That “Outlander” Theme – The Skye Boat Song

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There was a commotion when the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon got released in the 90s. I had no idea that years later they would finally end up in the small screen! Good reviews came pouring in and I found myself watching each episode.

I love the great thought that was put in many aspects of this show-cinematography, costumes etc. At first I was hesitant to watch because I thought it’s no different from the many TV shows that they are putting out there. But it is not.

If you are keen on watching every episode of Outlander, then you might have noticed the opening theme. It’s by Bear McCreary featuring the voice of Raya Yarbrough. It’s called The Skye Boat Song. I think it is a fitting intro to a beautiful series that will inspire people who are into Scottish history (or historical shows of any form).

I will surely follow this series. I could not add anything more than what has already written by fellow bloggers. But let me tell you this. When life is hard, you turn to stories not just for escape, but also for encouragement. These shows give you hope. You learn about yourself through the characters. Yes, strange as it may seem reading or watching beautiful movies or TV shows can be a form of personal reflection.

Never loose hope. Never give up. And most of all, strive to be happy, when happiness seems fleeting.

I hope you can take something inspiring out of the songs that I recommend-and the shows where they came from.

Prisoner Zero, Now on Netflix!

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Moya Brennan made an official announcement yesterday regarding the soundtrack to the animated series Prisoner Zero. If you’re keen on reading my posts then you might have read something from two years ago regarding this topic.

If you are in the US, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand you can now stream the TV show that Aisling Jarvis and I composed all the music for, Prisoner Zero, on Netflix!! Go check it out! Can’t wait to hear what you all think of the music -Moya Brennan

I think everyone will love this TV series as the trailer looks great. And yes you can hear the music of Moya Brennan and Aisling Jarvis right there! The music sound’s really edgy and this is something really great coming from the mother and daughter team.

Moya Brennan started her career as the lead vocalist of Clannad. She pursued a successful solo career and worked with diverse artists including Paul Young, Shane MacGowan and Michael McDonald. Her voice can be heard in major Hollywood films and she tours tirelessly.

Listen to Jacqui Sharkey – The Whole Of The Moon

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Have you ever took a leave from your primary passion to find yourself liking it again? I feel that with blogging. After devoting most of my time riding my bike (fixed gear), I feel it is time to once again talk to my old self. Sometimes blogging can be an enigmatic part of you, in a sense that it has taken a big chunk of your psyche. But then, we add layers and in doing so we start to branch out into other avenues. If only we are superhuman but we have limited resources and one of them is time…

Thanks to this wonderful artist by the name of Jacqui Sharkey, I am once again enjoying the feel of the keys and also how thoughts flow freely. She has a distinctive sound. It reminds me of a beach at sunrise. Her resonant voice is both raw and elegant, displaying the frayed edges of what it takes to weather storms in one’s existence and still continue to be human.

The whole of the Moon has been covered by many artists, but this acoustic feel is so fresh that you just want to play it again and again. Sharkey is based in Donegal, the same place that gave us Altan and Clannad. The beautiful music video was filmed on location in Donegal, Ireland at Doon Fort, Portnoo, The Grianan of Aileach, Burt, The Poison Glen, Dunlewy, Gweedore and at Magheraclogher Beach, Bunbeg  around August 2017.

For more info visit: www.jacquisharkey.com

Summer Musical Happenings at Daly Communications !!

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Screen Shot 2017-07-16 at 10.50.27 PMMy friend Anita of Daly Communications has a treat for all of you Celtic music lovers. I encourage you to watch out for them and if you don’t know yet, we have already posted past events and releases:

 

Fiddler and original member of Celtic Woman, Mariead Nesbitt just released her traditional Irish album recorded with her Family called ‘The Devil’s Bit Sessions’
Grammy Nominated Violinist Máiréad Nesbitt’s  latest endeavor comes straight from her home where she grew up in Co. Tipperary,  Ireland.  Máiréad has gone back to her roots and has created this unique live album experience with her entire family.  Devil’s Bit Sessions was recorded over a weekend in a “seisun,” a traditional Irish Music session,  in the Nesbitt Family’s home at the foot of Devil’s Bit Mountain. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/devils-bit-sessions-live-feat-mairead-nesbitt/id1249003979
 
Originally from the Scottish Hebrides Isle of Benbecula, the Celtic pop band COAST has released their first cd in the US called ‘Windmills in the Sky’ 
Founded by singer songwriter Paul Eastham the band’s music has a character and style that has been shaped by the dramatic landscapes and cultural aspects of where they grew up or, their roots.
See the video for the song ‘River’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St4OOLWzd7Y & get the cd at
https://coast.band/
 
