Maxim and Gervais Cormier: Live at the Fortress of Louisbourg

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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 by Orla Fallon: A Drizzle on a Golden Pond of Sound

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Lore by Harpist Singer Orla Fallon is now available

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.

Celtic Fairy Dream by 2002 is an Excellent Escape into a Kinder and Gentler World

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I discovered the music of 2002 from Celtic radio stations on the web. The band’s dreamy and airy captivated my attention, and soon I can tell their distinctive sound apart from the rest. The band just released Celtic Fairy Dream this year amid the worrying pandemic. This is timely considering that people who are self-isolating need a kinder and gentler sound. This helps us tune into the higher vibration and avoid so much anxiety.

The new album has 10 songs, all composed, arranged, and performed by Randy, Pamela, and Sarah Copus. This is with the help of other musicians who contributed their styles in the creation of this captivating album. The thing I like about Celtic Fairy Dream is the consistency of mood in all songs regardless of the different arrangements and tempo. Added effects enhance the gentle vocals. The Green Fields of Autumn(Coinleach Glas an Fhómhair) is a personal favorite. A tune initially recorded by Clannad. Another stunner is the traditional song She Moved Through the Fair, which transports you into a dreamy world.

2002 merges the modern ”wet” sound of electronica and the lush organic beauty of folk music. This is a combination that really works. I really like this because I am not really a purist in a traditional sense. It is also a kind of album you can play after a stressful day, and help channel your higher self away from the darkness of these uncertain times.

The Joyous Waltz by Atlas is a Sweet Gift in these Troubled Times

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The Joyous Waltz is a new track by Irish duo Atlas-both natives of Limerick. Like a perfect Cappuccino over a sumptuous meal, The Joyous Waltz sways around your mood into the day’s vibes. Amid these uncertain and chaotic times, we need a break from all the politics and economy to close our eyes and enjoy music. The world can turn and tomorrow might not come, but living in the moment is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves.
Atlas launched their name with the release of Affinity in 2016 under Ropeadope Records. The album marks their style as

IMG_2765 a crossroads between tradition and what future Irish music should sound like. The talents behind Atlas are Cillian Doheny(guitars) and Cillian King(concertina).
The Joyous Waltz boasts the simplicity of two instruments in a crystal clear production. The tune reminds me of what Paris must’ve been in the 1920s. The new recording is a combination of sophistication and folk honesty. This is what music is all about-a joyous waltz to light the darkest moments, giving hope and kindness.

 

 

Órla Fallon is Back with Roseville Fair from Lore

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The “gentler” Celtic Woman is back with a new single Roseville Fair from the upcoming album Lore. Fallon has already serenaded us with Sweet By and By and also the soothing A Winter Tale(holiday album). The song recounts a girl’s recollection of falling in love for the first time. It has an Americana flavor in the Nashville tradition.
Lore is going to captivate fans of the genre with its cornucopia of Celtic favorites. Lore is released through Green Hill Productions.