Tracks: 1. Gone Are the Days 2. The Loving Time 3. Glen of Aherlow 4. Longing for Home 5. The Pride of Ireland 6. Oh Rowan Tree 7. Rocky Road to Dublin 8. The Fisherman’s Wife 9. Red Haired Boy 10. Down By the Salley Garden 11. To the Weaver’s We Will Go 12. Wild Mountain Thyme 13. Distant Shores 14. Back Home in Derry 15. Ag Croist an Siol
With the rarity of ballads in Celtic music these days, Sue Borowski finds a refreshing venue to showcase her multi instrumental capabilities. Even though she has no formal training in recording engineering, she arranged, recorded and mixed all the tracks in her basement. In the Celtic Spirit has a unique and inspiring history. Diagnosed with breast cancer, Sue channeled all her creativity into this collection of songs inspired by Ireland and the British Isles. The result is a collection of healing music that became a success story.
You will hear songs that you have missed all these years. Songs like Rocky Road to Dublin, Down by the Sally Garden and Wild Mountain Thyme. This is an album for those who are into vocal music with an easy listening style. Her expressive vibrato makes the fifteen tracks sound human and intimate. No sonic gimmicky kind of approach here. Just down to earth arrangements celebrating love and courtship, family memoires, and love for home and country. My personal favorite is the instrumental track Ag Croist an Siol. It is one of the most moving spiritual pieces in this album.
For fans of Loreena McKennitt, Connie Dover and Karen Matheson, this is a welcomed release. Celtic songs are beautiful, evocative and heart-hurting. It is always important that they are given the proper revival they need. So start listening to this album and sing along. Sing your heart’s content. Sing your pain, joy and love with the brevity of spirit through the celebration of the human voice: the greatest musical instrument!
Sue plays many instruments including guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki, Irish whistle, bodhran and accordion.
Sue’s love for performing music began at age ten in a Carpatho-Rusyn dance group, a sub-group of the Junior Duquesne University Tamburitzans. For three years she studied the music and traditions of her Slovak/Ukrainian heritage and performed her first solo on-stage at age eleven. In December of 2006 Sue gave her debut performance on the mandolin at the Melody Music Shop’s Holiday Showcase show at Carnegie Music Hall in Homestead, PA. In 2007 she met and auditioned with singer/solo artist, Matt Hughes of “Ar Eigean Gael”. Thus began her journey in the Celtic genre. After two years with Ar Eigean Gael, Sue joined the RichPatrick Celtic Music group as their fiddle and mandolin player, vocalist and guitarist. Sue enjoys playing in acoustic settings with friends around the City of Pittsburgh and most recently has ventured into a solo project under the name of “Steel Clover”.
1. Spootiskerry/High Road to Linton/Big John McNeil
2. Extra Bar in Paddyland / The Smirnoff Gigolo
3. Jigs in A (Rosewood Jig/Teviot Bridge/Who’ll be King but Charlie/The Canadian Club)
4. The Frenchies (Fil et Bobine / Les Poules Huppes)
5. Mabou Harbour Set (Flowers of Edinburgh / Miss McLeod’s / The Beached Whale)
6. Kathryn’s Castle / Lost in the Loop
7. Jigs in G (Old Favourite / The Roaring Barmaid / Out on the Ocean)
8. La Bastringue / St. Anne’s Reel
9. Kid on the Mountain / The Butterfly / An Dro
10. Gaelic College Medley (Memories of You / Please Scrape Your Dishes)
11. The Barn Set (Colin Rankin’s Strathspey / Kelsae Brig / The Holland Wedding/Predator Reel)
12. Jigs’n’Reel (Morrison’sJig / Swallowtail Jig / Lilting Banshee /Hobbart’s Transformation)
13. Wistful Daydreamer
14. Relative Minors (Fifteen Children / Snail Fever)
15. D Set (Haste to the Wedding / Banish Misfortune / Miss Susan Cooper/Virginia Reel/Silver Spear/MacLeod’s Farewall)
16. Polka Medley (Kenmare / Britches Full of Stitches / Bill Sullivan’s)
Total time: 59:07
With the instantaneous success of Family, Relative Minors seems to have been overlooked by the music crowd. But yes Relative Minors is the album that started it all. Siblings Qristina and Quinn Bachand (Q & Q)have created a collection of tunes woven tightly to create an exquisite listening experience. Although this primarily a traditional album , the two added their own styles.
