Celtic

Deep is the Well by Kevin O’Donnell.

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Deep is the Well

Artist: Kevin O’Donnell

Album: Deep is the Well

Players: Jim DeWan, Finbar Furey, Larry Gray, Kathleen Keane, Bill Lanphier, Maurice Lennon, Haley O’Donnell, John Rice, John William, and Jessica Willis

Style: Irish Country, Americana

Tracks:

  • A Letter Home
  • When I Was Young
  • Factory Girl
  • Downtowner Motel
  • Girl from Durango
  • Illinois & Michigan Canal
  • Camp-Farm Road
  • Rusted Dreams
  • She
  • The Ballad of Jackie Ryan Fagan
  • Saint Malachy’s Waltz

There are recordings that accomplish the purpose of entertaining. There are those that serve to tell. Deep is the Well by Kevin O’Donell accomplishes both of these aspects. The album reads like a biographical book as it explores the lives of Irish immigrants to the United States. Those who are fascinated by Irish history and the American Antebellum period will take this album close to heart as any jewels uncovered from the treasure chest.

The album starts with A Letter Home . The spoken letter takes us back to the sentiments of someone sending a message to those close to the heart more than a century ago. There is something poignant and also I sometimes feel the hair on my skin stand as I realize that that the owner has been dead  a long time ago. To uncover these intimate details about another person’s life long after he or she is dead is such a fascinating thing.

Factory Girl is the promotional single which is available online. It’s a story of Mary Helen Dougherty (1879-1918)

Born a blue-collar daughter in an old river town,

where the slow-rolling water from the prairie run down

the bend of the river is the edge of her world,

there’s no place it seems for the modest of dreams of a Factory Girl…

Makes you want to find out more right? There are more vibrant lives through the liner notes of Deep is the Well.

The rest of the album play like old pages with the breath of freshness. Something like old pages smelling of tobacco, dust and the lives exposed to it. The music is lush, vibrant but unhurried. It is a story teller’s album. The intention is to tell you something with the accompaniment of music. The spotlight is on the lyrics, although the musical depth and richness are always present. Cellos, viola, acoustic guitar, dobro and other beautiful sounds embellish this album.

Kevin O’Donnell has a resonant and expressive voice that can appeal to any genre. The production is crisp, clear and bright. Appreciation also goes to the album packaging. That cover artwork is a piece of eye candy.

Inspiration (at least the great ones) always comes from something deep. Something that’s steeped in history and the passionate lives led by people who handed out their legacy to us through books and songs. This is what I found in Deep is the Well. It’s an album that’s focused on something that is lasting. It speaks of feelings across time, and the wisdom comes with age and experiences.

Do you recall how  older relatives tell us how life was harder and how they struggled to make ends meet. I realize how everything comes easy now, in this age of instant gratification. How we get spoiled and would like everything to happen when we want it. They struggled and fought just to get us where we are now. It isn’t hard to acknowledge all the sweat and blood that paved way for something like a generation of the free. It’s the very sentiment that’s found in Deep is the Well. Just acknowledging and not forgetting , I think is enough for those who came before us.

I recommend this album to people who are fond of history and ballads. You will get so much out of Deep is the Well, not just musically but something to feel your soul.

About Kevin

Singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and published author: these are the distinctive hallmarks of Kevin O’Donnell’s public career. He is affectionately called “uncle tunes” among his family and close circle of musician friends, and is more broadly recognized in Chicago music circles as the founder and front man for the Irish-American folk group Arranmore.

Kevin’s commercial success as a songwriter dates back to the 1986 release of Island Home. He has frequently been compared to such writers as Gordon Lightfoot, Cheryl Wheeler, and Bill Staines. Americana and folk artists have recorded his early works and his historically based compositions have been featured in television documentaries both in the USA and Ireland.  Under Kevin’s leadership and direction Arranmore attained musical success in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Kevin traded concert stages for theatrical stages in 2000, performing with the prestigious Racine Theatre Guild, playing leading roles in several plays including Twelve Angry Men, The Sensuous Senator, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), Flowers for Algernon, and Neil Simon’s, I Ought To Be In Pictures.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/deepisthewell

https://twitter.com/DeepIsTheWell

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Huzzah!

