But we’re never gonna survive, unless…
We get a little crazy -Seal
Embracing Life Without Hesitation
A friend who is studying the Uilleann Pipes sent me a recording of his very first session. I pondered on it for a few moments before hitting the ‘play’ button, after it was successfully downloaded. Of all the things we traded together, I think it was the most important gift I ever received. It was his first recorded musical performance. I feel like a doting older brother.
For a starter he impressed me. He was still doing the 70 bpm with little slips-very little. He sprinted the perilous notes without hesitation. The confidence made me smile. I have been interviewing seasoned musicians from all around. But to get something from someone who was just starting is like watching a child open his eyes for the first time. You want to know what happens next. You treat it like a precious plant that needs watering and sunlight. It was the idea of getting “there” that’s exciting.
That’s why I love what I do. I love being close to musicians and knowing what they do or how they think. People ask me if I have a band and if I play music too. I explain that I am a music blogger and would remain so. I am not a musician but I understand music. It is nice to have a view from here. To see the people you admire- the musicians – doing creative things with sound and instruments.
The Bombadils are a band that is on top of my list to watch out for this year. My friend from the band Luke Fraser plays the guitar in this track. Sarah Frank plays the violin.
Update: Just chatted with Luke and he told me he is heading to Nashville for a couple of shows. It should be awesome! CMF is rooting for you and the rest of your band buddy.
What I like about electronic music is its ability to create different palettes on a single sound. Synthesizers have a way adding flourishes on a single note that is not possible with acoustic instruments. I love atmospheric music and the artist Skully does it good with Irish Makeover. Here, you get to listen to traditional tracks with ambient treatment.Futuristic and ancient at the same time. Dreamy soundscapes, gentle electronic effects and loops are meant to enhance the sound without sacrificing the structure of the songs. Skully is really making music that is irresistible, enigmatic and worth your time after a hard day’s work.
“I even played bass for a while. Besides playing electric guitar, I’d also get asked to play some acoustic stuff. But, since I didn’t have an acoustic guitar at the time, I used to borrow one from a friend so I could play folk joints. “ -Mark Knopfler
The Bombadils from Montréal, Québec captured my attention with their energetic playing, catchy melodies and interesting combination of styles. From Classical, Jazz, Bluegrass and Celtic; the mix will keep listeners engaged until the last track is played. This interview started out with Luke Fraser and then everyone got involved in answering the questions.
Listening to Ally Bally is quite an experience. There are tender as well as frenetic moments that can be found in one track alone. The Jazz and folk influences are unmistakable but you guys are able to make everything sound controlled. How is it possible to come up with such distinct mix?
It’s a result of our various backgrounds and influences and the fact that first and foremost we are close friends, secondly band members. We all have classical training which Luke, Sarah, and Noam are currently furthering, while Anh and Evan have branched off to jazz. We wanted to start a folk music group and it was only natural for these influences to come through. The accessibility of music in the digital age makes it easy to be influenced by a variety of styles, but it’s the live exposure to music that really gives us a reason to play it. Montreal is a very culturally rich city so it allows us to experience the styles we love in a live setting, be it listening, jamming, or performing.
I noticed that Luke’s guitar playing in Galway Girl(A Steve Earle original) is very clear together with beautiful lead vocals and harmony. I love the unique percussion here. What’s the inspiration for this arrangement?And what made you guys decide to record this track?
Galway Girl is a song Luke used to sing with Tristan Legg in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The first few months of The Bombadils were actually before we met Luke. We finally met him at a party and Galway Girl was one of the songs we jammed. One of the many great things Luke brought to the band was this song, and since then it has gone over well around the campfire and on stage. It’s one of those songs that doesn’t seem to get old no matter how much we play it.
All credit for the percussion goes to Noam. In this group he plays a South American instrument called the cajon– basically a drum-kit in a box.
Would you please tell us the story behind the instrumental track The Scholar?
Sarah and Luke had to learn some Irish sets for a wedding they played with Jean Duval, a notable flute player from Quebec, and this set was in his repertoire. It’s also a set that Sarah has been working on with the renowned Irish fiddler, James Kelly.
The Bombadils:Luke Fraser,Evan Peter Hodgson Stewart, Noam Bierstone, Sarah Frank and Anh Phung . Photo by Marshall Gayman
Sarah Frank’s vocals are beautiful! And her violin playing is always jaw dropping. Angeline Baker is a very old song which dates back to 1850. I see a reference here. What made you guys decide to sweep off the dust form this old tune and make it new?