Their bombastic exploration into the Celtic instrumentals is exemplified by the first track Spootiskerry/High Road to Linton/Big John McNeil. It’s a tune that makes you want to dance around the living room. A very happy tune. This is followed by the Extra Bar in Paddyland / The Smirnoff Gigolo in which Qristina’s fiddling shines through. In Jigs in A (Rosewood Jig/Teviot Bridge/Who’ll be King but Charlie, Quinn has mastered the art of light guitar strumming.
The amazing thing about Celtic music is that you don’t have to know what it is to appreciate it. This is in the case of tunes like The Frenchies (Fil et Bobine / Les Poules Huppes) where the melody takes a joyful turn amidst the interesting time signature. The music talks to you and this is what makes the Bachands amazing!
Everyone in the house knows how this CD has been played repeatedly. It’s that fresh quality that continues and doesn’t eat you just because the album has been listened to for a hundredth times already! Yes it doesn’t get old. Which is a feat considering that these two were literally very young when this one was released way back 2008. Big nod to the musicians who joined the project like Dave Klassen, Eric Reiswig, Russ Godfrey and Adrian Doland. These artists are huge in the Canadian Celtic music scene. The sound Engineering of Aaron Scoones maintained a raw but crystalline approach to the sound. It’s like witnessing a sunrise after a long rainy week. Design, layout and photos also gave justice t the music of this album.
I love the gentleness of Kathryn’s Castle / Lost in the Loop and its change of rhythm from slow to fast. But take note of the title track Relative Minors (Fifteen Children / Snail Fever) where they played at a breakneck speed while displaying the delicate style they are known for. Relative Minors is a flawless album and really deserves the best place in your music shelf.
“Qristina is a gutsy, fiery fiddle player – Quinn is nothing short of amazing!” – Fiona Heywood, The Living Tradition Magazine (Scotland)
“Qristina and Quinn Bachand are best act to come along in the world of Celtic music since…. anyone you care to mention.” – Tim Readman, Penguin Eggs (Canada)
“The Bachands have the Celtic fever in spades and play it superbly.” – Eric Thom, Roots Music Canada
Qristina and Quinn Bachand are creating quite a stir in the Celtic and Folk music world. In 2009 they were nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award in the Young Performer of the Year category. In 2010 they won the Irish Music Association’s award for Top Traditional Group and in 2011 they earned another two Canadian Folk Music Award Nominations, Instrumental Group of the Year and Young Performer of the Year, as well as an Irish Music Award win as “Top Duo”. Qristina and Quinn have released two independent studio albums, “Relative Minors” (2008) and “Family” (2011), co-produced by Juno nominee Adrian Dolan (The Bills).
Twenty-one year old Qristina Bachand is an expressive fiddler, with a unique personal style that is bold and edgy. Clearly at ease on stage, Qristina is a natural performer, consistently delivering a spirited performance that features her energy, enthusiasm and love of Celtic music. Qristina recently added traditional and original songs to the duo’s repertoire, and is already receiving rave reviews as a vocalist. Her singing has been described as “lovely and delicate, with a laidback sweetness.” (Roots Music Canada)
At just sixteen years of age, Quinn Bachand is a gifted multi-instrumentalist who already has a reputation as “one of the best Celtic guitar accompanists in the world” (Ashley MacIsaac). Although Quinn plays a range of guitar styles including jazz, it is his talents in the world of Celtic music that are drawing the most attention. Quinn adds a contemporary edge to traditional Celtic music. In particular, his creative harmonies, hard-driving strumming, inventive chord voicing and powerful rhythmic effects make even the most well-worn tunes seem new and exciting.
Qristina and Quinn have performed across Canada, the US and Europe, including European tours in 2008, 2009 and 2012, and North American tours in 2010 and 2011.
