Bluegrass

John Breen taps into The Source with Origins

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John Breen- Origins CD

John Breen- Origins CD

John Breen is a traditional Irish folk artist from Arklow. Origins is his third studio album under Emphasis records. 

Excitement was in the air when I heard that Irish crooner John Breen was putting up a new album called Origins, last year. I know his music. There is consistency that marks his previous albums. There is certainty in his vision resulting in an album that’s solid and artfully crafted. There is no fumbling around with other styles. Instead, he goes for the things he know by heart, and good at. If you pick up any John Breen album, you always feel that sense of coming home, not just in a geographical but in a spiritual sense as well.

Maturity marks his new album. I admire his humility, in a sense that he is aware of being a vessel to something bigger himself. I Still Believe is his current single. It is a stirring ballad with a beautiful mandolin solo in a mesh of other instruments. “There will be moments of fall from grace…” His ability to capture the essence of life in a line or two, is powerful. Great musicians backed this recording. It’s a cornucopia of instrumental richness supporting his beautiful voice.

I think what makes him stand out from other singer/songwriters of his time is the truth in his songs. He really lives what he sings about. He now works with people who are undergoing challenging behaviors and I think that has deepened his sense of humility and sympathy to the human condition. And we all need that in this time of apathy. When people spend more time with their mobile phones, computers or tweets, it’s refreshing to just curl up in your bed and listen to songs that remind you of what it’s like when you’re a child and everything’s safe and beautiful.

Origins is a good vocal album. The jolly Amber Tresses opens then album in which he shines in his mastery of traditional styles. Meant to Be slows us down a bit with its introspective mood and beautiful tin whistle solo. Cup of Sorrow is another lively track which gives way to the gentle and flowing I Still Believe which I mentioned earlier. I’ll Be No Stranger is another salvo of Bluegrass fireworks with amazing duet between Breen and Stevie Hawkins. Instrumentalist Tim Crouch showcases his virtuosity in most of the tracks in Origins. I admire the angelic voice of Kyla Cassidy as she provides backing vocals in various tracks,while the rest of musicians are all remarkable in their artistry in the finest degree.

Angel In The Air is a lullaby that reminds me of what mothers sang to their children in the old days to send them to sleep. I Loved You Better Than You Know is a love song with another sweep of instrumental beauty. A lament I’LL Remember You Love In My Prayers mirrors the gentleness of Meant To Be and I Still Believe. Briscoe’s Darlin’ in an instrumental that bumps the pace a bit in a traditional style. The thread extends to What I Said Ain’t What You Thought I Mean which is humorous! Been proves  that he can be funny. I Only Wish You Well closes the album. A very fitting track which summarizes the overall atmosphere of Origins. There is wisdom that comes in every journey. I think after creating three albums, the artist has an overall idea what his purpose is..

I think  we are fortunate to have an artist like John Breen in this lifetime. The honesty of his songs cuts to the core of our souls. I feel purified after the last track. Origins is a must-have album for humanity. Get it upon its official release on February 23.

Official video for “I Still Believe”, the 1st single from the forthcoming album by John Breen titled “Origins”. Download the single now direct from Emphasis Records: http://www.emphasisrecords.com/johnbr…

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-s…

Amazon MP3: http://amzn.to/1w0DWVG

“I Still Believe” is a contemporary Folk/Celtic ballad that lyrically hints at life’s struggles, yet the mood is uplifting in recognition of the power in believing. Excellent production, melodically brilliant, smooth vocals.

Song and Video Credits:
Artist: John Breen
Title: I Still Believe
Writers: C. Hannon – T.S. Hawkins – T. Crouch
Record Producer: Stevie Hawkins
Recording Engineers: Stevie Hawkins and Tim Crouch
Label: Emphasis Records
Publisher: Hannon Hawkins Music, BMI
Photography: Aoife Kavanagh
Video Editor/Director: Stevie Hawkins – ShhhMedia http://www.shhhmedia.net
Artist Website: http://www.johnbreenmusic.com

Lyrics:

I STILL BELIEVE

There will be storms, wind and rain
Life will falter, love will fail
There’ll be times the crashing wake
Washes away
Everything in its way
I Still Believe

There will be moments of fall from grace
A passing glance, a saving face
Sometimes a feeling undefined
That catches flight
And the heart will know it’s time
I Still Believe

There will be spring, summer and fall
Arctic winds will come to call
Grades of trial, a bridge of strife
For this is life
But throughout it all
I Still Believe

© 2014 Emphasis Records

Musician Credits:
John Breen: Vocal
Tim Crouch: Fiddle, Mandolin, Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Bass, Banjo, Djembe
Sara Burke: Celtic Harp
Eamonn Byrne: Irish Tin Whistle
Kyla Cassidy: Background Vocals
Stevie Hawkins: Percussion, Background Vocals

http://www.johnbreenmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/JohnBreenMusic?fref=ts

Lexington Field: No Man’s War.

