The Buzz: “Album review:Larry Kirwan’s Celtic Invasion, Qristina Bachand and Malvariche!
Album: Larry Kirwan’s Celtic Invasion
Genre: Celtic Rock
Tracks:
“Weekend Irish” – Barleyjuice
“Clash of the Ash” – Runrig
“Uncle Jim” – Black 47
“You’re So Beautiful” – Pat McGuire
“Savage Earth Heart (Live from Glastonbury)” – The Waterboys
“Buile Mo Chroí (The Beat of My Heart)” – John Spillane
“22” – Celtic Cross
“Wacko King Hako” – Peatbog Faeries
“Irish Rover” – Blaggards
“Sullivans Lake (The Flood)” – Garrahan’s Ghost
“Meet Me on McLean” – Shilelagh Law
“Sí Do Mhaimeo Í” – Hothouse Flowers
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I love this album because it has everything…Mostly focused on Celtic rock style and composed of bands compiled by Celtic rockster himself Larry Kirwan of Black 47. Bands like Hothouse Flowers,Peatbog Faeries, The Waterboys and much more. The thing about the label “Celtic Rock’ is that there are a LOT of those out there and it is hard to pick out the best from the bunch. It is amazing Mr Kirwan has done this task for us all, so we know only the best in genre. It is also a way to represent the bands in the field.
My journey to Celtic music was through a different vehicle. Think of World and New Age inspired Celtic music. Yeah those were my introduction. Rock music came later in life and so were the other forms of music-in this case Celtic rock. There is not much to write about these bands except what you already know. And also your personal impression of each song. When you get your hands on a copy of Celtic Invasion. First, this is a compilation.It is hard to single out which is better. Every band excels through its own style. And this is a compilation of the creme de la creme of Celtic rock. It’s like riding the kaleidoscope of sounds where everything sparks up and it is hard single out one color from the other.
Larry Kirwan’s Celtic Invasion#1 is something you should bring with you when you want to liven up a party. If you are having your own party at home then better crank this up. This is the best. You know why? Because it isn’t just rock music. It is Celtic rock music. And the C of Celtic also stands for COOL! I know rock aficionados who like to comment on guitar rifts, bass lines, drums or even the vocals. Hey Celtic rock’s got fiddle and pipes and a whole lot more! Something you can’t find in ordinary music. So….Mr Kirwan certainly compiles something awesome with Celtic Invasion#1. May we get a follow-up to this!
The album comes with the liner notes detailing introduction to every track.
THE SAW DOCTORS March 8th at The Paramount Theater, Huntington NY, www.paramountny.com + at Irving Plaza NYC March 15th SOLD OUT!!
THE CELTIC TENORS March 16th at Lehman Center for Performing Arts, Bronx NY, www.lehmancenter.org + at West Hampton Beach PAC on March 17th , www.whbpac.org
Also check out the new CD in time for St Patrick’s Day by ENTER THE HAGGIS, ‘The Modest Revolution’ www.Enterthehaggis.com“Each track of ‘The Modest Revolution’ is sing-a-long song with killer harmonies and masterful instrumentation and captures Enter The Haggis at the top of their game.” Paddyrock Radio
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Huzzah!
I had a bizarre experience reading a post by Qristina Bachand. It was about a certain musician who cyber bullied her. The comment was directed to Qristina’s looks onstage. I am so glad that Qristina has more class and obviously more brains to defend herself from these accusations. It is sad when oppression against women is directed not by men but by women themselves! It is ridiculous. March is the month to show appreciation to the women in history. They were and are obviously beautiful inside and out. So what if you are blessed with both looks and talent? There is nothing wrong with that. If you have it, flaunt it. If you don’t then keep it. That simple. Ok enough of Qristina’s unquestionable looks onstage (which I say is fantastic!) and on with the music. This is together with brother Quinn:
Now, let’s go to Spain. Here’s an amazing video introduction to the Celtic inspired music from that region. The recommendation came with Spanish text so I don’t really understand it but the music is fantastic!
I have more album reviews so watch out for the next edition. I don’t want to overload your neurons with too much information and names. But sometimes it is fun to know what’s happening . Ok until next time. Spread the love and please say no to cyber-bullying!
This week’s featured artist edition is special. It is the first time I submitted an interview article for another Celtic music site. So hold on to your seats Celtic music listeners. There are people I’d like you to meet. And as always I want to thank each one of you for your continued support in making this site worth blogging for. Much love to all of you.
