Author: mrbaxteria2008

10 Songs and Reasons You Should be Talking About Clannad Music

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Clannad is your ear candy during the pandemic


I got my second dose of the covid vaccine today! And while I felt the relief of that, I also kept in mind that fitness is vital. That is why cycling has played a massive part in my darkest times. And when I am not pushing watts, I calm down to listen to my favorite bands in the genre.


Clannad is one band that has grown with me from my teen years up to this time. I don’t know if you are aware or agree that the band has undergone three significant musical evolution. There’s Clannad of the 70s still with their distinct sound. While other Irish bands have gone either folk, rock, or pop, this band has incorporated many styles. This is due to the many musical interests of various members. It’s Ciaran Brennan who infused the band’s rock energy and jazz sophistication. The latter is also what made their Celtic sound unique. While other bands go toward either electronic or New Age, Clannad never professes any loyalty to any genre. But of course, the record labels have to make that categorization for marketing purposes, right?


I do miss the Jazz (or smooth jazz)flavor they incorporated, starting with Anam up to Landmarks. The latter is, for me, their masterpiece album because it has all the elements that I admire in the band. These are months of introspection(Europe is approaching Autumn). It is refreshing to go back to the sounds that remind us of a far different world from today.
I have listened to some of the band member’s solo projects, like Moya Brennan’s solo albums. Their influences are evident, which is highlighted by the musicians they choose to collaborate with.


I have to say I miss hearing Pol Brennan’s soprano sax and also the input of other core band members like the Duggans.
Supposing you are introducing someone to Clannad for the first time, so where do you start? Below are my top ten picks:


1. Na Laetha Bhi (The Days that Were)-This might not be part of their more popular offerings, but this is the first song that hooked me. It’s from their 1993 album Banba. The first time I heard this was inside a record store. Everyone turned around because the sound what so different and haunting. It is further propelled by Moya Brennan’s contralto vocals.


2. Autumn Leaves Are Falling- This is taken from Landmarks. As I said, the album is a masterpiece with many excellent tracks. Yet, this one has that vibe that falls between folk and Jazz. It is also one happy tune that makes you smile at the thought of Autumn. Each instrument compliment this artfully crafted tune. It has imagery of churchyards, countryside-everything that makes Ireland fascinating.


3. Newgrange-The power of the band’s sound is its capacity to transport you. When they sing about the ancient Irish tradition, they don’t tell you. They take you there. This is what many bands lack now. I have been looking for that haunting quality in any band, but that is so rare these days.


4. The Hunter- This is another lovely song from the compilation album Past Present. By the way, that album is also a great introduction to the band’s music in the 80s era. I love the drums, the vocal layering and also the pulsing bass.


5. Forces of Nature(From Warriors of Virtue)-A beautiful song accompanying a movie that I enjoyed! This song is Clannad in the 90s.


6. A Dream In The Night-This song is from the animation The Angel and the Soldier Boy. This track is one of those tunes I love playing during the holidays.


7. In Fortunes Hand- This is a perfect song for driving. The energy is further embellished by the beautiful beats and that smooth saxophone.


8. Why Worry-This is a song I got from a smooth jazz compilation album before I got hold of Anam, where this song came from. The swaying track lulls you to daydream-which is the thing you need these days.


9. Let Me See- I haven’t seen a live version of this beautiful song anywhere. This one is an epic track that always makes me smile when I listen to it. That amazing snare drum and buoyant bass is the strength of this track. Clannad is an excellent band. Moreso because everyone brings their styles into the creative process. I hope they come up with another album like Landmarks.


10. Something to Believe In(with Bruce Hornsby)-People have probably forgotten that Moya Brennan had duets with many artists. Big names like Bono, Robert Plant, Bruce Hornsby, Paul Young, Michael McDonald, Shane MacGowan and more. She is an excellent live performer too. This song is a testament to the band’s musical range. This is a style that they might never revisit, but it is excellent that they explored this phase in their glorious musical career.