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LEXINGTON FIELD

Band: Lexington Field

Album: No Man’s War

Members:

Beau Gray – Vocals, Guitar
Cami Smith – Violin
Bryan Hane – Lead Guitar
Casey Jones – Bass
Vincent West – Drums

Hometown: San Diego CA

 

Mixing Punk, Americana and the melodic strains of Celtic music: these are the things you can pick up when you listen to all Lexington Field albums. The band nod to both traditional and alternative rock crowd with their unique style and energetic tunes. I am enjoying NO MAN’S WAR for its uplifting quality as a whole. Yes there are awesome tracks like American Crow, Crazy Eyes, Dear Old Friend, Here’s To You, Pioneer and Lady Arlington. I am sure you will have your own personal favorites when you get this album. The official release is on May 28 so watch out for it Celtic music fans.

The strength of No Man’s War relies on both its fast and slow tunes. The ballads are always heart-melting. Beau Gray knows how to wield his fine vocal instrument to move the fist and hearts seamlessly: the power of aggressive tunes and the sentimental ballads. Cami Smith is a master in tying heartstrings with the violin which takes its own stage in this recording. A very expressive instrument from those fine hands. Kudos to Bryan Hane for delivering the power chords and also for making the guitar such an instrument with many shades. I dig drummers and this is why the efforts of Vincent West is hard to ignore. He keeps this recording in one piece. And last but not the least, the grooves master Casey Jones shines in most of the danceholic tracks and yes the album demands multiple plays.

No Man’s War closes with the memorable Bluegrass infused Tumble. ” Two years have passed where are we now.” You know, this is why I love Americana. There is an ample amount of humanity in the style and delivery. The lyrics are always worth reading.

I love No Man’s War. I hope you do too. It seduces a listener to get hold of every  Lexington Field release.

Biography

Lexington Field is an American Fiddle Rock band from San Diego, CA. Formed in 2009, they have played hundreds of shows across the United States. In 2011, they released their debut album, “Old Dirt Road”. This was quickly followed by their highly regarded EP,”Poor Troubled Life”, in 2012. Both albums are distributed through New Folk Records based out of Minnesota. Lexington Field is about to release their sophomore full length album, “No Man’s War”, in Spring of 2013. These San Diego Fiddle Rockers have shared the stage with awesome bands such as the Young Dubliners, Old Man Markley, The Mahones, The Tossers, Hoist The Colors, The Ramshackle Army, The Fisticuffs, The Langer’s Ball, Hounds of Finn, Brick Top Blaggers, and many more acts across the country! Lexington Field embraces the best of North American musical elements such as rock, punk, country, bluegrass, Americana and folk and mixes in a fiddle to capture a unique and memorable sound. Along with their high energy live show, they give their fans an amazing musical experience!

Lexington Field

http://www.lexingtonfield.com
http://www.mayortomsspeech.com
http://www.myspace.com/lexingtonfield
http://www.youtube.com/lexingtonfield
http://www.twitter.com/lexingtonfield

***

Huzzah!

It’s a wonderful weekend and I hope you are all taking time to refresh your minds with amazing music, beautiful scenes and good friends. Just as a reminder:

The awesome album from Kevin O’Donnell is now out for those who haven’t bought their copies yet.  This is a fantastic album. My aunt was telling me how she can relate to the stories in this recording because her husband was a Croatian immigrant to Australia. Kevin O’Donnell’s sentiments are universal and they speak for all.

More hot stuff:

Artist: Maxim Cormier

Album: Same

The debut album by Max Cormier forms a cuspate between traditional and original tunes. He does this with seamless transition and freshness.

Band:Iona

Album: Silver

Silver has eleven tracks of rich musicality that will continue to echo in your soul long after the CD has been removed from the player. The pieces are woven in such a way that the album sounds seamless

Artist: Aisling Jarvis

Album: Romeo and Juliet

These are all solid tracks with their own merits and styles. Her musical style is her own with a few nods from adult contemporary pop/rock, traditional Irish and folk.

Upcoming….GUIÑO

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From Hervas, Cáceres Spain…They play Bluegrass, Blues, Folk and World.

Members:

Javier Colmenar Osuna
Pedro Jose Rivas Baltasar
Juan Carlos Centeno
Carlos Guillen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Guino

Crapshooters are Making Good Music in Germany

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This video reminds me of old photographs. These guys take their late 19th century fashion seriously!

Despite the title, the Crapshooters play a good blend of Traditional Irish, American Bluegrass and German folk. The introduction of bodhran, tin whistle, concertina, banjo, acoustic guitar, bass and various percussion will make you realize that they are very serious with their musical direction. There are slow airs that will move you. The harmony vocals are good. After four songs you will be convinced that these guys are actually shooting great music! Eire is one tune that I consider captivating.

http://www.myspace.com/thecrapshooters

You can fine them in facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crapshooters/233770759981989

Pushing Borders with Blue Highway

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Blue Highway are a Bluegrass band characterized by slick and tight musicianship. The members are from Tennessee.

Thumbs up to tracks: Two Soldiers, Wondrous Love and the a capella Someday.

You need to hear them in big speakers to get the total feel of the music. I see that this band is known all over the world based on the press releases. You can’t blame them. After 10 albums, they have established themselves as stalwarts in the field of Bluegrass. The effort they put in  every tracks make them a cut above the rest. The catchy tunes make the band accessible to mainstream listeners. Blue Highway is a band for people with impeccable taste in music.

http://www.myspace.com/bluehighwayband

http://www.bluehighwayband.com/