Month: March 2012

Atmospheric Beauty and Top 10 Trad Albums

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Sinead O’Connor  Image Credit: Neal Preston/Corbis

I am a big fan of atmosphere. Atmosphere is another piece of a puzzle that every recording has. People who work with sound are masters of these by incorporating effects like reverb, echo, delay and attack- things that we refer to as ‘wet sounds’. Not all atmosphere is achieved inside a studio. Most of the great things you hear can be reproduced outside in enclosed spaces like churches or a small space with walls and ceiling aligned perfectly to create that bounce of sound. Most of these songs I featured here are either live performance or recorded songs but they all have one thing in common-they create atmosphere.

Today’s play list is all about traditional sessions held in open as well as enclosed spaces like churches. The beauty of live music plus the spiritual atmosphere that surrounds these performances are your perfect getaway to the stressful surroundings that mark day to day relationships at work and outside. So journey with me today as we both explore the music and the people who play these tunes.

Dave Sheridan playing the flute, Michael McCague playing the bouzouiki & Donal McCague playing the fiddle in a concert which took place as part of the Steeple Sessions 2011 season at the Unitarian Church on St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin on September 20th. The tune is called The Independence Hornpipe

Donal is one of our guests before and it is great to see him continue to win fans in the traditional scene. Check out my interview with him here:    https://celticmusicfan.wordpress.com/2011/09/05/donal-mccague-this-fiddles-on-fire-interview/

Donal O’Connor playing “Tune for Rose”, a tune for his grandmother and fiddle teacher Rose O’Connor at the Steeple Sessions on August 11, 2011 at the Unitarian Church in Dublin.

Laoise Kelly playing a piece called “Sliabh na mBan” on the harp at the Steeple Sessions on August 23, 2011 at the Unitarian Church in Dublin.

Ali gets a go of a Steinway Grand at Colchester Arts Centre! Filmed during our UK tour April 2011. Mike and Ali play 42 Beech Avenue and Cavers of Kirkcudbright.

Twins Mike and Ali Vass performing together. I am posting my own review of String Theory which is a new project by Mike Vass so watch for it .

Been a big fan of Iarla since his work with The Afro Celts Sound System. His voice is as exquisite and the heavenly lights of the Aurora Borealis. It stops you on your tracks and grabs you. I can close my eyes while listening to him and I feel like I am in a different place. To have a beautiful voice like that and to move souls…that’s got to be something! I think I am having an epiphany now LOL!

More about this recording here : http://realworldrecords.com/catalogue/foxlight/

This is a tragic piece about lost love. This song was written in 1909 although the original pre-dates this. But a song collector and publisher named Herbert Hughes heard the melody while in County Donegal and approached the song writer Padric Colum with the last two lines of the song and asked him to write a version.

Iarla Ó Lionáird Dublin mbac bac Bhaile Baile Brian Kennedy Átha Cliath teilifís teilifis TG4 Gaeilge TG4Gaeilge Celt Celtic Ireland Irish Ceol Gael Gaelic Folk Eire Traditional RTE World television programme Mick O’Brien TG4.ie Dubliners

Sinéad left out some of the song.
Usually the third verse is
“The people were saying no two were e´er wed,
But one has a sorrow that never was said,
And I smiled as she passed with her goods and her gear,
And that was the last that I saw of my dear.”
and the last verse should start:
“last night she came to me, my dead love came in”
This is where the young man denies that he murdered his young love.

In the last verse we hear the line, I dreamed last night my young love came in. The original line is, I dreamed last night that my dead love came in (implying she haunts him for what he done).

The song has been used in several movies including Brave Heart.

Siոeаd O’Cοոոοr oո іTuneѕ http://tinyurl.com/6c5v8b8

I don’t think any playlist is complete without the beautiful voice of Sinead O’Connor. In a way I totally get her. The passion and intensity she place on her songs and the emotional force in which she lives her life is something that speaks to me. We all have our little Sinead’s in us all..

