Rod Garnett Flutes (Keyless and Meyer systems), Fife, and Clarinet. Compositions: Planxty Colcannon, Dermot O'Dowd, The Cloud Peak Rant, Tip, the Wonder Dog, and The Best Dream.

Tell us about your early musical life. Did you come from a musical family? Did you have lessons?

      My mother played the piano and my father played the clarinet. All of us kids (five of us) played band instruments. We actually had a little family band for a while which played some old folks home gigs. I think my parents actually were not too sure about music as a profession.

How did you become interested in Irish music? What is it that makes that music compelling for you?

      In a way it is hard to say. I love playing dance music. I love the complexity of the tunes and I love learning by ear. I also really am crazy about the wooden flutes. There is also something about the tonality of Irish traditional music which I find especially moving.

What sort of music do you mostly listen to for enjoyment?

      Classical music, jazz, music of India and Indonesia, Irish music

What do you like best about being in Colcannon?

      The people in the band. They are great friends and great musicians!

What do you like least?

      Hmmmmmm...I don't know.

What do you do for fun?

      Mountain biking, cross-country skiing, being with my family

What kind of books do you read? Anything recently that you'd recommend?

      I love stories. I love Wallace Stegner, nineteenth century Russians, books about world music and musicians, books about other places and adventures.
      I certainly recommend Ciaran Carson's book "Last Night's Fun" for anyone interested in Irish traditional music.