Fabien Guiloineau of Shelta is back, this time with his other musical project called Kitus. Bourree de Vichy/A Bout de Souffle is a lively track which has a strong Breton sound. Unlike Shelta which focus more on Traditional Irish music, Kitus have a World music influence as they merge not just the music of the Seven Celtic nations but also other musical styles.
To hear more of Shelta and Kitus, just visit Fabien Guiloineau’s page through the soundcloud embed below.
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What is your Christmas wish? Mine is peace. I am not talking about world peace as it quite a feat. Personal peace is enough. And by peace I mean to be away from situations that cause anger or pain. To really say what you want or feel is a luxury that seems to be abundant in others while scarce to some. Loss has taught me to not waste time and to be upfront with what I want to happen. If you have an interesting gift that you want for Christmas, let me know. I want to learn from your experiences and also wisdom.
I think it was in the late 90s when Time (was it Newsweek) published a brief article about The Afro Celt Sound System(now commonly referred to as Afro Celts). I was also watching Jools Holland when lead vocalist Iarla O’Lionaird made an appearance. I was shocked by the beauty of his voice. Of course this was the pre-internet years and I heavily depend on Time and Newsweek to see what’s new in music(World, Celtic, Alternative Rock, Folk and Electro).
Information was not widely available so it is not possible to hear the ‘coolest’ sounds unless you know someone who travels to Europe occasionally and writes music Fanzines about the scene. But it was such a decade of good music. Now it’s free for all, meaning even horrible singers can get huge following if they put something in youtube.
It was an era of mixtapes. I traded mixtapes with friends and they record what they have in their tape and CD collection for me. It think it was awesome in a sentimental way. I was living with a limited school budget so if I really crave for that amazing album, I need to sacrifice things like getting new pair of shoes or pants. But who cares about shoes or pants when you have the Afro Celt Sound System? I think they really ‘kick ass’ in a sense that they combine African, electronic and alternative rock with their Celtic sound to create something unique.
Their last release was a 2-CD album Capture in 2010 which compiles their songs from 1995 to 2010. More like a Best Of album. I think whatever they record and release will always be amazing.
I am listening to them as I start my morning outside watching nature and a new day unfolding in the midst of uncertainty. And one thing remains certain after all: Music is there to be enjoyed until one’s last breath.
Hometown: Center-North region of Italy Emilia-Romagna, formed in the fall of 2004.
I’ve been meaning to post something about this folk and Celtic band called Cisalpipers. But due to personal events it too longer than I intended. But here it is finally. My take on this energetic five-piece band consist of Chiara Temporin, Fabio Vetro, Davide Candini, Marco Vinicio Ferrazzi and Mauro Pambianchi.
Th incorporate world influences. There are traditionally inspired tunes. There are moments when I think I am hearing a prominent Galician and Asturian piping. But it isn’t. They are actually showcasing the unique sound of The Emilian Bagpipe which has an interesting history.
Bagpipes in general are pastoral instruments. They evoke the beauty of nature. They echo the simpler times. The laughter and sorrows of the field workers. They’re the people’s instruments. Thanks to technology and the resurgence of love for unique instruments, The Emilian Bagpipe has once again found an audience. And this is due to the experimental music and love for fusion of the Cisalpipers.
Other instruments with the band are Scottish Bagpipes, Whistles, Drums and Percussions. You should check out their energetic youtube videos. I am sure seeing them perform live is such a breath taking experience.
The official band website has an option for both in Italian and English (upper right) Thanks to JP Kallio of Sliotar for introducing me to this amazing group.
I met the two amazing people behind 67 Music through social networking. They also gave me the opportunity to contribute articles which I think is awesome because 67 Music is a music magazine that takes the music scene seriously. SkOtCranmore, Steve Behrens (and the rest of the amazing staff here) always do huge things like promoting interesting bands in the industry. They also do merch and video interviews.
The 67 Music website has a simple and clean interface. It is easy to browse for something you are looking for.It is based on wordpress so that makes it very familiar and aesthetically pleasing. You can see my featured article about John Breen in their archive: http://67music.net/features/john-breen/ The events section has the calendar of music gigs. The reviews page has albums that passed the quality test of 67 music. I like the Music apparel section because those shirts are awesome. If you are looking for bands you can’t find in this blog or other blogs in the internet then I think you can find them in 67 music.
If you are a solo artist or in a band, you can send your recordings for review in these addresses:
CD submissions, notices, and other snail-mail:
67 Music10441 SE Cook Ct.#186Portland, OR USA 97222
Occasionally, we are blessed with someone who has an eye for beauty and a hand for musical expression. Chris Caswell embodies the nature of a true bard. Apart from being a versatile musician (playing flute, penny-whistle, harp, bodhran, and bagpipes), he is also the builder of Caswell harps. He started making harps in 1972 while also serving as a session player for other bands. His designs are unique and breathtaking- like his own music. He is also a music teacher around the San Francisco Bay area.
