Shared Notes: A Musical Journey

by Martin Hayes

Martin Hayes spent his childhood on a farm in County Clare, in a household steeped in musical tradition. After a free-spirited youth, he headed to the United States where he built a career that led to a life of musical performance on stages all over the world. Shared Notes traces this remarkable journey.Picking up his first fiddle at the age of seven, Hayes learned that music must express feeling. No amount of technical prowess can compensate for an absence of soulfulness. His interpretations of traditional Irish music are recognized the world over for their exquisite musicality and irresistible rhythm.Hayes has toured and recorded with guitarist Dennis Cahill for over twenty years, founded the Irish-American band The Gloaming, The Martin Hayes Quartet and The Common Ground Ensemble, and here, for the first time, tells his story of getting to the heart of the music.

Genres: Music, Ireland, Memoir

389 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2021

Reviews

[Chet Makoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin Hayes is a magnificent traditional Irish musician who has experimented, evolved and changed the way traditional Irish music is played and infused with other forms of music - jazz, Rock, classical, meditative, minimalist, Indian and Asian styles. Listen to any of his recordings, including the Martin Hayes Quartet, The Common Ground Ensemble, and, most importantly, The Gloaming. I heard him in concert with Dennis Cahill and also with The Gloaming. I have all his music on my play lists as well as many of the musicians he mentions in this book. I enjoyed searching the recordings and artists he writes about in the book and listen to them as I read his descriptions of their music.

[Louise Costello]

Martin Hayes is my all time favourite fiddle player. I was so excited to find out that he had written a memoir and was so eager to get my hands on it. I was not disappointed. I loved reading about his musical journey, and had no idea how long and winding the road had been for him.

This book really motivated me to pick up my fiddle and get back practicing. I'm sure I'll be dipping in about out of it whenever I need some motivation to play.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glorious memoir! To be absolutely savoured and pondered in a slow read and a deep read. Thank you Martin for writing it / you are enriching the cultural tradition you love and serve and all of us who share the inheritance - the spiritual treasures of Ireland - are enriched by your thoughtful and honest sharing of the Work, and the tunes! Woohoo! Please, everybody, do yourself a favour and read this heart filled life story of a great and endlessly generous musician!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Musical and philosophical truths intertwined with Martin’s life. I particularly enjoyed learning about the source of his musical journey — his home and family — and the inspiration behind the different groups he’s played with. It makes me want to go back and listen to his music with new and deeper insight.

I also love a book that points me in the direction of new ideas and material. This did so, both with authors, musicians, poets, and artists.

[Allan McDougall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this biography but Martin Hayes might be a bit in a niche, a fiddler in the Irish tradition. The book goes over his life as a great musician and his collaborations. He comes over as a caring, thoughtful person, not too many demons and has a gentle, rambling narrative style. I'm encouraged to hear his music again, a good thing.

[Jessica Cawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic music memoir, from a phenomenal artists, who has lived a fully, wonderful, unpretentious life. I’m so grateful to Martin for his music and now for sharing his story and insights. The journey through sobriety, his curiosity and spirituality was wonderful to read about (in addition to all the musical references and insights).

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing memoir!
I have been a big admirer of Martin Hayes for many years, and this book has provided a wonderful context for his music. It gave me access to many recordings and artists I had only heard about vaguely, like Tommy Potts and Tony McMahon....

[Ance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful reading...

[Garp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional insight into Irish traditional music and the benefits of nurturing the creative parts of the soul. Martin Hayes is a true gem that Ireland holds dear to its heart.

[Noel Sharkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A somewhat philosophical take on Irish music. I enjoyed this, although it’s probably quite a niche area. Looking forward to being in the audience at a gig again soon.

[Alida Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never even heard his music and I love his memoir, go figure.

[AT · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read. Martin Hayes has a gift for writing as well as for fiddling. It lost a bit of the passion or momentum in the final chapters but this did not lessen my enjoyment. Brilliant.

[Lynn Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book for fans of Martin Hayes or anyone interested in Irish traditional music.

[Shaun Deane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and well paced. Could have been boring if not handled well but this was and so, much enjoyment

[Michelle Dinneen-White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! I connected with the story as a musician, but also found Martin's writing to be very lyrical - much like his music. I loved all the insights of how his life continues to unfold. An interesting memoir with a music narrative- a mix of tradition and the best of new relationships and influences that inform his music.