blog

Old Is The New Young

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

My friend Jimmy posted this. Visit these guys’ webpage: http://www.myspace.com/bostonkiltics

I had a long interesting discussion with a friend through email. And at one point we talked about the feeling of ‘getting old’. This is not about biological age or being jaded. It’s a feeling when one acquires an understanding of the world as one reaches a certain point in life.When one takes pleasure at the simplicity and quietude of things .

When one listens to ‘quiet’ music, it is always a sort of joke for others. Just because one is contented with life does not mean that he lacks something . Media is always telling us to be somebody else. I know that. I have been through that. But I tell you, old is the new young.

That’s why New Age or Traditional musicians occupy my personal hall of fame. I have nothing against pop singers. I don’t think they are making awful music. It just simply means that they are singing ‘accessible ‘ music that a lot of the population can relate too. When music touches you in a certain way then you become a fan of the performer. Nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong either if you love Arabic scales. I think variety is the spice of life. The more differences the more excitement.

I have nothing against Metal bands either. What I am against are people who think that only one form of music is important. I am against people who think that just because they love Freddie Mercury or John Lennon, they have the right to discredit other artists. And why is it that Mike Oldfield did not make it to the Billboard’s top 100 best guitarist? I think he is the best.

When Rock music was young it thought it could change the world. Then it became huge and very successful even becoming more corporate. Now the essence is lost. It’s just about being famous and ‘cool’. We have to remember that it’s the same establishment that put Britney Spears on the cover of Rolling Stones and call it rock!

Next time people laugh at you for being different , just don’t mind them. You know you are special because you don’t like what the rest of the world likes. Seek pleasure in your individuality and follow the beat of your own drum. To quote from Sting’s An Englishman in New York: Be yourself, no matter what they say.

***

News/Link

April 10:

After the success of last year, comes the second season of the TEA-CEILIS!

What is Tea-Ceili?
Is a monthly meeting organized by the Irish Dance Troupe “Celtic Argentina”, which aims to spend an afternoon of Irish culture! From 16:00 am to 17:00 pm, will enjoy a tea with homemade cakes, and from 17:00 pm to 19:00 pm will be time to get up and go dancing with all participants Ceilis!

What are Ceilis?
The act of dancing together (rounds, online and progressive lines), introduced in Ireland by the Normans around the 12 th century and were revived by the Gaelic League (Gaelic League) between 1920 and 1930. It was then that they adopted the current structure, with hands at sides, toes, rapid turns and movements, both in steps and in transfers, and implemented regulations to continue in competition.

Do I need prior knowledge?
NO! Anyone can come one afternoon and dance! There is no age limit! We will teach the dances, there is no excuse for not encouraged. Assembly members and students of the School “Celtic Argentina” are always willing to help.

Animate!

The hope of all!

Ceil tea APRIL
Sunday April 10
16:00 am to 17:00 pm – Tea
17:00 pm to 19:00 pm – Ceili Class

Fahy Club
Belgrano.

Input:
Adults – $ 25 .-
Includes Free Tea (Food and Drink)
Discounts for Children, Families, Students and Alumni Celtic Argentina

To reserve space send an e-mail, indicate number of guests to:
info@celticargentina.com

Garry O’Brien Debut Single Launch (going away party)

Time
08 April · 20:30 – 23:30
Location
Setanta Sports Centre, Ballymun
Created by:
More info
………………..FREE ACOUSTIC DEMO DOWNLOAD…………………. 

http://www.mediafire.com/?vm3bm4pcidkdzl9

Hello my good friends and music lovers, I’m moving to Spain to work for the next 6 months, so this will be my last gig until I’m home in October 2011 and think it’d be special to do my first intimate hometown show with full band and make it my going away party all in one.

Friday the 8th of April I have booked Setanta Sports Centre (Ballymun Rd, beside library), €8 entry with free raffle ticket for funny goodies. The single is called ”Listen To Your Heart” and will be available on iTunes by that time. Laying down drums, quartet and choir next week for it, should be sounding EPIC!
(iTunes top up cards are available in all record stores to go shopping for your iPod, handy).

Support from the extremely gifted female loop master “Elaine Mai”. Get her free download;

http://elainemai.bandcamp.com/

AND our own Ballymun Kate Tunstall, the wonderful Rachael McCormack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yhZXYItUlk

GOING TO MISS YOU ALL REALLY BAD (SNIF)

Strangers are welcome too, its a big gig after all!!!!!

