Music

Méav – The Calling

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Méav The Calling

Artist: Méav

Album: The Calling

Sounds like: For fans of Anuna, Celtic Woman, Enya, Secret Garden and Loreena McKennitt

Tracks:

The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face/The Calling/Light Flight/Listen, Listen/The Songline To Home/Wayfaring Stranger/Sovay/Shenandoah/Once You Were My Lover/Glimmering Girl/Glasgow’s Burning/Black Is The Colour

Total time: 43.28

To be released on 26th August 2013

Released by:Warner Jazz

I am listening to The Calling by  Méav (Full name Méav Ní Mhaolchatha)on a cloudy afternoon. The soothing and spiritual atmosphere of the album is a perfect getaway. The twelve tracks take you on a journey which very few artists can do these days. Her fusion of world, classical and traditional elements really work in this project. She also incorporated a few nods to the direction of folk and jazz which you can encounter as you listen along. This isn’t the same as the full-blown, up front arrangements of Celtic Woman (which she was part of from 2004 to 2007). This is more of an intimate record with lots of intricate details and rich arrangements.

The album resulted in the meeting between Méav and  legendary producer Craig Leon in Abbey Road Studios, London while working together on the score of a space film in collaboration with NASA. They discovered the musical chemistry even in their different musical backgrounds ( pop and world music)and  they also quickly realized that they shared a love of song-writing and ethnic music.  The Calling is described as  a contemporary pop treatment of new songs and folk classics from Ireland, England, Scotland, Brittany, Galicia and America.

The album opens with The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face which was originally pinned by Roberta Flack and won her Grammy’s record of the year  in 1972. Méav gave a new sentiment to this song. Listen to how her voice sounds like she is imploring the forces of heaven around 2:25. Those high notes can get into your skin. I know because I got chills listening to that part.

In the title track The Calling, the choir voices are used to embellish the track which recalls the signature  sound of Anuna. This is also the carrier single of the album. The video features a studio session and the blur-to-detail effects of the camera is impressive.

My personal favorites are Listen, Listen(for the melody), the title track(For the arrangement especially the choral parts), Wayfayring Stranger, Once You Were My Lover (which contains the melody of Breton song Tri Martolod), Glasgow’s Burning( for the percussion and traditional inclusion of Alasdair MacColla  and Brian Boru’s March). The album closes with an interesting jazzy take on Black is the Color.

The Calling is perhaps the strongest solo effort of Méav. She is backed with amazing musicians. The generous amounts of spirituality and atmospheric beauty of this album promise to enthrall audience worldwide. Like she did when she was with Anuna, Celtic Woman and her solo albums.

You can stream samples of The Calling through this link: http://www.meav.com/music/

Trivia: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face was originally written by the Scottish singer Ewan McColl  ( father of Kirsty) for Peggy Seeger- source of this info is Méav.

Conversation with Liam Ó Maonlaí

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Photo courtesy: Patrick Glennon

Liam Ó Maonlaí talks about his project Rian, working with Glen Hansard and  beyond.

Born is the first album I listened to from Hothouse Flowers, a band fronted by my special guest Liam Ó Maonlaí. The part of me that loved(and still does) U2, The Cranberries, Sinead O’Connor and a whole bunch of Irish rock artists warmed up to this album. Born  featured Wayne Sheehy on drums and Rob Malone on bass guitar.  This album contained extensive songwriting contributions from O’Toole( who stepped out of  his bass responsibilities to showcase his multi instrumental abilities). The album  featured mostly guitar, bouzouki and keyboards on the recording. This is one of their complex records  as the music also incorporated more elements of electronic loops, synthesizers and studio effects.

I believe that an artist grows with his listeners. Somewhere in the mid 200os Liam Ó Maonlaí supported traditional Irish music. His humanitarian efforts are notable and they continue to this time.  He admitted in interviews that as a child, he was mostly influenced by traditional Irish music and Gaeilge was spoken as the main language. He even went as far as releasing a recording called Learn Irish with Liam O Maonlai.With Rian and other projects on the way, the bard joins us in this amazing interview!

Since Hothouse Flowers and then your project with ALT (and also acting on the side), what are the driving forces that keep you in shape and give you the drive to continue in this artistic journey?

With Hothouse Flowers


Mostly I respond to what comes my way and within that I find inspiration. I spend a lot of time looking at the world, our history and our present. What worked ,what works and what might work. For some people on Earth, these are terrible times and I see us as one. Music always drives me.

I am one of those who got a copy of  Learn Irish Project and it is an amazing work. Are you planning to launch another Irish Language course soon?

I would like to and I do intend to…. I need to make sure I get it right.

 You are amazing both in Sean Nos singing and also in lending your voice/talent to other projects. What are your other Irish based projects that we should hear about?

I have been involved with a project called Rian . It is a collaboration with Michael Keegan- Dolan  and his company, Fabulous Beast dance theatre. Rian involves eight dancers and five musicians. The music is mostly traditional …the dances are newly created. It has been travelling the world to standing ovations. Next stop Singapore. Rian has been to Norwich, London, Dublin, Cork,  New York , Sydney, Hong Kong  ,Umea, Wiesbaden , Lyon and Paris. ..sell out shows mostly.

That sounds fantastic! You also do acting on the side. One of them is The Busker(2006). Do you find difficulty switching from your musical side to acting? Or is it as easy as counting 1 2 3.
…My mother said to me once that what I do with the Hothouse Flowers is acting . I think in a way she is right.

 You are a great Bodhran player. What are the things we should know about playing this instrument that other probably don’t know about yet.

Not to forget that it is a drum and that the drum has a voice and that is powerful. The player mostly listen and feel the music that is being played . A steady beat is a great thing.

Your video Sadhbh Ni Bhruinneallaigh has been getting a lot of views on youtube. Do you have plans of making another epic performance like this soon in shows like Highland Sessions or Live Trad?

… I hope so. The Highland Sessions and the Trans Atlantic Sessions were great projects .

You worked on a project with Glen Hansard. How was the experience and care to share a bit about that one?

Yes…Glen is full of enthusiasm and energy. He and Marketa helped finance my last solo cd To Be Touched. They were there as a force of encouragement and a lot of fun as well. He is an eager worker… not afraid to sweat. He tuned in to my way of working in a great way.

You are currently on tour with the Rian project. How’s it going?
It is going really well. It is a great show with a great team. We love performing it and I believe that comes across. We have been to Paris, Hong Kong, New York, London, Dublin, Cork, Carlow, Longford, Sydney, Wiesbaden, St Polten, Lyon, and Norwich. I may have left out some as well..

You are composing a soundtrack for forthcoming John Carney film. Can you give us a heads up about this one?

That film has been made and I handed over the composition because he was looking for a different style. I would love to work with john and we are talking about possibilities now.

 What’s your message to your fans?

Thank you for taking the time to hear my work. It gives me great healing and pleasure.

Last question:How can one deal with change both spiritually and artistically?

Well… Art is a great boat to take on the sea of change. Art is an observer and responds in an uncalculated way at its essence to all things. If you can be true to yourself with your art then your art will have meaning. Trying to be or work like someone else will only bring about second rate work.

Well said!

Also visit: http://www.rianrecords.com/

Michelle Butler Ceramics

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Michelle Butler Ceramics

These are fantastic ceramics by Michelle Butler!

When listening to Celtic music, why not embellish your coffee table with something lasting and beautiful as well? Michelle Butler Ceramics offers a unique way of looking at crafts. If you want something striking and personal then her designs are definitely something you should consider as gifts to loved ones, souvenirs if you happen to be in Northern Ireland or if you just want to awaken the ‘other you’  buried by years of cultural sleep.

Celtic Stone-Peacock Plaque
Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 5mm

I know how priceless these items are because I happen to own two of her ceramics. One is the Celtic stone peacock plaque and the other one is a brooch with a Celtic knot work design. She made sure the items have natural surfaces. She developed a style which reconciles primitive Celtic influences with contemporary designs and forms. What’s more, they are all handcrafted using textured stoneware clay and are finished with a rich metallic oxide producing a depth of luster-according to her website.

If you look at her catalog you will see that there are so many designs and they are divided into four types: Celtic stone, iron stone, jewelry and the unique. There is also a section for new products in case you are searching for something else. Her designs are so addicting that I am actually thinking of ordering items in the future for my growing collection of Celtic art at home. My big thanks to Northern Irish singer/songwriter Eve Williams who sent me these items. Thank you Eve for giving me something tangible and lasting. And also thanks for doing it at the time when I need something comforting and beautiful.

About Michelle Butler:

Michelle Butler is a Design Graduate from Falmouth School of Art, Cornwall, where she specialised in Ceramics. In December 1998 she started her business in the Omagh Enterprise Centre from where she relocated, in August 2005 to a barn at her home on the Gortin Road, Omagh where Sperrin Ceramics Studio was born.

Her stoneware ceramics have developed a style which reconciles primitive Celtic influences with contemporary designs and forms. The pieces are all handcrafted using textured stoneware clay and are finished with a rich metallic oxide producing a depth of lustre.

One of the brooches

A large variety of glazes are used to apply colour to specific areas of pattern and relief creating a rustic earthy ambience that makes each piece a unique gift from Ireland.

Celtic Stone, Iron Stone, Unique and Jewellery Collections are available in outlets throughout Ireland and abroad. Celtic Stone draws its influence in strong ancient Irish legacy while Iron Stone includes more contemporary designs and forms; Ironstone also features larger pots and lamp bases which are coil built and handcarved and are available as commissioned pieces.

The Michelle Butler Jewellery Collections boasts as amalgamation of these styles in a range of smaller distinctive jewellery items.

You can find more of her works in facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Butler-Ceramics/10293475761

Online store: http://www.michellebutlerceramicartist.com/

Or the store address:

Sperrin Ceramics Studio, 92 Glenpark Road,
BT79 7ST Omagh

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Huzzah!

And now few ads from friends:
Purchase the CANTUS LUNARIS – Debut-Cd : Fabula antiqua
Thank you for order and we hope you enjoy listening of our vocal-instrumental ensemble for old music and celitc !
Kind regards Cantus Lunaris
www.cantuslunaris.com

Celtic music record in Belgium.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celtiquez-vous/259037564114379

New review of “Affinity”  Moya Brennan and Corma De Barra: http://www.newagemusicworld.com/affinity-moya-brennan-cormac-de-barra/

Band Members Explain the Eclecticism Behind La Única(Interview)

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Neil Reedy and Brian Falkowski at Flanagans Harp and Fiddle. photo courtesy of Mike Landsman

Neil Reedy and Brian Falkowski at Flanagans Harp and Fiddle. photo courtesy of Mike Landsman

I was lucky to catch up with Neil Reedy of La Única (\lä, oo’-nee-kä\) who submitted the responses of five band members. Based out of Washington, DC, the band is representing the beautiful blend of Irish and Latin music. They are in the middle of promoting their self- titled album. Members of the band give us a close look at what makes  La Única unique, exciting and definitely worth checking out.

1. With the release of your self-titled album, what are you expecting in terms of the listener’s reaction to this project?
La Única: We’re hoping our listeners, upon hearing our songs, will begin to … well, we’re not sure how to answer this question that doesn’t end up in ownership of a private island.  But the most common response we get from people who have just heard our music is, “Wow, at first I didn’t get it, but it really works.”  We expect similar reactions of surprise and embrace.  But overall, we hope our listeners listen with an open mind and discover our new, fun sound.
    2. There are five core members and a total of nine musicians who worked on the tracks. How was the recording experience so far?
We are very lucky to be located in the Washington, DC area where each of us has played with phenomenal musicians from very different backgrounds, and we love having them join us occasionally for gigs to add a nice, fat sound.  The recording itself was a beast! The album was completely independently produced and funded. We even had a situation in which one of us temporarily lived in Miami and had to commute for recording sessions! We looked at the project from a standpoint of first recording the ideas and thought of the 5 core members and then conspiring with these additional musicians to add elements that add value to the complete vision of the album as a whole.  But thanks in no small part to our bass player, who produced the entire album — including all those strange scheduling challenges — we were able to put out a great product.

La Unica at National Cherry Blossom Festival.

National Cherry Blossom Festival.

    3. The Spanish and Irish connection really work! Tell me about the musical connection of Ireland to Spain.
Our Venezuelan lead singer knew about the Irish migration to Argentina, and taught the rest of us about Celtic regions of nations not named Ireland that have their own, distinct Celtic culture like Galicia in Spain, Brittany in France to name a few.  He also turned us onto some artists doing this, notably Gaelica (based out of Venezuela), Salsa Celtica, a few Ruben Blades songs and the Chieftains tried something similar on their San Patricio album. As a shout out to all of these guys, our live shows include two Gaelica covers and one from the San Patricio album.  Musically, you can hear when the traditional Irish rhythms contain roots in the fundamental rhythms that are shared by many styles of music. 3/4 and 6/8 rhythms are understood by the Latin side of our band and that is where the fusing of styles begins.  Then we add styles we’ve acquired from our various experiences and you have La Unica.
    4. Contigo O Sin Ti (With Or Without You) is a pleasant surprise. Tell me about the decision to record this track.

La Única : Pure energy.

La Única : Pure energy.

Our bass player is partial to U2’s guitar player, The Edge.  We brought in “With or Without You,” which–I guess you can say–is “Irish,” but more to demonstrate that we can apply our style to popular music as well.  We want to show that our style doesn’t just have to be so eclectic that only a few people “get it”—in fact, at our live shows, we get great crowd responses from cover songs of popular music that we’ve “La Unicized.” With or Without You has a nice chord structure, a pleasing melody throughout, and a climax (which is interpreted here as a salsa). Bachata throughout is a very dance friendly feel, and goes perfect with the violin and tin whistle.  Hopefully, people may come across our version when looking for U2’s With or Without You and perhaps be interested in checking out more of our stuff.
    5. All of the tracks I’ve heard are amazing. How do you work on polishing  and making them sound the way we hear them now.
The musicianship of our members is really impressive both in terms of technical ability as well as creativity.  We see examples of it all the time at our rehearsals when we come up with more and more ideas for songs we’ve played a lot (and we get incredibly frustrated when we forget to press record!). It stems from persistent practice, and playing many shows live. Sometimes new ideas sprout up even a year after a song is technically completed. Those ideas are then incorporated in the recording process, and additional elements are discussed and our bass player executed those ideas with supreme production skills. He added elements to these tracks that really make them a pleasure to listen to like the short hip hop beat in Dame Sabor, the ambient sounds in Silver Spear, and the background voices in Walk.
    6. Where can listeners purchase the album?
Everywhere. But make sure to come to a live show to get a signed copy of our music.  You can find out site and store at launicamusic.com
    7. What’s your message to other Celtic fusion artists out there?
Contact us!  We love hearing from bands and are always looking for new ideas or bands to partner with for live shows.  All five of us agree that after having played in scores of bands, this project is by far our most successful and most fun; we think a large part of it is the merging of so many distinct styles and producing a truly unique sound.  So if you’re a group out there doing that, keep at it and we’d love to hear it!
    8. Please invite your readers to buy the new album.
Buy our new album …how’s that for persuasion?  If you really want to hear something different, something that’s very likely not on any of your playlists, and will put you in a good mood, have a listen and give us your support!
    9. How do you unwind after a great gig or recording?Album now out
Honestly, after our gigs we are absolutely exhausted, so sleep is our go-to for now.  Yep, not too exciting an answer.  We occasionally hang out with the owner and staff at Rumba Café in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of DC—they’ve been very good to us.  Oh, if anyone would like to be a roadie for us, yeah, we’ll take that.
10. Top 5 albums you are listening to right now?
“Valtari” from Sigur Rós
“Random Access Memories” from Daft Punk

“Secret People” from Capercaille
“Muy Divertido” from Marc Ribot y Los Cubanos Postizos
“La Revancha del Tango” from Gotan Proeject

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/launicairishband

http://www.launicamusic.com/

https://twitter.com/launicaib

http://www.reverbnation.com/launicairishband

http://vimeo.com/user17693879

http://www.jambase.com/Artists/97816/La-Unica

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Huzzah!

If you like this interview, check out other exciting pages of friends:

This is from 67 Music:

Haunting melodies and evocative storytelling are at the heart of “Transplants” from Amelia Hogan

This is from Tradconnect:

Live Review : Goitse / The Mill Theatre, Dundrum

 

A Place To Be EP by Linda Scanlon

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Linda Scanlon

Artist: Linda Scanlon

EP: A Place To Be

Musicians:

Jorge Carrilho – Drums (Portuguese)

Rui Marques – Keyboards (Portuguese)

Anja Brands – Violin (Dutch)

Syd Harris – Bass (half American, half English)

Joe de Bie – Guitar (half Dutch, half English)

Linda Scanlon – Guitar, Tin Whistle (Irish)

Irish singer/songwriter/multi instrumentalist Linda Scanlon has grouped together amazing musicians to highlight her beautiful voice. The first time I heard tracks off her EP “A Place To Be” , it was a jaw dropping experience. Think of the late Sandy Denny and Mary Hopkins all rolled into one. The musicians who backed her up in this 5-track recording are ‘international.’

The mood of A Place To Be is a combination of uplifting, sweet and light. The EP starts with Sailing By, a track that celebrates the optimistic view of life’s challenges. The song highlights the violin playing of Anja Brands from Holland. “Because dreams are a kite on a windy day, free as a boat by the pier.” She sings with such abandon the listener becomes the song! You really forget you are a listener because the track wraps itself into your heart and soul.

The guitar in the Scholar reminds me of 70s folk music when simplicity was the key to making beautiful songs. This is courtesy of Joe de Bie. I love how everything builds up into a strong track backed by superb arrangement. Her voice takes an airy nature as she sings the chorus. I love how she enunciates the word ‘school books’ in this track.

Clothes of Sand is probably my favorite track. Her voice shines like golden silver. Please check out the keyboard part. Whatever sound engineering magic was used here, it definitely works. The song simply takes me to places that can only exist in books, movies and the mind. This track also establishes Linda Scanlon as an excellent tin whistle player.

A Place To Be which is the EPs title track is a work of elegant approach in songwriting. It is hard not to notice the fantastic drumming of Jorge Carrilho who channels his subtlety and energy to the drums like no other. The EP closes with the joyful Summerfly. I love how the bass creates the bouncy feel of the track. I think I already memorized the melody of Summerfly after one listen.

I believe that Linda Scanlon will enchant listeners of all genres. A Place To Be fits in any mood, any time of the day and any place you want to take this recording to. Its universal appeal is something that will keep listeners want for more.

Biography – Linda Scanlon

Born in County Wicklow, Linda began her singing career at the age of 11, achieving early success in a number of traditional Irish singing contests during the 1980s, After relocating to England in 1997, Linda briefly headed up traditional Irish band The Rogues, before seizing an opportunity to perform in the USA, playing venues in New York and Minneapolis.

In 2000, Linda teamed up with a guitarist to form the traditional Irish duo Klonakilty. This led to seven years of successful touring in Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland, culminating in a 4-week sell-out tour of Germany during December 2008, along with two London gigs, which marked the duo’s farewell.

Now branched out on her own to pursue a solo career, in July 2009 Linda completed a UK tour. The highlight of which was appearing at the International Musical Eisteddfod in Llangollen Wales.

Currently based in Portugal, Linda is hailed as the most “in demand” Irish singer on the Algarve. Her unforgettable performances include a tantalising mix of haunting vocals and virtuoso bodhran solos. Now with the backing of a full band Linda has been rehearsing new songs to reflect the change in direction for Linda’s musical career.

Linda’s new EP “A Place To Be” is the first step of many on the road to taking her music to an international audience.

The EP was recorded in Linda’s own studio with the help of studio engineer, guitarist and husband Joe. Together they have selected the songs, worked on the arrangements and rehearsed the other musicians.

This is very much a ‘hands-on’ release with Linda having input at every stage of the process from the mixing, to the EP artwork and photo’s. Linda enjoys the working process in the studio and knows her way around Cubase 7, she admits that editing a mix is a ‘joy’ and opens up endless possibilities, but is happy to leave the dark art of using outboard equipment to Joe.

Released on: Foxscan Records

Initial Release Format: Digital

Available from: iTunes, Amazon and others.

CDs from: www.lindascanlon.com

Initial Release Territories: UK/ROI/EU

Pricing For Full EP:

Digital Download: €4.95 CD: €5.95

Genre: Folk (ishh) / Irish Influence

For Fans Of:

Mary Black, Maura O’Connel, Nick Drake, Sinead

Lohan, Cara Dillon,

For Lovers Of:

Folk Music, Celtic Music, Irish Singing Voice