 

Top Ten Traditional Albums – March 2012(TradConnect).

Find out more here: http://tradconnect.com/profiles/blogs/top-ten-albums-march-2012 

 

Music Fund Raising and Other Events

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There are people I know who are helping out in a musical fund-raising and I thought of helping by doing research myself. Let me show you this wonderful link  by Martha from Just Giving site. You might get something out of this: http://blog.justgiving.com/community/setting-up-a-live-music-event-for-charity/ =====================================================

Lignit: Bluegrass band from the Czech Republic 

Members: Bohumil Maršálek – kytara, zpěv Milan Maršálek – banjo, zpěv Pavel Kielberger – housle, zpěv Jiří Králíček – basa, zpěv Pavel Čengery – kytara, zpěv Jeremy King – bodhrán, zpěv When music is reproduced in another culture, the result is always interesting. Take for instance this band from Prague that plys Bluegrass. To hear that type of music sang in Czech is really something. It is like a drink that you mix with another drink and the result is interesting. However, this type of venture does not always work with all types . But Jeremy of Poitin band who is an English professor by the way has a sense of hip. He know how to turn a distinct sound and make it better.  I hope you enjoy Lignit the way I did. And oh, I totally dig Czech because I met someone from that country a decade ago. Like them in facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lignit-vítěz-Talent-Country-Radia-2011/115891951775876?ref=ts  Visit the official website: http://www.lignit.wz.cz/ You can download the free audio here but even though the band don’t mind, you can help them out by blogging about them and go to their concerts if you happen to be in the Czech Republic. I know I would love to go but I am in the Philippines…so that’s it. =====================================================

 Cecile Corbel videos

I still remember the interview I did with her a long time ago: https://celticmusicfan.wordpress.com/2009/09/24/cecile-corbel-talks-about-her-new-album-between-tours/    

Nolwenn Leroy and Alan Stivell

I know there are people who will think that she is too pop to represent Breton music. But this video along with Alan Stivell is interesting. What do you think?

American record label to release Gaelic album!!

http://www.dragcity.com/artists/alasdair-roberts-and-mairi-morrison

Battlefield Band: 4 Decades of Great Scottish Music

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I mentioned yesterday that March is a month of great concerts. After four decades in the music scene, the Battlefield Band is in the middle of their Australian tour. The new album Line-Up received positive reviews upon its release late last year.The song  That’s How Strong My Love Is proves to captivate and warm you with its lyrics that is straight forward and at the same time ingratiating. The beautiful male vocals of Sean O’Donnell is embellished with instrumental arrangements that define the band’s experience in captivating listeners around the world. A’ Bhriogais Uallach (The Pompous Trousers) showcases that  amazing bagpipe parts. I love the mixing in this track because everything sounds crunchy and lush. The vocal harmonies are also haunting. Lovers & Friends is one of those rebel songs that is very relevant considering the current political climate all over.

I have been following this band since early last year and they get better and better with time.

You can get a copy of Line-Up from Temple Records.  or the band’s official website: http://www.battlefieldband.co.uk/

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Jimmy’s Corner

Here’s today’s playlist from a bodhran player based in Lyon France. I included my own personal opinions in each of the songs.

Been a fan of Aine Minogue since the 90’s. It is a surprise to see her in this playlist.

written by John Connolly, from the 2010 album “The Wind.” Available at Sandbar Music (http://www.sandbarmusic.com). Find out more about the artist at http://www.johnconnolly.ca.

Vocals and guitar: John Connolly, Keyboard: Todd MacLean, Fiddle: Cynthia MacLeod.

Recorded live at The Carriage House, Beaconsfield Historic Properties in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Jan. 24, 2011

Audio production: Daniel Ledwell, lead camera and video editing: Patrick Ledwell, second camera: Christian Ledwell. Produced by Sustain Creative (http://www.sustaincreative.com)

Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon – Andy Cutting

One of those accordion pieces that makes your eyeballs roll with pleasure.

