Music

Tyde: Punchy, danceable and intricate

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Tyde

Band: Tyde

Genre: Folk

Members:

Heather Gessey – fiddle/vocals
Seth Tinsley – guitars/vocals
Andrew Waite – piano accordion

Hometown: Newcastle

Album: ‘The Hidden Spoon’ released February 2013!

Thirty seconds into the Hidden Spoon, and I knew already that Tyde has something special to offer to discriminating ears. Their brand of electro folk and textured sound have something to do with their Newcastle environment. Mesmerizing melodies, angelic male and female vocals are just few of the many qualities you can find when you listen to Tyde. They have mastered the art of groove. They are also well acquainted with modern music and they use various styles to create their own original sound.

Most of the songs have folk goodness coupled with interesting samples and loops. They are true to what they are known for: creating punchy, danceable and intricate tunes. It is no wonder they’re part of the finalists in the BBC Radio2 Young Folk Awards in 2008. The music is rooted to the spirit of British Isles. Its brilliance is all over the tracks and the haunting qualities of these tracks are the things that make Tyde special even to those who are not into Celtic music. Fresh, modern and dynamic. The ever-changing soundscapes and moods that their songs evoke upon the listeners are here to stay and will be enjoyed through generations.

http://www.tydefolk.com

Bio:

Tyde are a 3 piece that draw upon influences from every corner of the British Isles and beyond to deliver music and song that is dynamic, fresh and quite brilliantly played. In 2008, as finalists in the BBC Radio2 Young Folk Awards they captured the hearts of the live and broadcast audience. Then through several club and festival appearances in 2009 they began to build a strong following with their great sets and infectious onstage character. Tyde’s hotly anticipated debut album was launched in spring 2010 by Mrs Casey Records.

“Three brilliant players with a musical maturity way beyond their years. Their music goes straight to the heart of the audience, with an appeal second to none. A must for a concert venues. Pure Joy.” Tom McConville

“The best young band I’ve heard in years” Mike Harding – BBC Radio2

“Fantastic musicianship… If I could play like them now I’d be very happy, If I could play like them when I was their age I’d probably be living in the Bahamas!” Damien Barber – The Demon Barbers

“Watch out Lau!” Spiral Earth

***

Huzzah!

Surprise? I know it’s not even a few days and I have this post.  Something occurred to me today. I told myself why wait? Why put a schedule in what I do? When I feel like writing then write. I am prolific (hahaha) that’s why I blog in three more sites other than the two that I already own. Yes my brain has that capacity, so why limit it? So expect that I would no longer be putting numbers to what I do. This is me and I live my life free.

The Wild Irish Poet Alan Cooke has been a subject of online interviews including a radio show where he guested and talked about his writings. And this is the link to that show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aww1/2013/03/27/alan-cooke-irish-emmy-winning-writer-actor-filmmaker

Well, he has his own program where he interviews people in all walks of life. The conversation is up an hour-long and it’s a spot on type of thing. And this is where this other side of him, the media side really shines. http://thewildhourshow.wordpress.com/

Blair Dunlop


Click for details

Blair Dunlop is our next interview artist to be featured here. Ok no more surprises. I am letting you know what to expect this early.

Sahara

Click for details

if you haven’t yet, now is your chance to add something to unique to your collection of Celtic albums. Sahara is a duo of Singer/Songwriters Trish and Dave Long. They are based in Mornington Peninsula, that’s in Australia and they’re originally from Ireland. I have their new CD A New Beginning and I really enjoyed  it and continues to do so.

Micka O’Brien – The Ballad of the Downtrodden: Always a pleasure to discover young artists through recommendations of friends. This time we have Micka O’Brien and recommended by CMF’s best pal John Breen:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gsy7Y0SWaU&feature=youtu.be

Follow him through facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MickaOBrienMusic

Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill performing together. Wow what an amazing performance. According to Enda Seery:” I could listen to this all day!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96bKIE37gwQ

“Síocháin na Tuaithe” by Enda Seery

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Artist: Enda Seery

Album: Síocháin na Tuaithe

Location: Streamstown, Co. Westmeath

Players:ENDA SEERY-Whistles, flute, keyboard, vocals. JOHN BYRNE-Guitar.

JAMES HUGHES-Fiddle. EOGHAN MACAOGÁIN-Whistle. TOM DELANY-Guitar.

Tracks:

  1. The Scholar/Sam’s Delight (ES)/The Night Owl Time (ES) Reels 4.02
  2. The Castle/The Nightingale Jigs 3.25
  3. Peggy in the Settle/Day Trip to Galway (ES) Single Reels 2.47
  4. It’s A Working Man I Am Song 5.12
  5. The Dairy (ES)/The Belfast Hornpipes 4.06
  6. Santa Cruz (ES)/Friends from the States (ES) Jigs 2.38
  7. Amhrán na Leabhar Slow Air 3.03
  8. An Bhfuil an Fear Mór Istigh? Set Dance, Slip Jig 2.39
  9. The Golden Keyboard/John Blessing’s/The Highlandman Who Kissed HisGranny Reels 3.23
  10. My Aunt Jane/The Gullane/The Rambling Sailor Polkas 3.42
  11. Jearóid/You Rogue You Daren’t Meddle Me Slow Reel, Reel 3.02
  12. The Killeigh/Langton’s of Kilkenny (ES) Hornpipes 3.20
  13. Loving Hannah Song 4.28
  14. Tatter Jack Walsh/An Luradán/The Hag With The Money Jigs 3.31
  15. Síocháin na Tuaithe (ES)/Ralph’s Paw (ES) Slow Waltz, Jig 3.23
  16. Larry’s Favourite/The Floating Crowbar/The Chicago Reels 4.51

Close your eyes when you listen to this album. I think “Síocháin na Tuaithe” accomplished what it intends. Like its cover art, the album has this languid, pastoral and unhurried atmosphere. For someone who monitored his career for more than two years, I can say that Enda Seery has been known as a musician of delicacy and elegance through giving emphasis on the beauty of a single note. And because of this, his album has attained a peculiar atmosphere that calls to mind recordings from Altan, Lunasa and on his vocal tracks that of Anuna. It is this love for the beauty of notes that make  Síocháin na Tuaithe a rewarding experience.

The album has 16 tracks. Two of which are recorded with his own vocals. This is also the first time that he explored the idea of recording his singing voice although he’ d been singing for years. The album’s varying tempo of each track plus the great number of songs is enough to quench your thirst for the music of the tin whistle. Very appropriate because it took him two and a half years to release. Nine of these sixteen tracks are composed by Enda. Including Sam’s Delight a reel recently recorded by button accordion player Colin Nea on his album Between the Jig and the Reels. It’s also the opening track of Síocháin na Tuaithe.

The tracks are arranged in a way that feels like a thread is running through the album. Everything feels right and how they fit in the order of the tracks. There is a strong balance all over Síocháin na Tuaithe. As arrangements are never repeated in the order. For example, after the sweet high tune of the tin whistle is The Castle which is dominated by fiddle and flute. After that, another arrangement and so on. The Working Man is a vocal track which reminds me of the  Nightnoise ballads. The same goes for Loving Hannah. Enda Seery possesses a beautiful voice in the style of the late Mícheál Ó Domhnaill.

Síocháin na Tuaithe promises to appeal to many listeners both of the New Age and Traditional kind. It’s a kind of album that will gain more brilliance with years. And perhaps be rediscovered and shared again and again.

Buy Síocháin na Tuaithe  here: http://www.endaseery.com/

***

Huzzah!

Let me plug a friend’s book here. She’s Kerry Brennan from the Celtic East Coast of Canada. Under  Northern Stars is a collection of her poems.

Kerry Brennan

Click to preview

Artist of the week Alan Cooke uploaded this fascinating audio. This is about his upcoming book Spirit of Ireland Book – An Odyssey Home. I think it is a beautiful work in itself which can stand on its own even though it is a promo for the book. This is  a prose about Ireland.

A beautiful new memoir by Emmy winning Irish Writer Alan Cooke. He takes you on a journey back to his homeland. Back to the spirits, the landscape, the pain, the beauty and the majesty of Ireland. Coming soon as an Ebook and Hard copy all over the world. For more information go to www.wildirishpoet.com

Kevin O'Donnell

Kevin O’Donnell

Here is the 6th and the last part of the Kevin O’Donnell teaser:

Preview

Prior to the release, preview the song “Factory Girl”, keep informed on the album and release events, and, beginning May 3rd, purchase your copy of DEEP IS THE WELL on the web at www.deepisthewell.com.

For more information, promo requests, or to set up an interview, please contact:

Noah Smulkis

Ceolwind Productions

PO Box 5489, Evanston, IL 60204

promotions@ceolwind.com

708-363-6616

Here’s the facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/168806033277199/

For those who love Cornwall, you got to see the Minack Theatre. It is a fascinating venue on a scenic spot. As they say, you have never been to Cornwall if you haven’t been to the Minack Theatre. Thanks fo my friend UrbanKelt for posting this link.

The Minack Theatre is Cornwall’s world famous open-air theatre, carved into the granite cliff overlooking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno Bay. It’s a must-visit for drama, musicals and opera in the most dramatic of settings.

Publisher: Visit Cornwall http://www.visitcornwall.com/
Producer: Sideways Collective http://www.visitcornwall.com/
Music: Bhopali
Artist: Van Maximillan Carlson
Source: Sideways Collective

Truth and Dare:The Wild Irish Poet (a.k.a. Alan Cooke) Interview .

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Alan Cooke

Alan Cooke. a.k.a.  is an Emmy-winning actor/poet/novelist who just released his literary piece called Naked in New York. The book is the  result of his experiences, when he embarked on a journey to New York city just after the 9/11. He has acted and written since the 90s and then one day he just decided to leave it all behind and take a plunge into the unknown.

Naked in New York is a coming of age for the soul. He mentioned to me in one of our conversations that if he put all of his experiences in New York on text, then it would have taken him more than a thousand pages. This is a book of poetic beauty that flows in abundance through the pages. There are moments of pure illumination amidst the harsh realities in which he describes without sugar-coating. The poetry of his ideas are implied rather than expressed. And it is through one’s poetic soul that the beauty of his experiences is revealed.

This interview is kind of amusing. I have told him to hurry with the interview and not be distracted by other topics. We were doing a sort of dare. If you’ve followed one of his radio interviews, you will realize that he has an ample sense of humor.

“Ok last time give me those questions. I’ll do them right NOW.” The zeal of an Irishman! So we started with the interview.

“Hold on.” I was sifting through my original questions.

“Hurry up.” I was imagining him with that cocky smile at the other side of the monitor. And we started.

Alan with the release of Naked in New York, what do you plan to accomplish personally?

Well this is the first of three books. Naked in New York is a debut. I would like to go to New York this summer and read and promote the book if possible.

You have done stage and acting and I know your are very musically inclined. Any plans to dipping your vocal chords into an EP devoted to Irish music in the future?

Click to enlarge

I doubt it. I adore music. I adore the sounds of Ireland and the breath and depth of musicians. I do have a strong singing voice but I might make my own single one day . I like to try out new mediums who knows..

How do you feel about the reception towards Naked in New York?

Well whomever has read it has been very moved in many ways. But the promotional aspect I find exhausting. It is way more difficult than writing the book I have to admit. But then it only takes one piece of media coverage or the right person to read the book to bring it to a much larger audience.

Are you planning to do a sort of book tour in a form of public readings in the US?

I would love to yes. I am a performer. I am an orator. I am not a writer hiding out. I love to be in the world. In front of people speaking my words. I like to try and transform a room with the connection between teller and listener. That is the crux of all art.

You have upcoming projects. Can you give us an update on them?

Well as I said, I have two other books. The Spirit of Ireland and Jack Tully and the Midnight Killer. I hope to release both of them this spring. One must keep creating. Keep the candle burning in the midst of dark times. Someone out there could be moved or changed by your work. So I try never to give up.

You often discuss this light and dark contrast in the Irish psyche which is also the focus of your thriller Jack Tully and the Midnight killer. What do you think in brief paragraph, might have caused this phenomena?

Our history. Our colonization. Our religious repression. We are a mythic native culture at our root base. We are powerful poetic and magical in a sense. Our previous overlords knew this and crushed and starved and enslaved us for hundreds of years. So although we have a gift still in our Celtic souls, it is split I believe. At one side is a beauty for poetry and laughter and lightness. On the other is self loathing, self-destruction and hatred of our identity. You see it in the drink culture and the low expectations and learned helplessness that is very dominant here. So I like to explore that in my writing. But I think soon the Irish will rise into the full version of themselves again. Into the colour light and beauty of their own soul. They need to see and explore the myths. They need to cast out shame and sadness and realize we are powerful. Self love is the key. This landscape is filled with such amazing magic and depth. We only have to walk into it and say I AM.

Click to enlarge

Tell me more about your spoken words via youtube. You have released 3 so far right? What inspires you to make those?
Well I am an actor who hasn’t acted in quite a while. So my narrations are really my way of exploring my performance and my writing together. Both are intrinsically linked. The power of voice and the word is such a potent force when used for good. That is why I try and make these videos to combat so much destructive messages in the media.

I am curious what you have in your music player right now. Can you give me at least five Irish albums you are listening to?

Oh.. ! Well not many. I like the old U2 Albums when they were less concerned about massive profit and more about art. I like Thin Lizzy and also a lot of Uileann Pipe players. I love the Dubliners and Luke Kelly. I need to listen to more music again. !

You mentioned once that the book is a distilled version of what really happened in New York. If you’ve decided to write the story as is, it would have taken you a thousand pages. But as you mentioned, it’s more like an ‘art writing’ but also autobiographical. How did you decide which scenes in your life made it to the book and what didn’t and why?

It flowed in a certain rhythm. It was more an exploration of my feelings related to the experience than the actual experience if that makes sense. All reality is subjective. All magic or true experience is blended at times. I needed a certain level of discernment and trust of my gift to allow the flow to happen. What seemed important at the time of my journey became oddly trivial and then what seemed like an innocent road or a tiny moment became this momentous occasion in the book. I guess it is all perspective. There is no real truths only that which is your feeling of what you believed at the time. New york was such an overwhelming environment that I can only conclude my writing ultimately helped me undo the knots in my soul from the experience.

Let’s do another plug here. Where can they buy your book and the various formats that they can buy of naked in New York?

Well if they go to www.wildirishpoet.com they can buy the audio version of the book. If they go to www.amazon.com/author/wildirishpoet they can guy the kindle version .

Cat:”She is a godless. She is my familiar. Very very special. deeply intelligent and been through it all with me from New York to here.”
Click to enlarge.

Three more questions.

I’ll kill you.

Work it.

What is your idea of a good Irish holiday Alan?

Roaming the west in a car. Going to Kerry, Cork, Connemara. The wild ragged west of Ireland with the people, the food and hopefully in the summer. The long evenings and the sunsets and the magic of animals and mountains. It is all there in the very substance of every tree and river and in the eyes of the old people here. Magic in Ireland will never die.

So …what do you think? Should we stop here? Do you want 10 more questions?

No that’s enough let it roll. Off to do yoga in my house and weights, then porridge.

Copyright 2012 – Alan Cooke and Wild Poet Films. All footage is copyrighted. His Blog: www.wildirishpoet.blogspot.com
Buy the book on http://www.wildirishpoet.com on Audio release soon. Email to order your copy : wildpoetfilms@gmail.com

***

Huzzah!

It is another interesting week for our featured artist edition. We have Alan Cooke above and also links in this column that you should check out because they are interesting! There are things that are yet to happen which will be revealed through my conversation with an artist. Yes, you will get an idea how I talk regularly.

Here’s the fifth teaser for the Kevin O’ Donnell album:

Kevin O'Donnell

Kevin O’Donnell

The Album Release

DEEP IS THE WELL will be released and available online Friday, May 3rd for purchase from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. A music video for the first single “Factory Girl” will be launched April 16th. Stay tuned for Album Release Events scheduled for May in the Chicagoland area, which will feature many of the guest artists on the album. More at www.deepisthewell.com.

Here’s the latest post from the Saw Doctors fan page: Later this year we are hoping to publish a book featuring 100 songs of The Saw Doctors. We will post a song each day as we reveal the 100.

We are looking for any photographs, stories or memories related to each of the songs for inclusion in the book. So let us know if you have a suggested contribution in the comments section.

Song #1 has to be the first song on our first album and also our first number 1 single 🙂

All 100 songs are available for download on iTunes and on CD from http://shop.sawdoctors/. And here’s the video: ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TRJ5CG_jIs

Eve Williams

Eve Williams

Check this track by Eve Williams. According to Eve: “It’s a song called Miranda based on the Tempest by myself, Andrew Price and Stuart Revnell. Stuart produced the song and he put a lot of work into the vocals.”

More at http://www.evewilliamsmusic.com/

Jenne Lennon

Jenne Lennon
Click to enlarge.

A Brief conversation with Singer/Songwriter, Writer, Composer, and Native American Rights Activist Jenne Lennon.

How are you Baxter? Its been ages……

I know Jenne but it is timeless in Celticland so it only seems like yesterday the vibes are still the same if you have anything you want me to post let me know id be happy to post it.

oh thank you! yes, a lot going on here. We signed with San Juan records and such. But, I was thinking of you. Last we talked you were feeling down. Are your spirits any better? New year….new energies…

Yes it is Jenne. Just like trees everything has its season. This is spring lol  

That’s good news! It is, although in chicago, today was our first day of sunshine and relatively warm weather. By warm I mean 45 F compared to -2 F!

Oh ok. Yeah brrrrrrr haha. Here it is the start of summer in the Philippines so it is getting hot. Kind of silent around due to the lent.

Absolutely. But this amazing city is making up for it. Incredible Celtic music here. A bit of a world music resurgence going on now.
Yes, I imagine it is silent due to lent. I am jealous of the weather though, my best friend who is Filipino told me not to be so jealous as its very humid there, hehe!

You will get one too. In a couple of weeks. Yeah! humid indeed haha. I am doing my blogging outside where there’s moving air and birds…flowers etc

Hehe….I hope so. Although our summers are very hard and humid as well. My ancestors were not cut out for it. I am Irish after all…..I can’t take strong heat or cold.That sounds lovely! what time is it there?

Yeah I can imagine it must be hard for northern skins. Here it is 10 am.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aww1/2013/03/27/alan-cooke-irish-emmy-winning-writer-actor-filmmaker  Listening to the wild Irish poet.

Nice! It’s 9:00 p.m. here. Are we 11 hours apart? Thanks for the link!

Yeah 11 hours.

But, this summer I will be in South Africa, which it will be winter then hehe.

In which I asked her about Shishonnah and a possible online interview.

Oh, great! I would love to talk to you about Shishonnah and the work I am doing in South Africa. I’ve started working with the Chicago Childrens choir and it has completely changed my life. My dream is coming true to go to South Africa this summer if I can manage to raise the funds….

Ok. So info is just in your site right? I can just go there and read. I just want to make sure I am asking relevant questions.

Sure. Or, you can ask me anything you like. I can update you about anything. But, yes, the south African stuff is all on the site. Except for my work with The Chicago children’s choir (who you HAVE to check out) very famous. You would love their stuff

Ok. I would like an update on the Chicago children’s choir. I can just study the south African thing on your site.

Yes, anything you’d like that organization really changed my life. Its been incredible. I will be touring with one of the choirs next month and they will be singing my arrangement of “siuil a ruin” and I’ll be a guest soloist. Too cool! And how are things with you? How is the blog?

I told her about the subscribers have increased and I am introducing changes to the blog. We chatted for a few more minutes before we said goodbye and will be talking again soon.

About Jenne

Site maintained by Glencoe Records and Healing Sun Productions. This is a promotional page for Singer/Songwriter, Writer, Composer, and Native American Rights Activist Jenne Lennon. One half of the World Fusion duo Shishonnah, Creator and owner Glencoe Records, an indie world music label.
www.glencoerecords.com
www.jennelennon.com
www.shishonnah.com
Congratulations Dónal McCague!
Dónal McCague

Matt Molloy ag bronnadh gradam Ceoltóir Óg na Bliana -Young Musician of the Year ar Dónal McCague Click for details.

 

Réalta:The Brevity and Grace of the Irish Spirit.

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Realta:Aaron O'Hagan (Uilleann pipes, Flute, Whistles, Bodhran)Conor Lamb (Uilleann pipes, Whistles)Deirdre Galway ( Guitar, Bouzouki, Concertina)

Realta:

Style: Irish traditional

Members: Aaron O’Hagan (Uilleann pipes, Flute, Whistles, Bodhran)
Conor Lamb (Uilleann pipes, Whistles)
Deirdre Galway ( Guitar, Bouzouki, Concertina)

Golden melodies and shimmering sounds: these are the things that make Réalta a joy to listen to. No frills or effects. Just straight ahead traditional tunes but with undeniable freshness. Picture the sight of  flowers blooming in spring. They play tunes that’s moving yet also capable of being unobtrusive. This is exactly the main ingredient in recordings that stand the test of time. Which calls to mind the term: less is more.

This trio from Belfast are made up of Aaron O’Hagan (Uilleann pipes, Flute, Whistles, Bodhran), Conor Lamb (Uilleann pipes, Whistles) and Deirdre Galway( Guitar, Bouzouki, Concertina). Dierdre sings in that Janis Ian meets Judy Collins style. That’s the closest comparison I can give you because it is hard to categorize her voice. It sounds soft to fit folk but there’s also something kind of hippie to it. You be the judge but that’s my observation.

Fact: Celtic music is mood enhancer.  Something in  Patsy Tohey’s-The Exile’s Jig, reminds me of riding long distance, and that is the soundtrack. I love the bouzouki. It sounds like honey dipped with sunlight. The guitar strums are wispy. It is balanced by the round sound of the wooden flute. The uilleann pipes have this silver metallic crispness. If you are into instrumental music then Réalta should be in your priority list.

I like the way Sliabh Gael gCua (air) creates that floating sensation. We live  in a generation dominated by fast tracks. It gets too much sometimes. Slow tunes are awesome. I like an album that not only shows off acrobatic sounds but also lifts one’s soul with its slow airs.

Réalta creates impeccable arrangements. The Galtee has the kind of  tightness that’s comparable to a thread going through the needle. Réalta celebrates the ecstatic spirit of Irish music in its brevity and grace.

Bio:

This Belfast based musical trio bring with them the intricate melodies and driving rhythms that make Irish music so loved throughout the world. While Conor and Aaron pursue the melody on dual uilleann pipes, whistles and flute, Deirdre explores the harmony and rhythms within the tunes through a dynamic accompaniment on guitar.

These three young musicians take a lively yet respectful approach to traditional music and have already established themselves on the Irish music scene. Between them, they have performed with a variety of established bands including Craobh Rua and Killultagh. Their experience includes venues and festivals such as The Smithsonian Folklife Festival (Washington), Festival Interceltico Accidente (Asturias), Alkmaar Irish Music Festival and Mulligan’s (The Netherlands), Randers Ugen (Denmark), Le Bono Folk Festival (Brittany), Tok Trad Festival (France), Girvan Folk Festival and Moniaive Folk Festival (Scotland), The Open House Festival (Belfast) and The William Kennedy Piping Festival (Armagh).

http://www.realtamusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/realtamusic

***

Huzzah!

How are you? I am just enjoying the peaceful Easter Saturday tuning in to CRC FM  based in Castlebar, Ireland. My big thank you to Denis Charlton for playing my request. The song is called In a Lifetime by Bono and Clannad. Life is beautiful when there are sweet tunes around. Music makes the world go round. And where there is music, magic happens. My big thanks to my friend Damien McCarron for recommending the station to me. You know he has recommended a LOT to me and they contribute to my ideas.

Lúnasa

Lúnasa

I wrote an essay about Lunasa in Expats Post earlier today. It’s one of the online magazine where I act as a music contributor. Here’s a little excerpt: My first introduction to the fabulous music of Lúnasa was through their second album Otherworld. The marriage of deep, tempestuous colors to the  serene patterns of water in the album artwork conveys the deep connection of Irish music to the spiritual world. In the tradition that spans thousands of years, the passion and love for immortality is embodied in the melodies that explains the visual symmetry of the Celtic artwork. READ MORE.

Kevin O'Donnell

Kevin O’Donnell

Here’s the fourth teaser for the Kevin O’ Donnell album:

Making of

Kevin returned to the studio in 2012 when Maurice Lennon, of Stockton’s Wing, agreed to produce an album of Kevin’s material. Kevin and Maurice eventually settled on ten original songs for the project. Some were pulled from the drawer; while others – previously recorded by Kevin in the ‘80s and ‘90s – were retooled, rearranged, and in some cases, completely rewritten. The project inspired Maurice to write an original tune (A Letter Home) that serves as a prelude to the album.

More at: www.deepisthewell.com.

John Breen

John Breen

Easter Lily -by John Breen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjwR88_So7I is a perfect track today. The song has that warmness and down to Earth appeal that becomes a great tune to sing along with. Here’s the background:

Easter Lily recorded by John Breen and written by Brendan Phelan whose credits also include the hit Ballad’ Dublin in my Tears. This song is written about James Connolly’s wife Lillie Connolly who was originally from County Wicklow Ireland the same county as John Breen himself. James Connolly was a leader during the 1916 rising, having joined his workers army (the Citizen army) with the IRA to strike a blow for Irish independence and Socialism. James was murdered by the Brittish army for his part in the Easter Rising. He is an Iconic figure in Irish republicanism and indeed socialism globally. Lillie was from the Beautiful village in the east of County called Rathnew. James Connolly and Lillie nee Reynolds had seven children together, one of whom died tragically in a House fire. John Breen performs this with Steven Collins backing him on mandolin, banjo, vocals and bass guitar in what is their first recording together. The beginning of many more recordings to come…watch this space.
https://www.facebook.com/JohnBreen2u
https://www.facebook.com/JohnBreen2u?…

Dalla

Dalla

Been a while since I last heard about Cornish band Dalla. A new video has been uploaded. This is part of the Scilly Folk Festival and I thought you might want to get a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvXvpw_MrVg&feature=youtu.be

And some interesting pages….

Súnas: Definitive Celtic from Australia

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Sunas

Sunas

Australian Celtic quartet Súnas offers something mystical, relaxing and rich to all listeners.

The strongest asset of Australian quartet Sunas is their use of tight vocal harmonies. This is followed by enchanting and captivating melodies. In the world of fast and loud music, Sunas is a great find. This is suited for people who like their Celtic tunes more relaxing and mystical. For someone who discovered Celtic music through the likes of Clannad, Loreena McKennitt and Connie Dover, the emphasis on female voices is really a plus point. I love them!

They took all the influences from the Celtic nations and mix those with the unique sounds of Australia.  The vocals float between the world of folk and classical pop, making the songs accessible to all listeners. Even to those who don’t listen to Celtic music. Sunas has four members: Sarah Calderwood, Paul Brandon, Mannie McAllister and Michael Patrick. Each plays different instruments and also sings in solo or in harmony. They credit Kate Rusby,  Karan Casey, Pauline Scanlon, Flook. Liam O’ Manolai, Dougie MacLean,   Altan, Solas, Peter Gabriel and The Bothy Band as musical influences. No wonder they are so good. It’s because of the eclectic mix of sounds from different and amazing artists.

It is hard for me to chose any song as a personal favorite because there’s never one I don’t like. I am serious! There are tunes that you probably hear interpreted by other artists like for example Black is the Color and The Demon Lover. Reels, jigs and also a wider European sound are all over the recordings of Sunas. Instruments like whistles, fiddles and even didgeridoo embellish the recordings. But they are done tastefully. There are songs that use minimal instruments because perhaps, the band feels that the song demands it. There are fast and slow tunes: a good amount of balance.

My big thanks to percussionist Jeremy Sibson for bringing this terrific band to my attention.

Bio:

Súnas is a fiery four-piece Celtic band featuring multi-instrumentalists and exquisite four-part vocal harmonies.
Biography

Súnas is a fiery four-piece Celtic band featuring multi-instrumentalists and exquisite four-part vocal harmonies. They play a unique and unforgettable blend of original, contemporary and traditional tunes and songs.

The band has been in existence for more than a decade and has established a strong presence on the Australian folk festival circuit. In addition to performing at many popular venues around Queensland regularly and touring, Súnas has headlined the Cygnet, Tamar Valley and Fleadh Ceol Folk Festivals interstate and were chosen to perform their own music at the ’09 Woodford Festival opening ceremony. They have also appeared at the National, Snowy Mountains of Music, Wintermoon and Port Fairy Folk Festivals, Fête de la Musique (which was broadcast to France), the Queensland Multicultural Festival, Music by the Sea and Brisbane City Council events, and receive regular radio airplay in Australia, the BBC in the UK and worldwide. In late 2009 they toured folk clubs all over the UK, finishing with Dougie MacLean’s Caledonia Concert which was broadcast by the BBC as part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations. 2010 has already seen them play in several states and even Russia for St Patrick’s Day.

In 2008 Súnas released their debut album ‘A Breath Away from Shadow’, awarded four out of five stars by the Courier-Mail, and five stars by iTunes. They have just finished recording a new album, ‘Celtic Road’ and accompanying live DVD with the ABC/Universal Music that will be released in Feb 2011 and is already receiving airplay nationally.

http://www.sunasband.com/

http://twitter.com/sunas

https://www.facebook.com/sunasmusic

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Huzzah!

I am revising my blogging style again. Instead putting too many artists in my feature I decide to just take one and then just talk about anything in my Huzzah! section. That way I can concentrate on a particular band or artist and not drown my readers with too much information. After all I am going to post as often as possible now so no need to wait too much.

Qristina and Quinn Bachand

Qristina and Quinn Bachand

For Qristina and Quinn Bachand, music is a Family affair in 67 Music

Yes folks my new album review for 67 Music is up so please read. And also don’t forget to subscribe to 67 Music because they always come up with interesting reviews as well as Celtic music oriented events. Take note: I made an error of writing debut album when what I meant was second album. Anyway, here’s the excerpt from the review:

The shared creativity of siblings Quinn and Qristina Bachand in Family is a testament to the fact that Celtic music is and has always been a family affair.   And it is no accident that the title is their second album is exactly that: Family.  This album was released around late 2011 which catapulted the two into international live shows and countless youtube footage uploaded by fans.  All the tracks are brilliant, well produced and display tight musicianship.  But let us not ignore the other merits that Family has in store for those who are trying to pick up their Celtic albums. Red more….

Kevin O'Donnell

Kevin O’Donnell

Here’s the third teaser for the Kevin O’ Donnell album:

The Irish-American Experience

While there are many strong connections and instances where American folk songs and tunes can be traced back to Ireland, and many fine songs written about the Irish experience abroad by Irish expatriates – especially in America – the experiences of their subsequent generations has gone virtually ignored. There has never been a collection of songs written exclusively from such a perspective.

This is the impetus behind the DEEP IS THE WELL project – uniquely American story-songs that are the specters of a common Irish past.

http://www.deepisthewell.com./

Wild Irish Poet: Alan Cooke

Wild Irish Poet: Alan Cooke

I feel I need to plug this because I am one of the callers. The show is based in New York and Wild Irish Poet a.k.a Alan Cooke who is the show’s guest is in Ireland. I called in from the Philippines. Crazy isn’t it? But the internet makes the world small. Anyway this is a radio interview about his book Naked in New York and I was talking to him earlier that day and told him I’d be calling. The show is Called Away with Words hosted by Victoria Valentine. It’s an interesting show so I encourage you to listen until the end. I called in around 14:28 and please don’t tease me about my nervous voice lol! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aww1/2013/03/27/alan-cooke-irish-emmy-winning-writer-actor-filmmaker

And now for events….

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