Month: April 2014

Catching up with artist Jenne Lennon

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Film composer/arranger and kickboxer! Jenne Lennon is the woman of the new century.

For months now I wanted to post something about Jenne Lennon especially her project in South Africa but we never seem to cross paths in the internet. But there are good moments when this happens. This is a candid interview . Well, not really an official one because we are still going to set the time. But it is really important to get the information out. After all blogging is all about telling the world what’s going on. In my case, it’s what’s going on in the world of music.To avoid confusion, I bolded my lines.

JL: There you Are!! I was trying to reach you via Skype for a while. Thought something happened to you due to the Tsunami.

B:I have a new skype account

I see. Are you and your family well? I’m very relieved to hear that.

Jenne Lennon: South Africa changed my life.

Jenne Lennon: South Africa changed my life.

Yes and how about you?

Doing quite well thank you. South Africa changed my life and things here in Chicago are going quite nicely although this was the coldest, longest, winter in Chicago history

Glad to hear. We should have an audio interview soon via Skype.

Absolutely! I would LOVE that

Yeah spring came late in the US.

To late. Only last week in fact hehe we had a snowstorm 2 weeks ago.

Yeah I read the news.

And is it warm over there?

Yes.All he time hahahaha. Sometimes it gets too much.

Jealous….except for those tropical storms in fact. And how is your blog going?

Yes haha!It’s still(blogging) going passionately..weathering storms 😉

Good!

I guess what you can’t stop from doing defines who you are or what you are.

Well said!

And how’s music?

Going so well. Did a score and a choral scene for a new film “A Million Miles Away” i’ts one several awards and received many great reviews. I’m working with a NY composer right now on a Broadway project.

Wow.Getting bigger and bigger.

Thank you sir.I hope so. I just want my music to reach a larger audience and have a more significant impact. Film and theatre seems to be a great match for that.

Yes they are great vehicles. I will look for that film.

Please do! I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. It’s about the power of music and young women. It’s a short, but is so powerful.The director is called Jennifer Reeder/Producer Steven Hudosh.

I see!Ok cool I will look for it and write about it.

That would be wonderful! I think you’re going to love it. 75% of the music is mine, the whole song in the choral scene is my arrangement, and I worked as the behind the scenes conductor in the film.

Wow.Glad to hear that.

Thank you. It’s my first film. Hope it is not the last.

I hope so too!

Unfortunately, I have to go. I have a kickboxing class. Hehe! Let’s chat soon!Glad you are okay!

Yes take care. And kick it!!!

Thank you

 

Photo by: By Roland Labana

 

http://www.jennelennon.com
http://www.glencoerecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/jennelennon
http://www.thecelticlink.com/jennelennon
http://www.srtrc.org/

 

www.tristanlegg.com getting a makeover

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http://www.tristanlegg.com/

That’s it. Bigger Man was an an indication for bigger and better things to come from  Canadian singer songwriter Tristan Legg. His gig calendar is also full for the month of April. More shows are coming up next month.

Tristan Legg

Tristan Legg

He is known for his strong voice and passionate live performances. His influences range from bluegrass, Celtic, folk and rock. Apart from his amiable stage presence and excellent charisma, he also represents the beautiful thriving music of Eastern Canada. His favorite quote is “you know how to read music right? u know what a rest is…? trying using it every now and then” by John Ferguson.

When asked about his musical influences, this is what he has to say:

“My influences range from blues great’s such as B.B. king. Stevie Ray, Garrett Mason,Eric Clapton but also great celtic artist as the Pogues, Gerry O’conner, Planxty, Christy Moore.
Some local artists that have also influenced me not just musically but personally are Darren McMullen, Roger Stone, John Ferguson, Anthony Rissesco, Bruce Timmins, my father and the Gig Dogs. There are also many other great local artist’s that have had a great influence on me which i’am very thankfull for.”

We just have to wait and see for more musical goodies from Tristan Legg. In the meantime, enjoy the two videos below.

 

Celtic Percussion with Matthew Bell(Interview)

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Matthew Bell

Attention drummers. It’s time to play Celtic Percussion with Matthew Bell! 