John Breen
Our featured artist for this week is John Breen
Yes you probably noticed the picture on the upper right of this site. That’ Irish singer/songwriter John Breen. He is this week’s featured artist after agreeing for an interview with yours truly. The great thing about this interview is that it is posted in 67 Music. Yeah the owner of 67 Music are friends and it is a great opportunity to be invited as a guest blogger. If you read through the whole thing you can tell that he has a great sense of humor. His experiences are funny and interesting. I enjoyed doing this interview with him which was very comfortable. Great stuff here and yes good craic. Also loads of insights into the album making and promoting music in general. I find that this piece will benefit not only readers but also musicians on the ‘ how to and what if’ of music. So go ahead and have a peek. You will definitely enjoy this amazing piece that John Breen and I prepared for all of you. Here it is: http://67music.net/features/john-breen/
This video is a fine example of the raw appeal of John Breen’s live performance with the band Fenian Folk.
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Memoirs of musician/writerNick Burbridge .
CARETAKERS: This was written some years ago and published in Songbook (ed. Dave White)
NAKED IN NEW YORK – A MEMOIR OF THE CITY – EBOOK KINDLE GLOBAL LAUNCH ONLINE
If you have been eavesdropping upon the literary circle via facebook then you might have cached the buzz. Emmy-winning writer/poet Alan Cooke a.k.a The Wild Irish Poet is releasing an e-book called Naked in New York-A Memoire of the City. Alan Cooke spent seven years in New York and came to know it’s bright and dark side. If you are curious about his prose, here it goes:
Excerpt : 2013 Copyright Alan Cooke New York is a thousand villages I have walked them all felt and touched upon a sense of each unique cultural quarter blending into each block I walked as they passed into the shadows of history and impermanency. For those who have never lived here they assume the city is one giant cosmopolitan fantasy but the living from day to day and moment to moment requires a realignment of the senses , you might never move far from your self sufficient hood which contains all you need to keep breathing. Sushi bars with quiet chopping sounds of perfectly sculpted fish dishes, delis with 30 meats and cheeses beers and atms to keep the wolf firmly in the dark, clothing and hardwares and cab companies and button emporiums, bars and libraries and …continue reading
Jim Wearne is another best representative of Cornwall. I think you should listen to his ballads. They are interesting. Now before you all jump and get excited, this is just a taster. I am definitely interested in getting Jim’s story. You will get that story soon.
I am finishing this blog at the patio watching the rain fall. The smell of earth rising is intoxicating. The cool breeze is inviting. I feel refreshed and drunk after reading and listening to the music of today’s artists. It is great to be part of it all.
Things are getting really excited as we move closer to St Paddy’ day. For example, take a listen to this sampler.
Larry Kirwan has been carrying the flag for Celtic rock music since the founding of Black 47 in 1989. The expatriate Irishman lives in New York City where he has been hosting Celtic Crush on SiriusXM since 2005. Kirwan, also a respected writer, has published three books and writes a column for The Irish Echo – the USA’s most widely read Irish-American newspaper.
Larry Kirwan’s Celtic Invasion features a dozen of his favorite bands and most requested rock tracks from his SiriusXM show Celtic Crush. The album includes legends like The Waterboys, Runrig and Black 47 (just to name a few) with popular U.S. touring groups Blaggards, Barleyjuice, Garrahan’s Ghost and Shilelagh Law.
Check out this preview featuring Barelyjuice, Runrig, Black 47, Pat McGuire, and The Waterboys!
Got an email from Tom Quick of Celtic Music FM 98.5
I just want to inform you that my radio broadcast “Irish Horizons” will be changing it’s name to “Celtic Connections” as of March 3rd. I’m doing this so I can include Celtic music from other area’s such as Scotland. Wales, Cornwall etc: If you would like your music aired on the radio show please contact me.
So yes, if you are interesting to get your music heard check out http://www.ckwr.com/
Celtic Twist Game:
The Celtic Music Fan would like offer a free copy of Twist in the Tale to the winner of a competition which will start now. This is how it goes. All you need to do is find an answer to a question which in the animated picture blow. all you need to do is go to their official website http://www.wix.com/hollandandpalmley/celtictwist to look for the answer. A winner will be announced at the end of this month. Phil and Dave could send it directly to you with a short note ofcongratulations. How’s that? For those who are new to this album, here is the link to the review I did back in June 27 of 2012.
I have a surprise announcement this Tuesday along with the new featured artist. I have to confess my dear readers that running this blog rocks! I have met over 70 Celtic artists and I don’t run out of interviews per week. I have new recordings to review soon so watch out for those. In the meantime, wait for out Huzzah! at the bottom of this post.
