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Capercaillie |
Capercaillie is a Scottish Celtic band composed of
Karen Matheson -Vocals
David Chimp Robertson — Percussion
Donald Shaw — Keyboards, accordion
Charlie McKerron — Fiddle
Michael McGoldrick — Flute, whistle, Uilleann pipes
Manus Lunny — Bouzouki, guitar
Ewen Vernal — Bass
Che Beresford — Drums
David Chimp Robertson — Percussion
The group attracted international attention in the 80’s due to its brand of music,that is adding energetic arrangements to traditional airs.The popularity was further fueled after being featured in the movie Rob Roy.
Karen Matheson‘s voice is the force behind the band.She has been labelled by music critics as having the throat ‘kissed by God’.If you have seen the movie Rob Roy starring Liam Neeson, then you would have seen her performance as she sings this tune is one of the most haunting part of the film.
There are a number of existing versions of the song by the band. The movie version is embelished with strings as well as traditional instruments. The single version has been remixed to reflect a trip hop feel.It’s a sad and haunting music showcasing the emotion behind it.
Like an ocean wave,Karen’s voice rises from barely a whispher into a cry,making us think of an angel who has lost her wings.Swirls of traditional instruments like the uillean pipes , the the Irish cousin of the bag pipe(it has been known to have a ‘sweeter’ and gentler timber),enhances this century old Celtic piece .
Ailein duinn is taken from their 1995 album “To The Moon”
Ailein duinn (“Dark-haired Alan”) has a history that goes all the way to 1788.It’s actually a lament written by Annag Chaimbeul (“Annie Campbell”)about her fiancée Ailean Moireasdan (“Alan Morrison) who died tragically.This is an excerpt from wikipedia:
In 1788, Ailean, a sailor, set off with his ship to Scalpay, Harris, where he and Annag would be married. In a tragic twist, the ship sailed into a storm and all on board were lost. Annag was devastated and lost her will to live, dying several months later. Her body was later discovered on the beach, not far from where Ailean’s body was found. Before she died, Annag composed this lament for her lost love.
Ailein Duinn(Dark Allan)
Language:Gàidhlig (Scottish Gaelic)
Traditional; arranged by Capercaillie
Ailein Duinn, o ho hi, shiubhlainn leat,
(Ailean Donn, o ho hi, I’d go with thee)
Hi ri ri, ri u o, hi o hug hoireann o, Hi ri ri, etc.
Ailein Duinn, o ho hi, shuibhlainn leat.
(Brown-haired Allan, o ho hi, I’d go with thee)
‘S bochd an nochd na bheil air m’aire,
(Tonight sad thoughts my mind are filling,)
Miad na sine, fuachd na gaillinn
(The strength of the storm, the cold of th’ tempest)
Miad na sine, fuachd na gaillinn
(The strength of th’ storm, the cold of th’ tempest)
Dh’fhuadaicheadh na fir o’n charraig,
(That drove the men from the shore’s shelter,)
Dh’fhuadaicheadh na fir o’n charraig,
(That drove the men from the shore’s shelter,)
Chuireadh iad a’ bhoid dha’n aindeoin
(Sent them on a voyage unwilling)
Far an trom an laigh a’ ghailleann,
(Where the gale blows so heavy;)
Cha b’e siod leam ar diol caladh,
(‘Twas not, I think, your choice of harbour,)
Ach Caolas Diadhair anns na Hearadh,
(Rather Diadhair Sound in Harris,)
Far am bi na feidh air bhearradh,
(Where the deer are on the hilltops,)
Dobhran donn is laogh breac ballach.
(Otter brown and fawn all spotted.)
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New York based Celtic Rock band Seven Nations can fuse their sound successfully into Modern Rock radio format. The name is based on the seven Celtic nations namely : Ireland, Scotland,Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and Galicia. Strong vocals ( if you dig Lifehouse and Creed) and tight musicianship mark their every song.
If you want your music to be definitive/distinctive but not too serious, then you might want to listen to Scythian. These are four guys originally fromWashington D.C. They’re classically trained but found common ground in Rock, Jazz, Blue Grass and Celtic music. The members are: Alex (Violin); Joe (Violin); Dan (Guitar/Keyboard); Danny (Vocals/Drums); and joined occasionally by Larissa (Bodhran/Percussion); and Melanie (Violin/Mandolin/Flute). Isn’t it good to know that there are many young bands out there who contribute to the whole thread? This whole umbrella called Celtic music.
You don’t have to be geographically related to Ireland or Scotland to make your own band that plays beautiful music.All you need is the passion to do it. So these are my 10 on the list.
Celtic Music Fan 