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

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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….

Click to enlarge

 

Click to enlarge

 

Enda Seery: the “Síocháin na Tuaithe” Interview

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Recording for Síocháin na Tuaithe

Recording for Síocháin na Tuaithe: Black Rose Studio

Enda Seery(Éanna Ó Saoraí) is releasing his sophomore album Síocháin na Tuaithe which means Peace of the Countryside in English. The album is traditional but with added ingredients that incorporate a bigger “Celtic” sound. We can take this interview as a sort of a closer look into the process of creating an album. And there are many challenges when one is doing it independently. So it is quite interesting to learn something from someone who spent a great deal of time polishing the album and working with the best musicians in the field.

Your new album is going to be released this April. Are you nervous, happy…excited?

I suppose I’m nervous, happy, excited all of those. In all honesty, I’m very satisfied with how the album turned out. It’s a much more varied and detailed album than the first album “The Winding Clock”. I’m a little bit nervous of how people will react to my vocals and flute playing but I think if one wasn’t nervous there would be something wrong! I’m really excited about the launches that will take place around Ireland with three planned and maybe one more.

You laboured with the tracks for months. You even sang vocals. What are other new things that listeners can expect on Peace of the Countryside?

Yes I did labor with the tracks for months. I like to get things right and the way I want it. As I stated “Síocháin na Tuaithe” is a little different than “The Winding Clock” whistle album. As well as the vocal tracks, listeners can expect flute tracks too. Also there are some duet tracks on the album. One track is a flute/fiddle duet with myself and James Hughes from Co. Offaly and another is a whistle duet with myself and Eoghan MacAogáin from Limerick accompanied by Tom Delany on guitar with a French/Irish family background.

What were the challenges in conceiving the second album that was not present in the first?

Well the challenges were taking the feedback on board from the first album and trying to put them in place for the second. I took the constructive criticism on board with the duet tracks, flute tracks and vocal tracks. Not to sound big-headed, but my repertoire of tunes has greatly increased in the last few years, so it was a major challenge trying to pick out suitable tunes for certain tracks. I got some brilliant tunes on the Masters course in Traditional Irish Music Performance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick.

 Any expectation upon the release?

My expectations would be higher this time round. I’m now a full-time traditional Irish musician, composer and teacher so as I said in the sleeve notes introduction, “music is now my life”. That’s why I’m a having a mini-tour of launches this summer. I want to promote the album to as wide an audience as possible. I also have the expectation and hope that my compositions will gain further recognition. I love composing and I especially love mixing my own tunes with older tunes and other recent compositions of others.

What are the memorable moments in the studio working with other artists in this one?

Yeh a few funny and happy memories alright. As well as recording most of the album again with Rob Laird at Black Rose Studios, Kilcock, Co. Kildare, I also recorded two tracks at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick. I had great fun recording with James Hughes, Eoghan MacAogáin and Tom Delany. James and I were surprised how well the flute/fiddle track came out considering we had been out late the night before! We also had a quite unusual set-up for the microphones in the studio which I won’t go into too much detail about!I enjoyed working with John Byrne on guitar again. He was calling me “one take Seery” after getting a recording take in one go! Some really accomplished and intricate guitar playing from John on the album.

What instruments and brands did you use in recording Peace of the Countryside?

Well I rarely record and perform without my trusted John Sindt whistles these days. I absolutely love them. I have four: D, Eb, C, Bb. They are really hard to get with the long waiting list so I consider myself lucky to have them. I play a Martin Doyle D flute on the album along with a Yamaha keyboard.

Why the title?

The title “Síocháin na Tuaithe” (Peace of the Countryside) is a reference and celebration of the beautiful countryside of Ireland, particularly that of Co. Westmeath where I live. It is also the title of a slow waltz I composed last year which is on the album. I was delighted to play the tune at my brother Ciarán’s wedding to Margaret last July. I am a fluent Irish speaker so Ireland’s language, culture and heritage, is very important to me. I like to name some of compositions in the Irish (Gaeilge) language.

What’s the list of things you will be doing this year in promoting the album?