SACRED EARTH is Irish Accordian master and music producer, Sharon Shannon’s, first new studio album in 3 years and her 10thstudio album to date. Sharon Shannon is a musician who likes to surprise. While best known for her arrangements of traditional Irish tunes and Irish-influenced compositions, she’s always been eager to explore new styles. 
There are Irish influences here of course but these are cheerfully mixed in with often unexpected styles from around the world, including for the first time, Africa;  Sharon has perfectly mastered an African/Irish crossover. But Sacred Earth is more than this: it contains multiple musical elements from the around the world along with the Shetland Fiddle Tradition, Hip Hop, Country and Blues that all combine to make this album a ground-breaker in many ways.  SACRED EARTH is available at https://www.celticcollections.com/  Also available at Celtic Collections is the 50th Anniversary multiple cd of The Wolfetones and other great albums by multiple Irish artists including The High Kings and Celtic Woman.
The Go Set are a Celtic Rock band from Australia who are releasing their first ever cd here in the US on August 5th called ‘One Fine Day’
Combining the musical elements of the bagpipes, accordion, mandolin and with distorted punk guitars and a rock n roll ethos, The Go Set created a sound and direction all its own. The Go Set is coming in from Australia to appear at the Dublin Ohio Irish Festival on August 4th and 5th for their schedule go to: http://dublinirishfestival.org/schedule/
 ‘One Fine Day’ will be out in the US on August 4th, 2017 to pre-order the cd go to:
http://thegoset.mywaterfrontstore.com/    The first single from the album is ‘Drums of Chelsea’ see the video here –  https://youtu.be/MrTah6zWUXY
Find Your Way Home, an Irish Musical Drama hits Albany, Boston & NYC
After opening to rave reviews in Dublin, Ireland, FIND YOUR WAY HOME (An Irish Musical) is making its American debut. Written by Jeff Strange and Jimmy Kelly, two Albany, NY musicians well known on the Irish Music scene, the show has been in development for the past eight years. A true labor of love from both sides of the Atlantic, FIND YOUR WAY HOME is set in post-famine and pre-uprising Ireland and follows an Irish family as they encounter unexpected tragedies and joys in the face of economic hardship  The play features 17 original songs, many of them in the Irish idiom. “But there are scenes where it comes to America,” Kelly said. “There are Appalachian influences, blues influences, and American pop musical influences.”
FIND YOUR WAY HOME  will debut in the US at the Palace Theatre in Albany, NY, July 17th, Boston on July 20th at the Hancock Theatre and NYC on July 25th at Symphony Space.   For tickets and further information go www.findyourwayhomethemusical.com Find Your Way Home trailer:  https://youtu.be/J8raJER9jOg
Last but never, ever, the least! A new Van Morrison album out in early september called ”Roll With The Punches’
Van Morrison’s 37th studio album – sees him simultaneously hand-picking a selection of rhythm and blues classics (by the likes of Bo Diddley, Mose Allison, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Lightnin’ Hopkins among others) and recording a set of new self-written songs. It’s an album that features raw, intimate interpretations of some of the cornerstones of rock’n’roll alongside five new numbers by one of our most consistently brilliant recording artists. But the first single ‘Bring it on Home to Me’ is available now get it at:  https://vanmorrison.lnk.to/BringItOnHomeToMeSo
Please share will all of your Irish/Celtic music fan friends and enjoy the summer!!

The Warm Elegance of Fraser Fifield’s In Buenos Aires-Listen Today!

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Fraser-Fifield

Musician photo from his official website.

Jazz is not the popular culture. Jazz is in the same position in our culture as classical music. A very small minority of people really love it. John Corigliano

I think the same can be said about music that is not part of the mainstream like Celtic music. I have followed the musical career of Scottish musician Fraser Fifield and every album from him is an exquisite art meant to be savored!

There is that kind of alchemy that happens when you put two contradicting forces together: the clarity of the instruments against abstract melodies. If you want to know what I mean, try listening to ‘Lament” from  Honest Water. That tune still haunts me just like the day I first listened to it. In-Buenos-Aires-1.jpg

In Buenos Aires highlights the warm and playful side of his musical range. From the liner notes:

Beautiful album of original pieces, recorded in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A unique combination and sound!

Featuring the composer’s soulful low whistle and bagpipes with bandoneon, guitar and double bass from three of the most highly regarded exponents of New Tango, Walther E. Castro, Quique Sinesi and Mono Hurtado.

Recorded & Mixed by Hernan Caratozzolo.

The album cover features an original art by Victoria Fifield.

In Buenos Aires has eleven original tracks. My personal favourite is Cordoba Canntaireachd due to the interesting pipe sound. There are other tunes not to be missed like As A Child, Gaita Y Bandoneon, Improvisation 3 and the rest.

This album is a good one to chill to. Especially when you are in a quiet coffee shop, munching oatmeal cookies and enjoying your espresso. Your fixed gear bike awaits outside, ready to tango with the wind. Yes just like this album. So beautiful and true.

You can buy a copy of  In Buenos Aires from his own website.