This ‘video’ of ours on You Tube has had nearly 10,000 views. That’s pretty amazing, I think. The track is the opening number on Jiggery Pokery (on CDBaby) and also the first track on our first ever album. I like some of the comments. http://youtu.be/n8KDKqpphQo–Jeremy Poitin
World Charts everyone? Jeremy posted this update. Looking at the list of artists I am embarrassed to admit I still need to expand my knowledge. I am proud to see two friends : Poitin and Marc Gunn(also of Brobdingnagian Bards). For those who are expanding their knowledge of Celtic music in the world, you better check this out: http://www.soundclick.com/genres/charts.cfm?genre=World&subgenreID=155¤tpage=1
I spend the rest of my afternoons looking for new music either on the web or through friends. I have a close knit circle that loves Celtic music. My taste is eclectic. That is why I run another site called http://www.spheremusic.wordpress.com. There are times when I think the the music is appropriate for this blog or on that blog. There are also times when it is hard to decide so it is either this or that. The point is: music speaks a universal language.
In the end it doesn’t really matter. Labeling is a marketing strategy to help consumers decide where they should look if their interest is specific. But you always know when you need to get that record regardless of the genre. You always know that there is somethings special about the songs that grab you. Such is what I found when I listened to the tracks of Brendan O”Shea. The guy is down to earth and he is sending me his newest CD in the mail. He agreed to have an interview as well.
I also realize that apart from maintaining this site and posting songs, I need to act like a disc jokey too. So therefore I need to talk to you my readers. It isn’t so hard after years of experience in customer service hahahahaha. Time is really precious. Once we have it, we can do a lot of things. I wish we have more time to discover new music. And I hope you all stay with me through this journey.
Jamie Smith’s MABON – Spring Tour / Taith y Gwanwyn
Tuesday, 6 March 2012 at 19:00 until Saturday, 24 March 2012 at 22:30
Tuesday, 6 March 2012 at 19:00 until Saturday, 24 March 2012 at 22:30
Milton Keynes / Reading / Powys / Solva / Somerset / Winchester / Bristol / Norwich / Cumbria / Caerleon
A perfect chance to catch the fearless five-piece on fine form as they prepare to record their new album in April.
New music will feature alongside established repertoire, songs alongside instrumental music, all bound together by consummate musicianship and joyful performance.
Dates are all in MARCH as follow:
WAVENDON, Nr Milton Keynes – The Stables Theatre – Tues 6th;
READING – South Street Arts Centre – Thurs 8th;
POWYS – Llanbedr Village Hall – Fri 9th;
SOLVA Memorial Hall, Pembs – Sat 10th;
BRIDGWATER Arts Centre, Somerset – Fri 16th;
WINCHESTER – The Discovery Centre – Sat 17th;
BRISTOL – The Thunderbolt – Sun 18th;
NORWICH Arts Centre, Norfolk – Weds 21st;
COCKERMOUTH, Cumbria – The Kirkgate Centre – Fri 23rd;
CAERLEON Town Hall, Gwent – Sat 24th.
Dewch i ymuno a ni wrth inni baratoi am albwm newydd eleni – cyfle gwych i weld y band mewn cyngerdd agos, personol. Fe ddwlen ni’ch gweld chi yno!
Come and hear what tunes are in the pipeline for this year’s new recording…!
Weaving a Celtic Past – Moya Brennan, Cormac De Barra, Edel Bhreatnach
Click
The Society welcomes Edel Bhreathnach and musicians Moya Brennan and Cormac de Barra to its headquarters for their presentation “Weaving a Celtic Past.” Through song, history, music and images of books and manuscripts protected by Irish Franciscans, Brennan, de Barra andBhreathnach weave a vivid portrait of Celtic history. Edel Bhreathnach is a historian of medieval Irish history and literature, and is deputy director of the Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Institute for the Study of Irish History and Civilisation at University College Dublin. Moya Brennan is the lead singer for Grammy award winning Irish band Clannad and Cormac de Barra is a traditional harpist. The program is a narrative lecture, interspersed with songs and music performed by Brennan and de Barra. Bhreathnach says the presentation is “the story of preserving and reviving the memory of Irish identity.”