Let me know your favorite Clannad songs in the comments section below.

Listen to the new single ‘The Dawning of the Day by Celtic Woman. 

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The Dawning of the Day – Official Lyric Vide

The Dawning of the Day is an appropriate song to our current situation. Instead of succumbing to fear and hopelessness created by the pandemic, we need to look to hope. I’ve heard several versions of this beautiful song. One is from Mary Fahl (Former lead singer of the October Project) for her The Other Side of Time album(Sony). That is why the melody is familiar. 

Here’s the press release:

CELTIC WOMAN new single !!!

“The Dawning of The Day” is the first single release from Celtic Woman’s first studio album in three years, ‘Postcards From Ireland’.

The song will be released this Friday, September 10th.

Celtic Woman return with a brand-new studio album, Postcards from Ireland, due for release on 29 Oct 2021.

Postcards from Ireland – Celtic Woman’s new album and TV special – represents the sentiment they would like to share with their fans around the world. One of love, hope and expectation as the world looks towards getting back together again.

What better way to express these wishes than to write and send a postcard, but this postcard is written with the music and songs from Celtic Woman’s latest album. Stay tuned for more info on ‘Postcards From Ireland’ and Pre-order the single today or get it tomorrow here: https://celticwoman.lnk.to/thedawningoftheday…

Hurray, it is also my return to blogging. So this song marks my return to writing. I cannot promise to be consistent, but blogging is now part of my routine, whether I like it or not. Anyway, back to this tune, it is such a timely piece now that the season is getting cold and people are getting into an introspective mood. It is ideal for releasing any Celtic album during the fall and onwards because people will be more likely to be attuned to the vibe. This is just a personal view, and it is not supported by statistics, so don’t quote me on this one.

I also want to let you know that I always take my favorite music on a spin when I ride my bike. So it is like playing DJ while on two wheels. Cycling helps me meditate and also get in touch with my higher being. After the ride, I was inspired to write more articles. So my dear readers, expect me to get more conversational. Yes, I will talk to you and make sure my writing is authentic, unlike someone who writes a press release. You can bet on that. The new album by Celtic Woman is coming soon, so wait for that one. Let me know in the comments if you like the album, ok? 

Feel the Happy Vibe of Signature by IONA®

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If someone asks you what Celtic music sounds like, then letting them hear Iona’s Signature album is an excellent introductory tool. Since the creative net of the genre is far-reaching or broad, to say the least, it is better to hear the sounds. Signature was released in 2017, with little fanfare due to the political situation in the United States. Now that it is easier to breathe with the pandemic being addressed, getting back to music is a great idea. We all felt how tense the few years were, and more intense was 2020. Getting back to art is a healing process. That is why it is a great idea to introduce Signature to our avid followers.

This album is a testament to the band’s exquisite musicality. It also showcases what happens when a band grows through the years. Here’s an interesting paragraph I get from the Signature liner notes:

Back in 1986, Barbara Tresidder Ryan and Bernard Argent teamed up with two other musicians to formally play Irish and Scottish music as a band. We needed a name that could be easily pronounced, spelled, and associated with the music, and Barbara decided on IONA®. This is the name of an island in the Scottish Hebrides where the monk Columcille (Columba) was exiled to establish a colony and work on the illustrious Book of Kells. Long story! It’s also a magical place that has captured the imagination of all who land there, AND it’s easy to spell! 31 years later, we have crafted a collection of music spanning the Celtic diaspora, as well as parent countries, and many centuries. Our musical lineup for the past 9 years has been solid: we think we’ve evolved together rather well. Barbara is still lead singer, plays Celtic bouzouki, bodhrán, and pieds; Bernard continues to play flute, whistles, Doumbek, cabasa and provides backup vocals; Chuck Lawhorn is still our bass guitar player, also singing harmony; and Jim Queen loves to fiddle around, with his banjo too, and sings in whatever range is needed. We avidly explore the available extremes of all Celtic music and find ourselves drawn to odd time signatures. We also have a well-defined signature sound. We are putting our signature on this collection for you…

