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Check Out Wales-based Celtic-Classical Crossover band, The Meadows!

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 5 Comments

I said several hours ago, that I am excited to check the inbox of The Celtic Music Fan Facebook page. You just don’t know what’s coming in (although you have a control of what’s going out). So this is what I got. A group of young musicians from Wales. They are already accomplishing their civic/charitable activities at a young age. I think this is amazing in an time where a lot of teens would demand for the latest iPhone or Go Pro camera. These artists are attuned to a higher calling and I wish them well and looking forward to their growth as artists and individuals. I posted the message below:

“Happy greetings from Wales-based Celtic-Classical Crossover band, The Meadows! 🙂 Here’s our version of the Traditional Irish piece, Toss the Feathers: –https://youtu.be/7N7AAtErl9w It was filmed on November 2014 at St. Teilo’s Church, Llandeilo during our Wales Air Ambulance fundraising tour. Come and ‘like’ us on our Facebook page: –www.facebook.com/TheMeadowsMusic We welcome subscribers to our Youtube channel: –https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeiZOSVzBTYY_YyKDOLiVbQ (Or search Youtube for ‘The Meadows Cymru’ or ’The Meadows Wales’) Cheery wishes, The Meadows“

Listening to Ramblin’ with the Rats – Stolen Songs of Struggle by The Rathmines

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It’s been a while since I checked my Celtic Music Fan Facebook inbox. I got a neat message from these German artists. I am enjoying their new album. They have a general appeal as they combine folk, rock, reggae and traditional Irish. A really fun album you should listen when you are depressed.I am attaching the note below:

I hope this finds you well! We are The Rathmines, 4 guys from Berlin, Germany addicted to folk (mostly Irish plus own compositions). We make folk which locates somewhere between The Clancy Brothers and The Pogues but mostly with a critical or political attitude. Last year we released our first album “Ramblin’ with the Rats – Stolen Songs of Struggle” and after we celebrated it with numerous gigs in and outside of Berlin I think it is now about time to widen our audience. Whether getting featured, reviewed or put on a playlist we think it is worth to lend us an ear and see what we’ve done with 16 songs (including 4 own songs) in the living room of our singer. I admit – it is not the same without a chanting and beer drinking crowd in the background. Enough text now – if you like to take a listen, you find our album playable on bandcamp (www.therathmines.bandcamp.com). If you like it I am happy to send one or the other copy of our CD over.

In the social media world you find us here:

Website: www.therathmines.de

Twitter: https://twitter.com/therathmines

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjqdfRC8bbe5XAxpemejP7Q

Facebook: http://www.facebook.de/therathmines

Bandcamp: therathmines.bandcamp.com

Songkick: https://www.songkick.com/artists/8249003-rathmines

Reverbnation: http://www.Reverbnation.com/therathmines

So far from my end and a happy week!

René

‘When Music Speaks’ by Ranagri as Part of National Charity, Music in Hospitals

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https://www.facebook.com/RanagriMusic?fref=photo

I am one of the staunch supporters of the belief that music heals the soul. I think as we help people recover physically, it is also important to look after their emotional and mental recovery. I am delighted to know that one of the bands I covered in the past is part of this charity project. The music of Ranagri is a fusion of traditional Celtic, World, Jazz and Classical music. The energy is irresistible which fills you with joy and makes you want to dance. Here’s the statement from the group about ‘When Music Speaks.’

We are very proud to be associated with this project for the great national charity Music in Hospitals (est 1948). ‘When Music Speaks’ will be released on May 10th for Mental Health Foundation awareness week. 100% of the proceeds from this song will go to MIH enabling fantastic free concerts in a variety of health care establishments. Please support them by pre ordering ‘When Music Speaks’ here https://itunes.apple.com/…/when-music-speaks-si…/id977780090

Get your copies of The Widening Gyre by Altan now!

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“The title The Widening Gyre appeals to us and depicts the spiral of life, widening and embracing the new. It has an innate energy. We think that idea is reflected in the album’s music,” says Mairéad.

Every Altan release is defined by craft and experience. The Widening Gyre is no exception. It just goes to prove that Altan continues to feel the excitement and growth of their music after being together for so many years. Batch mates include Clannad and the Domhnaill siblings (and you see them together in concerts and tours occasionally). Maggie’s Pancakes is the first single off The Widening Gyre which was presented on the RTE One sessions. The music is irresistible which is something that Altan have given us through the years. I have read so many positive reviews and my newsfeed is flowering with links posted by fans of the band.altan-widening-gyre-600

At the centre of this artistic band is the fiddler extraordinaire Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh. I follow her on social media not solely for her talent but also for her advocacy. She is a staunch supporter of causes that matter in Ireland and the world. She is really outspoken with her beliefs. Traditional Irish musicians have been pigeonholed as people who are just mainly concerned with the stye of music that they’re playing – which is reasonable given the kind of discipline that goes to the mastery of the instruments. But this revelation proves that the traditional music community is constantly evolving comprising of people who are forward thinkers and visionaries. It is a great genre with great people around it.

So if you have not yet gotten your copy of The Widening Gyre by Altan, you better get one! The music will embrace you and keep you happy through troubled times.

Are you ready for a giant low-low D concertina?

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Musician Cormac Begley, redefines the Traditional Irish musical instrument with the giant concertina.

This has been circulating round social media that it’s hard to ignore. Concertinas are awesome and I am glad there are artists who are pushing the limits in redesigning the instrument. I think traditional Irish music needs something like this because it adds variety to the mix. Just imagine new traditinal tunes that could be written just for it! Here’s the link to the original article: http://www.thedronenews.org/#!CORMAC-BEGLEY-UNVEILS-NEW-LOWLOW-D-CONCERTINA/c1kod/551c18fc0cf215f35a319658