As I already stated I will be having three launches, one in my home county of Westmeath on April 26th in Áras an Mhuilinn, Mullingar. Another launch will take place at the Fleadh Nua festival in Ennis, Co. Clare on May 25th or May 26th. In August, I will be having a launch at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Derry, Northern Ireland. The venues and times of the launches in Ennis and Derry will be confirmed soon. In July, the new album will feature as part of the Joe Mooney Summer School in Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim where I will be teaching an advanced whistle class for the week. Irish Music Magazine will have a feature article and interview with me during the summer too. Finally, tracks from the album will hopefully get some air play on radio stations in Ireland and abroad too.

After the completion of “Síocháin na Tuaithe” , what have you learned so far in the whole experience. What thought would you impart to readers who are trying to gather materials for their own solo albums?

I have learned that variety is important. You have to try broaden the horizon a bit. My experience in Limerick has certainly broadened my mind and outlook on music a bit. I am still very much into pure trad music but I now am open to variety. There is a wide range of material on this new album, ranging from the regular jigs, reels, hornpipes to polkas, slip jigs, slow pieces and of course the songs! My advice is those trying to gather material for new albums is to take time and do it right. No point rushing it just for the sake of releasing an album.

Where can we buy “Síocháin na Tuaithe” ?

At the moment “Síocháin na Tuaithe” is only available directly from my website at www.endaseery.com. Go to the buy albums link. After the release on April 1st, the album will be available from the regular distribution outlets for traditional Irish music which I’m working on at the moment. Of course people in Ireland can buy the album also by going to the launches too!

Video:

Síocháin na Tuaithe

Síocháin na Tuaithe ..fresh ready for delivery.

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Huzzah!

Yes we are up to date with our artist of the week. Yes that’s Enda Seery above. A review of  Síocháin na Tuaithe will be out soon but I feel that doing an interview is a great intro to his album.  So what do we have on the menu? I will tell you:

Welsh musician Derek Smith recommended Ta Fechu from Chile. According to him: ” I had the privilege of meeting Ta Fechu from Chile at Lorient in 2011. They’re great people and they deserve to be heard.” Here is the video of the song called Añoranza. You got to admire the sound of pipes in this track. I also love the use of Latin flavour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz9c5aSvQ3s&feature=share

Deep Is The Well

Deep Is The Well

Here is the second part of our teaser for the Kevin O’Donnell upcoming release

More Than an Album

As the acclaimed author of Fadó: A Memoir of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,Kevin is known as more than a singer-songwriter but also an author and historian. DEEP IS THE WELL is a work of historical fiction drawing extensively from real-life events. Kevin has penned a novel-worthy history of the Fagan family, from 1837 through today, steeped in a real American past.

Upon purchase of the album, we invite you unlock interactive multimedia content at www.deepisthewell.com. From there, as you listen to the album you can become acquainted with each of the songs’ characters as you read their complex backstories , view their family photographs, and explore their family tree. Watch videos, listen to the author read a chapter from his book, Fadó, download a bootleg bonus track, and gain access to the lyrics, chords, and the author’s personal notes from the album. Those curious about the evolution of writing and recording a song, from the first lilt of the melody to the last day in the studio, will be especially interested in a short documentary on the making of one of Kevin’s most intriguing songs.

Calum Stewart

Calum Stewart

Here is something from Calum Stewart:

North by East – Featuring Gareth Davies-Jones . Short video recorded during album launch in Newcastle. Short cameo by the beau gosse Heikki Bourgault. More information here:www.garethdavies-jones.com

Here is the video of Calum and Gareth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2N6HwXmY2c

Dave Rooney

Dave Rooney

Check out this Dave Rooney promo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5ncEE2Pxog&feature=share

It is concerning the Dave Rooney and Dave Browne, The Dream tour 2013. More info at : http://www.daverooneymusic.com
http://www.cobblestonesam.com

Siobhán Armstrong

Siobhán Armstrong

If you love harp music check out this upcoming special Galway performance hosted by Galway Early Music, the Historical Harp Society of Ireland and others.

