east claire style, eh?
May I be so bold to ask for a definition of that and other styles? I have heard them referenced but I am from the states and come at the bodhran from a concert percussionist background. I have a passion for percussion but not a knowledge of ITM in particular.
But I sure love this drum...

Hey
It's East Clare, like the county Clare. It's not a style of bodhran playing, but a style of playing ITM. It's very hard to describe, it's a very relaxed playing with a certain lift and swing to it. P.J. Canny, Mary MacNamara and to a certain extend Martin Hayes would be a few examples for players. Also Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin and Patrick Orceau from the US.

My reference was a bit of a joke with some serious background, since none of us is actually from East Clare, but he the session has this relaxed pace and still maintains the lift and the tension that is in the music.

Hope this helps
all the best
Rolf

Rolf,
It does help, thanks! I will look up those examples you gave.
Are there any sources that you or anyone else knows about that I could go to that might explain the different styles from different areas?
Does Co. Mayo have any music heritage? My wife's family comes from there about 2 generations ago. That is how I ended up with my first bodhran after their vacation there. The rest is history...