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What famous people have played the concertina?

While the concertina isn't as widely known as some other instruments, several notable musicians have embraced its unique sound:

Folk & Traditional Music:

* Paddy O'Brien: One of the most famous concertina players, known for his virtuosity and contributions to Irish traditional music.

* The Waterboys: The folk band prominently featured concertina on their albums, notably "The Whole of the Moon" and "Fisherman's Blues."

* Clannad: The Irish band incorporated concertina into their ethereal Celtic sounds.

* The Chieftains: This renowned traditional Irish group often featured concertina in their performances.

* The Dubliners: The iconic Irish folk band frequently used the instrument.

* Sharon Shannon: A renowned Irish concertina player, singer, and songwriter.

Classical Music:

* Anthony Pay: A renowned classical concertina player, known for his innovative and virtuosic performances.

* The Concertina Quartet: A classical ensemble dedicated to exploring the concertina's capabilities in chamber music.

Jazz & Other Genres:

* John Zorn: This avant-garde composer and saxophonist has incorporated concertina into his experimental music.

* Steve Reich: The minimalist composer has utilized the concertina in some of his works.

* David Byrne: The lead singer of Talking Heads has been known to use the concertina in his solo projects.

* Van Morrison: This iconic singer-songwriter has incorporated the instrument into some of his recordings.

Beyond Famous Names:

Many talented concertina players are active in the world of folk, traditional, and world music. They may not be household names, but their artistry and passion contribute significantly to the vibrant concertina scene.

The concertina's history and popularity are deeply intertwined with folk and traditional music, but its unique sound and versatility have attracted musicians from various genres.

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