”Fresh from a tour with his hero Damien Dempsey throughout Ireland in venues like ‘Spirit Store’ and ‘Drogheda Arts Center’, Garry O’Brien has gone from support act to headline act of his own packed show in one of Irelands premier music venueS, Whelans, which has seen the rise of Irish superstars such as The Script and Christy Moore.
Garrys uniquely diverse playing style, fusing Irish Trad, Gospel and Folk has one of many admirers and an ever growing fan base. Top Irish Music Magazine critic Oliver Sweeny of Hotpress said ‘A writer whose songs invite favourable comparisons with the best of Damien Dempseys work, and that of Mundy, his future is bright beyond compare”.
His talents have been honed from his work with Kevin Kelly and his award winning Our Ladies Gospel Choir (Best All Ireland Gospel Choir 2010). Growing up in an area which has had music talent in an abundance like Aslan and U2, Garry could soon be among the best Ballymun has produced.”

www.myspace.com/garryobrienmusic
www.facebook.com/garryobrientunes
www.youtube.com/kiwiproject
www.soundcloud.com/garryobrienmusic

photography by Michelle Leahy

Black 47-A Funky Ceili And Other New Releases

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

“Fans have long been demanding an all out party album but the idea took hold when, driving home from Boston, I couldn’t find a CD to keep me awake but thought of over 30 Black 47 songs that could do the trick. And so – A Funky Ceili.”

Interview excerpt– from Larry Kirwan

The first time I heard them I though Robert Smith of the Cure had gone Celtic Rock. But Black 47 combine elements from Reggae, Hip Hop modern and traditional Jazz. Apart from the known instruments, the band are composed of excellent musicians formed in New York around 1989.

This is a party CD that will blend with your other collections . Yes they are hip and stylish but they also keep in touch with their political stance.Personal favorites are: Maria’s Wedding with its breezy alternative style reminiscent of bands like Hootie and the Blowfish and Gin Blossoms- plus  that distinctive vocals of Larry Kirwan. The schizo Bells of Hell is really fun which calls to mind endless nights of partying and excess but all in good spirits. Bodhrans on the Bran is really Celtic as any Celtic rock could get. I Got Laid On James Joyce’s Grave closes the album. It is a naughty and funny track with Gothic excess-something  which reminds me of New Orleans sound.

Everything in this album bumps and pulses. No need for you to think deep thoughts. Just the pure fun of knowing that Black 47 is there to shake your day into burst of ecstatic energy.

Track Listing
1. Funky Ceili (Bridie’s Song)
2. Maria’s Wedding
3. The Bells Of Hell
4. Losin It
5. Paddy’s Got A Brand New Reel
6. Staten Island Baby
7. Different Drummer
8. Izzy’s Irish Rose
9. Oh Maureen
10. Bodhrans On The Brain
11. Who Killed Bobby Fuller
12. Uncle Jim
13. Black Rose
14. Five Points
15. Sadr City
16. Czechoslovakia
17. Those Saints
18. I Got Laid On James Joyce’s Grave

***

Dave Rooney has a new album out with this beautiful song.

More info here: http://www.daverooneymusic.com/

***

Press release:

The New Single Release by Shishonnah!


Shishonnah release their long awaited new single “Dance with the River” on
I-tunes this Saturday, April 2nd!

Formed only eight months ago by the energetic and exciting duo of Liz Madden and Jenne Lennon, their new single features the combination of their incredible voices and a mix of Native American, Irish, Classical and World influences.
This stunning track is taken from their upcoming debut album
“Elysian Dreams,” due for release in June 2011.

Every once in a while a musician or group comes along that truly touches the souls of their listeners. An act that creates a sound that’s unexpected and new. The time has come again for a new sound and it has been found in the eclectic vocal/multi-instrumentalist duo, Shishonnah.

Shishonnah fuse their incredible vocal arrangements into elements of World music with Classical and Contemporary influences. Their original songs will take you to a place that defines the human experience and uplifts the soul.

Their sound reflects a canvas as diverse as the lands of their upbringing. They blend their Irish and American musical heritage with their Celtic and Native American traditions. Using their mutual experience in various styles of music such as South African, Appalachian, Celtic, Electronic and Folk-Rock, they have created their own distinctive and innovative sound.

Two performers and songwriters in their own right, Liz Madden and Jenne Lennon have a wealth of experience behind them both on stage and in studio. Between them, the ladies play piano, harp, bodhran, whistle, Native American flute, keyboards and drums. They have headlined events and international festivals worldwide wowing audiences with their incredible individual vocal sounds.

