TXISTU

The txistu is a kind of fipple flute that became a symbol for the Basque folk revival. The name may stem from the general Basque word ziztu "to whistle". This three-hole pipe can be played with one hand, leaving the other one free to play a percussion instrument.

Evidence of the txistu first mentioned as such goes back to 1864. Yet it is apparent that it was used earlier, although it is not easy to establish when it started out.

The Association of Txistularis in the Basque Country was formed in 1927 to promote txistularis. The organization has continued its activities to the present, except for an interruption during the Francisco Franco dictatorship.

PHIL CUNNINGHAM & ALY BAIN IN BILBAO

Aly Bain is Scotland's traditional style fiddler. Born in Lerwick, Shetland in 1946 Aly began playing the fiddle at the age of eleven. 

Phil Cunningham was born in 1960 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is a Scottish folk musician and composer. Phil is an innovative instrumentalist, with the fastest and some of the most sensitive fingers in the West. The man who, in Scotland at least, made the accordion respectable again and also plays fine keyboard and whistle. He is still composing, still producing records, still touring extensively with Aly Bain…still doing lots of things.

They’ve been in Bilbao and it’s been a great pleasure to see and listen to them