This is a popular tune in the bluegrass and old time world. We were mostly inspired by two arrangements: by Chris Thile and by Crooked Still. The High Reel and Mountain Road are a couple fiddle tunes we threw in to put a Celtic stamp on it.
Tullochgorum is a popular piece done by the likes of Dougie MacLean, Natalie Macmaster and Ashley McIsaac among others.Are there traditional pieces you wish made it to the recording?
The tracks we have are only the beginning of what we would like to record. We will be working on a full-length CD this fall and would definitely like to include a variety of traditional tunes. Montreal inspires us put in some Quebecois and Irish tunes, and being so close to the United States, we’re able to travel and get a taste of bluegrass and old time styles.
You guys came from McGill Univeristy. How was it possible for you all to sit down together to form band? I am sure there are musician cliques out there but how was this decided-and even the name Bombadils. Who made this up?
Again, it starts with friendship. That’s what this music is about, it’s about socializing and sharing music. Evan and Sarah have known each other since high school and they moved to Montreal at the same time. Sarah and Anh became fast friends within the first week of school, and met Noam shortly after. As far as we knew, he was a percussion player like any of the others. Lucky for us, he’s one of the best!
Tom Bombadil is a character in The Fellowship of the Ring (first book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy). He speaks in seven beat metre which is our guess to why Nickel Creek used 7/4 time to write a tune called “In the House of Tom Bombadil.” We’re all very inspired by Nickel Creek’s virtuoso mandolinist Chris Thile.
How do you describe each member’s personality in a few words?
We could try to answer this question properly but it’s really just an opportunity for us to make fun of each other…
“There is no such thing as a forgotten tradition. It is possible to neglect such traditions, but these can always be recovered. No tradition never dies until the last person who honours it dies”–Wallace Black Elk
Celtic Rose is an enchanting and captivating album. Hayley Griffiths has a full-bodied voice that calls to mind the mermaids I saw in Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Celtic Rose is a collection of feel-good tracks. She lends us her time today as she answers several questions, which I am sure will convince you to get this album.
*What is the concept behind Celtic Rose?
After years of touring all over the world with ‘Riverdance’, Michael Flatley’s ‘Lord of the Dance’ and Ragús I thought it was about time I put together a recording of all the songs that I’d been performing for years. As the album took shape I choose to include my most favourite Celtic songs, with a good mix of Traditional and Contemporary material. As I have Scottish roots I also included a gorgeous John Douglas song I first heard Eddi Reader sing, called ‘Wild Mountainside.’ I’m delighted that after 7 years of being affiliated with all the Major Irish Productions, I have an album that represents exactly what I’ve been up to!
*How is this album different from Silver Screen? What can listeners expect out of Celtic Rose ?
‘Silver Screen’ is a completely Original Album. I co-wrote all of the tracks along with my Production Team, Surefire Music Group. Named Silver Screen for it’s dramatic soundtrack quality, we encompassed elements of classical and Celtic Music and laced it with more modern heavy percussion, synth sounds, dramatic melodic progressions and R&B style vocal harmonies and layering. The powerful thought-provoking lyrics and catchy melodies helped bring a more modern, edgy approach to the Classical Crossover genre. I’m delighted that because of this, the album went on to win Classical Crossover Album of the Year 2010. ‘Celtic Rose’ is a very different album in that it represents a collection of much loved Irish and Scottish songs, traditional and Contemporary. These include, Danny Boy, You Raise Me Up, Galway Bay and Carrickfergus.
*I notice you go for stripped down arrangement on this one, sometimes with acoustic guitar or piano. What’s with the decision to simplify the tracks?
Part of my inspiration to put together ‘Celtic Rose’ was the fantastic Trad musicians I am working with. I am currently in the only all live- Irish music and dance production, ‘Ragús’ and the band are just incredible. I am very lucky to have had them all play on ‘Celtic Rose’. ‘Silver Screen’ was a dramatic cinematic album with layer upon layer of instruments and harmony, creating a rich texture. The selection of tracks in ‘Celtic Rose’ didn’t warrant the same treatment. I had to stay true to the traditional songs, and telling the stories, but at the same time create new and exciting arrangements. Danny Boy for instance is stripped back to just voice and guitars. This is to really let the beauty of the vocal line and lyrics shine through. But we have also produced much grander arrangements for tracks like Isle of Hope and You Raise Me Up.