The texture of their sound and rhythmic undertones create a mood and spirit-lifting experience that will take the listeners on a journey to a new place that is fresh and memorable. Welcome to the sound of Shishonnah.

www.facebook.com/shishonnah, www.myspace.com/shishonnah, www.shishonnah.com.

For further details please contact:

healingsunproductions@gmail.com
or glencoerecords@gmail.com

***

SHISHONNAH’S NEW SINGLE ON I-TUNES!!

Shishonnah released their new single “Dance With The River” on I-Tunes this weekend! The song is already receiving rave reviews and making quite a stir in the world music scene! To download the single, follow the link below. Keep checking out the websites for touring, performance info, and the release of their second single in a few weeks!

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/shishonnah-dance-with-the/id427076550

www.shishonnah.com
www.glencoerecords.com
www.facebook.com/shishonnah
www.myspace.com/shishonnah

— The Glencoe Records/Healing Sun Productions Team

The High Kings-Memory Lane

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 2 Comments

Album Review

The original bards are here again with the new album Memory Lane.  Those who hunger for traditional Irish music will definitely grab this. After all, it’s a breather to the prevailing format right now especially Irish musicians who do crossover performances by singing pop hits. I know a friend who disagrees with this kind of ‘travesty’. I don’t consider myself as a purist but I do think that Irish music shines through its traditional melodies.

The album opens with the energetic Step it Out Mary. The fast paced singing reminds one of  Scottish mouth music. It also calls to mind Clannad’s Dulaman.

As I Roved I Out is another fresh take with its upbeat tempo. The beauty of the High Kings vocals are their ability to harmonized songs in such a break neck speed that was only perfected in the 70s by Skara Brae. Like the first track this talks about marriage or getting married.

I love the new version of  The Fields of Athenry. The guys did a gentle take on this much covered track. One of the ‘rebel’ songs that have made impact on generations old and new.

On The One Road features the performance of The Wolfe Tones. Another one of those tunes that stick on your head after two listens. “ North men, South men comrades all, Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Donegal, We’re on the one road swinging along, Singing a soldier’s song..” Now listen to this part and you will know what I mean when I say not all the catchiest songs are found in top 40 radio!

Raglan Road is a poem by Patrick Cavanagh. This has been through a lot of remakes including a version by Loreena McKennitt on her “Ancient Muse” album. This is both a solemn but with a walk on by pace. “On a quiet street where old ghosts meet I see her walking now away from me so hurriedly.” Never listen to this part with a broken hear because this will tear you apart. Beautiful and painful at the same time.

Whiskey in the Jar was introduced to me by the Holland and Palmley dou. From then on  In fell in love with its brisk melody and catchy chorus.

Leaving of Liverpool is sung in an almost sean nos fashion. This is a very familiar track that you’ve probably heard . After all the title of the album says it all. It is bringing life to these old tracks . It’s like opening a closet filled with vinyl records and one can’t help but play them one by one, dusting the dust away and marveling how time flies so fast.

Red is the Rose is one of the favorites here. It’s rendered a cappella. They sing it in harmony. Without the distractions of instruments, the spiritual essence of this song is reached to perfection.

The bodhran tapping introduces us to The Star of County Down followed by the tin whistle and banjo. Then we have harmony and acoustic guitar. The middle part increases speed with the uillean pipes and accordion doing their duel. Can’t help tapping my feet on this.

Boolavogue is something I haven’t heard before. But this proves to be one of the strong tracks in the album. Lovely hooks are provided by the fiddles uillean pipes and whistle amidst the strong guitar strums and marching percussions.

Cavan Girl is composed by the late Tom Moore. The gentle guitar plucking introduces us to the narrative about a man who falls in love with the fairest woman in Cavan. After the energy of the tracks that precede it, this one is like a breather for you to sit down by the fireside.

The Rising of the Moon pulls us up top our feet again. I heard this through Fairport Convention. This one proves to be another good version.

Green Fields of France is a beautiful lament for Willie McBride. The Irish Rover closes this wonderful album with its thunderous chorus and amazing arrangement.

Memory Lane is an album worth of repeated listens. It’s a collection of tracks that sound familiar to everyone Irish or not, but given a new life and freshness by The High Kings. This is just their second album but it looks like they have achieved a lot. These guys know their stuff. They are real musicians with real instrumental talents. They are seasoned vocalists and their individuality shines in every track. They are also charismatic figures that looks good on your CD library. I am pleased to own this album. In terms of production, the album shimmers with clarity and lushness of sound.