Here’s what it says:

Thursday, 21 March 2013, 5.00pm
NUI, Galway, Galway
March 21 is the first European Day of Early Music, and under the aegis of the European Early Music Network (REMA), events happening all over Europe are being live-streamed via U-Sophia.com. Galway Early Music takes this opportunity to introduce all of Europe to Ireland’s medieval harp and its music in a live-streamed talk and concert by historical harpist Siobhán Armstrong. So, even if you can’t make it to the Moore Institute, NUI Galway, you can watch this event live via U-Sophia.com. Siobhan will start with a short talk on the construction of the instrument and the sources for its music. This will be followed by a concert, with an opportunity for questions and answers at the end. The event is organised by Galway Early Music in co-operation with the M.A. Medieval Studies, NUI Galway, and the Historical Harp Society of Ireland.
​​​​ ​Strathclyde-based Celtic duo Celtic Twist

​​​​ ​Strathclyde-based Celtic duo Celtic Twist

The duo of Phil Holland: Clarsach (Irish Harp,Celtic Harp), Fiddle, Vocals and Dave Palmley: Guitar, Vocals have their website redesigned to give you more access to graphics and music. Have a listen and also check the goodies in their music store. Support your independent Celtic musicians.http://hollandandpalmley.wix.com/html_celtictwist

Gladstone Theatre

Gladstone Theatre

Want to know how’s the Irish music scene doing in Ottawa Canada? Please join Irish Music Ottawa: http://www.facebook.com/groups/172682729446933/

Ok that’s it folks. If I miss anything the next edition is this Friday. Take care 🙂

Siobhán Armstrong

The Gatherin’, Katherine Moller and Pay-Day Motors

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Hello readers. I want to bring your attention to The Gathering. The place is in Kansas state. So what can one expect in The Gathering?According to Damien McCarron of The Indugers who got a call and who is also playing in this video: ” They play rugby with crosses on fire, there’s all sorts of crazy fire stuff and a 40 ft bonfire. It’s in the of nowhere about 10 hours from a city and people come from Japan and Scotland.There’s a banquet, the highland sports, the warriors are fed first, then the chosen ones, that’s the musicians and then it goes on. So many traditions in play and the rule is there’s no rules, yet everything works like clockwork.”

Amazing isn’t it? That’s bringing the Arthurian culture right in the heartland of America so you gotta expect something unique. By the way according to Damien McCarron that sword is 8.4 lbs.

Location:
North of Cedar Bluff State Park
Exit 135 I-70, S 13 miles on Hwy 147
Information:
Aos Dana
Village of WaKeeney
202 S. 1st St
WaKeeney, KS 67672

Phone: (785) 743-2200
or (785) 743-6670
FAX: (785) 743-6480

Click the youtube video to get more info.

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Katherine Moller

Katherine Moller

…where the explosive fusion of Celtic fiddle meets the elegant grace of classical violin…

Have you listened to any tracks of Katherine Moller lately? I think you should give this Canadian fiddler a listen because her music is exciting. There is that amazing thing that happens when Classical grace meets the explosive passion of traditional music. I think her music got the balance of two. Listen to more of her samples here because writing alone could not give justice to her amazing talent. http://www.katherinemoller.ca

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Guess what landed in my email this week:

Robin Roberts & Billie Preston

Robin Roberts & Billie Preston

Artists: Robin Roberts & Billie Preston   

Album:Pay-Day Motors

Robin Roberts & Billie Preston
Album: Pay-Day Motors.

From:Wichita, KS, USA

Style: Folk, Bluegrass, Blues

This album promises a feel good kind of vibe. Listen to it after the rain and it will surely sooth your nerves and at the same time make you pay attention to the instruments use in this recording. You get to hear harmonica, acoustic guitars and female vocals harmonizing with the male lead.

Although Country Music might not appeal to all but when you really listen and realize that even if you don’t like the style, you got to admire the craft then all’s well. We hear a banjo on Afraid. The sound production is crisp and clear. It has that kind of brittle clarity but this is ok since it highlights the other instruments like fiddles in the background.

Those who love Irish country music and Bluegrass will embrace the sound of Pay-Day Motors. Expect only the best in musicians who have ripened in their craft. Like I said, even if you don’t like the style you can’t ignore the beauty of the craft. And yes after repeated listens it will grow on you. But as for me, it has already grown on me because I love this type of music.

Links:

Website: http://rr-bp.com
Style of music: Folk, Bluegrass, Blues
MySpace:
CDBaby:
SonicBids:
SoundClick:
PureVolume: n/a
iTunes: http://www.facebook.com/folkgrass.odyssey
Other: http://www.picketfencefurniture.com

There goes my album review.

