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The Buzz

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

January welcomes auspicious debuts from new projects and artists from all over the world. Is it me or the change of weather that brings out the best listeners-people with sophisticated ears who appreciate cultured music.

Leo Blanco Keltic Tales


From Celtic Connections:

Born amidst the Venezuelan Andes, internationally trained at such top cross-genre academies as Boston’s Berklee College and the New England Conservatory, pianist/composer Leo Blanco – whose previous Edinburgh Fringe performances won a Herald Angel award – boldly and beautifully blurs the boundaries of jazz, Latin, folk, classical and African music.

The innovative Breton combo Keltic Tales, comprising Jean-Baptiste Boclé (keyboards), Gildas Boclé (double bass), Ronan Le Bars (uilleann pipes), Jérôme Barde (guitar) and Archibald Ligonniére (drums), never set out to sound consciously Celtic, yet these influences echo intriguingly through their all-original jazz/rock/world material.

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Seth Lakeman

Energy and fusion is what Seth Lakeman’s music is about. I love this video called Kitty Jay. Take a look.

For more news of what’s hot and new, visit: http://www.celticconnections.com/

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From Darren Holden official Myspace :

Hi Everyone

We hope you have enjoyed listening to Darren’s song ‘Lady’ in tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales. The song has now been added to the music players on both here and Darren’s official Facebook page as well as www.darrenholden.net

We have now also added a video to Darren’s official YouTube page and hope you’ll agree that the pictures really help to bring the sentiment of the song to life.

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I heard this is a wonderful album.

http://www.michaellondra.com/

Best Irish Performers of the Decade and Other News!

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 1 Comment
On the pic: Cathie Ryan

On the pic: Cathie Ryan

LiveIreland has released the best Irish performers from 2000 to 2010. Those listed are the following:

Lunasa

Jimmy Keane

Laura Smith

The Brock McGuire Band

Eilis Kennedy

Alan O’Leary

Paddy Homan

Cathie Ryan

Len Graham

Shaun Davey

Flook

Liz Carroll

Beal Tuinne

Read more here: http://my.liveireland.com/profiles/blogs/liveireland-decades-awards

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Dublin will be bursting with gigs at the start of the year. If you are lucky to find yourself waking along, then better head to The Temple Bar where all things exciting and traditional happens. Temple Bar has been around for almost twenty years, bringing you the brightest and the greatest in Irish music. Check out http://www.templebartrad.com/

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Fo those who haven’t bought Marc Gunn’s Kilted For Her Pleasure should get their copies now. Funny, beautiful and warm are used to describe this collection of songs that gives you a sideways glance.

Here’s what one reviewer says:

“Funny. Sexy Songs. Oh my… Is it warm in here – or is it just me? Gunn will heat up your blood with this devilishly funny collection – sure to elicit the many naughty giggles and blushes promised by the title. A sure bet for fans of sexy Scotsmen (like Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series), beer, filk and cats.”
– Melissa McCauley

Listen to samples here:  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/gunnmarc11/from/celtic/

Marc at Kerry Pub

Marc at Kerry Pub

That’s it for now folks. Will be keeping you updated for more later!

Awesome January

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

Looking for Moss,a metaphorical search for life and hope in the darkest,bleakest moments.
Phil: piano,violin,celtic harp,bass,keys.
Dave: acoustic guitar,electric guitar, mandolin
all dave and Phil’s CDs are available by writing to lmcrecords2011@gmail.com

I am not just saying this because I am a Capricorn. I mean it because I feel that 2011 has a lot in store for lovers of Celtic music. Remember that Loreena McKennitt’s The Wind that Shakes the Barley is already out so tour is on the way. Clannad is back to performing and a possibility of another album is  not far …I have conducted wonderful interviews. I recently talked to Sue Aston from Cornwall. She kicked off the 2011 with her new album Between Worlds. You better grab your copies. Phil Holland has also released The Visit with Dave Palmley so you better look for that one because it is really different from her previous albums! So 2011 is going to be great and I hope you are  a part of it where ever you are. So come out , come out.

Pic Courtesy of Phil and Dave.

Pic Courtesy of Phi Holland and Dave Palmley.

Happy Birthday Roma Ryan

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Roma describing the recording of A Day Without Rain in 2000

January 20th marks the birthday of Roma Ryan the Grammy award lyricist for Enya. I would describe Roma’s work as delicate, beautiful and timeless. Her works are something that one would describe as calm, thoughtful but with an underlying depth and current. Her poetry just grabs you gently and before you know it, you are drawn to her magical world. It is a world where Tolkien’s Elves would be seen. But it can also reflect the human condition yet never losing its elegance in a world of buildings and mechanical noise. Enya,  stated that the importance of Roma’s and Nicky Ryan’s contributions are such that without them, “Enya” would not exist. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roma_Ryan So happy birthday Roma.

Roma Ryan, Enya and Nicky Ryan.

More on Roma: http://www.romaryan.com/

Enya singing May it Be live at the Academy Awards. Lyrics by Roma Ryan.

Speaking as a Capricorn who also shares the same birth sign, I got this quick facts off the net.

Traditional
Capricorn Traits


Practical and prudent
Ambitious and disciplined
Patient and careful
Humorous and reserved


On the dark side….

Pessimistic and fatalistic
 Miserly and grudging

    LIKES 

  • Reliability
  • Professionalism
  • Knowing what you discuss
  • Firm Foundations
  • Purpose
    DISLIKES

  • Wild Schemes

  • Fantasies
  • Go-nowhere jobs
  • Ignominy
  • Ridicule

What do you think?


Highland by Blackmore’s Night from the New Album

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Those who love the beauty of British folk will have no second thoughts from savouring this track from this wonderful band whose roots go back to the 70’s.  Those who love the music that I featured in this site will surely love this release as well. After all, don’t we all love the essence of “Ren and Rock”? Read more on the press release for this wonderful duo of husband and wife team up.

NEW RELEASE DATE) Spinefarm Records to Release Blackmore’s Night’s ‘Autumn Sky’ In The US January 18th, New Song Streaming Now

BLACKMORE’S NIGHT, the group featuring husband and wife Richie Blackmore and Candice Night, will be releasing their new album Autumn Sky on January 18th. With a career spanning nearly two decades, the band of minstrels has gained crossover success all over the world with its new genre of “Ren and Rock” music. The lyrics, written by award winning singer/songwriter Candice Night, are inspired by nature and the myths and fairy tales they encounter on their international travels. The melodies, composed and arranged by Grammy nominated Ritchie Blackmore, encompass musical structure and the essence of melodies from the early 1600s. And then they are “Blackmore-ized.” Blackmore’s Night’s last album, Secret Voyage, debuted at #1 on the Billboard New Age Chart and held that spot for four consecutive weeks. 

In addition to being known from their unique sound which combines traditional as well as modern day instruments (including electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, violins, shawms, chanters etc), and Candice’s enchanting lyrics and vocals, they are also known for their fabulous live shows, many of which have been performed at castles and other exceptional venues that add to the mystique and warmth of their performance. Blackmore’s Night has appeared nationwide on PBS and Discovery channel specials, and has been awarded the Best Album of the Year and Best Vocal Album of the year by NPR New Age Reporter for their past 7 studio CDs.

Autumn Sky brings us 14 new Blackmore’s Night songs, plus a cover of “Celluloid Heroes” from The Kinks. Recorded during Candice’s pregnancy, Candice and Ritchie have dedicated the Autumn Sky album to their newly born daughter Autumn Esmerelda Blackmore.

Listen to “Highland” from Autumn Sky here:

OFFICIAL SITE: www.blackmoresnight.com