Frigg performs at Middle Earth in Bradford, Vermont on May 3, 2007.

The strings make you want to jump and dance. It is like that feeling of a rubber being pulled back and forth. The sound is really flexible and bouncy.

Ronan McGinley & Sophie Griffin – JCB Song

The beauty of the song is through its simple arrangement and lots of space. I love Ronan’s accent.

The Flyin’ Fiddle – Ghost O!!
The title track from their album released August 2011.
The Flyin’ Fiddle are a five-piece folk band from the lough neagh area of County Tyrone and County Derry. Their second album is due out summer 2012. Find us on facebook to find out any more details

One of the most beautiful tracks I heard this month from a very fashionable looking band. People, keep your radars on. This band is going  places. “I will never forget where I come from”..that sticks with me. The young and the beautiful….

Recorded for RTE 1’s “The View”, Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

You gotta be from another planet if you don’t know the band Caladh Nua!

The Punch Brothers brought the cool and slick in Bluegrass music. I am totally addicted to these guys and I admit Chris Thile turns the mandolin into Poseidon’s trident-electrifying.

Christina Martin performing live for us in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia for Nova Scotia Music Week.

I totally dig Canadians!

Are You Ready for March Concerts?

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The month of St. Patrick has always been crazy! It is a good month for music. Nothing much to write here…. but ….. I am going to post the notifications I received through my feeds as well as newsletters.  You might actually find something that you like. Now please do me a favor. Since this is a labor of love, what you can do in return is to click the ” like” button for the Celtic Music Fan facebook page. Tell your friends about this  so  you can help me spread the music.

We have a lot fo cool bands and beautiful music. The Celtic music community is a thriving force based on the dedication of people to preserve the culture and sound of the seven Celtic nations. It is exciting to be part of the family. Now you might ask me why I am passionate in doing this…the truth is, this really feels like a family affair.

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This is a REMINDER to get your tickets!!!  And get ready to go out and hear some some wonderful music!– so come on and celebrate St Patrick’s Season with some of your favorite artists, note : sorry the March 10th Saw Doctors show is sold out but we have added a second show on March 16th .
SOLD OUT:  March 10th THE SAW DOCTORS at Irving Plaza, Doors 7:00pm tickets $38.50
17 Irving Place 212 777 6800
http://www.livenation.com/The-Saw-Doctors-tickets/artist/776886

March 13th THE CELTIC TENORS at City Winery, 7:30pm
155 Varick Street 212 608 0555

For SPECIAL DISCOUNTED & key reserved seating tickets go to: :http://citywinery.com/events/256831

March 14th GEORGE MURPHY at The First Annual Hoboken Irish Festival, Sinatra Park, Hoboken, NJ, 7:00pm

FREE! Open to the public family friendly event

March 16th THE SAW DOCTORS at Irving Plaza, Doors 7:00pm tickets $38.50
17 Irving Place 212 777 6800
http://www.livenation.com/The-Saw-Doctors-tickets/artist/776886

March 17th, BLACK 47, at BB Kings, 8:00pm, tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door

237 West 42nd Street 212 997 4144

http://www.bbkingblues.com

ANITA DALY
DALY COMMUNICATIONS
Awarded  “EMERALD ENTREPRENEUR”  The Irish Echo 2011
Awarded “MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMAN”&”BEST BUSINESS LEADER” The Irish Voice
1202 Lexington Avenue #217
New York, NY 10028
212 772 0852 // anitadaly@yahoo.com
 
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St. Patrick’s Celtic Concert with Qristina & Quinn Bachand and friends!