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Huzzah!

Hi readers. There is a delay as you have noticed. This edition should have been uploaded yesterday but an accident with my right hand took writing away for a while. Well writing and physical work. It is hard to lift heavy objects after a slight injury. Anyway most of my friends in facebook knows about this but I just want to spare you the gory details so we move on. I am posting a part of a press release for the upcoming album by Kevin O’Donnell:

Kevin o donnel

Ceolwind Productions presents:

Long awaited return of singer-songwriter and author Kevin O’Donnell to the folk music scene.

After a 15 year hiatus from playing Irish music, Kevin O’Donnell now presents his first ever solo work. 3 years in the making, DEEP IS THE WELL is an ambitious collection of original songs telling the tale of an Irish-American family through multiple generations. These poignant, emotional songs are framed by extraordinary musicianship. DEEP IS THE WELL is produced by Maurice Lennon (of Stockton’s Wing) and in addition to Kevin featuresJim DeWan, Finbar Furey, Larry Gray, Kathleen Keane, Bill Lanphier, Maurice Lennon, Haley O’Donnell, John Rice, John Williams, and Jessica Willis.

Listen to Deep is the Well, and follow the descendants of Michael Fagan, a 19th century Irish immigrant, through 170 years of struggle for the American Dream. Their experiences still echo in the places they called home – from the forgotten prairie towns of the industrial heartland to the insular steel mill culture rimming the lower Great Lakes; from Times Square in New York City to the San Joaquin Valley in California; and from the frozen copper country of Lake Superior to the rain-soaked suburbs of the Pacific Northwest.

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.

 

Second part of this coming up on the next post.

Just another piece worth checking out concerning our artist of the week Brian Cunningham : http://vzaar.com/videos/888627

Naked in New York

Naked in New York by Alan Cooke: For those of you of don’t have a copy of this amazing book, now is your chance to grab one or two. I read it and it’s like a symphony…only this time with words, not music. For those who are into poetic writing in the vein of Jack Kerouac, Henry David Thoreau and the like, you will certainly love this literary piece. http://www.wildirishpoet.com/

Moya Brennan

This is good news to aspiring new talents. The first lady of Celtic music Moya Brennan is helping emerging and enthusiastic singers, songwriters, musicians and bands by giving them a new platform to perform on : http://donegalnews.com/2013/03/moya-brennan-launches-her-new-clubeo-this-sunday/

 

Elle Marie O Dwyer, Orriel Smith And More Soundcloud Tunes

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Elle Marie O Dwyer

Elle Marie O Dwyer

Elle Marie O Dwyer has a kind of voice I would describe as crystal clear and bright.  Her music is mellow. It’s the kind that would you would be looking for after a hard day’s work. The kind of sound to listen to when you are reclining and letting the evening breeze take you to the land of imagination. The arrangement is more minimalistic. She does have songs that are comprise of strings but most are her clear soprano embellished by nothing but the piano.

This is the title track of Elle Marie O Dwyer’s first album “Where the Allow Waters Flow”. The 12-track album includes songs like “The Cottage With the Roses Round the Door”, “The Land of the Gael”, “Brosna Town” and “My Bonny Labouring Boy”. The album can be purchased on Claddagh Records at http://claddaghrecords.com/WWW/catalo…
Like the facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ElleMarieODwyer to keep up to date with all events and gigs for Elle Marie

http://www.ellemarieodwyer.com/

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Orriel Smith

Orriel Smith

Orriel Smith

Her soprano voice is recognizable. She has the ‘it’ in operatic singing. Yet she also possesses the kind of quality that appeals to the wider audience. Most singers with operatic background aren’t easy to listen to because the style is targeted to specific venues and moods in listening. But Orriel Smith promises to delight even those that are not into classical singing.

Danny Boy is a traditional Irish song covered by many. But it is not often you come across an artist who can nail it with precision and true sentiments the way she does. It is a beautiful haunting track marked by her crystal clear voice.May she get discovered by more enthusiastic ears so that she can record more tracks with exquisite beauty attributed to the gods!

http://www.orrielsmith.com/

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Here is my other soundcloud account. Like what I mentioned in my earlier issue there are tracks here that are Celtic and non Celtic. This is due to me running another site called www.spheremusic.wordpress.com  So just enjoy the music regardless of the genre because they are all amazing music. I mean seriously, when have I given you bad recommendation huh? Hahahaha ok enjoy!

