My goodness! I just realized I haven’t finished my article for today. So instead of giving you full I am just giving you one news. But not to disappoint you, I will post some videos here which you might find interesting. Anyway see you tomorrow or the next day…
This video features Peter Gabriel on vocals.
This one is with Iarla O’Lanaird
If your musical orientation is somewhere between Peter Gabriel and Dead Can Dance, then I’m sure you never passed an opportunity to get the first album of The Afro Celt Sound System titled Volume 1: Sound Magic when it first came out in 1996. In the Science lab of sound, imagine this: Iarla O’Lanaird’s sean nos singing meets African and Irish instruments seal that off with irresistible rhythm built from modern technology and bam! You get one of the most powerful concoctions that can render people speechless and hypnotized. To quote from their website: Released in 1996, Sound Magic combined acoustic performances on bodhran, talking drum, Celtic harp, African kora, uilleann pipes and Irish whistles with 21st-century programming and grooves, and married ancient singing traditions from Ireland and Kenya to keyboard drones and techno beats. Rather than sounding kitschy or disparate, the end result was surprisingly cohesive… and beautiful. Getting that hulk of an album, I’m sure you became a fervent collector up to this time when they have established themselves in the music world(after a 5-year hiatus, they are back this year with an album and tour news). They caught my attention when they performed live in Gael Force way back ’97 an from then on, I never let the band off my radar. More at www.myspace.com/afrocelts and afroceltsoundsystem.net/
In music , improvement does not necessarily mean changing of sound. When you improve, you are simply polishing your style or progressing in the style you have already cultivated. What applies to restless disposable Pop music does not mostly apply to our musical culture. We adhere to tradition for its own sake. Tradition is all we have or else we will loose our credibility.
That is why it is funny when critics start to say something bad about artists who don’t change their sound. It also goes to show that whoever these critics are, they have a serious case of ADHD-always looking for a different sound or the shock value which has nothing to do with the technical aspect of music. Now I do have that kind of affliction, only that it is mild and CERTAINLY not with music which I write about!
These critics have no respect for the craft. And we know based on their reviews that they haven’t listened to the complete albums themselves (track by track and liner notes) to understand the intention of the artist behind. These critics are not here to preserve civilization or improve it. They want to ruin it-hastily, as an errant child would. And they get paid to do it.
But for us serious bloggers (who aren’t paid to write but write because we love to do it), we keep our jobs so we can do the things we love to do including blogging about music that really matters.
Now not to divert from the nature of this discussion, we might take into other forms or styles through time (as what Alan Stivell or Donal Lunny does), but it is through the instruments used, the guest players, and the definitive sound that this brand of music really shines with.
Oftentimes new artists bring something fresh to what is already there but we know that straying away from the bonds of what the music is defined(even teetering on top 40 radio fame) can sometimes compromise its integrity. And I don’t know about you but for me , that standard to which a music is defined as Celtic should not narrowly be based on its acoustic form-therefore ignoring the richness that electronic artists bring to the fold. After all, it not just music and style. It’s about sound and perception too. So everything has to be considered as long as it brings forth the spirit.
And now for the news….
If you want to hear the future of traditional music, then you better not miss Flaithrí Neff’s musical projects. From country Cork, Flaithrí was joined by Eoghan that form the Neff Bros, bringing together passionate and innovative playing of traditional tunes. In the early days, they were in a family band called ‘Teaghlach’, composed of researcher, composer and musician Flaithrí Neff (flaithrineff.com) and Eoghan . The duo is joined by parents Muireann (Marion) and Éibhear.
His latest project is Partholón. According to his site: recounts the gripping story of a mythological Sicilian prince in the ancient Irish text, LEBOR GABÁLA ÉRENN (The Book of Invasions). The 9-minute piece was performed with The Cork Youth Orchestra under the direction of Tomás McCarthy, Cork City Hall, April 25th, 2009www.myspace.com/neffbros .
Cited by Nanci Giffith as the sweetest voice of Ireland , Frances Black (Twice Winner of the“Best Irish Female” IRMA Award”) continues to charm audiences all over Ireland with her live performances and well-crafted recordings. Recently her own RISE foundation has achieved more accolades. Check out http://frances-black.net/news/news.htm for your source of the latest Frances black news and concerts. Her latest double CD album The Essential Frances Black can be purchased here Contact: Manager Brian Allen, E-mail:brianallen@ireland.com, Publicist Andrea Smith E-mail:francesblackpr@eircom.net.
Breton tradition is alive and well because of Dom Duff. I recently featured a link to his new single here (please use the search engine on the upper right to refer to old articles as well as names of artists you are looking for). Dom (voice, guitars, mandolin, bodhran) along with band members Nicola Hayes : violin, Dom Bott : electric & acoustic bass and David Seite : percussion; continue to bring innovation and grit to Breton tradition with their crafted recordings and live performances For an in depth look at his band and music , please refer to www.myspace.com/domduff and WWW.DOMDUFF.COM and the Interview I did for him.
One String Loose is a band from Caldicot Wales composed of five members: Scott McKeon on fiddle and banjo, Jack Stewart – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bodhran, Joe Brady – whistle, low whistle, flute, Baz Barwick – bass and Owen Emmanuel – drums. The band has been building reputation with their dynamic renditions of traditional and original materials. I myself was swept away upon hearing one of their songs for the first time. According to their site: One String Loose have always recognised that their style of music is deeply rooted in dance, and have sought to contemporise it with grooving rhythmic patterns from the bass and drums, intricate accompaniment from the guitar and foot stomping melodies from the fiddle and whistle. As a consequence, a gig that doesn’t get at least a substantial part of their audience up and shaking has now become a rarity. Sounds really awesome eh? They have cemented themselves as the who’s who in the music scene which according to the site: The past few years have been exceptional for One String Loose. The band reached the finals of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards, followed with a polished performance at the highly prestigious Glastonbury Festival on the Avalon Stage. Breath taking performances in Poland and France further cemented their popularity in Europe and plenty of gigs up and down the UK helped the band to progress to where they are now. More recently the band released their second studio album “KUMQUAT” which has been received superbly both by critics and fans. With that in mind, never go off your radar. You can catch them as they tour UK this July(the last happened this June 19): http://events.myspace.com/Event/3964511/The-Big-Session-Festival . More on www.myspace.com/onestringloose and http://www.onestringloose.com
If you haven’t got your copy of Honey and Holy Water by Oona McOuat yet, then don’t miss this jewel of an album. I have been listening to it back and forth for more than a month and I never get tired of it because it has been beautifully conceived and artfully crafted. Oona has the gift of mesmerizing melodies, a visionaries’ depth and a perchance for eclectic arrangements that truly mark this album’s strength. I have a lot of personal favorites including This is A Prayer and Sleepy Maggie but I am sure you will find your own. Listen to her and I am sure this I the kind of album that will get worn out after a lot of plays. Listen to www.myspace.com/oonamcouat, visit and buy the CD at www.oonamcouat.com. The Oona McOuat band: Oona: Harp and voice, Corbin Keep: cello, electric guitar and back up vocals. Richard Lee: sax, flute, clarinet, pennywhistle, recorder, guitar & back-up vocals and Chris Bertin: didgeridoo & percussion. I tell ya, the instruments speak for themselves!
The new video by Barleyjuice ‘Weekend Irish’ is now available for general viewing on on YouTube. The band’s latest album Bonny Prince Charles is now out. Original link is : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUxhIAJYwWo I have been enjoying this video!
Hello Celtic people. After a few days of rest, I am back to spin the latest news of what’s happening around in terms of music , concert as well as social networking sites these artists have. We can’t deny the influence of networking sites like MySpace and facebook in terms of music marketing. Gone are the days when artists had to tour just to get the music out there. Now, through YouTube, music video channels and even twitter , they can reach millions and court listeners. But there is a downside to this.
Though the internet is a good medium in spreading music, there is a huge competition that artists have to go through in order to be heard. Even amateurs with horrible stuff can make it out there. I am not really an expert or authority here but what I do is, I highlight bands and individual artists who are already generating the buzz. When this happens (the buzz), it means that these artists have already built a following and a credible sense of musicianship that set them apart from the rest. And yes we already have established and successful acts like Carlos Nunez, the Chieftains, Clannad, Altan, Ashley McIsaac, Capercaillie and Solas (among others) that make the headlines These headlines are important in keeping our community visible and alive. But it is also through these new acts that make all this writing about music all worthwhile, don’t you think?
Moving to Spain…..
You can now listen to the official Carlos Nunez MySpace page. You can check out pictures, latest news(however I warn you this is in Spanish) and also listen to the artists he is associated with. www.myspace.com/carlosnunezoficial is now playing tracks from his latest album Alborada do Brasil (Sony Music). Fans in Morocco can catch him this 26th of June at the Festival Tarab de Tanger . Here are the details(in Spanish) of his concerts taken from his official website www.carlos-nunez.com (the bottoms is the latest up to August at the top):
28/08/2010
Metz – France
Parc de Seille 21:30
Metz
France
::
27/08/2010
Neuchâtel -La Tène Festival – Switzerland
La Tène Festival
Grande scène 21:30
Neuchâtel – Suisse
+ info: www.latenefestival.ch
::
12/08/2010
Gijón – Spain
Semana Grande de Gijón
Playa de Poniente 23:00
Gijón
::
7/08/2010
Pleuhiden sur Rance – Brittany
La Chapelle de Mordreuc 20:30
Pleuhiden sur Rance (22)
Claustro de la Catedral de Santa Maria 22:30
La Seu d’Urgell
venta de entradas:
Precio de las entradas: 20 € a taquilla // 17 € en venta anticipada.
Sitios de venta anticipada:
Turisme Seu (Avda. Valls d’Andorra s/n) 973 351 511
Turisme del Consell Comarcal de l’Alt Urgell (Passeig Joan Brudieu, 15) 973 353 112
Y, si no se agotan las entradas, el mismo día en taquilla desde las 21 horas en la entrada del Claustre de la Catedral de Santa Maria d’Urgell (C/ Santa Maria s/n)
Santiago de Compostela (Special guest with Jordi Savall) – Spain
San Domingos de Bonaval 20:30
Santiago de Compostela
+ info: Lamentos e folías célticas, das fisterras atlánticas ao novo mundo
Festival Via Stellae www.viastellae.es
JORDI SAVALL viola soprano & lyra-viol
ANDREW LAWRENCE-KING arpa céltica & salterio
PEDRO ESTEVAN percusión
invitado especial :
CARLOS NÚÑEZ gaita e frautas
ENTRADA LIBRE previa recollida de invitación dous días antes do concerto no Punto de venda de entradas do Festival Via Stellae (Teatro Principal, rúa Nova, nº 21, Santiago de Compostela). 981565027.
Os posuidores do abono completo do Via Stellae terán prioridade para retirar a súa invitación a partir do martes 29 de xuño.
::
26/06/2010
Tanger – Morocco
Festival Tarab de Tanger
Borj l-Hajoui 21:15
Tanger
From Casas del Monte – Extremadura, Cáceres Spain, The band combines passionate acoustic guitars mixed with flamenco flavor and irresistible beat that borrows from all sources. Beautiful, melodic and distinctive, the music takes you on different landscapes and cultures yet distinctly Spanish. Band members are(In Spanish because I got this from the band site http://www.aulagafolk.com) :
According to this article The music of the region of Asturias in northern Spain has more in common with Brittany, Wales and Ireland than Spanish music from Castille or Andalusia. Traditional Asturian instruments include bagpipes, called the Gaita, the harp loom and Asturian drums.
Brenga Astur is Celtic music fused with Spanish influences.Laced with beautiful melodies , hypnotic rhytms and evocative voice of the female vocalist, here is your chance to experience the landscape, the people, the thoughts and feelings that shaped the music. Brenga Astur is composed of 10 band members with two Asturian pipers, bouzouki, bodhran, flute, electric and acoustic guitar, accordion, mandolin, drums, keyboard, vocals and more. Cekc out http://www.brengaastur.com/ for details and updates. Information and pics courtesy of http://www.ndoylefineart.com/index.html
Llan de Cubel is a popularname in Asturian Celtic music . The band has released seven albums, the last UN TIEMPU MEYOR was released way back 1999. According to official website: During the last years the band has been making a big database with Asturian traditional tunes. The members of the band have been investigating old songbooks, field recordings by ethnographic groups, old recordings from the begining of 20th century and even recordings by Asturian exilées after the Spanish Civil War. The band has also been writing new tunes in the traditional style that together with the music compiled in the database will be the alma mater of the new studio work that Llan de Cubel intends to record and release in 2010. Please refer to http://www.llandecubel.com/ and for updates about the band http://www.llandecubel.com/concieng.html . No I can’t find their MySpace page but if you have the address, please give it to me and I will post it here.
CMF pays tribute the spirits of Carlos Redondo and Igor Medio, members of the Asturian Celtic band Felpeyu, who passed away on 2006 from a car crash.
This is an article from World Music Central released in 2006:
Spain – Carlos Redondo and Igor Medio, members of Asturian Celtic band Felpeyu, died today in Zuya (northern Spain) in a vehicle accident. The group was traveling from a gig in Corvera (Asturias) to another venue in Barcelona. Felpeyu’s van exited the road and overturned. Two members died and four are severely injured. Firemen were called to rescue the injured passengers from the wreckage.
The untimely death of the two well-known musicians from the Asturias region of Spain has shocked the Spanish folk music community, specially the Celtic music scene.
Carlos Redondo joined Felpeyu in 1994. He played guitar, bass and lead vocals. He was the member of the band with more professional musical experience. He worked intensively as a rock musician, teacher, producer and sound engineer. He was mainly known in Asturias as singer and bass player of the legendary Asturian pop-rock band Los Locos. He got into folk music in the early 90’s by producing some Asturian bands; Felpeyu was one of them, and he joined the band right after producing its first recording, Felpeyu, in 1994. Carlos was born in Gijón (Asturias, Spain).
Ígor Medio had a heterogeneous background. He grew up into an atmosphere of choral and Asturian singing -which both his parents and family developed- and was also into classical music studies and blues/rock experiences before being introduced to folk music. As a folk musician, he developed a personal and eclectic way of arranging and performing Asturian traditional music. He played guitar and mandolin in the band, choosing the bouzouki as his main instrument afterwards. He played bouzouki, guitar -only on studio-, bass pedals, and sang lead and harmony vocals. Ígor was born in Gijón (Asturias, Spain).
Felpeyu recreates Asturian traditional music by combining both the Asturian orchestration and the more general and current Atlantic European types without losing its distinctiveness.
The band was formed by a group of students with similar musical tastes in 1991. Felpeyu initially performed at folk pubs and small venues. Later, it played at large stages and festivals in Asturias. In recent years, the group has performed at numerous international Celtic and world music festivals in Europe, Australia and North America.
Felpeyu has recorded four CDs: Felpeyu (Fonoastur, 1994), Tierra (Fonoastur, 1997), Live Overseas (Urchin, 2000/Tierra Discos, 2003) and Yá! (Tierra Discos 2003).
[Photos: 1 – Carlos Redondo, 2 – Ígor Medio, courtesy of Felpeyu].
From Asturias we go to Wales…
Mabon has started their UK with a blast. They have four appearances this month and 10 for August! Mabon is originally formed by Jamie Smith’s father Derek . The band has released two albums Ridiculous Thinkers (2004) and OK Pewter (2007). The beauty of Mabon is that the band infuses the influences from all the Celtic nations and yet making the sound distinct with Jamie shaping the musical path and doing the research. If you haven’t heard of them yet, well you can isten to the samples at www.myspace.com/mabonband. Here’s the list for their major appearances this month and beyond(See all here):
If you are on our way to Cork and wants to know which music bar to go to next, don’t forget to visit de Barras. Situated in Clonkilty the West of Cork, it boasts a one of a kind venue that already housed artists like Christy Moore, John Spillane and new up and rising acts. Feel its ne of a kind intimate ambience and diverse acts that make de Barras stand out as one of the best pubs in Ireland. Quotes ” Mark Mc Devitt, (Irish Examiner 2000) It is the presence of an unlikely musical venue that makes Clonakilty truly special however, to cross the well worn threshold of the shy and rather retiring de Barras Folk Club, is to enter into a world full of possibilities. The possibility that anyone, literally anyone, might ramble in of the street and do a few tunes.” Contact:DeBarras, 55 Pearse St.,Clonakilty, West Cork, Ireland Phone : +353 (0)23 8833381 Booking Enquiries: +353 (0)23 8836549 TUES email: eolas@debarra.ieCheck out www.myspace.com/debarras and www.debarra.ie for this month’s gig guide……………………….There is one site directory that will tell you the best bars in town. www.irishpubs.com has not only the lists of categories, it also has a user friendly interface that will guide you while you click for the pubs near you. It says Your Guide to the best pubs in Ireland and Irish pubs around the world. It includes categories like Entertainment, live Music, Trad Music, Disco Bars. Sport, Food. Smoking facility, Accommodation, Parking. Job opportunities etc.(Job opportunities? Hmmm…) You can even add your pub to the list or sell it!
And now for some music news……….
Clockwise from top: Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Alan Stivell, Pierrick Lemou and band, Lily Neill, Eddi Reader with band and Julie Fowlis (Pictures courtesy of their respective websites).
The 15th Hebridean Celtic Festival has a line up of interesting artists. From 14th to 17th of July, expect to be enchanted, possessed and stirred up by some of the most beautiful music in the world. Here are the artists to play in the event:
According to the site news: Thousands Expected as Festival Sales Reach Milestone
People from countries as far away as the USA, Canada and Australia are expected to visit Stornoway this summer as the Hebridean Celtic Festival announced it has already sold more tickets this year than it did for the entire event last year…
Julie Fowlis , our Scottish lass is in the midst of a tour to promote her new album Uam. According to Folk Radio Uk, Uam is an extraordinary moving album. Her best and most beautiful work to date. Julie has also been made ambassador for Hebridean Celtic Festival according to her myspace blog:
The fabulous folks at the reknowned Hebridean Celtic Festival have been kind enough to make me an ambassador for the festival and one of the first three inductees to their newly formed Hall of Fame.
I am most chuffed and honoured. See the official info below! (then go and buy tickets – it’s a fab festival!!) love Julie x
Sounds like she is not only winning our hearts, she is winning the whole of UK and the world. Bless you Julie! Check her blog and music at www.myspace.com/juliefowlis and www.juliefowlis.com her tour schedules:
Cuirmean-ciùil
Tour Dates
12th Jun
St Albans
St Albans Arena Civic Centre St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 3LD
13th Jun
Southwell
Southwell Folk Festival Nottinghamshire
15th Jun
Cardiff
St Davids Hall, The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1AH
17th Jun
London
Union Chapel, Compton Avenue, Canonbury, London N1 2XD
20th Jun
Salisbury
Salisbury City Hall Malthouse Lane Salisbury Wiltshire SP2 7TU
Breton band TornaoD is in the middle of an exciting tour this month. This band from Kaligan France have been leaving audiences breathless with their astounding, dynamic energy such that, initially bemused, then won over, people are never indifferent. Their site describes the music: In an authentic meeting of tradition and modernity, TornaoD draw inspiration from a mixture of sources, from Alan Stivell to Metallica, Led Zeppelin to Denez Prigent, 70s rock side by side with 80s metal, New Age, the East, and more…From June to August, you can watch them live in the following venues:
If you don’t have an idea who Pierrick Lemou is, then you’ve missed out on life’s great musical pleasures. His fiddle plying is like no other because after all, he walks in two cultures: Breton style meets Irish influences. There is a softer and sweeter style in his playing. His arrangement is also eclectic in a sense that he derives from all sources, including the great jazz bassist Jaco Pastorious. I am personally getting a hang of him and he bleeds magi in every song. Check him out at www.myspace.com/pierricklemou and http://www.pierricklemou.com/Following the release of the much-awaited album Emerald, Alan Stivell is fully booked for the month of July and August. He also conducted an online chat with his fans (in Breton I guess) and
yes he will be on one of the biggest Celtic Festival this year ,
The amazing voice behind Danu Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh continues to soar the heights of musical success as her band promotes their new album “Seanchas” was released in April 2010. Listening to her full voice, it would be hard not to be loved. She has the mastery in the sean nos style of singing as well as great talents on the flute and tin-whistle. She is good friends with Scot Julie Fowlis who collaborated with her on collaborated on the album “Dual”http://muireann.ie/biog.html . Expect to hear more from Muireann .Please read www.myspace.com/muireannmusic and muireann.ie . Beautiful photos courtesy of Bríd Ní Luasaigh
There is an amazing Celtic harpist in our midst that mixes music of all genres making the sound totally her own. Lily Neill has created such a stir in the music scene after the release of her debut album “Without Words “ in 2004. “Lily Neill speaks to us without words in this gentle and gracious recording. Once again the magic of the plucked string surrounds us and brings us to a place of special resonance and peace. There is something universal in this sound: no less than three of the tracks, for example, bring the Japanese Koto and Irish Harp together as if they were long lost cousins. A shared universal sonic gene comes through her fingers as if the music inside her is truly ancestral”. Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, November 2006. www.myspace.com/lilyneill and www.LilyNeill.com
If you haven’t got the copy of John Spillane’s latest album (The Best of John Spillane, So Far, So Good, Like), then don’t miss out on this musical gem of an album.
John is a native of Cork, the county he lovingly describes as ‘the centre of the universe’, and it has been a huge influence on this singer/songwriter. Vocally, Spillane is quite unique with an almost sean nos like element and has been described as having a voice ‘full of honesty, commitment and sensitivity’.
…some of the most skillfully crafted, vividly realized songs anyone has written in Ireland over the past dozen years.’ Earle Hitchner, premier writer/reviewer for Irish Echo and The Wall Street Journal. www.johnspillane.com and www.myspace.com/johnspillane .
With the release of the new record Love is the Way, we are greeted by a new Eddi Reader. This one is more breezy, country sounding and free spirited which is a departure from years of seeing her in those glasses and wild hair. I first became familiar with Eddi upon watching the Jools Holland show. Her voice is simply awesome and her personality is vibrant. As she says about the album: I have a passionate love of instinctive, beautiful songs. Also a slightly insane attachment to romantic chord structures. Words that speak of some universal humanist truth. That can be ‘thrown away’ with no regrets. This can be summed up in most of the songs on this record. Tour dates for this month and July:
Clockwise from the top: WB Yeats, Gavin Moore, Cherish the Ladies, Flook and Minton Sparks
I am currently reading Irish Fairy and Folk Tales edited and selected by William Butler Yeats. It is a nice old book and a great literary source of all things Irish. There are so many talents out there. We have only tapped a small scale. But we will continue to do so. I will make sure to get them for you-only the best that our musical culture can provide!
The memory of WB Yeats continues to resurface these days in the music scene. One band, The Waterboys is responsible for it (Please refer to yesterday’s post). According to his bio: Born into the Anglo-Irish landowning class, Yeats became involved with the Celtic Revival, a movement against the cultural influences of English rule in Ireland during the Victorian period, which sought to promote the spirit of Ireland’s native heritage. Though Yeats never learned Gaelic himself, his writing at the turn of the century drew extensively from sources in Irish mythology and folklore. There is a page in MySpace dedicated to this unforgettable Irish poet www.myspace.com/wyeats . ……………..Gavin Moore created an album of breezy atmosphere, moving melodies and delightful lyrics in his latest independent release Tonnta. According to his website: His new record ‘Tonnta’, forged in the magical countryside of West Cork, is a beautiful atmospheric combination of folk rock & traditional Irish influence, which makes assured steps into musical territory as yet uncharted, surfing the crest of a secret wave somewhere between Jack Johnson and Iarla Ó Lionáird… Dates for the album launching of Tonnta will start in September this year. More info at www.myspace.com/mooregavin and www.gavinmoore.com.………………..After 25 years in the recording industry, Cherish the Ladies still continue to be in the forefront of Irish traditional music. With Albums receiving rave reviews (including “A Star In The East (Christmas Album)”, The all women band are composed of JOANIE MADDEN: Whistles, Flutes, harmony vocals MARY COOGAN: Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo MIRELLA MURRAY: Accordion ROISIN DILLON: Fiddle KATHLEEN BOYLE: Piano, harmony vocals MICHELLE BURKE: Lead Vocals. Quotes Billy Altman of The New York Daily News “Cherish the Ladies is one of the foremost Irish traditional music groups in the world.” You will catch them while they’re on tour for the rest of July in the following venues: 07/10/10
Springfield, OH – Springfield Arts Summer Concert Series www.springfieldartscouncil.org/summer-arts-festival.htm
www.cherishtheladies.com and www.myspace.com/cherishtheladies …………………English band Flook are now in facebook. After 13 years of making music together, the band decided to take a rest but will keep fans updated for future projects. You can listen to Flook via www.myspace.com/2flutes and buy their three albums Haven, Rubai and Flatfish by visiting http://www.flook.co.uk/ and yes add them in facebook…………Now for some country music with an Irish tint, singer/songwriter Minton Sparks fromNashville, Tennessee continues to dazzle audiences with her musical storytelling in the tradition of James Joyce and Jack Kerouac. In her latest effort Open Casket(Rural Records), she is backed by guitarist John Jackson, blues pianist Steve Conn, guitar and mandolin virtuoso Pat Flynn and special guest, Irish singing sensation, Maura O’Connell. Youcan also get the latest Minton Sparks news via facebook. Read her blog and listen to her songs at www.myspace.com/mintonsparks and http://www.mintonsparks.com . For latest appearances here are the dates :
June 13
Nashville, Tennessee Live Album Recording at the Station Inn!
3:00 pm
For more information, click here.
June 24
Peebles, Ohio Hope Springs Institute’s International Peace Gathering
Time TBA
For more information, click here.
July 15 – 18
Peebles, Ohio Hope Springs Institute’s International Women’s Poetry & Performance Retreat
Time TBA
For more information, click here.
September 13 – 19
Jonesborough, Tennessee Teller in Residence at the National Storytelling Festival
For more information, click here.
October 1
Jonesborough, Tennessee Midnight Cabaret at the International Storytelling Center
10:30 p.m.
For more information, click here.
October 29
Crossville, Tennessee The Crossville Arts Council
Time TBA
For more information, click here.
November 4
Madison, KY
Time & Venue TBA…………..Don’t forget the exciting duo The Gypsy Nomads. Please check out the article and interview I did for them on June 3rd. Hear them as they make beautiful music in the following venues this month:
……………Canadian singer composer Loreena McKennitt recently made a public statement about Bill C-32 (An Act to amend the Copyright Act).
“I am happy that Canada has joined the many other nations who have recognized that copyright protection in the 21st century is essential to cultivating and protecting the various creative industries of music, film, games, publishing and architecture, to name a few.”
“The digital age is one with many opportunities, but it is a trans-border global phenomenon that requires co-operation and harmony to achieve benefits for humanity. Respect for intellectual property, individual privacy and cultural sensitivity must be paramount alongside clear harmonized regulation. In this way, predictable economic business models can work.”
…………… Tomorrow I will be highlighting music venues that you might want to check out after a long day. If you have news feel free to email them to me. I will credit it accordingly or link it to your site.
In the spirit of WB Yeats, here’s Loreena McKennitt singing The Two Trees (Poetry of Yeats set into Loreena’s music) from the album The Mask and the Mirror (Quinlan Road 1994).
Celtic Music Fan 