Tour Schedules Of Your Favorite Celtic Musicans

Cecile Corbel

Cecile Corbel

Hi guys , I have compiled a list of tour dates which you might be interested, depending on which part of the world you are:

The Chieftains

Julie Fowlis

Moya Brennan

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh

Carloz Nunez

Connie Dover

Altan

Sharon Corr

Cecile Corbel

There are more artists out there so I will be adding more of this soon.

***

Frankly I am glad that there’s something going on with Connie Dover and the Chieftains. I think for people who haven’t heard miss Dover sang they should hear it. She has the purest emotional voice around. As for the Chieftains, well these guys introduced me to the who Celtic genre.

A Celtic Music Fan’s Lesson for Today

Celtic_Design_Blackberry_Sage_by_Pagans_UniteTemperance is the key to stay in balance. I am not saying this is the key to success. I can’t tell you so much more because I myself is still looking for the real me amidst all these trappings. It is funny when we as adults sometimes put ourselves in embarrassing situations even if it is in the spirit of fun. Sometimes getting drunk on fun not knowing when to quit turns us into total buffoons.

I tend to be the person with so much ideas and they compete with each other. I have so many moods that they sometimes race against each other. I have so many facets which though interesting, they can also be a source of great sadness. I am 34 and I will be 35 next year. That is hardly juvenile in human standards. Writing about Celtic music gave me temperance and focus. I know that though I have so many sides, like the eye of the needle; very few should pass here. Because no matter how crazy the outside world can be, I am in the presence of something I really love an respect: which in turn brought me a lot of friends.

I think a true blogger has a responsibility not only to him/herself but also to the community he/she attends to. For those who respect the craft of writing we know how powerful words are and how they can leave bullet holes in your soul. We know that with great power comes great responsibility. As I am trying to be a good employee in my job, so should I also be a good on-line presence.

For someone who treasures the arts and the artists, I have to make it my responsibility to influence that gentleness through my writing. Because we know how fragile an artist’s soul is no matter how powerful his words and mediums are. When I say artists I do not mean just the visual or musical arts. I am also referring to other areas.

To quote from Loreena McKennitt in her View from Here section on her site:

Through my music, I have tried in my own humble way to explore many facets of history and humanity through the strong belief that there is more to bind us together than tear us apart. Although on one hand we all cherish the right to freedom of expression, the greater challenge, I believe, is having the wisdom in the interests of social harmony and respect to know when to exert it.  I would like to add my voice to the many others around the world who come from various religious and non-religious persuasions who believe that the voice of sensitivity, moderation, tolerance, forgiveness and love is the one which must prevail. In all the ways we can make music in the world, hopefully we can make sure that that raising our voice for peace is heard.

I say Amen to that and happy blogging (as we always say in the blog forum).

Random Playlist : Songs to Make your Tea

1195906488_capercaillie-cascade I have been busy with work . Also been catching sleep as much as I can. These days having a complete hours of sleep is a luxury. I hate looking like a yo-yo in the middle of the job. Anyway, since there is nothing new to cover for now, I want to share with you some random play list I have . I am an album guy. I am used to playing the whole album as compared to shuffled tracks from different artists. I think an album tells a whole story. Yes there will always be weak tracks and memorable ones. But then again weak or strong each one contributes to the whole picture. So here are my lists of albums and songs that get played in any order depending on my mood.

1. Cascade-Capercaillie .This is the debut album of Scotland’s legendary group. Karen Matheson already displays maturity and good instinct in this beautifully crafted 1984 release.

2. Mummer’s Dance-Loreena McKennitt. The song that brought  mainstream attention, from The Book of Secrets.

3. Song of the Sandman-Enya. I always have this song mostly before I go to bed.

4.The Wind that Shakes the BarleyDead Can Dance.

5. Sea of Silence-Kate Price. Love her exotic instruments and ethereal vocals.

6. Puirt-a-Beaul Set-Julie Fowlis

7. She Moved through the Fair-Lothlorien

8. Wandering Fish-Kila

9. One of Us-Heather Dale

10. In Concert(1978)- Clannad. This is the first attempt of the group at live sound. The songs are mostly traditional. This is the Clannad before all the layering and haunting productions but nonetheless still excellent.

You might want to check out Irish Music Magazine for new releases and news. Here’s also the video of Riverdance. Amazing dancers. Cheers!

The Bodhran: The Heart of Celtic Music

ist2_4236704-traditional-irish-scene-with-bodhran-drum-on-wooden-bar-counterWe know that sound. A low ominous thumping recalling to mind ancient warfare and celebration. The Bodhran is known as the heart of Celtic music. For what is Celtic music without it? There is something about its geometry that is aesthetically pleasing. And the way it is played is like no other. Here are some good links on how one learns to play the Bodhran. These are guides to walk you through.

A Beginner’s Guide to Bodhran

Playing the Bodhran

Introduction to the Bodhran

Video1

Video2

Another Irish and Celtic Music Podcast Site

IrishCelticMusicPodcastLogoHi folks. It’s a lovely Monday, the first working day of the week. As usual what’s morning without our daily doze of Celtic music? Here’s another podcast link hosted by Marc Gunn. It is extensive because it covers all types of Celtic music under the umbrella name. It also showcases acts coming from the seven Celtic Nations. Point your browsers here to listen.