Now it can be told! With the release of The Celtic Reggae Revolution’snew album, The Celtic Music Fan is intrigued about the ideas behind the creation of the album. On top of that, Brian Gilligan has really outdone himself in boldly going where few Celtic musicians go: the fusion of genres that’s rarely heard these days. In that sense he has started a musical revolution. I am sure many will follow his trend and there will be more releases. These will excite us. So here is the main man behind the music project! Thanks for joining us Brian.Before The Celtic Reggae Revolution you had Paddyrasta which also made amazing tunes. How was the experience being involved with these two projects?
Yeah, it has been great, we recorded the Paddyrasta album in 2 days and it was really raw stuff, we did a lot of gigs in Scotland and toured around Europe and it was great as we were best as a live band, we did some crazy shows and it was good craic. Celtic reggae revolution has been a deeper journey into the music and I think its richer. This new album showcases both your personal style and also the love for covering traditional tracks. My Sweet Child happens to be a personal favorite. What’s the story behind this song?
In Barcelona
Yeah, I love the Irish sessions and traditional music it’s truly free music as you can go with your instrument into any session and play with strangers. It’s great to feel a session lift off, when it’s a good session you can transcend with the spirit of the music. My sweet child was written for my daughter and as other people have mentioned they feel it because it’s real. When people separate it can be harder if there is a child involved and it’s usually the mother that continues to live with the child. I think this is hard for many fathers and separation is a big part of modern life, unfortunately. I consider Reggae as Islands music. It makes sense to merge that with Irish music because Ireland is also an island. Do you experience positive reactions to this kind of vibe in your album?
Never thought of it that way but I guess so, there are a lot of connections between the countries from the time of slavery and both styles of music have their own vibe, both countries have been colonized and oppressed and the music has been used as a vehicle to transcend the oppression. Like the “steel pulse” song ” they hit him with the whip, grandpa hit them with the rhythm.” People are very positive but sometimes they are more surprised than anything because they can’t imagine Celtic reggae. Some people tell me that they thought they wouldn’t like it because they don’t like reggae or Irish music but end up liking it but the hardest thing is getting the music out because radio and music industry reps can be a bit obsessed with genre and most people only hear what they decide is cool or profitable. It’s important to have shows such as yours that give a voice to the less commercial artists. What’s fun about collaborating with other musicians in this project?
It’s great collaborating with musicians firstly because they are human beings and it’s the human side, the sharing and creating together that’s fun and its fun giving people the freedom to give what they feel musically, instead of writing music for them just putting them in front of the mic and saying gimme what you got!! For me that’s the best kind of direction. I am curious as to how the tracks are developed. Did you write tunes with the guitar or keyboards in mind first or the percussion? I say this because there are musicians who have the melodies first before the beat. But how was it for you.
They can come both ways but mostly from a melody or just jamming. Later I would write ideas down but I prefer the spontaneity of letting the music shape itself Any major live shows this month or the next?
At the minute its studio work, recording the next album but I am not interested in being a star, if I can eat from the music great but it’s an art form for me and I prefer to be independent and my own boss and if people enjoy it then I feel happy to hear that. I’m a bit selfish though, I do it for my own pleasure first and foremost and I am happy to let the music grow organically. Where can listeners purchase their copies of The Celtic Reggae Revolution.
On the website, from CD Baby or Music Scotland or downloads on iTunes Amazon CD Baby and others. People can also listen free on Spotify, I don’t get much from it but I like Spotify because I discover loads of music there and if I like something I usually end up getting it anyway. What’s so amazing about Bob Marley for you?
Well he was a great writer, his message of peace love and unity appealed to me as a child growing up in war-torn North Ireland, he seemed to be the only one making any sense and his music was pure sunshine. I used to listen to him all the time as a kid and remember being sad when my brother told me he was dead. I don’t worship him like a god but I love his music and I love his use of rebelling with music, one good thing about music when it hits you feel no pain, he was a revolutionary, he was an inspiration. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now and who are the artists you look forward recording tracks with?
