Preshaw of Ireland. Philip has studied for years, under the skilled instruction of world class piper, David Power, of Waterford, Ireland.
It's been a soulful journey for Philip, where mastery is always the goal. The Pipes bring with them much frustration yet this is countenanced with musical moments of joyous celebration of tonal harmony which he feels, no other instrument can muster. Philip's favorite teacher and fiddler, is his wife Jennifer. Together they join their love for each other- and their music - resulting in a highlight of passion that few musicians can achieve. Together they host play live, Irish session style music at St. Stephen's Green Public House in Spring Lake Heights, NJ.
Read More...
Bob Higgins
01/21/06 01:45 PM
Bob Higgins
– Bob is a wonderful rhythem guitarist! He can
rock a traditional tune with his great sense of timing,
rhythm and style.
Playing in a drop D – standard- yet semi –DADGAD tuning – (Jennifer calls it E-gad's tuning, because we really don’t get WHAT he does – or how he does it - but he does it well!) Bob’s a great backer and we love it when he can play with us! He takes every new and crazy song that Jennifer throws his way - in stride... even at the last minute, and does this with ease and confidence. (He's cool under pressure!) He also whips it up on the mandolin, and octave mando – for a nice diversity of solid backing... Even heard him on harmonica and whistle a few times… Bob's a great guy!
Playing in a drop D – standard- yet semi –DADGAD tuning – (Jennifer calls it E-gad's tuning, because we really don’t get WHAT he does – or how he does it - but he does it well!) Bob’s a great backer and we love it when he can play with us! He takes every new and crazy song that Jennifer throws his way - in stride... even at the last minute, and does this with ease and confidence. (He's cool under pressure!) He also whips it up on the mandolin, and octave mando – for a nice diversity of solid backing... Even heard him on harmonica and whistle a few times… Bob's a great guy!
Frank Curran!
01/20/06 05:40 PM
Our dear, sweet adorable Frank Curran - hails from the
County Leitrim, Ireland. He brings his quick wit, a
quick smile, an amazing sense of humor and fantastic
talent to the band! On flute, Irish Whistle and
WONDERFUL traditional songs of his Country... as well
as some songs that will make you laugh till you cry!
Frank is a wonderful asset to the band! Ya just GOTTA love Frank! Read More...
Frank is a wonderful asset to the band! Ya just GOTTA love Frank! Read More...
Rich Brautigam
01/19/06 05:51 PM
Rich Brautigam - He brings a wonderful, colorful edge
to our sessions with his crystaline and bright banjo
picking. He runs in and around the tunes while we're
playing, and makes the melodies weave into a sparkling
gem! He's also the BEST at Mason's Apron... 
My FAVORITE to play when he's
around! Rich's skill for singing traditional Irish
ballads, and oft times somewhat.... um... shall we
say... dicey songs makes us all smile! We can
always count on Rich for anything, and we love
him! He's a great asset to "the Boys of County
O'Cean" 
Read
More...
My FAVORITE to play when he's
around! Rich's skill for singing traditional Irish
ballads, and oft times somewhat.... um... shall we
say... dicey songs makes us all smile! We can
always count on Rich for anything, and we love
him! He's a great asset to "the Boys of County
O'Cean" Read
More...
Lyn Higgins
01/20/05 05:33 PM
Lyn, who cheerfully goes along with being "one of the
Boys" is the fun heart-beat of the band, with her
sensitive and rhythm percussion! She's shy... and is
gonna be REALLY mad i posted this picture... But, it's
JUST a teeny tiny pic... Ok?
Love ya Lyn! Read More...
Love ya Lyn! Read More...