Arts

The Heart Rendering Accordion Tunes of Harriet Bartlett

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 3 Comments

Life with the accordion.

I think I am coming down with a cold. We’ve been having some nasty weather lately….

Music is my sanctuary. I am sure it is the same with you. With all the negativity in the world, I am glad that there is this place I can go and feel at home. Music has sustained me through the years. I think my ‘relationship’ with my favorite musicians lasted longer than  with few actual people. Music heals. Sometimes when we are  mad we forget who we are. But music restores that purity. It tells you ” I am here and I will never leave you or hurt you.”

I want to share with you this amazing accordion player. Her name is Harriet Bartlett and she’s from the UK. You should hear her own version of Music For a Found Harmonium originally done by Patrick Street. She adds her twist to it! Her album  Eyes Wide Open has been out for years. She does both instruments and vocals. She has a terrific voice. I find it strange that an artist of her caliber doesn’t have a follow-up album yet.

They say don’t judge the book by its cover but I can tell that looking at her album art and listening to the tracks you really get what you see-pure talent and awe-inspiring energy. Right now I don’t have news for you about her current projects. But if someone out there can step forward, that would really be awesome!

Sources:

http://www.harrietbartlett.com/

http://www.myspace.com/harrietbartlett

https://www.facebook.com/harrietbartlett

Bio:

Harriet has been playing accordion for 13 years and performing at festivals, folk clubs and theatres for the past 8 years. Her repertoire consists of Celtic music on the piano accordion at lightening speed, heart rendering slow airs and beautiful songs. She has already composed many of her own tunes with a traditional style that belies her years.

To date she has played at many venues at home and abroad to include Celtic Connections, Sidmouth International, Venner Folk Frühling, Fylde, Bromyard and Warwick Festival, to name but a few.

Harriet was invited to do a studio session / interview withAndy Kershaw, BBC Radio 3 which was aired on 3rd October 2004.

In 2003 Harriet was a winner of a coveted Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award – the competition was held throughout the festival with no less than eighty entrants. Harriet was then approached by Greentrax Recordings to record her debut CD Eyes Wide Open produced by Dr Phil Cunningham MBE. Harriet was joined by some fantastic musicians – Ed Boyd (Flook) on guitar, Mark Maguire (Deaf Shepherd) on bodhran and Phil Cunningham on piano cittern and whistles. The CD was launched at Celtic Connections January 2004, and has received excellent reviews.

“Hugely talented. Eyes Wide Open is one of my favourite CDs of the year.” — ANDY KERSHAW, BBC RADIO 3

“Harriet has assembled here a fine collection of tunes, some contemporary with a maturity far beyond her years and if this is her first outing on CD… I can’t wait to hear the next. Go get em Harriet.” ..— Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham.

To listen to the CD click here or to buy the CD click here

In July 2004 she was nominated for the West Midlands Folk Federation “2004 Award for an outstanding contribution to West Midlands folk / traditional arts.”

She was the winner of the In the Tradition Awards 2001 at the Assembly Rooms, in Derby. Organised by Mick Peat of PR Promotions and Folkwaves on BBC in the East Midlands. There were 6 finalists; amongst the judges were Jo Freya and Lester Simpson. She has been invited to play on stage with Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham on numerous occasions, always to be enjoyed. “Phil Cunningham is a marvellous accordionist and I’ve admired him for years, so to actually join him and Aly on stage and play some tunes was fantastic!”

Living Tradition, Taplas, Celtic Heritage and Shropshire magazines have all run articles on Harriet. To view, go to the reviews section at www.harrietbartlett.com

Christian Hedwitschak and The Evolution of The Bodhrán (Interview)

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

Christian’s drums have added a new glamour to bodhran making . The beautiful veneers  on his shells, the elegant fittings, and the high quality finishes make his drums a must-have item. He is one of the big innovators and is always seeking how to improve the bodhran into an ultra modern drum. He uses the latest materials in shell design to keep ahead of other makers. His ideas have had great influence on the bodhran as we now know it….an instrument equal in prestige to any other musical instrument.
– Seamus O´Kane

From a “percussive instrument” to a “tonal-like instrument” the heartbeat of Irish music has come a long way.

http://www.bodhranmaker.de/

I know Christian Hedwitschak through his bodhran designs for Canadian award-winning percussionist Jacob McCauley. These are huge instruments. They are stunning in their unique designs. They also make deep tonal sounds. Any bodhran player will go gaga over the look and feel of the Hedwitschak bodhrans.

Christian has been a master cabinet maker before venturing into making bodhrans. Now his own line is known all over the world. His Philosophy states: “Being a master cabinet maker and also a bodhrán player, my aim is to build high quality instruments with several special features.

As an instrument manufacturer three things are important to me: the quality in the choice of materials and the construction of the instrument, the responsibility I have towards the environment and an individual service approach.”

He is celebrating his 10th anniversary in the business after making over 4,000 of them.