*Your pure soprano shines in every track. There are songs that are sung simply and there are ‘showy ones’ how do you decide it is the style you need to do in a specific track?
I was very fortunate to work with a great producer, Conal Early who produced and played (Guitars, Keys, Piano and Bass) on all the arrangements. We worked together to decide which tracks we thought needed the full treatment of the whole band and percussion and which just warranted the elegance of acoustic guitar or harp and voice. It is through the mix of Traditional and Contemporary songs where you’ll get the slight vocal variations with the pure traditional Lagan Love and the more music theatre style of Galway Bay or Song For Ireland.
*How was the whole recording experience doing Celtic Rose?
Recording ‘Celtic Rose’ was immense fun and hard work! Working with such talented musicians made it a really enjoyable experience though. It was great hearing the tracks gradually coming to life as each of the different instruments got added. ‘Celtic Rose’ was recorded in Dublin and then I flew out to Boston for a week of mixing and mastering at Surefire Studios.
*Are there notable names you worked with in this album?
All of the musicians are part of ‘Ragús The Show’. We are currently in The Burlington Hotel, Dublin for the summer, before embarking on a tour of Holland, Belgium and Japan. Conal Early produced and arranged the album. He is currently touring as Tommy Flemming’s guitarist. The Band are- Connor Smith (Flute, Whistles) Seána Davey (Harp), Garry O’Meara (Mandolin, Banjo, and Backing Vocals) and Brian Garvin (Fiddle and Bodhran)
*What are the promotional plans for Celtic Rose?
Celtic Rose is available to download on iTunes and Amazon. Signed copies can be purchased at www.hayleygriffiths.com. We are currently booking a US tour for 2012, for the latest news and tour dates, you can check out the website.
*Tell us about the experience working with the Michael Flatley’s ensemble?
Working in ‘Michael Flatley’s ‘Lord of the Dance’ and ‘Feet of Flames’ has been an amazing opportunity. I have toured all over the world, performed in over 370 Cities across 4 continents. I have been to nearly every state of North America, and got to sing for over 20, 000 people in Taiwan at the Taipei Arena. Without these opportunities neither of my albums would have come to fruition. The buzz and adrenalin you get performing in these shows with there sell out crowds and standing ovations is just incredible.
*I am an Enya fan.You have a unique take on May It Be. What made you decide to include this on the list?
I am also a great fan, and it was important to me to include an Enya track after she was such a huge influence whilst writing, ‘Silver Screen.’ I just loved Enya’s cinematic style and soaring vocal lines, which was the exact direction we wanted to take ‘Silver Screen’ in but with a more modern and edgy approach. ‘May it Be’ seemed the perfect atmospheric choice for the new album, straight from the movie, ‘Lord of the Rings’ it seemed to nicely follow through with the soundtrack style theme of ‘Silver Screen.’ It’s a very strong, yet still emotive piece, which I’m delighted to have included.
*Song For Ireland has been identified with Mary Black. I personally love your version. Any interesting story touring Ireland?
Mary Black; another amazing singer who I’m a huge fan of! ‘Celtic Rose’ covers 3 songs that she’s sung in her long career, as I couldn’t choose between them! ‘Song For Ireland’ is also on the album as its the final song I perform in Ragús. I have only had the opportunity to tour Ireland a little bit when I was with ‘Lord of the Dance’ and we performed in Dublin, Castlebar, Derry and Belfast. But as I’m here in Dublin for the summer now (singing with Ragús 6 nights a week) I’ll hopefully get the chance to explore a lot more of Ireland! A few years ago I did get to visit Carrickfergus, after many many years of singing it in ‘Lord of the Dance’ and that song is also now on the album.
*Let us discuss the voice.I am sure everyone who hears you will agree that you have such an amazing voice. But tell us, how did Hayley Griffiths attained such kind of vocal power, the technique and training behind it?
Firstly, thank you and I truly hope that everyone will really enjoy the album, I’m very proud of it. I was Classically trained from the age of 7, I had a wonderful teacher Louise Crane, who fine tuned my technique as she took me right through all the Associated Board exams up to my ABRSM diploma. For this I had to learn to sing in Italian, French and German as well. It is also vital to look after your voice and try to stay healthy, especially whilst touring and performing every night of the week. This is when technique becomes very important so as not to damage or strain the voice.
