Month: July 2010

Song from The Basque, Bard of Cornwall and HebCelt 2010..

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There are two popular versions of this song. One is by Sting and the other one is by Moya Brennan. The first time I heard it(Sting’s) I was drawn to the melody and how fitting it is to sing that in such a Gregorian style. There is something of a story telling here:
The angel Gabriel from heaven came
His wings as drifted snow
His eyes as flame
“All hail” said he “thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favoured maid,” Gloria!

“For known a blessed mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honor thee,
Thy Son shall be Emanuel,
By seers foretold
Most highly favoured maid,” Gloria!

What starts with a glorious pronouncement is followed by something poignant and even foreboding:

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head
“To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said,
“My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name.”
Most highly favoured maid Gloria!

Of her Emanuel, the Christ was born
In Bethlehem all on a Christmas morn
And everyone throughout the world forever saved
Most highly favoured maid Gloria!

I guess that foreboding part is what I picked up in Moya Brennan’s version. Mary has no other choice but to obey . But as a mother she knows what challenges there will be. Whenever I hear this part I could not help but be driven to tears. I am sure no mother would want her son subjected to such fate. And I think this speaks to all moms of the world. Mother’s of great men. The hero’s. The men sacrificed in order for this world to become  a better place.  The mothers who outlived their sons….

This is a traditional song with words by Words by Sabine Baring Gould.  The Basque occupies the border between Spain and France. And this song has encouraged me to research more about the Basque culture. May this bring you into a journey…

…I came across Bard of Cornwall as an accident while looking for some Cornish music in YouTube.

….Let us check out the highlights for the Hebridean Celtic Festival lunched this month in Scotland…promo clip and highlights from the show with the Treacherous Orchestra and Runrig…

Festival Interceltique de Lorient, Session A9, Kevin Henderson and Liam O’ Maonlai News

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The post I was writing was wiped out after the 5th paragraph. Tsk tsk tsk!

It’s like the Woodstock of Celtic music. The only time of the year where musicians and audience from all over the world gather and celebrate a legacy that spans thousands of years.

Those who are curious about the upcoming Festival Interceltique de Lorient can go ahead and check out the myspace page. It will tell you who will be performing and also the venues which you might  want to check.

www.myspace.com/festivalinterceltique

….You can’t claim as a lover of Scottish music without knowing Session A9. This band has been around for quite sometime and has made beautiful music. Fiddler Charlie McKerron is also with Capercaillie

……Kevin Henderson filled the seat of Aly Bain in Boys of the Lough. He is also with Fiddler’s Bid. Watch out for this guy because he’s really awesome.

……Fans of Liam O’Maonlai and Hothouse Flowers will be delighted to catch them  at St. Johns Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry. The date : 20 August · 20:00 – 22:00. Get tickets  by calling +353 (0)68 22566.

……..Guitar & Instrumental Week is attended by students and visiting musicians. That’s between July 25th – July 30th, 2010….

……Got my first email from Weekly Inspiration based in Edinburgh. To subscribe, visit www.weeklyinspiration.co.uk

check this artwork:

This article is different from the one I am working on 15 minutes ago. Sigh.

…..

New Music from Ireland’s Oldest Music Festival

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It is taking awhile . I mentioned that I have no access to computer at home for now and I am relying on so little time to post here. But Alas! News is still coming  from all sides. I got this press release from Spotlight Communications and  this is such a fine info. I am loving Fidil!

Ireland’s Oldest Music Festival Delivers Ireland’s Newest Talent!!!

The programme for the  33rd Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival was announced recently. What is widely recognised as Ireland’s oldest Traditional Music Festival, this year presents an exciting programme with some of the newest, youngest and freshest Irish and international talent on the folk and traditional music scene.

This well loved festival, which takes place from July 30th to August 1st, will introduce acts such as Fidil – a trio of young award winning Donegal fiddle players whose performances have been described as mind blowing and stunning. The young Derry singer-songwriter, Eilidh Patterson will also appear at this years festival following a year of delighting audiences across the US and UK. Ballyshannon girl, Shauna Mullin will return to her roots, performing with The Dave Munnelly Band, thrilling local and visiting audiences with her rich sonorous tones and individual vocal style.

This years’ programme also delivers some of the bigger hitting starts of the traditional and folk music scene with Lúnasa, Solas and Andy Irvine appearing over the weekend.

Undoubtedly one of the highlights of this year’s festival will be the exhibition of 30 years of Barry Britton Festival posters. These iconic images which have become collector’s items over the past three decades will be presented in The Abbey Centre in Ballyshannon for the duration of the festival. (see this year’s poster attached)

With free open air concerts, live pub sessions, workshops and a new talent showcase in this years programme, The Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival is sure to have something to cater for all tastes. Full details of all events are available online at www.ballyshannonfolkfestival.com. Tickets available at www.eventelephant.com.

July 19th 2010

For further press information, photography or to arrange an interview, please contact Siobhán Calpin @ Spotlight Communications on 0878527760.

I am adding an Andy Irvine video for the benefit of fans. This is The Blacksmith(1977):

Northern Roots Festival as Chronicled in Brush by Paul Taggart

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Paul Taggart is a Scottish painter who recently became my contact in facebook. He uploaded and provided a link to this video, and now you have it. Look at his WORK in the middle of this video. One day I am going to ask questions from this artist and have them posted here. I listen to Hank Williams and this is a wonderful surprise.

Paul:

A further video from Northern Roots Festival 2010 featuring Dean Owens, Bruce MacGregor, Lorraine Lucas, Bob Massie and others at the “Are you sure Hank did it this way? tribute to Hank Williams. A wonderful Saturday afternoon had by all in the Musicians’ Snug & Bistro.


My friend from Ireland Donie Ryan ( also a painter sent me a link to a Christy Moore video. As you might remember, Donie became our guest last time when I ask him about his art. Here is the Video. Enjoy!

More news…..

Cecile Corbel will start her performance dates in Japan this August. one of which is the anticipated performance in Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall…

Here are the dates:

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall
08/04/2010, 19:00
Festival Rock in Japan
08/07/2010, 00:00
.........

I finally got Fiona J MacKenzie’s new(autographed) CD  A Good Suit of Clothes (songs of the immigrant gael) and I tell you, I am so moved by the beautiful arrangement and her voice! I will write more about it here soon.

Just look at these reviews of her album:


Happy, Hoppy Welsh Folk Dancing

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Eureka! It is nice to know that Wales closely resemble that of Brittany when it comes to dancing(and language too). I was looking for simple Welsh tunes when I stumbled upon these videos. See for yourselves.