Why is the Hedwitschak bodhráns so different from the rest in the market?

I’d say I dig deeper, and go the “German” way in analyzing each part of the instrument. I do sound analyses in the sound studio. I work together with some of the best bodhrán players of our time and always want to improve every single part ;o)

As for the custom orders, I really want to fulfill the customer’s wishes in a way that makes sense. Some of the “custom makers” these days just do everything that the customer is asking for. Just because it’s possible to make. I always try to combine customers’ requests with the most logical construction / material of choice etc.

The first thing  I do when a customer comes up with a new idea is to find the core of his aim, what is the important thing we need and then  we start and build the whole drum around it. This can be about a specific sound, size or just an optical thing.

I also say `no’ if I see a customer is only looking for decorative things or don’t have the experience and just wants “the best” because it is the most expensive ;o)

Yea, I think this is good to point out which  may differ to most of the other makers. I still see there are lots of mysticism involved in bodhrán making and some of the makers use this as a part of their marketing strategy ;o) I’d say it’s all about the Physics, the Science, the experience and the craftsmanship which comprise a lot and maybe just 1 % mysticism ;o)))

Let us talk about the requests you get for customized bodhrans. This must be challenging in terms of design and time constraints?

Yes. For example the deep drum for Jacob McCauley ;o)

But the most challenging is to create a signature line bodhrán. Because it isn’t just about creating a drum which is fitting 100% for the customers, it also means that this drum is exactly in the same quality that has to be reproduced again and again. So when I am working on a signature line drum- which can be really a work for a couple of years with all the testing and experience until it can be launched- I have to keep in mind right from the start that I have to find techniques to copy exactly this quality again and again for over a period of few years.

So this also contains the means of finding the materials and keeping the suppliers consistent in the quality of materials and the ability to deliver the right measurements.

For example it was a huge challenge to get enough Lambeg skins for the RolfWagelsEdition bodhran.

Do you think the market for Celtic music instruments is more lucrative now compared to 5 years ago?

Well I couldn’t complain about the demand for my drums over the past 10 years to be honest. But I think it’s a different market and a different thing to what you might mean now. But what I see now is that big companies like REMO, Meinl, Waltons are entering the professional Bodhrán market now as well (not just tourist stuff). And this is a new development in the past few years. The bodhrán is right in the middle of the change from a special instrument to a world instrument. Also the amount of bodhrán players has increased unbelievably. So yes, in this case I would say the Celtic music market is more lucrative than say 10 or even 5 years ago.

Do you think, the style of playing has evolved as well to accommodate the new shapes and sizes? Before, there was one design. Now there are many designs.

 

Yes, definitely. I’d say the general development went from a “percussive instrument” to a “tonal-like instrument”. It means the drums made these days are (in general, of course) more civilized and more musical, more tonal than years ago. Bodhrán players are now listening to tune keys and key changes.

What is the most effective way of marketing your bodhrans? How do you go a step ahead of the game?

Recommendations from players!

 

 

***

A Closer Listen:Fine Friends by Sliotar

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment



The orange cover artwork shows the silhouette of a bare tree with birds on its branches. One should be aware that experience and wisdom can bring about something excellent. I had the pleasure listening to Fine Friends by Sliotar. A band interview is coming out soon.

The few chords of  the opening track remind you that Sliotar  can pack a wallop. Stick the Kettle On is an instrumental tune with captivating grooves. The uilleann pipes of Ray MacCormac remind you that pipes replace electric guitars here. A quarter to two minutes of this song will send you pogo dancing with gusto.

All Too Real showcases the band’s songwriting style that has that adult alternative twist. Even JP Kallo’s singing style fits the format. For those who like their Irish music more contemporary and radio friendly this is a fine example.

All Around Lough Gill is another instrumental tune showcasing the tin whistle. The drumming of Des Gorevan maintains its crunch all throughout the album without being too over powering. It took me several listens to this track alone to note that we are dealing with complicated drum styles here. Listening to music is like detective work. You don’t see pieces of evidence unless you look further and really pay attention.

May Morning Dew is sung without accompaniment. The strong sometimes gruff vocals maintain that expressiveness. The lyrics and the reverb created by either the room size or mixing have that compelling combination.

One Chance is a personal favorite. I like the sunny melody here. JP sings ‘Another Monday morning, coffee keeps you going, running late for work’  I think the Sliotar should expand on this direction more. I hear keyboards. I hear that nice editing effect applied to the last part of the chorus. Whoever did the sound engineering here has done an excellent job. I give this a high- five!

Rays Heel catches you by surprise with its unpredictable arrangement. It begins with that stately tempo, which calls to mind an idle walk , then around 2:50, it explodes into that fast jig that again gets you on your feet.

I could not stop smiling to  Rock-A-Bye Baby. It has that ingratiating appeal in its simplicity and intimacy, stripped of the drums. A perfect song to listen to when you are depressed and you want comfort. ‘Rock-a-bye baby..rain falls from the autumn sky..another wind blows hard and cold..let me keep you warm’ …Catchy!

