Halloween is near and what better way to greet the Celtic New Year? Here are some notable releases from where we last left off..

Clannad-Fuaim

This sixth album by Clannad if a transition between their older sound which they are known for in the 70s into a more layered synth flavoured work. Moya Brennan’s vocals are beautifully recorded  here. Nicky Ryan who now is with Enya produced this wonderful album. It also features the young Enya as Eithne Ní Bhronáin  in percussion, keyboards and vocals. 11 tracks of acoustic folk, rock and jazz bliss. The listening is further spiced with instruments such as the saxophone, electric guitar and clarinet among other instruments. Check it out here.

Cara Dillon-After the Morning

As a lark in the air, Cara Dillon’s voice has the vulnerability of a true balladeer. Her covers of traditional materials as well as original works are truly worth hearing. Born in Londonderry Northern Ireland, the area is steeped in traditional Irish music which sparked her interest at an early age. Listen to Never in a Million Years and This Time. More info here. You can also check out her Myspace page.

Capercaillie-Cascade

Cascade is the debut album by this Scottish folk/rock band  released in 1984. This features Karen Matheson’s young heavenly voice. Highly energetic and unmistakably haunting. Cascade marks Scottish landscapes and history embellished by traditional instruments .Check out the samples here.

Ceredwen-O’r Mabinogi: Legends of the Celts

Layered female vocals washed in drum loops and electronic beats, O’r Mabinogi is the first album by dou Renee Gray, Andrew Fryer. Based in Wales all the tracks are sung in Welsh and used Celtic myths as a source of material in research. Sound samples here. Special thanks to my friend Bray from South Carolina for giving me the album which I have been looking for since the early part of this decade.

Planxty-Planxty(Also known as the black album)

This album is a must for the so-called Celtic music collectors. Original members Christy Moore and Donal Lunny  pursued successful solo careers. The album is released in 1973 and has an excellent audio quality. The track The Blacksmith has also been covered by Loreena Mckennitt in her album Elemental. More of Planxty here.