Wow 10 years. I don’t even know what I’m doing at the weekend, it’s good to be in the moment. I like to feel the way but some bands really inspire me like foundation. I’m actually going to see them tonight Tuesday in Barcelona. I love Israel’s vibration. Jarlath Henderson was a pleasure to work with especially but there are so many greats, let’s see where the spirit takes it. Please invite your readers to buy the album:
If you like the album yeah download a copy or buy it from Music Scotland. More importantly if you like it share it – the best way to help me to make more music is to get the word out. The rest I leave up to life and the road. Thanks for the interview Baxter, and thanks for spinning the music its been a pleasure.
With Paddy Ras, David Imevbore, Tom Roche, Femi Adepegba and Kwasi Asante.
The Celtic Reggae Revolution have arrived with their unique blend of Irish and Jamaican with their long-awaited, and appropriately titled, album ‘Everything comes to those who wait’.
The album is the latest creation of Northern Irish singer, songwriter and musician – Brian Gilligan. His previous album ‘Listen to your heart’ recorded with Paddyrasta – won praise and a cult following.
“Absolutely Terrific!”
BBC Radio Scotland Celtic Connections
‘A fusion of irresistible reggae rhythms, traditional melodies and socially conscious lyrics, this multi-cultural band combine to produce a unique sound that makes you just want to get up and dance – simply unmissable!’ Gig n’ the Bann
‘Everything comes to those who wait’ by Celtic Reggae Revolution features a mix of reggae versions of traditional Irish songs and original Celtic/Reggae fusions. Well loved traditional Irish songs ‘Raggle Taggle Gypsy’ and ‘Spancil Hill’ are reworked in reggae style on, respectively, ‘Raggle Taggle Reggae’ and ‘Spancil Hill/Gordon Wilson is a forgiver’. Original tune compositions include ‘reggae reels’ – a blend of reggae and traditional reels – ‘Ghandi’s Triumph’ (with its delightfully syncopated rhythms) and ‘The Very Hairy Rasta Fairy’ and Brian Gilligan singing the laid back ‘You Got to Laugh’ and ‘The United Mistakes of America’ (complete with Hillbilly banjo and reggae beat).
‘Everything comes to those who wait’ by Celtic Reggae Revolution also features Northern Irishman Jarlath Henderson, one of the finest exponents of the uilleann pipes in the world, he is a talented and versatile musician who also plays, low whistle, tin Whistle, flute and cittern in addition to having a fine voice. He regularly guests with Scottish bands Capercaille, Salsa Celtica and Phil Cunningham. Martin MacDonald from Lewis also features on guitar and his performances on “Good People” and “Raggle Taggle Reggae” in particular, are highlights of the album. Tom Roche from Cork, (Accordion) also features on some tracks with his “Sliabh Luachra” style and Egyptian Aly Salam features on drums and percussion.
‘It’s a superb album’ – Pete Maher (U2’s mastering engineer)
‘I love it !’ Andy Donnelly The Celtic Show, CKUA Radio, Canada.
‘With this album the Celtic Reggae Revolution have achieved the near impossible by bringing together traditional Irish music and Dub Reggae with great Pop hooks. The positive vibes are infectious throughout this socially conscious, beautifully produced album.’ Dave Flynn, (composer/guitarist) The Tune Makers
The album is available digitally from iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon and Spotify among other outlets and has physical distribution though Highlander music and soon to come CD baby.
As the name suggests La Unica blends Latin and Traditional Irish music to create a groovy listening experience. The title means “the one and only.” Something that your personal Druid can salsa to. It’s a joy to listen to their tracks. Silver Spear / Maid Behind the Bar is one example of their upfront and evocative style. Festive brass instruments can be heard side by side with traditional instruments. Whatever these five musicians are up to, I am sure they are succeeding. The sound is not only for one time listen. It’s a kind of music that stays with you. Yes play it again Sam. This is the music that will remain as time goes by….
The mesmerizing drums of Caminante De Mis Amores sound perfect with the Spanish purring vocals of Gonzalo Bernal. Listening to such track makes you forget the blues. “See the colors and seize the day.” This is what the album is telling you. Irish Rock Song #4 makes use of the tin whistle’s bright sound laced with the spicy Latin flavour.
