blog

Twins and Small Town Stories

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 2 Comments

 

I am rocking my body listening to The Kennedy Sisters. It was a link (and all the links in this post) sent by a friend who is a father to twins. Their song Already Miss You got to me that I had to stop what I was doing and hold back the overwhelming emotion from spilling out. Music can do that to me. And these twin sisters created an album that not a single track is weak. All the songs in the EP Small Town Stories will get to you be it due to their sweetness, fast tempo or the how the tracks speak to you intimately that makes you say hey, I exactly feel that way.

Aside from the wonderful lyrics, the merit of this album is also due to the musical richness and now these sisters put out a truly artfully crafted album that begs for multiple listens. Their voices blend beautifully and I am such a sucker for harmonies. I got that after listening to a lot of Mamas and Papas as a kid and later on Enya and Clannad. So harmonies get to me so easily. “Small town stories, they take me home” they sing in their title track. And I second to that. Most of the wonderful things we want to listen to, be it in TV or movies always deal with getting to know the characters closely and the small town stories that hold everything together. This album shines like reflected light on golden pond..of it’s what the pond looks golden anyway. It is everything that holds the tracks together-plus the sheer talent of these twins.

Listen to the streaming music here:http://cjkennedy.com/?page_id=96

=================================================================================================

The folowing videos are all about twin performers in Irish and Celtic music

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/CamilleandKennerly
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/CamilleKennerly
SUBSCRIBE: http://www.youtube.com/CamilleandKennerly 

Please share with your friends!
Click to RE-POST this on FACEBOOK: http://tinyurl.com/CKZombieFB 
Click to RE-TWEET this on TWITTER: http://tinyurl.com/CKZombieTwit 

Please listen with HEADPHONES for richer more complex sound and fuller bass lines!!

WEBSITES:
http://www.HarpTwins.com 
http://www.CamilleandKennerly.com

Identical Twins Camille&Kennerly play their duet harp arrangement of “Zombie” (The Cranberries) on their Electric Harps!

Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley are excellent young fiddle and piano virtuosos from Orkney, a group of islands just off the north coast of Scotland. The twin sisters are preserving Orkney’s local musical traditions while at the same time composing important new material. Their Orcadian music is quite distinct, reflecting not only their Scottish heritage but also these islands’ strong Norwegian ties. Orkney’s geographic isolation has led to a deep sense of self-reliance and independence among its people, who consider themselves Orcadians first and Scots second. Both this independence and pride are happily reflected in Orcadian music. Here, the Wrigley Sisters perform “Skeldaquoy Point”, “The Hawk Reel” and “The Salvation Reel”.

To find more music from this part of hte world vist:http://www.folkways.si.edu/searchresults.aspx?sPhrase=United%20Kingdom&sT…

To learn more about Smithsonian Folkways visit http://www.folkways.si.edu 
To find out more about the Smithsonian Folklife Festival visithttp://festival.si.edu/
The content and comments posted here are subject to the Smithsonian Institution copyright and privacy policy (www.si.edu/copyright/). Smithsonian reserves the right in its sole discretion to remove any content at any time.

Music video by The Proclaimers performing Love Can Move Mountains. (C) 2009 SLG, LLC

Celtic Twins

Listen to their songs here: http://www.themorrisagency.co.uk/band-hire/profile/Celtic-twins/

 

MIRC and Nostalgia

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

Feeling nostalgic with Robert Doyle leading the way …

I discovered a channel called MIRC thirteen years ago. I know people of this age might no longer know what I am talking about but Mirc is an international relay chat that people used  in order to communicate to other people all over the world in real time other than sending emails. Like yahoo messenger and other chat software, mirc offers not only  downloading music or picture files sent by someone but it has commands that are nifty which still depend heavily on scripts rather than the graphic user interface.

There was this channel I used to frequent everyday called ‘music’ . I had no computer at that time and chatting meant going to a cyber cafe and paying for an amount of time for renting a cubicle. Who would have thought that windows 98 would be obsolete a couple of years later? Remembering how the World Wide Web looked like at that time is a far cry from what it is now and what it represents in general. There was no official Enya, Clannad or Chieftains site back then. Internet streaming was limited to dial up-which was an acceptable idea of a decent connection.

I got back to that channel today and found  only one familiar person. I started talking about the old guys, and how things have changed and yet the internet seems to put everything in a capsule that makes time stand still in one place and move fast in others. I mentioned the names of people I remember, and they sound like ghosts now. Maybe for them I am like a ghost too…no longer the bob24 that they  once knew. And I was not  even 24 yet when I started.

Part of us will always revisit these old places in the mind and anywhere else, be it physical or in cyberspace. The mind doesn’t know the difference. When you know someone, and when you care about that person, the mind or heart for that matter doesn’t really know the difference.And though the internet is a wonderful place where everything is possible in terms of music  marketing and publishing, the downside is that it can make you feel so lonely. And I know the  time before it existed and after. And that will always haunt me.

Putting it out there..

When a band adds me in twitter and other social networking sites I always take time to go to their site and listen. Curiosity in this business always pays.

Athena Tergis & Michael G. Rose performing Gypsy Dance / Golden Castle at Admiral Gjedde’s Gaard in Copenhagen, Sept. 2011.http://www.tergisrosemusic.com

Follow Athena and Michael on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/tergisrosemusic

Tradschool is organising an Irish flute and whistle workshop from March 31 to April 1 2012,  in Théus in the Hautes-Alpes (France)

The workshop takes place over one weekend, with accommodation and meals included; it is aimed at intermediate to advanced players of Irish wooden flute and tin whistle.

  Irish Violin MakerPaul Martens is a violin maker and viola maker based in Madison, Wisconsin.

He trained at Indiana University’s String Instrument Technology program taught by Professor Thomas Sparks from 2003-2005 and was the assistant instructor from 2005-2006.  The curriculum consisted of violin making, repair, restoration, history, and identification of classic instruments.  Indiana University’s School of Music also provided an opportunity to see and examine hundreds of fine instruments from makers such as: Antonio Stradivari, Nicolo Amati, G.B. Guadagnini, and many more.
Paul moved to Madison, Wisconsin in 2006 where he worked for Spruce Tree Music and Lane’s Lutherie.

Bran, Jimmy’s Playlist and Lost Girl Soundtrack

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 2 Comments

Bran are a band based in two places: Quimper France and Prague Czech Republic. The music is predeominantly Breton with various sources of influence like Bohemian folk as well as sources from Scottish and Irish music. The best thing about this band is their fresh approach to music . I have to tell you they have a sax member who adds a jazzy touch to all the traditional as well as original compositions. You can listen to free streaming of their latest live album through their official website and myspace page.

Want to get to know the band? Check out their myspace link as well as their official website:

http://www.myspace.com/brancz

http://branband.cz/

Bran- An hini a garan (The Coast of Bohemia 2005)

Celtic Music in TV Series

I have been hooked to this Canadian TV series Lost Girl because not only that it deals about Celtic myths but the music is also interesting. After research I found out that a lot of the ‘modern’ sounding Celtic tracks I heard from that show is by this band called Delhi 2 Dublin which I already featured here last year in passing.It was my friend Tim who told me about the show and I picked up from there.

 I am sure some of you have seen this series which deals with supernatural/crime/mystery. It stars Anna Silk as Bo, a succubus who grew up in an adoptive human   family, unaware of her non-human nature and of the Fae world. Her succubus powers only become apparent to her when she accidentally kills her first love by draining him of his life energy, an act which forces her to flee her home. Bo exchanges her previously normal life for one without family or friends, moving from place to place whenever she kills again.

Her sidekick is played by Ksenia Solo, a scam artist who displays kleptomanic tendencies. She can speak Russian fluently and possesses excellent street-smarts. Anyway check the series out and the tunes. You will love it due to its predominant Irish/Scottish leanings.

http://www.facebook.com/lostgirlseries

Jimmy’s Playlist

This blog will never be complete without the genius of my friend Jimmy who discovers bands everyday. I don’t know how he does his searches but he sure knows how to get them.

From Lake Effect album.

(L/R): Fergal Scahill (Fiddle), Seán McCarthy (Uilleann Pipes), David Howley (Guitar)

Tune Names: Ryan’s Favourite, The Hag At The Churn, Patsy Touhey’s

Recorded November 2011, Clifden, Co. Galway

FullSet perform “Tree Reels” from their debut album Notes At Liberty. Recorded in September 2011 in Glenstal Abbey, Co. Limerick by Seán Egan

Band Members (L/R): Eamonn Moloney (Bodhrán), Michael Harrison (Fiddle), Janine Redmond (Button Accordion), Andrew Meaney (Guitar), Seán McCarthy (Uilleann Pipes), Teresa Horgan (Flute, Vocals – Not Featured)

Tune Names: The Oak Tree, The Laurel Tree, Moll & Tiarna

http://www.fullsetmusic.com

http://www.facebook.com/fullsetmusic

Soundtrack Moll Flanders.
Music: Mark Mancina.

The Bonnymen perform at RTE Breakthrough Music Bursary 2011 live in studio 1 of the RTE Radio Centre.

Track 5 off his new album “Summerhill”

Richard Wood and Gordon Belsher at the Colinsburgh Galloway Library, April 30th 2011.

Getting To Know Aulaga Folk from Spain(Interview)

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 1 Comment

Juan Carlos  from Extremadura Spain talks about his band and a beautiful wildflower where the name of the band was taken from.

Band website(in Spanish) http://www.aulagafolk.es/

Music is an emotional persuasion. Anyone who deals with it whither directly as a composer or passively as a listener will know what it takes to really appreciate it. It is a feeling that sweeps over you that sometimes, you are helpless under its spell.  Funny that that very thing that inspires us to do things can be both a blessing and a burden. Lucky are the few who made it by finding an outlet. Such is the music of Aulaga Folk.

Juan Carlos

Juan Carlos

Passion is evident in any Spanish melody. That is why we always see Latin singers as emotional and sizzling. It is that sensuality that drives the artists to bring out the best in what they do and also draw something from the listeners. But to find its very appeal and distinctive style then  fuse those with other styles can be a transforming experience.

There are different elements that colour the sound of Aulaga Folk. From the haunting Gregorian inspired vocalize that finds its way into some of the tracks, to the lively poly-rhythms of Jazz and World music, the band have something for everyone. Borrowing heavily from the Celtic sound of Galicia, Asturias, and the folk music of Spain itself, this unique band  are led by Juan Carlos. The the new album promises to enchant as well as to inspire listeners with its grace and sophistication. Here, he explains his thoughts about the band, the music and also how it is like carving a name for themselves in a world where styles can be an elusive thing.

    Why the name Aulaga folk?

Aulaga is a plant that grows abundant in  our land in the mountainous region. Once, the farmers hated it because it is a beautiful plant with yellow flowers but has  very sharp spikes which does injury to livestock and had to be avoided. I decided to take the name of this plant for the band.

How do you describe your style of music?

We try to make music without borders. We can call them a combination of ethnic rhythms and progressive folk. Anything that smacks of tradition seems very interesting. It is the music of the people and for the people . We keep the original root of the songs but we try to adapt to the times. Everything in life evolves and folk music as Celtic music that we know must also adapt to new times. It allows us  a fresh approach to the sound.

 Can you give us a description as to what the new album is all about?

Aulaga Folk have 3 albums already , the first “From Ambroz Our Way” is a compilation album of popular music of our valley. It is very traditional and also our first attempt in releasing a recorded album. The second album “Not Bad Wood” incorporates new rhythms and melodies. It also showcases how we evolved as musicians.  This third album is released in 2011, “A quarter” and it shows, or so we think, a greater variety of ethnic rhythms mixed with progressive folk. We have found our way into the work of collecting and disseminating traditional culture, not only in Extremadura, but in many parts of the world.

      Your music is lively and infectious. Was this intentional?

The folk music gives us plenty of feeling –be it joy, sorrow, work songs- in short, everything that is related to the life of our elderly. The treatment of the songs  is to try to make them as realistic as  possible with the environment where they originated from but at  the same time, trying to give them our own touch as a group and that leads many of them to be festive and contemporary. We always try to respect the richness of  the original melody, but by nature the music conveys feelings, sometimes joyful and festive and other times melancholic and profound.

   What’s fun about recording the new album A Quarter?

The most fun is doing what we like to do best: in this case translate the work and dedication to the collection and dissemination of popular music in all its possibilities. In the current album we have been fortunate to have great collaborations of national folk masters: Eliseo Parra, Joaquin Diaz, Manuel Luna, Javier Ruibal, and other artists who  participated in this work, which has filled us with satisfaction and pride. It has been a luxury to work with these great masters of music and the collection ofroots music. We had fun and learned a lot from the wisdom of established musicians.

Aulaga:a beautiful plant with yellow flowers but has very sharp spikes which does injury to livestock...

Aulaga:a beautiful plant with yellow flowers but has very sharp spikes which does injury to livestock...

 What were the challenges doing the new album?

Trying to get the traditional music and make it sound  current was quite a challenge. We are trying to reach out to   young people today to let them  become aware of their past which is for the sake of understanding the present so that we will walk steadily forward. Also, to discover what their grandparents were doing not so long ago, the roots and origins of the things that we are living right now, and finally to have a sense of history and a past that we are trying to retell. I think these were the challenges that we had creating A Quarter.

What keeps you guys together and what drives you to keep steady during tours and festivals at this time?

In these difficult times where the economy is so affected, most of the budget cuts are made in the areas of culture. Many of the festivals organizers do not know whether they will continue due to the budget cuts. The  future is uncertain this 2012. So we  reflected in our past, our roots, and we hope to continue tour with our work. We want to meet new people which is the most beautiful of the tours, and discover new places, enjoy the landscapes and its people-these are  really the most important and beautiful part of being in this business.

Exclusive Interview:Matthew Gilsenan of The Celtic Tenors.

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

I love almost all kinds of music. I remember that Classical music was the first that I heard as a child that made me ‘feel’ in  certain way and  that was overwhelming. Growing up, Celtic music found its way into the mix. The marriage of both is just stunning. Classical, Folk, Rock, Jazz…it doesn’t really matter. They are part of the bigger picture which is music.

***

A couple of years ago , I got myself a copy of a magazine called “The A to Z of Irish Music”. It’s got artists like Enya, Christy Moore, Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy, Andrea Corr and bands like The Cranberries, U2 and others. That’s where I read about Matthew Gilsenan and The Celtic Tenors. Fast forward a few years and I got the CD Feels Like Home which is the title track and also a great song originally done by Chantal Kreviazuk for the TV series Dawson’s Creek.

I have my personal favorites and among them is the Mary Fahl pinned Going Home from Gods and Generals which opens the album with Uilleann pipes leading the way. Right now the CD is blasting in my stereo speakers and it’s been months since I got my hands on this gem and the experience never wanes.

Mathew took time to let CMF fire away these questions.

The Irish music scene is a relatively polar one. rock, opera, folk and traditional all tend to stay away from each other. There are of course notable exceptions, but it is hard when you are trying to carve a new genre which is really what we’re doing.

I have Feels Like Home and it is a rewarding listening experience. What are your own favorite tracks in the album?

Galileo was the surprise for me. I found it hugely challenging initially and really thought I couldn’t do the great song justice but living and living with it and with the lads and Martin’s skill and encouragement along with Gavin’s inspirational arrangement of the orchestra, I think we nailed it. I think it’s one of the great love songs of our time. not just that it’s my solo

How did you train to become a classical crossover singer?

I have been singing as a natural singer from when I was 6 but I have always had an interest in training. Catholic Ireland made sure that the nuns got me for my first few years I did grades and did well. I then felt it was totally uncool so I stopped aged 11 or 12. Then began again when I went to university.I joined the college of music in Dublin and from there I was smitten with learning the technique and I’m still at it. Mary Brennan was the teacher I’ve learnt most from but the icing for me is my current guy, Peter Alexander Wilson from Scotland. a fine tenor himself and he just knows his SH**.

What’s great about being part of The Celtic Tenors?

Apart from the obvious joys of singing songs that I love it’s that I work with people I really like. The team really works and it’s always huge fun.
You guys have been busy since late last year promoting the album. What’s memorable about 2011?
The most memorable thing for me about 2011 was probably singing on the top of the Irish consul general to the UN’s apartment in Manhattan at Christmas time. New York is a stunning city and I’ve never seen it look so beautiful as on that night. Also the sheer joy of making this record. It’s the first time we’ve been directly involved with actually producing one. We got what we wanted, but the next one will be even better….haha

The next one? Gotta wait for that one too! According to my research, you also worked as an Engineer. How  do you balance music and career ? Well, we can say that this is your musical career which is really rewarding. But to be a man with two worlds, this is very interesting.

I do have a BE from University College Dublin and worked, full time as an Engineer for almost 5 years. I worked for Baker Perkins in the UK as a process engineer specializing in high power microwave. But in 1998 I took 6 months break to explore singing as a career. One thing led to another and I ended up founding the Celtic Tenors in 2000 with James and another singer. So I took a longer break from the engineering and have been singing full time since.
I will always be an engineer, I do believe that it is a state of mind so I do feel like I’m both, living in symbiotic craziness.

Photo by Barry McCall 2011.

DARYL SIMPSON, MATTHEW GILSENAN and JAMES NELSON Photo by Barry McCall 2011.

I am sure there is a child out there who aspires to be like you one day. What would you suggest to people who want to make it in the music scene?

Listen to people who have been in the business and take only the tips and “must-dos” try to take advice from people who are successful in the business. There are many people who don’t make it work, It is hard but not impossible.

Your albums are successful in your native country as well as other parts of the world. What’s the state of the Irish music scene when it comes to this genre that you are involved with?

The Irish music scene is a relatively polar one. rock, opera, folk and traditional all tend to stay away from each other. There are of course notable exceptions, but it is hard when you are trying to carve a new genre which is really what we’re doing. We have our detractors but in the main we are being hugely supported by most of the traditionalists and Classical people as well as the rockers and folkies. Our aim is genuinely trying to produce something of musical merit and quality that is at least trying to be progressive.
Do you get bookings or invitations on your own? How are they like?

I do solo work from time to time. I love it, I get to sing just the songs that I like, no compromises it’s a slightly different vibe show. I miss the guys but I could do it as a thing at a push.

10 things you can’t live without when you are stranded on a ..let us say a remote island.

1. A heard of goats eating and drinking
2. Excellent Computer with high-speed internet.
3. Pen and Paper
4. A piano
5. A microphone.
6. A fresh water spring.
7. My Family.
8. sun cream,
9. A nice apartment.
10. A sea plane fuelled up.

There you go guys, Matthew Gilsenan of The Celtic Tenors. Matthew it has been an honor for  CMF to be able to get in touch with you and ask you these questions directly. I am sure you have countless fans out there who want to find out things about you and The Celtic Tenors but which other magazines or media failed to print. They can use this site as reference. For that thank you so much. You can purchase a copy of Feels Like Home through their website http://www.celtic-tenors.com/ as well as Amazon uk.

P.S. Thanks to Anita Daly for sending me the album/