As we move into our drum-centric posts in the coming weeks, this interview with Matthew Bell is a good opener. I subscribed to his Contemporary Bodhran YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/mattbellmusic) several months ago and enjoy every update. He brings something different to the world of Celtic percussion. His teaching method has that Zen approach and he talks in that easy, friendly way. So it is really an honor to feature him in this site and to get insights regarding music and theory in general.

1. You must be enjoying your project Celtic Percussion Collective as I am seeing new video tutorials coming out.

Yes, indeed I am enjoying what we have going at the CPC at the moment. We’ve had a really positive response to our educational and performance projects so far and we have a bunch of new things in the works for the coming year!

2. Where do you get your ideas for your video shoots?

Great question! My ideas come from my teaching and performing experiences as well as having a music school background. I approach the teaching of the bodhran in exactly the same way as I teach pipe band drumming, or any other percussion instrument for that matter. I have found over the years that technique and a musical approach are often glazed over or not really taught at all to beginning students. Learning of the bodhran is just as fun, and playing the instrument is just as addictive if you learn proper technique from the start.

3. Can you tell us more about your other projects?

Sure! I have more free videos in the works for my Contemporary Bodhran YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/mattbellmusic). I’m also working on a subscription-based bodhran educational website called the Contemporary Bodhran. The site will feature over 150 video tutorials, a chat room, bodhran-related merchandise for sale, and a host of other things. I’m also working on a signature bodhran tipper with the legendary tipper maker, Stevie Moises (www.tippermaker.eu). At the CPC, we’re expanding our clinic offerings to more universities, and we’re also working on a course for pipe band drumming.

4. Can you tell us about this new book you have and what can readers benefit from getting this book.

The Contemporary Bodhran book is a great supplement to my online bodhran videos, and is a good reference for new players of the instrument or people looking to expand their style and technique who have been playing for a while.

5. What’s your advice to those who are just starting to pick up their bodhran in terms of improvement?

Work on your fundamental technique as much as possible. Don’t be in a rush to get out playing sessions too quickly. If you really get the fundamentals down the first time, you’ll have a really solid base to then expand from. Practice a little bit every day- spaced repetition is key.

6. You play other kinds of drums. Why percussion?

Why not percussion!?!?! 🙂 Drums are cool, everyone knows that! Seriously though, I was drawn to percussion from a really young age. I love the sound of the instruments, I love what it feels like to play, and I love accompanying other musicians!

7. Where can people get in touch with you for tutorials?

The CPC website: www.celticpercussion.com

The Contemporary Bodhran YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/mattbellmusic

The CPC YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/celticpercussion

The CPC is also on Facebook and Twitter! www.facebook.com/celticpercussioncollective, @celtpercussion

8. Your message to music enthusiasts and lovers of Celtic percussion?

It’s never too late to get started playing Celtic music or Celtic percussion! My life is what it is because I was lucky enough to grow up in the Celtic music community, and I feel privileged to be able to pass on what I’ve learned to students from all over the world!

Have you heard of Tom Acton?

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If you haven’t picked up Down The Irish Gravel Road by Dublin based singer/songwriter Tom Acton yet, then you better. Mr Acton has a wonderful voice and he loves recording happy tunes. I heard three full tracks so far: Sligo Fair (very catchy), The Great Johnny Doran and The Water Song. The latter is very close to my heart because of its beautiful, poignant and somber atmosphere.

I made friends with Tom Acton when I signed up with Live Ireland. I remember him as a friendly and jolly fella. It is great to discover that his talent has a timeless appeal. He has a voice that catches you right away. As if he is meant to be heard on the radio. There are people who are born that way I guess. They are so natural onstage and off stage.

His songs are wrapped up with beautiful instrumental arrangements. These are things that would make you compare the tracks to the likes of Planxty and The Dubliners. But Acton has an original sound. It is a confident style that transcends time. You should hear his album and listen to the lyrics. He has a lot to say. He has a lot to sing about!

Samples and artist info can be found here:

http://www.fullspiral.nl/?MUSIC

 

Cillian King is going to release some mighty music!

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Thanks to Rolf Wagels for this exciting story!

The buzz is that Cillian King is releasing new music soon. What music could this be? Are you excited? I know I am. I have heard his tunes with other groups and this man is truly amazing. I am sharing his soundcloud page because I am sure he will post all his new tunes on this page so keep a close watch ok?

In the mean time I wish you all a great week ahead. Good coffee and awesome tunes!