The High Kings:

Finbarr Clancy: Vocals, acoustic Guitar, Bass guitar, Flute

Brian Dunphy: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Bodhran

Martin Furey: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Bouzouki, Whistles

Darren Holden: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Accordion.

With:

Ewan Cowley, Nollaig Casey, Robbie Harris, Maria Mason, Paul McAteer and Wolfe Tones. Produced by Mark Murphy.

Special thanks to Daly Communications for letting me hear this CD!

Buy Memory Lane here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Memory-Lane-High-Kings/dp/B0036V0VPY

Another April Day And No Fool’s Music!

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 3 Comments

Sleek and nostalgic  debut album by Marie-Therese McCartin from Co. Leitrim Ireland.

Occasionally, an instrumental album arrives and gets nods from fans of country, pop piano music, Classical  and traditional Irish music. The Frank McNamara produced album showcases 11 tracks . Rose of Tralee, sets the mood of the entire album. Mellifluous piano playing, tender drums and occasional sweeps of traditional instruments make this  a rewarding listening experience. I know fans of Phil Coulter and Richard Clayderman will gravitate to this album. There is this rhythmic pop feel in each track that will make it ‘accessible’ to even those who don’t like Celtic influenced music.

The album cover(in the promo copy I have) shows the classically trained miss McCartin in this dark green gown embroidered with Celtic patterns  beside a piano. The one out in the market is different( as can be seen in this post). I made a research about this artist and  found interesting facts. It took her 6 months  to assemble this album. The reason for the lush sounds in the entire album: The 60 piece National Symphony Orchestra of Moldova.

“Marie- Thérèse began playing piano at the age of six and in her teenage years she transferred to the Royal Irish Academy of Music where she continued her studies finally graduating from Trinity College, Dublin, with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. An accomplished harpist and singer Marie-Thérèse was a member of Anùna and toured with them throughout Europe as a soloist.

In 2003 she realized a life-long dream when she set up the Cavan Academy of Music. The school has 300 students studying a range of instruments including piano/keyboard, violin, viola, cello, drum, and guitar as well as traditional Irish instruments – fiddle, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, low whistle, button accordion and the Irish harp. The Academy offers something for everybody from 3 to 93!”-from the official website:http://marietheresemccartin.com/

Another April Day Track Listing:

1. The Rose of Tralee

2. Black is the Colour

3. Oró sé de bheath abhaile

4. Rose of Mooncoin

5. Another April Day

6. Buachaill an Éireann

7. Carrickfergus

8. Clare to here

9. Homes of Donegal

10. Love thee deerest

11. Oft in the stilly night

12. Galway Bay

13. You raise me up

14. Old bog road

15. Port Lairge

16. Another April Day (vocal arrangement)

Another April Day is available on cdbaby.com. iTunes and http://www.marietheresemccartin.com

***

Anton Emery’s Acoustic Blend..

Hear your favorite traditional tunes in a n album that highlights simplicity of solo instrumental music. This time the acoustic guitar takes center stage!

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/AntonEmery

http://www.celticfingerstyleguitar.com/

***

This is from a newsletter I got. I am glad this duo is binging out a beautiful album soon.

The New Single Release by Shishonnah!



Shishonnah release their long awaited new single “Dance with the River” on
I-tunes this Saturday, April 2nd!

Formed only eight months ago by the energetic and exciting duo of Liz Madden and Jenne Lennon, their new single features the combination of their incredible voices and a mix of Native American, Irish, Classical and World influences.
This stunning track is taken from their upcoming debut album
“Elysian Dreams,” due for release in June 2011.

Every once in a while a musician or group comes along that truly touches the souls of their listeners. An act that creates a sound that’s unexpected and new. The time has come again for a new sound and it has been found in the eclectic vocal/multi-instrumentalist duo, Shishonnah.

Shishonnah fuse their incredible vocal arrangements into elements of World music with Classical and Contemporary influences. Their original songs will take you to a place that defines the human experience and uplifts the soul.

Their sound reflects a canvas as diverse as the lands of their upbringing. They blend their Irish and American musical heritage with their Celtic and Native American traditions. Using their mutual experience in various styles of music such as South African, Appalachian, Celtic, Electronic and Folk-Rock, they have created their own distinctive and innovative sound.

Two performers and songwriters in their own right, Liz Madden and Jenne Lennon have a wealth of experience behind them both on stage and in studio. Between them, the ladies play piano, harp, bodhran, whistle, Native American flute, keyboards and drums. They have headlined events and international festivals worldwide wowing audiences with their incredible individual vocal sounds.