La Unica has a confident sound. It is something that can be easily embraced by the mainstream. I would not be surprise if they find their music climbing the Billboard top 100. They have that potential. It makes me curious how the members are like when performing live with all the tracks in the album. The video link above is a great introduction. There is no doubt they can rouse the collective electricity from the listeners as exemplified by Dame Sabor and Five. Contigo O Sin Ti (With Or Without You) explores U2 music using Spanish language. Walk, Buffalito and Furthest We Go (Cranes) showcase the reflective side of the band.
I am so glad there are bands like La Unica who are not afraid to be creative and to be original without sacrificing the mass appeal of the music. It is true that great music can only come from artists who let time ripen their creativity. A kind of music that’s coming from the soul and brings fire to the hearts. This is your ultimate companion to weekend party.
Bio:
Based in Washington, DC, La Unica (in Spanish, “the one and only”) is bringing the Bronx block party to the Nation’s Capital all year round! This is America’s band, drawing on sounds reminiscent of The Chieftains, Gipsy Kings, Santana, The Pogues, Ozomatli, the Cranberries — and throwing in D’Angelo for good measure. La Unica crosses the bounds of time and nations to reach a unique brand of roots music, combining traditional Irish folk, a panoply of Latin influences, your standard Rock, and Funk —– but don’t forget the cowbell!
The brainchild of Gonzalo Bernal and Neil Reedy, La Unica was created in 2009 over a few beers and several years in one of DC’s greatest salsa bands ever, Movimiento! “Why not combine Movimiento’s groove-shakin’ dance beats with the soothing caress of an Irish bagpipe?” said Neil. “Absolutely!!!” said Gonzo — and a legend was born.
DC’s On Tap Magazine hails La Unica as “A well-oiled outfit that uses traditional instruments to produce a high-energy show.” The band has since invaded New York City and plans for a tour down to Miami one of these days.
La Unica independently produced and released its debut, self-titled album on April 13th 2013. La Unica is: Gonzalo Bernal [ vocals / fiddle ], Matt Giles [ bass / vocals ], Cory Padin [ guitar / vocals ], Neil Reedy [ irish tin whistle / trumpet / flugelhorn ], Matt Tredwell [ drums / percussion ]
Members:
Adam Azra’el – Vocals, Guitar, Percussion
Caiti Laszewski – Flute, Vocals
Michal Sinak – Vocals, Guitar, Whistle, Mandolin, Accordion, Bozouki
Daniel Brakke – Bass, Vocals
Doug Waguespack – Percussion
Fraser Wills – Percussion, Vocals
Rebecca Lynne – Violin, Vocals
Uchenna Chidozie – Cello, Violin, Vocals
Trevor Wiest – Guitar
Hymn like choruses, soaring melodies and devotional beauty are all found in the fantastic new world ensemble The Human Empire. We haven’t seen such ambitious project for a long time. Reminds me of what would happen if The Afro Celts make a reunion with the 80s New Wave band The Dream Academy.Yes this is the album I Am, We Are. Take note of that minimalist inspired artwork featuring a skinhead with a painted face.
The instruments are arranged to highlight the nuances of the recordings. But they are also made to sound powerful especially in the choruses of tracks. This is the same for vocals. The blend of all styles ranging from Celtic, African, Arabic, and Western Classical musical traditions and Rock create a collage that celebrate both the thunderous and gossamer beauty of music.
This is such an amazing feat. With the coming together of over sixty musicians, including the Henry Sibley Orchestra and various students and faculty from McNally Smith College of Music. That and considering that they all came together to record something ‘insane.’ I wonder if they have an idea what would happen if this recording gets into the hands of many listeners. I have no doubt that this will create a spark and will truly be patronized for those who love something exotic.
The lead vocals remind me of the singing style of Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket. But at times when the blending of many voices, the atmosphere becomes so dense and explosive, you would think you are witnessing the birth a star.
From the alternative infused Cavalry , the Sting sounding White Light(amazing strings there),Peter Gabriel meets Jars of Clay Phoenix and a lot more along the way. You are definitely in for a sonic ride of your life.
Celtic Music Fan 