If someone asks you what Celtic music sounds like, then letting them hear Iona’s Signature album is an excellent introductory tool. Since the creative net of the genre is far-reaching or broad, to say the least, it is better to hear the sounds. Signature was released in 2017, with little fanfare due to the political situation in the United States. Now that it is easier to breathe with the pandemic being addressed, getting back to music is a great idea. We all felt how tense the few years were, and more intense was 2020. Getting back to art is a healing process. That is why it is a great idea to introduce Signature to our avid followers.

This album is a testament to the band’s exquisite musicality. It also showcases what happens when a band grows through the years. Here’s an interesting paragraph I get from the Signature liner notes:

Back in 1986, Barbara Tresidder Ryan and Bernard Argent teamed up with two other musicians to formally play Irish and Scottish music as a band. We needed a name that could be easily pronounced, spelled, and associated with the music, and Barbara decided on IONA®. This is the name of an island in the Scottish Hebrides where the monk Columcille (Columba) was exiled to establish a colony and work on the illustrious Book of Kells. Long story! It’s also a magical place that has captured the imagination of all who land there, AND it’s easy to spell! 31 years later, we have crafted a collection of music spanning the Celtic diaspora, as well as parent countries, and many centuries. Our musical lineup for the past 9 years has been solid: we think we’ve evolved together rather well. Barbara is still lead singer, plays Celtic bouzouki, bodhrán, and pieds; Bernard continues to play flute, whistles, Doumbek, cabasa and provides backup vocals; Chuck Lawhorn is still our bass guitar player, also singing harmony; and Jim Queen loves to fiddle around, with his banjo too, and sings in whatever range is needed. We avidly explore the available extremes of all Celtic music and find ourselves drawn to odd time signatures. We also have a well-defined signature sound. We are putting our signature on this collection for you…

These days music associated with the genre has associated vocal(not similar) style. Barbara Tresidder Ryan offers a different take on the singing style. She is closer to Carly Simon and Anne Murray in her style. It is also a refreshing thing to hear. Her’s is a warm instrument. She also does extensive research of the band’s materials, and that is why she sings in other languages like Gaelic, Welsh, and other Celtic languages. For me, this is a testament of genuine respect for the culture. If you honestly say you love the culture, then you should prove it by singing in its language. 

Signature has ten songs. These are all upbeat tracks with emphasis on the use of traditional instruments. I love Breton music and the opening track “La Dérobée de Guingamp/Hai o eadaraibh” showcases that Breton flavor. There are more as you continue to play the album. I’d say this is a great companion to any journey. It is also an excellent album to play on a cycling trip in the countryside. It makes you feel close to nature. It is also an uplifting album that brings happiness in these challenging times. 

Listen to Signature here

Beautiful music is meant to be listened to at the break of dawn. It’s a time when thoughts still in the process of reorganizing themselves. You feel more, and you think less. This is also the time when it’s ideal to The Subjective Nothing by Maxim Cormier. The EP contains 4 tracks that are recorded around a solo guitar. You can feel his folk, jazz, and classical influences. I’ve been one of those blessed enough to follow his musical growth through the years. This Canadian guitar virtuoso has already played with notable musicians in the genre. He also released a fantastic recording with his father.

The Pandemic has given us reasons to meditate and reflect. It has also given us reasons to slow down and appreciate nature, music, and the stillness of our soul within. 

The EP begins with the title track. It is a meandering tune that displays his sense of control and nuance. There is wisdom in the melody and a sense of ease through years of practice. Landlock is jazzy and happy. Cormier has mastered the jazz scales and also the expressiveness of a mature musician. 

Shenandoah is a popular traditional tune covered by many artists, including American singer Connie Dover. The shimmering interpretation gives it a modern twist. This is Celtic music of cycling cafes and urban esplanade. The Maids of Arrochar explores the traditional Irish and Scottish flavor. Something that is fitting in any Maxim Cormier’s release. I suggest you listen to this to start your day or unwind. His guitar playing reminds me of gossamer leaves rocked by the wind-the beauty of the seasons and all things. 

Recorded in the historic Fortress of Louisbourg chapel to a live audience, this new EP is a fine work of musical excellence

It is time to be gifted with exquisite music at the time of so much turmoil. The chaos is concerning but let us stop for a while and listen. Humanity in traditional music resonates, and I think that is what we need right now. We need to go back and appreciate the beauty of each note, the ambiance of the chapel, and the quiet audience listening nearby. I am referring to the new EP by Maxim and Gervais Cormier. With “Maxim and Gervais Cormier: Live at the Fortress of Louisbourg,” you are in for a treat of superb recording and excellent musicianship. The sound recording captures the nuance and even the surface of the sound. The musical chemistry between father and son reverberates vividly in this 6-track EP. 

Recorded in the historic Fortress of Louisbourg chapel to a live audience, Maxim creates a timeless musical masterpiece in this project. The record captures the uniqueness of Cape Breton / Scottish style fiddle tunes played on guitars. There are also bonus treats, a Jazz-Manouche tune, and a Bluegrass medley. 

“Welcome to Your Feet Again” is both the single and the opening track of this EP. The duo plays through each note with real grace and elegance. This can only come from instrumentalists who honed their craft with pure artistic passion. If you feel the silence of Autumn and the need for reflective but lively music, you better grab this EP. “Maxim and Gervais Cormier: Live at the Fortress of Louisbourg is out now. 

Lore is here. It’s the new album by Irish artist Orla Fallon. You might have recognized her from the famous Celtic Woman. Fallon is back with her latest offering of notable influences. You’ll find Traditional Irish, Americana, and even Bluegrass. I am quite surprised that this album feels so personal. It’s not grandiose compared to Celtic Woman but rather, something you can curl on a ball, in front of a fire.
Her soft and sometimes quiet voice feels like a healing hand. Songs like Roseville Fair, Wild Mountain Thyme, and Parting Glass have this quality where she makes them her own. She actually makes all the songs in this album her own. Her vocal prowess finds her peers with artists like Alisson Krauss, Sarah Jarosz, and Emmylou Harris. On a transatlantic scale, her folk songs remind me of Kate Rusby and Cara Dillon.
I am impressed with the production technique of this album. Only light percussion was incorporated, and more acoustic instruments are given importance. This release is quite an accomplishment in an era where all albums sound loud and overblown. You can really tell she loves her Irish music with a passion. You can also know that she has great respect for tradition, and she ensures that the sentiments are showcased. Yes, she dusted old traditions and give them a sheen. With love and tender care, in this album called Lore.