The texture of their sound and rhythmic undertones create a mood and spirit-lifting experience that will take the listeners on a journey to a new place that is fresh and memorable. Welcome to the sound of Shishonnah.

www.facebook.com/shishonnah, www.myspace.com/shishonnah, www.shishonnah.com

***

Interesting video:

***

An April Fool’s Day tribute:

From Dublin to France, Michigan to Germany

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 1 Comment

Lives, Music and Snail Mail…

The lives people lead. Fascinating. It’s great to have friends on the Internet to help one realize that people are the same wherever you go. There’s the good and the bad, the beautiful and the not so. I used to engage in letter writing (snail mail) in high school. There’s this local music mag with a forum. I like to read it every week . I would usually tell my mom if she’s going out to the market to buy me one. Of course there was no Celtic music at that time (my repertoire was not that wide yet). Only popular artists like Sinead O’Connor, U2, Van Morisson and Elvis Costello. I would occasionally read about The Pogues and I know somewhere a long the way the band Clannad was mentioned but you see, when your interests were different you had to wait a couple of years before something hits you musically that will turn you around-the record stores.

The means of getting into the forum was through snail mail-as every kid of my generation had to bear with. I had to labour late at night just to scribble my thoughts on a yellow pad and send it to the editor. I had to wait  for weeks before I read my note published. But I really appreciated the exhilaration of being able to send something out to the world. The fact that my name was somewhere there, joining these people in a conversation about music was really an amazing feeling.

Because of this hunger to meet interesting minds, my letter writing got  me into  correspondences with people around the globe. I did  not really form a lasting bond with them but it is great to be able to receive a letter written by someone else not from this country. I remember opening each envelope slowly and feeling the texture  and the smell of the paper. I think everything that comes from a Post Office does smell awesome. The handwriting and the thoughts of a friend , the images and experiences they imbibed me-they’re my windows to the world.

Now people seldom take time to write a really long thoughtful letter. Perhaps it is this sadness that lead a lot of us to blog. This is our love letter to the world when we feel that there is no longer that long-lasting sincere connection because what we have are just phrases or sentences. Sometimes friend only ‘poke’ us and we ‘poke’ back. I know I am spoiled by all the snail mails I had in the past. But perhaps it is not too late to make another go with ‘letter writing’ in the age of Internet.

Music News….


Currently listening to Grada’s Biodegradable track from their Endeavor album(2005). I like the title. It is one of their eye-rolling instrumental pieces. The music is really Irish with hints of Jazz , Blue Grass and New Age . I got into them after hearing their Landing Step album. If you don’t have Grada in your collection yet, I suggest you get the Landing Step first and everything will follow. More here: http://www.amazon.com/Endeavor/dp/B0012N6CCY

***

Guidewires performing before Capercaillie at the Festival de Cornouaille in Quimper, 21rst July 2009.
Padraig Rynne: concertina
Tola Custy: fiddle
Sylvain Barou: wooden flute
Paul McSherry: guitar
Karol Lynch: bouzouki

Guidewires are composed of seasoned musicians in the Irish traditional scene. They have a new album out and it’s really worth a listen. Check out the official website for more info. And yes this video will tell you why you need to check them out. That’s the craic!

***

Been looking for the lyrics to a song of Christy Moore called  The Piper’s Path. If anyone can give me a link , would be very much appreciated. I heard it twice in a week now  while listening to www.liveireland.com

***

And while you’re tuned in to your Irish stations, don’t forget to listen to our brothers in Brittany. Check this young act out. They are interesting: http://www.myspace.com/kvgroupe

FIACH & CIERAN CANNING

Time
04 April at 21:00 – 05 April at 00:00
Location
The Back Door Session @ Chaz Bar Wexford 

Commercial Quay Wexford
Wexford, Ireland
Created by:
More info
FIACH http://www.myspace.com/fiachmusic Has supported Wallis Bird on many a tour 🙂 has, until now, been one the Irish music scene’s best kept secrets but is now ready to be launched into the hearts of music lovers the length and breadth of the country. 

Fiach Moriarty is a 27 year old Dubliner, well respected and loved for his beautiful songwriting, exceptional voice and fantastic guitar playing and is fondly known as the ‘Hardest Working Artist in Ireland’, but it was his talent that found him sharing the stage with the cream of Irish and international artists such as Ray Davies, Eddi Reader, Mary Black, Damien Dempsey, Kila, Freddie White, Sinéad O’Connor, Damien Rice and Paddy Casey
CIARAN CANNING http://www.myspace.com/ciarancanning