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Huzzah!

Hello everyone. Welcome to our Friday edition of the Celtic Music Fan. In my part of the world which is the Philippines, it is the start of summer. You can feel it as the heat stings your skin. It is like this deep low drone of  uilleann pipes followed by the sharp wail of the bagpipes. It is hard to ignore because it is really saying ” I am here.”

It is an exciting month because big bands like Solas and Lunasa are giving everyone lovely music.

Kevin O’Donnell

Deep Is The Well by Kevin O’Donnell

Those who are based in Chicago should follow Ceolwind Productions. So what’s cooking? According to owner Noah Smulkis:

I have an early copy of a new release due out this May from Irish folk singer-songwriter Kevin O’Donnell. It’s practically more American folk than Irish and it tells the story of descendants of Irish immigrants in America from the late 1800s to present day. I think you’ll like it and may be interested in featuring it prior to the release. Produced by Maurice Lennon and featuring many Irish and American folk music guests including Maurice, John Williams, Kathleen Keane, Finbar Furey just to name a few.

Ceolwind Productions is owned by Noah Smulkis whose friendship with The Celtic Music Fan go as far back as 2009. And yes this is prior to the creation of Ceolwind Productions. Check out http://www.deepisthewell.com/ for a sneak peek.

For a sneak-peek: www.deepisthewell.com

Jeremy King

Click to go to the Poitin page.

Poitin lead man Jeremy King made the moment epic with his vocal rendition.It is  a rare treat because he is first and foremost and instrumentalist. But here he shows he has such golden pipes! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLaElv4FXcs&list=PLB43F7C6C3626BC92&index=1 You can also check more of the pics from last night’s session here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151315040436431.1073741830.105492236430&type=1

Local Kyle Burghout playing some Irish music in an extremely fine fashion. Thank to Irish Music Ottawa for introducing this fine artist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZrvTiPdFMM&feature=share

Dom Duff

Dom Duff

Breton Celtic rocker Dom Duff has a new video Dom DufF – Buan Yann Buan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8D6cT9Kuf8&list=PLD3AA89794FE71CB2&index=1

Buan Yann Buan is a track driven by instruments like the mandolin acoustic guitar, harmonica and fiddle. The only difference between this song and his other works is the emphasis on lush instruments . The explosive salvo of sounds feel like a rush of a big wave. There is also something optimistic and an adventurous atmosphere throughout the song which lasts 3:38.

Patrick D'Arcy and Quincy Jones

Patrick D’Arcy and Quincy Jones

The picture above tells a thousand stories. Yes that is our very own Irish piper Patrick D’Arcy sharing a cool moment with Jazzman Quincy Jones. According to D’Arcy:  ” Quincy Jones and myself enjoying a few Black Velvet’s, courtesy of Bono, for his birthday party at his house tonight. Q loves the uilleann pipes. Beautiful experience and a really lovely family. We can all only wish to be this elegant at 80!”

Aside from working on this site I also give my blogging talents to several sites. So just to give an idea , here are the following:

Garrett Hacking  of Photography G was introduced to me by Damien McCarron of the Indulgers and The Mile High Celtic hour. http://americanmadeinsider.com/2013/03/14/photography-g-capturing-the-spirit-of-the-moment/

For those who love Celtic inspired wood carvings, here one from Celtic Woodworks: http://americanmadeinsider.com/2013/03/22/interesting-wood-decorations-from-celtic-woodworks/

Garrett Hacking of Photography G

Garrett Hacking of Photography G

And finally my music posts via Expats Post once in a while featuring Fraser Fifield and the Nordanians: http://expatspost.com/entertainment/videos/the-nordanians-featuring-fraser-fifield-daraa/

While watering the plants, I was playing this Celtic band from France called Caliorne. These guys play Breton inspired tunes led by the bagpipes of Francois. Teens decided drop by. Then one of them could not resist it. He asked what I am playing. I told him. More of the music of Caliorne here: http://soundcloud.com/caliorne

Happy Birthday to Jacob McCauley! Wishing you more music to make and more bodhrans to beat.

In case I miss something in this edition, The next one will be this Sunday 🙂