(R) Jenne Lennon (L) Liz Madden Photo by Roland Labana
Once you choose hope, anything’s possible. ~Christopher Reeve
Hope is the physician of each misery. ~Irish Proverb
The new single from duo Jenne Lennon and Liz Madden known as Shishonnah will definitely thrill fans of Loreena McKennitt, Connie Dover and Enya! The song “I Will Carry You” starts out with a gentle piano melody that builds up into a sweeping choral and chamber extravaganza. The classically trained lush voice of Jenne, and Liz’s supple ethereal folk voice compliment each other well- like they’ve been born to sing together. This song talks about hope and healing amidst all the pains that life hands us. Listening it again and again is such a joy!
Their first single Dance with the River is so unique and powerful. Especially the chanting and percussion part. This is a kind of song that I think Capercaillie wish they recorded.
Jenne Lennon:
Known as “The Janis Joplin of Celtic Music!”, Jenne’s mission as an artist is to become the first American singer/songwriter internationally known in the new genre of Celtic World Fusion music, and to use her music as a platform for social awareness of poverty, AIDS and Native American rights http://jennelennon.com/ and http://www.glencoerecords.com/
Liz Madden
“If a harp had a voice, it would sound like Liz Madden. With a sound that flows through the air like rose petals through a wind chime…” Gregg Senko of Why So Blu?
A patron of the Irish charity Bee for Battens, Liz is also a supporter of the Children in Crossfire charity and recently performed at two events accompanied on guitar by Richard Moore, Director of Children in Crossfire. Liz had the honor of singing ‘A Price for Love’ written by the late Christie Hennessy, patron of Children in Crossfire. Liz is the first artist since Christie Hennessey, to sing this wonderful song. Along with various other charity work and activism, Liz has also just completed her first book entitled ‘Letters from The Ancients’. http://www.lizmaddenonline.com/
There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.
~ Mother Teresa
Healing yourself is connected with healing others.
— Yoko Ono
I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.
— Billy Joel
I admit that if I feel sad or bad I listen to lively music. Somehow it eases the pain and make focus more on what I should do. When I need a quiet time alone then then that the time for Enya , Clannad or Loreena Mckennitt.
I was riding to work this evening while listening to Hayley Griffiths new album Celtic Rose. Somehow it eased the melancholy I experienced in the afternoon. It is hard when one remembers something that triggers these bouts of depression. I am missing somebody. I am missing the little things. But what is really hard is no longer doing the things you used to do when you were with that someone.
But there are moments that get better. I experience this when I hear a beautiful music. I thank life for that. After all, music is the only gift we can give one another that is not really material. I found this wonderful poem and I think this is what happens every time we meet the muse:
When I Met My Muse
I glanced at her and took my glasses
off–they were still singing. They buzzed
like a locust on the coffee table and then
ceased. Her voice belled forth, and the
sunlight bent. I felt the ceiling arch, and
knew that nails up there took a new grip
on whatever they touched. “I am your own
way of looking at things,” she said. “When
you allow me to live with you, every
glance at the world around you will be
a sort of salvation.” And I took her hand.
William Stafford
The Screaming Orphans: This is a new band that kept me swaying tonight. Their music is a mixture of modern rock and traditional Irish music. What is Irish music after all? Is it the instruments? The style of singing? The language? I think it is a slice of everything.
Info from their website: The Screaming Orphans are four funny, high-spirited, musically-obsessed sisters with the good fortune to have been raised in the magic of Bundoran in County Donegal Ireland. There is a great tradition of music to be found in Irish homes especially in the Gaeltacht or Irish-speaking areas which have produced the likes of Clannad, Enya and Mairead, Micheal and Triona Ni Dhomhnaill. Our home was no exception. From we were young, we’ve been singing and playing traditional Irish music but when we hit our teenage years we knew it was time to start our own rock band.
When I first heard of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, I thought it was a typo. I was thinking of a famous American rock band. But seeing these guys in kilt and pipes , I realised they’re the real deal. They play a variety of music ranging from the more traditional to the re-interpretation of mainstream rock favorites. I see that they don’t really take themselves seriously which is nice because it makes them get away with whatever they do.
Pipe music has been one of my passion and I love listening to all kinds of piping. be it Irish uilleann pipes, the Scottish bag pipes of the Gaita, they’re all amazing in their own way and their own unique and distinctive sounds. Right now they will be performing in Pipes in the valley. See details here: http://www.pipesinthevalley.com/
Celtic Music Fan 