I got the time to sit down and really listen to his tunes this evening. He gives multiple expressions to the harp in a way that it sounds like different instruments. At times it reaches sublime spirituality especially when he does those arpeggios. There is something ‘quiet’ about his music that speaks to you. One of my favorites is The Wild Geese taken from his 2001 album Holy Wood. The relaxing beauty of his tunes makes you sit back and relax. He has unique harp interpretations of bagpipe tunes like in the case of Catriona’s Lament (piobaireachd). There is no arguing. The harp makes a unique sound that could never be achieved by other instruments.
Chris continues as a musical asset through building harps, playing tunes and handing them down to generations upon generations of Clarsach musicians telling you: this is the beautiful way to play the Celtic harp.
I began making harps in 1972, first with Jay Witcher, then by 1977 in my own shop with Terry, my wife for 20 years (who was working at Witcher’s before I got there!). Over those years, my sense of calling has become only richer and clearer. In fact, the last few years have resulted in more new and possibly significant ideas than ever.
I always say I never make a harp I wouldn’t play myself. In fact, I tend to design new models to fulfill what my inner ear says is possible. This goes hand-in-hand with my own growth and experimentation as a player. Here, as best I can, is how I describe this calling:
Tradition
to make harps designed from the heart, and in the lineage of the ancient Celtic harps
Innovation
to continue to evolve the harp for a new generation of players, and for the future of the instrument itself
Excellence
to combine fine craftsmanship with a passion for its sound and esthetics, bringing each design into the realm of art
My aim during the making of every harp–from the least expensive to the most–is to connect with life directly, and experience a taste of my existence. My sense is that this translates into something in the instrument itself.
My goal isn’t to make lots of harps (though I have and, God willing, will) but to make harps that respond to their players’ desires, becoming a vehicle for the magic of music in each of us.
It’s a great blessing in my life that I continue to have an opportunity to follow this passion, and that this passion is as bright as ever. I invite you to be part of it by following your own desire. If you have a harp you love, wonderful. If you would like another to fulfill something you want to hear, contact me.
If you’re brand new to the harp, I will do what ever I can to put the right instrument in your hands, and support you as you blossom. Remember–Yes You Can!
“Yes You Can” is my way of saying :Don’t put off that which you know in your heart to be right for you! We all can find reasons not to do what we know will make our lives richer.
Life is precious and we must support that which connects us to the deep part of ourselves. If playing the harp helps you do that, then I am here to help you.
All best wishes,
Chris Caswell
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Updated: I am posting the last exchange I had with Chris after this article was released. This was around June of 2012. You can tell he was a man of humor and great spirits. You will be missed Chris.
Hi Baxter,
Thank you so much for the kind review!
You might not have seen a recent FB posting of mine that you (or rather, the review) might benefit from. I’ll copy it to you here:
“Finally, I can go public with a bit of news I’ve been sitting on for about nine months!
I was contacted back then by an editor for the BBC who had found my recording of pibroch (piobaireach) on the metal-strung harp and intended to use it in an upcoming documentary. It looks like they’re ending up utilizing three of the pieces off my Holy Wood CD – Catherine’s Lament (the pibroch), the McLeod’s Big Tune, and Rowing from Islay to Uist.
Here’s the email I got this morning:
‘Hi Chris,
just a quick heads up to say that the Cairngorms show is finished!
It’s now called “Cairngorms – A Year in the Wild” it’s part of a three part series. Our date for transmission is as yet unconfirmed but it looks like a Sunday in July for the UK.
I can tell you your music has been used to illustrate some lovely material round the River Dee, and a very special piece contemplating ancient pines that our poet/nature writer Jim Crumley calls Wolf Trees…
I am still intending to send you a copy of the material but our production manager is reluctant to allow anything out until it has been broadcast. Hopefully this is enough to be going on with for you in terms of publicity efforts.
Thanks again for allowing the use of your music!
all the best,
Stuart’ ”
Also, I’m a little confused by the last sentence. It seems to make me sound like I’m telling people the “right” way to play the harp. That’s not something I’m comfortable with.
Regardless, thanks again. Best wishes for your blog.
All the best,
Chris
Hi Chris ,I know what you mean now. I altered a word in the last sentence. I hope it makes you comfortable now
12:58
Chris Caswell: Thanks! That does feel better. Thanks again for the review.
12:58
Baxter Labatos: Hahaha all the best Chris! you are welcome.
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A memorial service for Chris is planned for this Sunday, Feb 10 at 6:00 pm, at St Monica’s Church in San Francisco, Geary & 23rd Avenue. His friends are welcome.
Celtic Music Fan 