Tinkering on the Bridge begins with the uilleann pipes and builds up into that foot tapping jig. It changes tempo at 2:05. The energy of this track really makes you rock your body.

Take it As it Is follows the vibe of  track 7 but with the drums. This is one hell of a tear jerker.

Whiskey in the Sauna makes me imagine that I am catching butterflies with my fingers or doing a kung fu/ Arabic dance steps on a Saturday night after meeting kindred spirits. Have you tried drinking whiskey in the sauna?

The album closes with the solo vocal track Fine Friends. It reminds you that after the laughter, everyone must part ways.

The album Fine Friends, also tells us that after listening to all the tracks, you will surely come back for more.This album deserves more listens because like good friends, the songs provide company that are enriching in all aspects.

About Sliotar

Sliotar is a three piece band based in Dublin playing modern folk music.
The roots of the tunes they play come from the music of Ireland,
but in the past few years the group is relying more and more on original
compositions. Sliotars fourth album, Cirque de Sliotar, has finally captured
the modern sound that has been in development and has been an obvious
at their live shows. Sliotar has been around now over twelve years,
eight with the current line up, and they have one of the longest running
residencies in Dublin in the Porterhouse. Also in the past few years
Sliotar have changed their way of touring, resulting the band travelling
all around Europe and even further. And still the Sliotars best asset is
the live show. Around 200 concerts every year keeps the band tight and
the energy of their live show is something that can only be experienced
and is not for the faint hearted.

You can buy Fine Friends here: http://www.sliotarmusic.com/?page_id=44

Jochen Vogel: Highland Lounge

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

No two wire-strung harpists/players are the same. This is obvious in the kind of style that Jochen Vogel has been developing for years. Like guitars, violins and other instruments, the Clarsach is a very expressive instrument owing its grace not only to the player but the way it was constructed. The wood, the conditions that it has been exposed to becomes the result. Then you add the temperament of the player and the kind of musical background he or she comes from. What you get is a refreshing sound that is not like any of those that play the same instrument.

His music is jazzy and ‘modern’ that proves this ancient instrument can find a new place in mainstream audience as well as those that are passionate about the musical culture that it originated from. His rendition of Cancro Cru  flows like waterfalls while  Fields of Gold along with his cool singing (reminiscent of Chis deBurgh) will send generations of Starbucks crowd playing this as piped in music. Jochen Vogel has mapped his domain ahead of the others and created a kind of music that listeners will chill to for generations.

http://www.jochen-vogel.de

http://www.myspace.com/jochenvogel

***

I have been writing about the harp community lately and I think this link will help everyone who is interested in the history as well as evolution of the Clarsach. Thanks to harpist Scott Hoye for bringing this to my attention.

http://www.wirestrungharp.com/

Sophie & Fiachra

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

From Quebec to Ireland.. 

The beauty of two worlds. No other effect is achieved like the purity of two distinct instruments merging together creating symmetrical patters of sounds…If there is an imagery I can take to describe the beauty of Sophie and Fiacra’s music, then it has to be the Celtic knot work. Elegance, confidence and free spirited warmth are all reflected in the four sample tracks you can hear in their audio and video gallery.

The two came from musical backgrounds. Sophie Lavoie, is from Quebec and she was introduced to music from a very young age. From piano, she moved to the violin incorporating both Classical and folk influences of her region. Fiachra O‘Regan,  from Connemara, on the West Coast of Ireland, released his own solo album and has been known in festival circuits playing and teaching pipe music.

These two musicians have something fresh to offer in the Celtic music scene. Not only that they play beautifully, but they also take their website image seriously. You can buy their albums here: http://sophieandfiachra.com/shop

and http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/SophieFiachra

Links and Contact:

http://www.myspace.com/sophieandfiachra

http://sophieandfiachra.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sophie-Fiachra/285584302986

Da blurb!

Since the start in 2008, Sophie & Fiachra have gone from strength to strength with performances in Canada and throughout Europe, and TV appearances on RTÉ and TG4 in Ireland, and Borio Channel in Germany.Sophie & Fiachra have just recently recorded their debut eponymous album (buy). Their concept is fresh and original; music from Sophie’s native Quebec blended with that from Fiachra’s home, Ireland. The result is pure powerful music.

Both band members are very much devoted and true to their traditions in terms of music, and each have been influenced by listening to recordings of Masters from previous generations as well as Current Masters. They share many tunes as their music shares its origins. The styles of these two musicians blends naturally and without compromise; their music is vibrant, rhythmic, and timeless. This Is Old Quebec meeting with Old Ireland.

Because of the Styles of these individual musicians and the nature of their instruments, the music ofSophie & Fiachra sounds like much more than a two piece band. This energetic music promises to entertain and astonish all Audiences.