Beautiful song by Nancy Griffith done here by Frances Black.
Fundraising Concert
Guys, please don’t forger to check out Show for Sergio this Saturday. I read a little bio about his life and it tugged a chord in my heart. Kids like him need your tender loving care your support. We all live in burrowed time. Time to share the love. Here’s that the event says:
A fundraising Concert for little Sergio O’Connor who needs a life changing operation.
Featuring: Frances Black, Finbar Furey, John Sheehan and Barney McKenna from the Dubliners and friends, Na Casaidigh….
Doors open 7:30pm
Tickets available through www.ticketmaster.ie.
Dave Rooney is working on a new album called Entertainer. I own two of his albums and listening to each is always a great musical experience. He is a fine musician who is rooted in the folk and Irish tradition but never losing that pop sensibility. If you like The Waterboys, Wet Wet Wet and Luka Bloom, then I don’t see why ou won’t pick up releases from this talented artist. Here’s our little conversation:
What’s the title of the new album?
The new album is called the Entertainer. I’ve folkafied and re-recorded previous tracks and written 6 new ones for this one I’m really happy with it, sounding very contemporary Irish. All the songs are woven in to the the story line, looking forward to getting on the road. What can listeners expect from this album?
It’s pretty much a life work for me. Introspective,and a big story line based on a character I met in Temple Bar.That’s where I got the idea for the musical. So a few of the songs are about him,with all the songs based on his life.
Are you working with the same guys whom you worked with in your previous album?
Same studio, Sharon Hussey fiddle player, {this is my home} new drummer, accordion player, pipe player ,double bass player,so on…I’m going back to the acoustic more contemporary out of Ireland sound
That sounds amazing! How do you maintain your amazing singing style and how to you keep being up to your toes during tours.
A lot of people ask me that, how do you find time what with a family and all.
The singing comes naturally, simply because I gig 10-12 shows a week, So I’m singing in my sleep. With regards to tours, I love traveling, gigging in different places and I think once your doing what you love it creates and energy and a zest that gives you the ability to stay on top of it.
Thank you Dave. I will be posting this little interview soon and I hope to get a preview of at least one of the songs to let it build anticipation.
As soon as I have a mastered copy, you’ll have it.
thanks a mill Baxter!!!
Dave Rooney performs his new single ‘She’s Not Here’ Live at the Candlelight Sessions in Buskers Bar, Temple Bar, Dublin. 05/04/11
You can buy Escape from the official website of the band.
As the title of the album suggests, listening to Éalú is an escape from the ordinary into the exciting world of colors and textures created by sounds encompassing Jazz, Celtic and Dance music. Escape, the debut album is now out. The cover artwork depicts splashes of paint against a dark brick wall. Each member brings his own style into the mix. For instance, the often times haunting piano intro of Francis Ward creates that calming balance to the driving percussion of Dermot Sheedy. Ryan Murphy’s stunning command of the uilleann pipes, flute, whistles and even saxophones are all complemented by the rich vocals of Cillian King who also plays the concertina and guitar.
Songs like San Francisco Bay Blues stick with me because of its 20’s jazz appeal. Cillian here sounds like a cross between Harry Connick jr and Marti Pellow of Scottish band Wet Wet Wet. Catch the Wind (originally done by Donovan)has that breezy acoustic guitar strumming and epic singing that stays with you like a glimpse to the best moments of your life. Marion McLean of Eoligary is stunning with its simplicity and grace. That’s Life is so beautifully done that it makes you wish you sound like Cillian King when you sing! The album closes with the stunning Hale-Bop that showcases what makes Éalú the cream of the crop among young Irish bands today.
Celtic Music Fan 