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The Air Of The Hebrides

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Transatlantic Sessions – S03E04 Oganaich Uir A Rinn M’fhagail ‘Spinning Song’ (O Noble Youth Who Has Left Me)
Julie Fowlis with Donal Lunny & Bruce Molsky

Today’s feature takes us to the enchanting music of Julie Fowlis. Julie is a native of Uist in the Hebrides and she grew up listening to traditional tunes. She is also blessed with a beautiful voice plus the talent with different instruments especially the pipes.

What made Julie appealing to me is her way of adding shine to the old tunes. If you look at her interviews, you can tell that this woman is possessed not only with a great sense of humor but a sense of mission as well. She does it so passionately that at such an early age she is already regarded as one of the stalwarts in the business.

This woman smiles so easily but when she plays or sings there is that rapt concentration that is so intense it is almost like laser. Her repertoire is composed of lively as well as laid back traditional songs but never loosing that perky sense. Julie’s music is for those who love the beauty of spare arrangements but dynamic tempos that hearing her sing in a fast Puirt a Buil makes you think of butterfly wings fluttering from flower to flower.

Julie will always make me think about the beauty of Scotland and the Hebrides which will make a nice tourist destination if you want to recreate the sense of wonder that her singing brings to our hearts.

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Useful Links…

Life sciences spin-out Celtic Catalysts wins innovation award

Ah don’t we just love technology? Looking into the future but not forgetting the past: http://www.siliconrepublic.com/innovation/item/20745-life-sciences-spin-out-celt

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St. Patrick Festival Newsletter

Be part of it now to get to know the latest in the upcoming big celebration:

http://stpatricksfestival.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/r/61D2EA9A704857B0/AE1ACF8AFA8642D17F4E5A579FEBB2E9

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Dom Duff and the rest of the gang here:

http://www.festival-cornouaille.com/page.asp?page=programme&statut=22-vendredi

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Minnesota Celtic Folk Event

Locklin Road, a group performing Celtic and folk music, will present the Coon Rapids Arts Commission’s third concert in its annual dessert and coffeewinter concert series.

http://abcnewspapers.com/2011/03/04/celtic-folk-music-on-tap-in-winter-concert/

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Vancouver Music Fest From March 4-6

Check the details here: http://www.99vancouver.com/?p=647

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Folk Harp Music..

Yes, everything  here:

http://symphonicfm.com/music-gear/folk-harp-music-music-theory-patrick-ball-celtic-anyone-can-play-music-for-the/

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Hey look at this nice album cover of Farrar. This is the third solo album by Scottish fiddler Duncan Chisholm. It was released in 2008.

Track listing

  1. “Nuair Bhios Mi Leam Fhin” – 3:45
  2. “The Farley Bridge” – 2:22
  3. “Lorient Mornings” – 2:39
  4. “Farewell to Uist” – 4:40
  5. “Mallai Chroch Shli” – 5:56
  6. “The Hill of the High Byre” – 5:24
  7. “A’ Mhairead Og” – 3:39
  8. “250 to Vigo” – 3:15
  9. “The 303” – 4:30
  10. “Alasdair’s Tune” – 4:35

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Klee Radio From Cape Breton

Wow they are playing the new album by Rachel Davis here. They play old and new Celtic stuff. Come and listen!

http://www.kleeradio.com/

Waiting For St. Paddy .

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

I had an overtime today for some remote training. Instead of heading home right away( because I feel tired, sleepy and hungry), I decided to cast these feelings aside and log on here. Yes it makes me happy to be able to send a  love letter to the world by bringing out interesting bands.

In this uncertain times there are  few that you can rely on. Even best friends can fail you. Yes even the best and the brightest people can fail. The only things  worth holding on to are 1. Family members 2. Music…well the rest follows but these two made it to the top list. I believe that blood is thicker than water. I know that family is not really defined by blood ties and you can find a family in everyone but then again that’s rare. Anyway just a little bit of things I think about there…

For the news:

The Irish are Coming! Irish Music Workshops

Cape Breton people listen up. The Irish are coming! Yup that’s what it says on the headline as an interesting workshop is on the way. This is sponsored by the Cape Breton University. Don’t I just love Cape Breton? I am sure you love to so join now: http://www.cbu.ca/content/irish-are-coming-irish-music-workshopshttp://www.cbu.ca/content/irish-are-coming-irish-music-workshops

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Celtic Christian Music-What A Joy:

This is big not just on St. Paddy’s day. After all there is something universal about Celtic music that can be enjoyed in all seasons and all religious practices. When something is  truly beautiful, it speaks to all. Famous names in attendance are: Iona, Moya Brennan, Eden’s Bridge( My new favorite band, though they are not really new to the music scene), The Crossing, Ric Blair Band, Jeff Johnson, Dave Bainbridge, Robin Mark, Kathryn Scott, Flatfoot 56, Troy Donockley, Deep Still, Leahys, Carol Arblaster, Skip Cleavinger, Noirin Niriann, and Daniel Nelson..

http://www.squidoo.com/CelticChristianMusic

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Irish music festival to benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Yes it says: Renton’s A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub and Restaurant is throwing a three-day Irish music festival in support of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society this weekend, starting today (Friday).

This is a beautiful event to explore if you are in the Seattle area.

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Kerry Records presents An Irish Hooley
The Emerald Isle Series

This looks explosive. Just look at these stars:

Riverdance star *Patrick Barnett*
Members of Slugger O’Toole Band
 Sensational Irish harpist Keri Zwicker
Irish actor Sheelagh Cullen
Irish singer: Laura Turner
The Kerry Dance Troupe
The Kerry Trad Orchestra

http://www.toaks.org/cap/tickets/events/event.asp?eventID=1576

Dropkick Murphys And Mentionables

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

I like the way this blog has turned into an interactive page. We have musicians postings along with listeners. There is an influx of so much ideas and inspirations that I am grateful to be part of it all. Remember, you are the stars of this page. I am merely the moderator.

I feel so drained after talking to 32 people today,  But music has a way to take it all away. It is true that great songs are like ships that sail is into far distant places that only the mind can conceive. Celtic music is always and evocative  Celtic music has vehicle.  Unlike most of the music that usually receive the Grammys, this type of music has a Robin Hood appeal to it. But while Robin Hood is  a British Hero( and I am pro Irish or anything in the seven Celtic nations which excludes Great Britain) this page champions diversity.

So what’s the commotions?

New Album Basting The Speakers: Celtic Punk

It looks like a lot of people are talking about Dropkick Murphys latest album Going out of Style. I checked out whats the deal. It’s been four years since they released their album The Meanest of Times. Now they are back to rock the house. They even enlisted Bruce Springsteen to sing one of their songs Peg o’ My Heart.There are ballads amidst the ska induced tunes.  After all this is a band that encourages you to get up and slam rather than sit and relax…which works for me sometimes when I need an exercise. There is this nice bagpipe into in Deeds Not Words.

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Cape Breton’s Best Music Mix, The Coast 89.7

Celtic and otherwise , this is a station that suits my mood today: breezy. I just feel like taking a long ride closing my eyes while the sun is filtered by the trees and everything feels new. Listening to this station takes you to the heart of Cape Breton. There are also new breaks and other informative stuff you will love to check out. You can listen to live streaming through the website: http://www.coastalradio.ca/

Bands for Celtic Weddings

For people who wants to express love through rings, this is the best guide for you. Beautiful designs if you ask me.  http://shoes-sizes.net/eternity_wedding_bands/celtic-wedding-bands-celtic-wedding-bands-probably-the-best-irish-wedding-rings-you-can-find/

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Celtic Good Reads:

If you dig the culture not just for the music but for academic purposes, then check this link for Celtic Literature’s Good Reads.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/726306-teresa-read-all-over-reviews?shelf=celtic-studies

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The 6th Annual CELTIC MUSIC NIGHT

Friends in Massachusetts, this is the time to get together and celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in your way. Beautiful night of piping, dancing and other instrumental playing. Plus performances by John Sullivan, champion highland dancer Morgan Pell, world medal holders Irish step dancers Tracey Manning-Dingee and Greg Murphy, and the national youth snare drum champion, Quinn McCormack, as well as harpist Anne Paus, a former member of the Cape Cod symphony. More here: http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/2011/02/28/6th-annual-celtic-music-night-to-be-held?blog=225

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List of recommended Celtic Punk/Irish Rock Bands:

The Pogues
Flogging Molly
Flatfoot 56
The Tossers
Blood or Whiskey

Fiddler’s Green

The Tossers

Gaelic Storm

Add your own list 🙂

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Irish Country And Blues


Country music lovers will give this a listen. Patrick Wall’s I’ll Sail My Ship Alone. I am putting my Hank Williams record back to the shelf an give this a try. Buy it here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/patrickwall

Irish Country Music and More Celtic Radio

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 10 Comments

I am in a middle of a very busy week. I seldom have a chance to eat at work because I would be thinking what to do next. When you train more than 23 people by batch there are also things you consider while being in front( at least for me). Is my voice pleasant and is the room acoustics making a good job at it? Did I powder my bad head so hat it doesn’t show a shine from the ceiling lamps? Am I making sure I am animated enough and so on and so forth. I usually write this blogs hours or after my work. But not without a cup of warm tea.

Now for the news:

Ever heard of Irish Country Music? If you love both  American Country and Irish  Music then better go to this site: http://www.irishcountrymusicradio.com/ If you click the New Releases tab, you will be introduce to the latest and brightest this station can offer: Eugene O’Dornan, Jason McGilligan, Pat McKenna, Derek Ryan, Lind Welby and a lot more.

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Celebrate St. David’s Day with a great set of Celtic Music

Those living in Wales are celebrating the St. Davids Day . Dance, hum along or simply lounge. Everthing is this radio station:  http://www.celticmusicradio.net/

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Pipers Unite Against White Supremacist.

Pipe players of Brittany on Sunday united against a group of US-based white supremacists who are campaigning to discredit the French region’s top piper, who happens to be a black man.. I hate this. The fact that Celtic Music is supposed to be Universal; for this to happen is outrageous. Read more here: http://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/pipers-unite-against-white-supremacists-2559536.html

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Congratulations to Cape Breton Fiddlers for bagging the Independent Music Awards.


If you want to check out the amazing story of two Cape Breton fiddlers : Dwayne Côté and Duane Andrews check this link: http://www.capebretonpost.com/Arts/Entertainment/2011-02-28/article-2288570/Dwayne-and-Duane-up-for-two-Independent-Music-Awards/1

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Events:

Guest Artist Series presents Men of Worth

Start:
March 11, 2011 7:30 pm
End:
March 11, 2011 9:30 pm
Cost:
$24 for adults, $16 for students and senior citizens
Venue:
Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center
Phone:
309-694-5136
Address:
Google Map
1 College Drive, East Peoria, IL, United States, 61635

From Scotland’s outer islands and Ireland’s west, the folk duo Men of Worth brings the real music of their regions with tunes and songs that were authentic to the fabric of everyday life a century ago.

The High Kings, The Chieftains And Hints of Gypsy

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 1 Comment

Welcome back Celtophiles. I have fresh news for you today. Just finished my jug of black tea and all geared up to rock the keyboards…..

If you are looking for irresistible vocals with great instrumentals then Memory Lane by The High Kings will bring you those. From the lively Star of the County Down backed by a nice banjo to a capella Red is the Rose will surely grow on your Irish music garden.

The High Kings just returned from their successful January 29 The Children Need You Concert. As what these guys say:

“We are honoured to have performed with 12,000 champion children, who are the Hallelujah choir over the course of 3 days. Thank you for being the best backing choir ever!”

Memory Lane will be  released on  March 8, 2011!

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American fans in Indiana, be  sure to catch The Chieftains , who will be appearing at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the IU Auditorium. These guys brought us decades of magical Irish music that are love by both old and new.

Originally founded in 1962 by Paddy Moloney, the band’s style  is grounded in traditional Irish instrumental music. From playing only  the fiddle, flute, tin whistle and bodhran, which gave the music a rustic and traditional sound, they incorporate world materials byt collaborating with artists like Loreena McKennitt, Sinead O’ Connor and MOya Brennan. More news in this link: http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=80100

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Florida Welcomes Scythian

Gypsy grooves meets Celtic spirit, Cythian(sith-ee-yin) will set you on your feet with their brand of fusion mixing blue grass, and world styles. Yes the core is Celtic and these guys have their own punk humors to keep you amused. I love them and you should check them out as they perform live at Skipper’s Smoke House courtesy of WMNF88.5 FM.

Source :http://www.wmnf.org/events/scythian-plus-holy-ghost-tent-revival?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WmnfEvents+%28Upcoming+WMNF+Events%29

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With a voice darker than Sarah Brightman’s but with music more organic than Enigma or Era, Hayley Griffiths unleashes Silver Screen. The title will probably give an impression of covers but the press release has confirmed she adds her own trademark to the songs. Check her out with that sample video. What do you think?

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Hearing the Legend.

I stumbled upon Cape Breton’s fiddle legend Dan R MacDonald. Gives me shivers. More here: http://danrory.com/home.html