 
THE St. Patrick’s Day concert of the year! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with Victoria’s highly acclaimed young Celtic musicians, brother and sister duo, Qristina and Quinn Bachand along with some very special musical guests, including All-Ireland piping champion Zac… Leger!You won’t want to miss this celebration of all things Irish! An evening of award winning music, song and dance perfect for the entire family!With three Canadian Folk Music Award nominations and three Irish Music Award nominations, including two Irish Music Award wins for Top Traditional Group and Top Duo, all since 2009, Qristina and Quinn Bachand are quickly becoming two of the most important young musicians in the Celtic music world.

Tickets are: $15 adults / $12 students & seniors (kids 8 & under free)

Available at Larsen Music, Long & McQuade, Ivy’s Bookshop and Ditch Records

www.qbachand.com
www.youtube.com/thebachands

 

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Shishonnah Rehearsals 2012

Twins and Small Town Stories

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I am rocking my body listening to The Kennedy Sisters. It was a link (and all the links in this post) sent by a friend who is a father to twins. Their song Already Miss You got to me that I had to stop what I was doing and hold back the overwhelming emotion from spilling out. Music can do that to me. And these twin sisters created an album that not a single track is weak. All the songs in the EP Small Town Stories will get to you be it due to their sweetness, fast tempo or the how the tracks speak to you intimately that makes you say hey, I exactly feel that way.

Aside from the wonderful lyrics, the merit of this album is also due to the musical richness and now these sisters put out a truly artfully crafted album that begs for multiple listens. Their voices blend beautifully and I am such a sucker for harmonies. I got that after listening to a lot of Mamas and Papas as a kid and later on Enya and Clannad. So harmonies get to me so easily. “Small town stories, they take me home” they sing in their title track. And I second to that. Most of the wonderful things we want to listen to, be it in TV or movies always deal with getting to know the characters closely and the small town stories that hold everything together. This album shines like reflected light on golden pond..of it’s what the pond looks golden anyway. It is everything that holds the tracks together-plus the sheer talent of these twins.

Listen to the streaming music here:http://cjkennedy.com/?page_id=96

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The folowing videos are all about twin performers in Irish and Celtic music

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/CamilleandKennerly
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/CamilleKennerly
SUBSCRIBE: http://www.youtube.com/CamilleandKennerly 

Please share with your friends!
Click to RE-POST this on FACEBOOK: http://tinyurl.com/CKZombieFB 
Click to RE-TWEET this on TWITTER: http://tinyurl.com/CKZombieTwit 

Please listen with HEADPHONES for richer more complex sound and fuller bass lines!!

WEBSITES:
http://www.HarpTwins.com 
http://www.CamilleandKennerly.com

Identical Twins Camille&Kennerly play their duet harp arrangement of “Zombie” (The Cranberries) on their Electric Harps!

Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley are excellent young fiddle and piano virtuosos from Orkney, a group of islands just off the north coast of Scotland. The twin sisters are preserving Orkney’s local musical traditions while at the same time composing important new material. Their Orcadian music is quite distinct, reflecting not only their Scottish heritage but also these islands’ strong Norwegian ties. Orkney’s geographic isolation has led to a deep sense of self-reliance and independence among its people, who consider themselves Orcadians first and Scots second. Both this independence and pride are happily reflected in Orcadian music. Here, the Wrigley Sisters perform “Skeldaquoy Point”, “The Hawk Reel” and “The Salvation Reel”.

To find more music from this part of hte world vist:http://www.folkways.si.edu/searchresults.aspx?sPhrase=United%20Kingdom&sT…

To learn more about Smithsonian Folkways visit http://www.folkways.si.edu 
To find out more about the Smithsonian Folklife Festival visithttp://festival.si.edu/
The content and comments posted here are subject to the Smithsonian Institution copyright and privacy policy (www.si.edu/copyright/). Smithsonian reserves the right in its sole discretion to remove any content at any time.

Music video by The Proclaimers performing Love Can Move Mountains. (C) 2009 SLG, LLC

Celtic Twins

Listen to their songs here: http://www.themorrisagency.co.uk/band-hire/profile/Celtic-twins/