Month: August 2010

Poitín and Rain Today…

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 7 Comments

Hi guys. It’s been raining on my side of the globe. The sky is always beautiful when it happens. I finished my shift at 4 in the morning and then had to spend time logging in to Facebook to check what’s new in music or what the ‘community’ is talking about. Then I had to visit MySpace and check my bookmarks for bands I haven’t reviewed yet-or recommended to you. I also had to check my email for newsletter and goodies. This is how I get my news. Nothing extraordinary. The YouTube thing comes on the last part when I am, sure I want to post a video. I know videos are not really helpful for the site because they make navigation slow. But then again if only  there is  a way for me to post music other than videos then it would work for me. But videos are more interesting right?

It seems that a lot of new talents are coming up in the music biz. It is great that there is an awareness brought about by the Internet and music festivals. It would be cool to see more bands doing it for themselves, releasing albums under an indie label and just continue to cheer us with more interesting music.

I realize I haven’t been more conversant in my earlier article because I thought it would take you away from the main focus which is music. But then I realize that doing the same formula will make everything impersonal. You do want someone to talk to you right? To make you feel better and cheer you up. I know the times have got more challenging. But I know positivity will get us somewhere. Just hold on.

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The Czech Republic is not only interesting for the old statues and churches. It is also a place of talented people. Years ago I befriended a musician who is so passionate about music that he put up his own chat site. He got married but moved on…But then I know one way or another he is still making music out there… What brought me back to my musings is this interesting band called POITÍN and they make amazing  and energetic music. This makes one proud being part of the circle. This is after all our collective musical culture which has nothing to do with race and nationality. Please listen to their music here:

You can also catch them in facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Poitin-Celtic-World-Music/105492236430?v=wall and twitter.
An interesting line up of members too:
Jaroslav “Oto” Machácheck – fiddle (founder member and chief beard sucker); Jakub Siegl – guitars; Jan Brabets – bouzouki, banjo, tin whistle, backing vocals; Jeremy Marc King – lead vocals, bodhran; Sasha Shantorova- flute and whistles; Dick Savage- Didgeridoo, spoons, egg, backing vocals…
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Got the Celtic Woman CD!
Thanks to Daly Communications especially to Fior Urena in New York for sending me my first Celtic Woman CD. It’s like Christmas all over again.
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Father Ted and more on North Cregg and FMAD

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 2 Comments

Donie sent me a link to Father Ted. It’s a funny comedy based in Ireland . I think he is such an indearing character, somewhat naive but with a lot of heart. There these interesting people around him who try their best to pester him. Don’t we all have that same issue with our priests?( I say that coming from a Catholic place, therefore I can relate). There is also this particular video in youtube that I could not watch.

This is what it says:

This video contains content from Channel 4, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds.

And this is how our conversation went:

Me
eeeek it’s been blocked in my country :his video contains content from Channel 4, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds.’
03:10Donie
what
omg
that is so f***** up
03:10Me
i think they do that from time to time.
there are also videos i could not watch from other regions in the world
but the first one i saw
03:13Donie
that’s really annoying all the links are channell 4
mad. they are afraid of upsetting people from your country
there are lots os catholics there yes?
03:17Me
yes
we are predominantly a catholic country
i will address that in my blog
03:17Donie
do
03:17Me
i guess they are just being careful…
03:18Donie
your all adults over there
im still surprised
03:18Me
that’s the sad thing about political correctness. it’s always that ‘ you cant do this or do that in fear of upsetting people’.
03:19Donie
here too but we have come a long way
03:19Me
i think american regulations decide what videos to be shown in what countries and since youtube is american owned then they do that
03:19Donie
but an english company made that
our RTE, was too afrid to make it
03:20Me
ic
03:21Donie
but an irish production with english money
chanell 4
is the best always push the boundaries
03:22Me
i guess it’s a long way to go
but i will try a proxy
aw proxy does not help
03:23Donie
you should write about that, religion is on the way out
people should understand about the Roman history and the biggest story ever told
03:25Me
indeed.
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Here is something from North Cregg. I mentioned them a couple of months ago and I think their music is interesting and really beautiful. Check this interview with Christy Leahy out:
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Another one is by Four Men and a Dog. Once again I owe this article to Donie Ryan who got me started. Anyway I love the rockin rollin feel of the music.  “Hold On I’m Comin’ has a catchy tune over lively tempo.

The Story of Capel Celyn: The Village that Drowned

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

Here is an a interesting video about a Welsh village called capel celyn. I now understand the general hostility towards the British, the same that echoes Irish sentiments.

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Since we are talking about Wales, I’d like to dedicate this song to all those who love Welsh music. This is taken from the second album of Ceredwen called ‘The Golden Land’. Do check it out and get the CD for yourself. You will love it. I commend bushido4368 for uploading this and providing translation. More artist info from this link.

Song from Welsh duet Ceredwen. This is the lyric in Welsh and English :

Tymorau’n newid yn ei blaen
Prydfertwch cefn gwlad yn tynnu sylw Rhufain

Yn ein gwlad, cefngwlad

Tymorau’n newid yn ei blaen
Prydfertwch cefn gwlad yn tynnu sylw Rhufain
Yyns ffrwtthlon yn llawn o gyfoeth
Digon o adnoddau materol ac ysbrydol

Yn y gwlad gyfoethog
Arian ag Aur
Yn ei digonned
I rhannu rhwng phawb

Amgylchfyd, delfrydol
Yn llawn o gyfoeth materol ac ysbrydol

Yn y gwlad gyfoethog
Arian ag Aur
Yn ei digonned
I rhannu rhwng phawb

Maent yn dod i’r ynys ffrwtyhlon
Er mwyn casglu’r cyfoeth aur

Translation :

Seasons forever changing
The beauty of the land drawing the attention of Rome

In our land, our country

Seasons forever changing
The beauty of the land drawing the attention of Rome
This fruitful island, full of wealth
Of the earth and of the spirit

In the wealthy land
of silver and gold
There is plenty
To share amongst all

This ideal place, full of wealth
Of the earth and of the spirit

In the wealthy land
of silver and gold
There is plenty
To share amongst all

They come to the fruitful island
To collect the golden wealth

A Lament for Patricia

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 3 Comments

I learned today that Patricia Neal passed away at 84 due to lung cancer. I remember her fondly as 2-E (Mrs. Failenson) in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This woman had a strong screen presence further fuelled by her husky voice. More of the story here: http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-patricia-neal-20100810,0,5106158.story?page=1

I could not think of a better song to dedicate to her passing than this song by the Scottish group Capercaillie. Tighinn Air A’mhuir Am Fear A Phosas Mi is taken from their album Nàdurra.


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Ad for the new Sue Aston album:


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Follow Folk/World band No Crows via facebook and twitter

40th Festival Interceltique de Lorient 2010-It’s Happening!

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 2 Comments

Wake up! Wake up! the Irish are coming to France.

Well..not just the Irish but the Scots,Welsh, and the rest of the people from the Celtic nations including Cornwall, Isle of Man, Galicia and Asturias. We should also remember that it stretches into the far reaches of the globe where Celtic influences can be found. They are all coming to Brittany to celebrate the colors.the talents and diversity. It’s been forty years! Can you believe that? Here’s more to another forty years and beyond.

Visit the gallery and videos here.