Maybe it’s the tea. Maybe it’s waking up on the other side of the bed. I started this blog today featuring a musical instrument. Now I am featuring another one. It’s called an autoharp. Though it is of German origin, this instrument has been used as a folk and blue grass instrument in the United States. There’s this one artist in You Tube that I follow in terms of the autoharp playing. She is Jo Ann Smith
Here’s how she plays a traditional Scottish Air
John Doan at Aran Island
It’s nice to have a cup of tea while listening to your favorite instrument at 6 in the morning. One of those instruments that I like is the Harp Guitar. I’m sure you folks out there who are used to just the Harp or the Guitar would wonder what this hybrid is. Well, to tell you, harp guitar’s history dates back 200 hundred years and there are notable composers/performers out there who single-handedly created names for themselves through this instrument. The sound is like no other.
There are other artists who are known to play this but I would only give credit to one. His name is John Doan. The fact that he is my MySpace pal, and we sent comments to each other’s page on several occasion proved to be memorable. Here’s his music site in case you want to check out how a harp guitar sounds like.
Irish Dancing in New Zealand
After listening to Hayley Westenra’s recordings, I became fascinated with New Zealand and how Celtic music has brought such influence to its people . In one interview,the traveling Enya said that New Zealand reminds her of Ireland. I think the beautiful landscape says it all. The same thing that made Peter Jackson shot the Lord of The Rings Trilogy there.
So how Celtic can New Zealand get? Very Celtic. But so far the resources stopped giving updates after 2006. But I was able to salvage this site in case you want to know recordings already released. You might also want to follow musicians like Bob McNeill who is currently touring to promote his new album Following Distance.
The Map of the Seven Celtic Nations (courtesy of cwis.org)
I have been meaning to present this but it seems like a big task. Thank goodness I stumbled upon Celtic Cafe’s own presentation here: The Seven Celtic Nations.
If you have already studied your geography then this is a great addition. And don’t forget to listen to the bands from this regions. They make excellent music.
For those of you who are fans of American band Solas, this is the link to their official website. The guys have been delivering to us great music since the late 90’s. The site contains info about present tour schedules and the new album For Love and Laughter .
Just a recap
Band Members are:
Seamus Egan – flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, tin whistle, low whistle, guitars, bodhran
Winifred Horan – violins, vocals
Mick McAuley – accordians, concertina, low whistle, vocals
Eamon McElholm – guitars, keyboards, vocals
Máiréad Phelan – vocals
Celtic Music Fan 