These days music associated with the genre has associated vocal(not similar) style. Barbara Tresidder Ryan offers a different take on the singing style. She is closer to Carly Simon and Anne Murray in her style. It is also a refreshing thing to hear. Her’s is a warm instrument. She also does extensive research of the band’s materials, and that is why she sings in other languages like Gaelic, Welsh, and other Celtic languages. For me, this is a testament of genuine respect for the culture. If you honestly say you love the culture, then you should prove it by singing in its language. 

Signature has ten songs. These are all upbeat tracks with emphasis on the use of traditional instruments. I love Breton music and the opening track “La Dérobée de Guingamp/Hai o eadaraibh” showcases that Breton flavor. There are more as you continue to play the album. I’d say this is a great companion to any journey. It is also an excellent album to play on a cycling trip in the countryside. It makes you feel close to nature. It is also an uplifting album that brings happiness in these challenging times. 

Listen to Signature here

Maxim Cormier is Back With The Shimmering EP “The Subjective Nothing”

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Beautiful music is meant to be listened to at the break of dawn. It’s a time when thoughts still in the process of reorganizing themselves. You feel more, and you think less. This is also the time when it’s ideal to The Subjective Nothing by Maxim Cormier. The EP contains 4 tracks that are recorded around a solo guitar. You can feel his folk, jazz, and classical influences. I’ve been one of those blessed enough to follow his musical growth through the years. This Canadian guitar virtuoso has already played with notable musicians in the genre. He also released a fantastic recording with his father.

The Pandemic has given us reasons to meditate and reflect. It has also given us reasons to slow down and appreciate nature, music, and the stillness of our soul within. 

The EP begins with the title track. It is a meandering tune that displays his sense of control and nuance. There is wisdom in the melody and a sense of ease through years of practice. Landlock is jazzy and happy. Cormier has mastered the jazz scales and also the expressiveness of a mature musician. 

Shenandoah is a popular traditional tune covered by many artists, including American singer Connie Dover. The shimmering interpretation gives it a modern twist. This is Celtic music of cycling cafes and urban esplanade. The Maids of Arrochar explores the traditional Irish and Scottish flavor. Something that is fitting in any Maxim Cormier’s release. I suggest you listen to this to start your day or unwind. His guitar playing reminds me of gossamer leaves rocked by the wind-the beauty of the seasons and all things. 

Maxim and Gervais Cormier: Live at the Fortress of Louisbourg

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Recorded in the historic Fortress of Louisbourg chapel to a live audience, this new EP is a fine work of musical excellence

It is time to be gifted with exquisite music at the time of so much turmoil. The chaos is concerning but let us stop for a while and listen. Humanity in traditional music resonates, and I think that is what we need right now. We need to go back and appreciate the beauty of each note, the ambiance of the chapel, and the quiet audience listening nearby. I am referring to the new EP by Maxim and Gervais Cormier. With “Maxim and Gervais Cormier: Live at the Fortress of Louisbourg,” you are in for a treat of superb recording and excellent musicianship. The sound recording captures the nuance and even the surface of the sound. The musical chemistry between father and son reverberates vividly in this 6-track EP. 

Recorded in the historic Fortress of Louisbourg chapel to a live audience, Maxim creates a timeless musical masterpiece in this project. The record captures the uniqueness of Cape Breton / Scottish style fiddle tunes played on guitars. There are also bonus treats, a Jazz-Manouche tune, and a Bluegrass medley. 

“Welcome to Your Feet Again” is both the single and the opening track of this EP. The duo plays through each note with real grace and elegance. This can only come from instrumentalists who honed their craft with pure artistic passion. If you feel the silence of Autumn and the need for reflective but lively music, you better grab this EP. “Maxim and Gervais Cormier: Live at the Fortress of Louisbourg is out now.