“Classic Celtic Music from Smithsonian Folkways.”
I received a copy of an EPK by Michaela Rollings regarding a Smithsonian Folkways recording called “Classic Celtic Music from Smithsonian Folkways,”which will be released this February 26. The album is compiled by music historian and folklorist Richard Carlin. This is the 20th volume in the popular “Classic Series.” This is a taster of what people can expect. Well here’s my observation. I never doubted anything coming from The Smithsonian compilations. They always deliver the best in the genre. I am also told that Richard Carlin is available for an interview. I will check on that later. In the meantime, “Classic Celtic Music from Smithsonian Folkways,” is an interesting collection that will make aficionados of Celtic music sway their heads with delight.
If you are curious how each of the track sounds like, here is the preview link:
Smithsonian Folkways is the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution, the national museum of the United States. Our mission is the commitment to cultural diversity, education, increased understanding, and lively engagement with the world of sound.
After listening to the entirely of this compilation I’d say get it get it get it!!! It is definitely worth your investment. Something you can pass on to the new generations of listeners.
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Nolwenn Leroy: It is called Breton Celtic Pop!
After listening to her new album O Filles de l’Eau, I can say that Nolwenn Leroy is the master of great tunes and excellent arrangements. I really enjoyed the recording due to the following reasons:
1. Awesome production.
2. Traditional, contemporary and original tunes.
3. Her vocal quality.
4. Nice packaging.
Yes the sales all over France and Europe can’t deny her superstar status. She is also courting North American ears by singing in English.
So what’s The Celtic Music Fan busy about these days? I have a LOT in my plate than I care to mention here. But I will give you a few 😉 I made Nick Burbridgecommit for an interview. Yes the legendary author/musician will be appearing in one of our feature episodes. I also chatted with Blair Dunlop who is part of Albion Band. He is also promoting his solo project. For those who are not aware he is the son of son of folk musician Ashley Hutchings (formerly a member of Fairport Convention, and currently of the Rainbow Chasers).
Peatbog Faeries also said yes to us. Yes we are going to have a rockin’ month with Celtic tunes and also thoughts from musicians themselves.
Winner of the 2011 BBC Radio 2 Horizon Award and named FATEA Music Award’s ‘Best Male Vocalist of the Year.’
Meet one of Scotland’s new breed of moving voices,Ewan McLennan. The elegiac and stirring combination of his voice earned him a massive following all over Scotland and the rest of the Scottish diaspora. In the vein of Dougie McLean and Donovan, he can hold his own with a style that’s fresh and distinctive. If none of the songs from The Last Bird to Sing can move you, then you must have a wooden heart. Because these songs resonate what is spiritual and sensual in all of us. The things that make us human, sincere and loving. His singing is such a warm blanket in the midst of familiar stirrings all around us. If we magnify the language of the leaves and flowers then listen to each bloom softly, then such is the music of Ewan McLennan.
The poetry doesn’t end in the sounds. They also lie deep in his lyrics which talk of longing for home, the love for tradition, people and places. And he sings with that Scottish lilt that we all come to recognize and love. In the midst of such expressive singing is his style of playing the guitar. He adds that intricate delivery to simple melodies creating a balance of simplicity and refined musical skills. Such richness of music is a blessing to weary ears. He is our featured artist and what an amazing exchange of messages resulted to this interview.
You sing with this distinct style. How did you develop your haunting and beautiful voice?
It’s always a difficult question to answer. I guess the singers that I’ve heard over the years are big influences on how my voice has developed – singers I, at one time or another, tried to mimic or adapt parts of their style. I sing a lot now these days, practice exercises and scales etc. but also sing a lot of songs. I stick to the opinion that technique is important but that it is only a means to express, not the other way round.
Your guitar playing is fascinating. Will you tell me more about it?
I began by playing classical guitar at the age of 18, though I’d already been playing music for years by this point. Classical guitar was one of my foundations I’d say. But after a few years I started playing steel-string guitar and more and more folk guitar. Someone who has been a real influence on me is Martin Simpson, who I have been getting tuition from for some years.
How did you decide to call the title of your album “The Last Bird to Sing”? This is your second album right?
The Last Bird to Sing is indeed my second album. The name of the album comes from a track on it that I wrote. I thought that it worked nicely as a title for the whole piece.
Let us discuss about song Architecture. How do you lay down the foundation of a song? What is the structure you base your songwriting to?
It really depends on the particular song I’m working on. But usually the first thing is when an idea for a song, a story will come to me – that sets the ball rolling. I then begin to put together a melodic line that reflects this story. And from there I begin, separately, to work words into the melody, sometimes changing the melody to fit the words, sometimes the opposite. Finally I begin to work on the guitar part, to arrange the melody and accompany the vocals.
Are you the type who records a lot of demos and then just filter the songs that make into the album or do you sit down and really work in the idea of creating songs that all make their way into the album?
For the first two albums I recorded I chose a specific number of songs that I knew I wanted on the albums. It was then a process of getting those songs sounding just as I wanted them to. But at the moment I am beginning to work, gradually, towards a third album and I am working in a slightly different way. I’ve been writing a lot of songs lately, as well as coming across, unearthing and arranging a lot of tradition material, so I already have too many songs for one album. I will carry on this process and then begin to whittle down the tracks to what I believe are the strongest individually and what work best together on the album.
Your status post says: “On the train home from London. You know you’ve been doing a lot of travelling when you and the conductor are on first name terms.” Musicians work hard(probably harder than people realize) and do a lot of travelling. What do you think can be done by the government, not just in the UK but all over the world to make it easier and better for every musician?
…I do do a lot of travelling. I guess being a musician, like any job, has its ups and downs. But overall it is a fantastic job to have the privilege to do and earn my keep that way. I think there are lots of interesting ideas around about how to make it easier for musicians to pursue their skills and talents and more generally to help develop a really vibrant national musical culture. The musicians wage, adopted to some degree in countries like France, is one such idea, but there are many. I think we should try to think of ways by which we can support musicians and develop strong and diverse musical cultures without continuing to turn music into merely another commodity.
Are you satisfied with the feedback that the second album is getting?
I’ve been really pleased with the feedback my second album, The Last Bird to Sing, has been getting. As well as the reviews, it was nominated for FATEA album of the year and I’ve also just been nominated for two Spiral Earth Awards – www.spiralearth.co.uk/spiralawards2013
The beautiful acoustic guitars that Ewan McLennan play are custom made, built by Ralph Brown. Below are pictures of the singer/songwriter and his guitars.
Notice: Ewan McLennan has been nominated for Spiral Earth Awards ‘Best Male Singer’ of 2013. The voting for the nominees is all done online by the public. It’d be great if you would consider casting your vote his way! But also if you could pass this on to anyone else who might vote for him too that’d be much appreciated!
The Celtic Music Fan would like offer a free copy of Twist in the Tale to the winner of a competition which will start now. This is how it goes. All you need to do is find an answer to a question which in the animated picture blow. all you need to do is go to their official website http://www.wix.com/hollandandpalmley/celtictwist to look for the answer. A winner will be announced at the end of this month. Phil and Dave could send it directly to you with a short note ofcongratulations. How’s that? For those who are new to this album, here is the link to the review I did back in June 27 of 2012.
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Huzzah!
How is everyone this week?As of this writing I am still listening to The Last Bird to Sing by our featured artist Ewan McLennan. Like I said above, his voice simply gets to you in a way one can ever imagine. And there is such palpable beauty in his rendition of new and traditional songs. This week is kind of relaxed. As you see not much feature other then the ongoing game of The Celtic Twist which I hope you take part. They make awesome recordings!
My friend Paula made an amazing discovery. This artist is harpist Mark Harmer. She posted this video on my wall. The track on the video is called Sir Arthur Shaen Carolan played by Mark Harmer on Celtic harp. I am not sure if it is me who will convince Mark to have an interview for this site or Paula. May the lucky person wins. As always, I am grateful for Paula’s enthusiasm for Celtic music even though she makes a different kind of music which is electronic. She did cover a number of Celtic inspired tunes like this one. She also sewed me those amazing frame Celtic designs and send them all the way from Yorkshire England. They proudly sit on my working table!
I am currently doing an interview with John Breen for www.67music.net. Yes yours truly is now affiliated with the amazing guys who run this wonderful site and its owner Skot Cranmore became my first interview artist for American Made Insider.
It is wonderful to know the lives of the artists who became part of this site. That discovery is a continuing process because I still get updates and they appear in this site every now and then. For me, a musical relationship is a lasting relationship. More lasting than anything I have known…other than my relatives hahahaha.
I wish you all an amazing week and watch out for my updates on the John Breen interview. I would suggest you check out my tweets which are found on the lower right of this site. That way you will see my retweets. I don’t really like to tweet about my stuff but I like retweeting relevant updates on my feeds. Take care and see you soon.
Featured artists: John Breen, Brian Cunningham and Corncrow
Welcome to our post valentine edition. I made it a rule not to talk at the beginning of a post. I will just reserve the talk for our Huzzah! Section so see you there .
The attention turns to John Breen this week . He hails from County Wicklow which is check this out: the Garden of Ireland. I am sure the flora and fauna of Wicklow have provided an ample amount of inspiration to Sir John Breen to be able to perform those tunes with the grace of a blooming rose in hyper speed.
Fans of Ronnie Drew, Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen and even Kenny Rogers will find something that will tickle their heart-strings. If you think his recorded songs are awesome, wait until you hear him live. His performance level will blow your socks off.
I think that ease of getting his feeling across is brought about by the fact that John is naturally a friendly fella. And you can’t fake that warm attitude. It will find its way around people who in turn responds to the same aura that you project. I felt that inner goodness and that’s what I feel the moment I heard his version of The Irish Rover and other songs. There is always that extra special you often find around Irish balladeers.
He signed up with Atlantic music group in 2004 and has two CDs to date. An interview is on the way but I wont tell you the exact date yet. I like suspense and I am sure you do too.
Sean Nos dancing is catching fire and it is spear headed by the most prominent name in the scene: Brian Cunningham. I am in the process of conducting an interview with the famous dancer himself and he is gracious enough to talk in between his schedules. There is really something good to be said about the majority of Celtic artists. They are so passionate about the art that it isn’t really about themselves but more on the exposure of the art. They give so much more and it is really important to keep in mind why their fans who are bloggers like are passionate in pushing their efforts to the front of Goggle search. We are all in the right scene!
He is currently performing in the Horseshoe Casino(Hammond, Indiana) so if you are around, don’t forget to see this one of a kind performer of traditional Irish dance.
Atlantic Steps’ is the inspiring epic story of Ireland’s oldest dance form (sean-nós), portrayed through the music, song, dance and Atlantic-Ocean-inspired energy of the Connemara region. For booking information, contact JRA Fine Arts at info@jrafinearts.com or 888.939.ARTS (2787).
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Corncrow – Meriasek
Tell me if this song doesn’t evoke something within you! If it doesn’t then you have the heart of a crow(pun intended) I think Corncrow makes a kind of music that brings out ancient mysteries . The music is haunting and transporting bringing you back to ancient lands, where gallantry was abundant and people wore long dresses. A little digging on the background of the song tells me about a 4th century Breton saint who was also a great healer. His feast day is the first Friday in June.No wonder the song has a very spiritual feel. Corncrow are a duo of Kim Guy -acoustic guitar, recorders, vocals and Steve Hunt – acoustic and electric guitars, bouzouki, vocals. Meriasek is taken from their new album Sweet Nightingale.
About the video: Official video for Corncrow’s version of Meriasek (S. Lockley, N. Kennedy), which I shot in Polkerris and Charlestown, January 2013.
Canon 650D, Canon 50mm f/1.4, Fader ND.
Celtic Twist Game:
The Celtic Music Fan would like offer a free copy of Twist in the Tale to the winner of a competition which will start now. This is how it goes. All you need to do is find an answer to a question which in the animated picture blow. all you need to do is go to their official website http://www.wix.com/hollandandpalmley/celtictwist to look for the answer. A winner will be announced at the end of this month. Phil and Dave could send it directly to you with a short note ofcongratulations. How’s that? For those who are new to this album, here is the link to the review I did back in June 27 of 2012.
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Huzza!
Now that we are in the month of love, the focus this week is about the best love songs in traditional Celtic music. My first introduction was by Windham Hill compilation called Heart of the Celts. From there the list of ballads about love simply increased. If you look at our musical culture in a macroscopic level, you will realize that each Celtic nation has its own love ballads and it will take so much if we do some research and post the songs here. However, I would just like to emphasize that the Celts know how to write the best heart break songs, I think much better than love songs. But we also need to give tribute to Robert Burns for giving us one of the best love ballads called ” Ae Fond Kiss ” which is close to my heart.
Clannad is known to produced the best ballads both traditional and modern. There’s also Connie Dover, Loreena McKennitt and Altan. Then there’s so much more that like I said would take so much to fit this edition.
Sorry if this section is short. I have to be honest with you: I have nothing to write for now. All my thoughts were focused on the meteor explosion in Russia and for hour I kept on posting updates upon updates about the incident via facebook and google plus. So when morning came I felt so exhausted and I kept on thinking about aliens. So there you have it. I promise to write more content on our Huzzah next time. Take care and see you this Tuesday for our featured interview and it is with no other than Scottish singer/songwriter Ewan McLennan!
Celtic Music Fan 