Author: mrbaxteria2008

Lore by Orla Fallon: A Drizzle on a Golden Pond of Sound

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Lore by Harpist Singer Orla Fallon is now available

Lore is here. It’s the new album by Irish artist Orla Fallon. You might have recognized her from the famous Celtic Woman. Fallon is back with her latest offering of notable influences. You’ll find Traditional Irish, Americana, and even Bluegrass. I am quite surprised that this album feels so personal. It’s not grandiose compared to Celtic Woman but rather, something you can curl on a ball, in front of a fire.
Her soft and sometimes quiet voice feels like a healing hand. Songs like Roseville Fair, Wild Mountain Thyme, and Parting Glass have this quality where she makes them her own. She actually makes all the songs in this album her own. Her vocal prowess finds her peers with artists like Alisson Krauss, Sarah Jarosz, and Emmylou Harris. On a transatlantic scale, her folk songs remind me of Kate Rusby and Cara Dillon.
I am impressed with the production technique of this album. Only light percussion was incorporated, and more acoustic instruments are given importance. This release is quite an accomplishment in an era where all albums sound loud and overblown. You can really tell she loves her Irish music with a passion. You can also know that she has great respect for tradition, and she ensures that the sentiments are showcased. Yes, she dusted old traditions and give them a sheen. With love and tender care, in this album called Lore.

Celtic Fairy Dream by 2002 is an Excellent Escape into a Kinder and Gentler World

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I discovered the music of 2002 from Celtic radio stations on the web. The band’s dreamy and airy captivated my attention, and soon I can tell their distinctive sound apart from the rest. The band just released Celtic Fairy Dream this year amid the worrying pandemic. This is timely considering that people who are self-isolating need a kinder and gentler sound. This helps us tune into the higher vibration and avoid so much anxiety.

The new album has 10 songs, all composed, arranged, and performed by Randy, Pamela, and Sarah Copus. This is with the help of other musicians who contributed their styles in the creation of this captivating album. The thing I like about Celtic Fairy Dream is the consistency of mood in all songs regardless of the different arrangements and tempo. Added effects enhance the gentle vocals. The Green Fields of Autumn(Coinleach Glas an Fhómhair) is a personal favorite. A tune initially recorded by Clannad. Another stunner is the traditional song She Moved Through the Fair, which transports you into a dreamy world.

2002 merges the modern ”wet” sound of electronica and the lush organic beauty of folk music. This is a combination that really works. I really like this because I am not really a purist in a traditional sense. It is also a kind of album you can play after a stressful day, and help channel your higher self away from the darkness of these uncertain times.

The Joyous Waltz by Atlas is a Sweet Gift in these Troubled Times

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The Joyous Waltz is a new track by Irish duo Atlas-both natives of Limerick. Like a perfect Cappuccino over a sumptuous meal, The Joyous Waltz sways around your mood into the day’s vibes. Amid these uncertain and chaotic times, we need a break from all the politics and economy to close our eyes and enjoy music. The world can turn and tomorrow might not come, but living in the moment is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves.
Atlas launched their name with the release of Affinity in 2016 under Ropeadope Records. The album marks their style as

IMG_2765 a crossroads between tradition and what future Irish music should sound like. The talents behind Atlas are Cillian Doheny(guitars) and Cillian King(concertina).
The Joyous Waltz boasts the simplicity of two instruments in a crystal clear production. The tune reminds me of what Paris must’ve been in the 1920s. The new recording is a combination of sophistication and folk honesty. This is what music is all about-a joyous waltz to light the darkest moments, giving hope and kindness.

 

 

Órla Fallon is Back with Roseville Fair from Lore

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The “gentler” Celtic Woman is back with a new single Roseville Fair from the upcoming album Lore. Fallon has already serenaded us with Sweet By and By and also the soothing A Winter Tale(holiday album). The song recounts a girl’s recollection of falling in love for the first time. It has an Americana flavor in the Nashville tradition.
Lore is going to captivate fans of the genre with its cornucopia of Celtic favorites. Lore is released through Green Hill Productions.

A Warm Welcome for Spanish Point by Kevin Meehan

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I enjoyed listening to Spanish Point by a young musician by the name of Kevin Meehan. He is from Dublin and is making quite a loud splash in the traditional Irish music scene. Spanish Point is one debut album that never disappoints. The beautifully realized tracks flow in a well-engineered recording that highlights all the instruments. You will also appreciate the sound dynamics as Spanish Point is an album with less clutter and more substance.
So how did Spanish Point came to be? According to Meehan: “Spanish Point is my debut tin whistle album that I have been working on with the lads for the past few years. A lot of the music and tunes on this record have been inspired by locations of great traditional music importance such as Clare, The University of Limerick, and Glasgow. I hope you all enjoy listening to my first complete musical release, and I look forward to sharing more original music as time goes on.”
If you are curious about the musicians who backed this recording, you will be in for a delightful surprise:

Shane Mccartan – Guitar/Electric Guitar 

Niall Preston – Bodhrán 

Alex Borwick – Trombone/ Synth/ Electric Guitar 

Sean O’Meara – Guitar 

Donal Donnelly – Fiddle

Benedict Morris – Fiddle 

Patrick Meehan – Bodhrán

Cein Daly – Electric Bass 

Bill Blackmore – Trumpet 

Ella McGrory – Piano 

Robbie Walsh – Bodhrán

Cathal Murphy – Drums 

Conor Broderick – Piano/Wurlitzer 

Paul Fegan – Bodhrán

Cathal Croke – Uilleann Pipes 

Trevor Hutchinson – Upright bass 

Now, these musicians played in different tracks, sometimes taking turns and also playing other instruments that suit each way. There are simple tracks, some demand for a bigger sound like in the case of The Living Bridge. Altan and Danú come to mind. Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh has something good to say about this debut album: “Skillfully weaving traditional and contemporary sounds with technical brilliance, Kevin Meehan’s music sparkles with pure joy” – Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh (Danú)

Spanish Point is now out via Spotify and other media.

 

 

Artist bio:

Hailing from County Dublin Kevin Meehan is a current trailblazer in the modern traditional Scene. He may be only in his early 20s but already he has become a master of the whistle, pushing the instrument to its limits in a new and fresh direction. Kevin has recently released his debut album ‘Spanish Point’ which includes a mixture of exciting traditional Scottish tunes and energetic new compositions inspired by landmark locations in Ireland. The album features a collective of sixteen guest musicians from around Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand and was recorded by Alex Borwick and produced by Alex, Kevin and Shane McCartan over a period of four years. Kevin’s album has drawn inspiration from the vibrant Irish and Scottish music scenes. His composition ‘Spanish Point’ sets a high standard for a debut album which will stand to him for years to come. Kevin is now excited to launch his own solo career with his new album and band. “Skillfully weaving traditional and contemporary sounds with technical brilliance, Kevin Meehan’s music sparkles with pure joy” – Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh