Still…reeling from being drained. The weekend moved on. The only thing to confess about having a social life was Saturday night’s dinner party where I got so tipsy I was telling people stories about my life reserved for the very few. But it’s been ages since I’ve blundered. Yet the term only applies when a mistake is serious right? But thinking about it couldn’t be that serious. I realize I will face these people later. Still I am glad I was out. Sort of dulls the intensity of thoughts and feelings.
Now moving on to our music news…
Guitar Bliss.
What a nice thing to find four-minute of guitar bliss from this music video. Believe me my attention was captivated. I can just close my eyes and hum along the tune. So beautiful. You need to bookmark this guy and follow his career. Luca is the name…
Fans of Comhaltas live surely know this amazing chap. His amazing guitar playing has been wowing audiences around the Celtic world when he won the All-Ireland in senior fiddle as well as other instruments like the concertina.
With or Without You is one of U2s biggest hits in the late 80s. Everybody knows this song. Even if you aren’t a rock fanatic I am sure you’ve heard of Bono and the gang. Now this song has been given a Celtic twist and I think it is amazing. The strength of the song lies with the fact that whatever suit you put it in, it would still sound good. This is the proof guys. I am liking Celtic Crossroads more and more due to this.
It is amazing to see another Asian make an impressive performance. Bodhran virtuoso Takeaki Nagahama gives it all. What I like about improvised sessions is that everyone can do what they want on stage. And everyone is involved: the musicians, audience and dancers. This guy is amazing. I will keep an eye on him.
For those seeking solitude and healing, here’s one great tune. Here’s the info: ‘Gearr Aonach’, this piece is the first movement of a three-movement work for flute and piano, written by Scottish-American composer Jennifer Margaret Barker. The flautist is Laurie Baefsky. The footage was filmed in Scotland by British cameraman John Anthony Palmer. The music was recorded by Grammy-winning recording engineer, Andreas Meyer. The music and the footage is copyrighted by the composer and all rights are reserved . My thoughts: I love the look of the video. As for the music, when Classical meets tradition, it’s always a good fusion. I love the sound of the flute because it is such a calming instrument. What about you? What’s your favorite calming instrument?
The Celtic Harp or Clarsach is a Scottish harp of small size. It’s a beautiful instrument. The sound is superb which is likened twinkling little stars in the night sky. Here it is played by an artist by the name of Josephine.
Wow take a look at this harp. I love discovering not just new music but also odd instruments. I think music nowadays does not only sound good but also look good. Enjoy! More info about this piece:
Acacia Lyra performing Chanter Meets the Fairy King on the V68 Harp.
Acacia Lyra – Susan Sweeney Herman & Janine Dudding, http://www.acacialyra.com. “Chanter Meets the Fairy King”…Trad Arr by Acacia Lyra;
Hi guys. I feel so washed up this week. But I am here because this is the only thing that keeps me going. When everything fails, music is your only friend until the end(to quote from Jim Morrison). I want to thank Gavern for sending me a message through twitter “Remember, live in the moment and if the moment is too painful, live in the music”. Thanks Gavern for the helping hand. Up until now I feel like I am still stumbling through life half aware of what to do and sometimes don’t know what to do. Once in a while a helping hand comes along and I really appreciate it. I live for sweetness. Don’t know what I’d do without it. So this article is a tribute to positivity …
Honorable mention goes to of course my friend Gavern. His project Celtic Adrenalin is on the making. His website has been updated too. Check out http://www.gavern.com/….
It wouldn’t be surprising that UK musician Mary-Jessis having a crossover appeal form both Asian and European listeners. Her music isn’t really Celtic but Celtic music listeners will love it! The new album Shine is available now. She also recorded a soundtrack for the series Downton Abbey. Here’s the update from her recent appearance in Follow her on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/maryjessmusic…..
I mentioned I received the new album by The Gothard Sisters right? I am really enjoying it. For those who don’t know what Story Girl sounds like, think of Fantasy soundtrack meets Celtic Woman. The album is a combination of lively tracks and relaxing ones. Here’s a nice EPK : ….
Blast from the past: I accidentally stumbled upon this great track by Stockton’s Wing from 1987. I am a fan of banjo music. Love it!!!!
More info about the track: “Slipslide” performed by Stocktons wing 1987. Paul Roche – Flute/Whistle, Maurice Lennon – Fiddle, Kieran Hanrahan – Banjo, Mike Hanrahan – Guitar Vocals, Peter Keenan – Keyboards, Robbie Casserly – Drums, John Walsh – Bass. …..
I heard this whisper and I wondered,
I heard this laugh and then I knew.
The time is getting near my friends,
The time that I hold dear my friends,
The veil is getting thin my friends,
And strange things will pass through. The Veil is Getting Thinner
One of the most important time of the year is here. Halloween or as the Celts call it Samhain. Events in our lives can alter the things we do. I noticed this lately, when I had to do things I normally don’t do because I had to. I am sure you out there are given the task of doing what you must do because no one else can do it. It is an honor and a burden at the same time.
You know, when it comes to family emergencies or situations that need our best judgement, I say that personal issues have to be set aside. As what I remember from my friend who became a mother once said. “Depression has no space in my life when another life depends upon me. My youthful angst just flies out of the window”. It is true. There are times when we are called upon to act and do what’s necessary, even if it means sacrificing the things that make us glad.
This year has been very confusing. But there’s an anchor that keeps me grounded. And that is loving the things I do. I might not be an excellent blogger- and I know I do have my technical errors and stuff. But I do know that I care about what I am doing. Can’t live without it. In the midst of the tempest that that threatens to destroy us…we got to have something to believe in and to hold on. It has been a great loving year with you my readers. And I just want you to know that I am grateful for everything. Me might not talk face to face. I might not see you in person. But I treasure this connection we have. It is the the thing that makes everything worthwhile. May you find peace and happiness wherever you are. And I hope I do the same.
Jeremy and his band have been creating energetic music that fuses everything. If you live in the Czech Republic you can catch them live. An experience not to be missed.
If you are a subscriber of this site then you would remember how I like to mention the projects of Jenne Lennon again and again. Her collaboration with Liz Madden known as Shishonnah has been getting great reviews from all around and I can attest to that . I heard the two songs already and fell in love with them. “Dance with the River” released on I-tunes on April 2nd is a beautiful evocative and percussive track that calls to mind the works of Loreena McKennitt, Dead Can Dance and Clannad. These two artists are a force of nature together. Jenne hosts her own podcast called Wind Talker Podcast: http://windtalkerradio.blogspot.com/ and I am a regular listener. The podcast focuses more on individuals trying to make a difference and going on their way to say yes when people say no. I love the message of her show and I wish her to continue touching more minds…Please listen tune in to her show.
Lovers of Welsh Celtic music have something worth listening to. At the same time you guys will find a lot of info in this site. This week it highlights the works of Breton singer/composer Dom Duff. This is a nice radio station .
If you haven’t “liked” The Bombadils yet, then it is a musical experience you should not miss. Check out the band’s music player in their Official Facebook Page . Can’t wait for the official album launch. Just saying hi to the band.
Now we all know that Texas based Celtic rock band Cleghorn are busy composing new songs and promoting their music through live shows. You will be happy to know that they have come up with new videos for their new tunes. I am glad 9 Minutes of Woo has been documented. This anthemic piece sends chills down my spine. How can I resist? Cleghorn rules!!!! Now if you have facebook you can check these wonderful photos from their recent performance during Pirate Days of Texas 2011.
I promote Marc Gunn‘s Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. You hear real music here. Where else anyway? Been a follower of his blog for a while now and he offers nothing but the best music reviews and MP3s to listen to in order to sample artist works. Check him out friends .
..well that’s it for today. I will let you hear more of my ‘confessions’ later . Take care folks. Trick or Treat!
As the world turns, the music spins. We have music news as well as up and coming. Thank goodness it’s a weekend. The week went by in a blur. What have you been doing folks? If you ask me, been busy with domestic stuff as well as renewing old ties with friends. And nothing beats the moment of having the soundtrack of your life help you recall those moments in time when everything was perfect and you thought that moment was not going to end….
First up is the upcoming concert of fiddle maestro Maurice Lennon: The time: 31 October · 21:00 – 23:30. The venue: Traditional Harcourt Sessions, Harcourt Hotel, Harcourt St Dublin 2. Here’s the specific invite for those who are interested, additional info here:
Bank Holiday Monday Special Concert !
Tickets in Advance €10 cc Bookings to 01 4783677 No Fees charge Generous Student/Sen Citz Concessions with ID on night
Adm on door on night €12 . Visit the following website for more info:
I think this is an event not to be missed. I love his style and I am sure you want to bring your friends along for some craic after great music.
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Dornoch Castle hotel will be shaking with musical vibration and good vibes. This is going to be a fund raising headed by Scottish painter Paul Taggart.
Date:
04 November at 19:00 – Sunday, 04 March 2012 at 23:30
For those who don’t have a copy of Feels Like Home by The Celtic Tenors, I encourage you to get one. You will really, really enjoy the music. If you love traditional Irish music, Celtic Thunder, The High Kings, Anuna, and Gregorian, then you will love the combination in The Celtic Tenors.
The guys are:
MATTHEW GILSENAN
Matthew Gilsenan was born into a hard-working farming family in North Meath. Steeped in the local musical traditions and raised by parents who shared a great love for music, from the great composers to obscure Irish folk, Matthew (along with all his siblings) was born to sing.
His classical training started in the Sisters of Mercy convent in Kells, Co.Meath, aged 10, and progressed to some of the great Irish and Scottish teachers. Although he ventured into opera and classical singing, Matthew never lost his love for the music of his youth, in particular the vibrant contemporary Irish music which is his great source of inspiration.
Matthew’s busy singing life ran in parallel with his engineering career, but his desire to sing was too strong, and ten years ago he turned to singing professionally.
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JAMES NELSON
James Nelson, from Sligo, is a BA.,B.Mus (Hons) graduate from UCD, and a student of David Harper (UK), Britta Sundberg(SWE) & Edith Forrest (IRL).
Highlights from an oratorio rep of 60 works include Golgotha (Martin) in Bern&Zurich, and L’Enfance du Christ (Berlioz) alongside Katia Ricciarelli in Rome. More than 50 roles in opera include Pinkerton (Butterfly) in Kent, Lensky (Onegin), Alfredo (Traviata), Tichon (Katya) in Portugal, Basilio (Figaro) with Raymond Leppard for Scottish Opera, and roles for Opera Ireland, Opera Theatre Co, Singapore Lyric, New Israeli, and Wexford & Buxton Festivals.
James writes a column for the “Sligo Weekender”, and is part of an ongoing building project in Nairobi (Kenya) helping give AIDS orphans a second chance at life, as well as teaching them music&performing in concerts with the kids. A debut CD is available – “Cheryl’s Children – On Top of the World”.
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DARYL SIMPSON
Daryl Simpson, from Omagh in Northern Ireland, studied singing with tenors Peter Alexander Wilson and Nicolai Gedda, and completed his Opera Masters Degree at the Alexander Gibson Opera School in Glasgow.
Daryl joined Opera Theatre Company’s “Young Associate Artist Scheme”, performing in many recitals and broadcasts, and in Monteverdi’s Coronation of Poppea. Daryl furthered his studies at Zurich’s “Internationales Opern Studio”, where he sang Tamino (Die Zauberflute), and roles in Les Mamelles de Tirusias (Poulenc) for Oper Zurich.
As well as performing worldwide on the concert platform, Daryl is also the Musical Director of the Omagh Community Youth Choir, which was set up in the wake of the Omagh atrocity to promote peace and reconciliation through music.
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COLM ROGAN – MUSICAL DIRECTOR.
Colm Rogan was born in County Louth into a very musical family. He began piano lessons aged 8 and succeeded quickly, earning a distinction in his final grade by age 15. From there, Colm developed a love of all kinds of music including Pop, Blues and Rock, and dedicated time to becoming proficient in other instruments including guitar, bass and drums.
Colm went on to graduate from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth with a B.Mus (Hons) degree, specialising in composition. During his time at Maynooth, Colm was active in meeting Ireland’s foremost composers and his compositions have been performed by members of the RTE Symphony Orchestra.
After completing his studies at Maynooth, Colm spent time working as a live and recording artist before taking up the position of Musical Director of the Celtic Tenors.
Colm is thrilled about his future with the Celtic Tenors and is delighted to be touring as a vital part of the team.
From November to December, they will be in the US for concerts:
It is lovely to hear news from Fiona J Mackenzie every now and then. I still enjoy her last release “A Good Suit of Clothes” and I think it is a must for those who love the beauty of Scottish Gaelic singing. She will be in the US soon! Catch her live as she conducts Gaelic workshops and concerts next month- concert in Atlanta, Tues 8 Nov- Java Monkey @8pm. Then in Albuquerque as follows- workshop, Sat 12 Apple Mountain Music @2pm. Concerts- Mon 14th – Main library and Cherry Hills Library- see http://www.ampconcerts.org/index.php for more updates. For those who are interested to get a copy of her albums, check this link: http://www.fionamackenzie.org/Recordings.html
I received the Feels Like Home CD by The Celtic Tenors in the mail yesterday. Special thanks to my friend Anita Daly of Daly Communications for making Celtic music accessible to everybody. From the first track “Going Home , written by Mary Fahl up to the last track “Westering Home”, The Celtic Tenors know how to captivate listeners with their amazing individual styles and vocal harmonies. Superb arrangements and awesome packaging. Love it to bits! I will make a comprehensive review soon and a possible interview with them.
I received an early copy of Story Girl, the new album by The Gothard Sisters. The trio have what ti takes to really grow and conquer more ears in the industry because of their overwhelming talent. Thy can play, compose and dance. They are also photogenic. Story Girl is a perfect album for the season because it rings of winter. Their classical discipline also helps in making the album having that crossover appeal . Together with the CD is this amazing note from Willow:
Hi Jose!
I hope you enjoy
our new music!
Here’s an early
copy of
“Story Girl”
for you
❤ Willow
Well, what can I say Willow? I love the album. It’s like chocolate for a lonely day. It’s bright, cheerful and has that crystal sparkle. looking forward to get a story out of you and the rest 🙂
Celtic Music Fan 