Hi friends. Sunday edition comes too soon. That’s because this week is really hectic for me. And this is a good kind of busy because it’s all about music and writing projects. I hope your Sunday is being spent wisely: more naps and music. Yes those are good things. Anyway what you will meet below are links to what’s hot today. At least these are the things that people are talking about. So let me start:

An event for  Battlefield Band:

“A warm welcome back to Scotland’s BATTLEFIELD BAND Thursday April 11th. This a a fundraiser for NC Chapter of Leukemia and Lymphoma. We hope you will come out and support the event . Local Celtic Musician James Olin starts of the evening at 7pm with a 45 minute set of Celtic Music, Award Winning Wake & District Pipes & Drums open for ” The Battlefield band. Tickets are $8 in advance on ticketleap.com. or $10 at Door. Great Raffle Prizes plus brilliant Scottish Dinner special will make this salute to Tartan Day a great Celtic event. Please call 919 833-7795 to reserve seats stage side for dinner.”-Tir Na NOg Annie

Here’s the amazing video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDiVyra7jd0&feature=share

Whoa! The Edinburgh International Harp Festival

Wow if you are in the area better check this out. It’s filled with amazing artists. According to Corrina Hewat:

“A good day! And tomorrow will be even better as the CH Band are playing. Me and Fraser Fifield Alyn Cosker Tom Lyne Dave Milligan Woop. I suppose the sensible thing to do would be to create an event and invite you all, but on the other hand, I could just catch up with friends, hear harpy goings on and not be in front of the computer. I choose the latter!”

Wild Irish Poet

Photo from Wild Irish Poet

Spring has Sprung in Ireland: Our featured artist Alan Cooke, The Wild Irish Poet this week has posted this photo of the sunny Ireland today. It looks like the sun is finally here to stay!

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

 

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/

 

Throw your music map and dive!

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In this edition: Eve Williams, Clan Suibhne, Dom Duff, Colin Nea, Connie Dover , Mark Harmer and Planxty.

It is 2013. Four years after I officially launched this site. In the past four years, I met a lot of talented musicians and listened to their amazing music. In the past four years I met interesting readers who turned out to be bloggers too. In the past four years I poured my heart out, experienced joy and at some point almost lost my sanity. But I never gave up blogging and maintaining this site. Despite the personal earthquakes I experienced in this life, this one seems to be left unscathed. This is my baby. This is my love. It’s been four years. And here’s The Celtic Music Fan looking forward to more discoveries, more mistakes, more success and more joy! Let the fun begin again.

Eve Williams-Twenty Miles from Home

New CD from UK based singer/songwriter Eve Williams

Think of the soft approach of Cara Dillon and  the vocal power of Evanescence.

It is always a great experience when I discover new music. This is only possible without a map. Personal maps obscure our chances of finding something new out there. Especially when we are so used to the formula we created and the comfort zone we find hard to let go. I wondered if this is the same thing that ran inside the mind of Eve Williams when she created Twenty Miles from Home.

It is an eclectic album full of  surprises wrapped in a blanket of atmosphere. There are things that are consistently noticeable in the midst of variety. All the twelve tracks are melodic. Her voice is superb and full bodied. She is also a writer which explains her interesting lyrics references to classical literature.

In my other blog friend who is a guest blogger wrote about Music Theory. I think we have to admit that people who make artfully crafted music are those who at least in some part of their musical development, had undergone music studies. The maintaining discipline  in creating and also in the performing part is probably hard because music is such an emotional medium. It is easy to get lost and let everything rip through.

Twenty Miles from Home strikes me as a balance of  emotion and control. It is also a recording done with minimalist approach to instruments. This gives us a chance to hear how Eve can showcase her vocal talents. I sometimes find it hard to listen to something overly produced because you have a lot of sounds coming from every direction. Which in turn makes it hard to concentrate to the few aspects. But this album proves to be something that even listeners with short attention span can feast in.

I realized that listening to different systems also yield different results. When I listened to this through a computer, it didn’t give me too much probably due to the speakers. Then I put it in a CD player with good speakers. And the experience was something else. The whole album shimmers. The headphones also give you that intimate feel which focuses more on the nuances . I suggest you listen to all types of

Singer Eve Williams

Eve Williams

players and see which works for you.

Twenty Miles from Home is a beautiful album. Oblivion is one track with full arrangements and soaring vocals along with Tall Dark Stranger. These are orchestrated tracks. But I love the contrast of the spare arrangement on others like Broken Dolls (feat Scarlett Burnside), The Rock (feat. Dominik Boncza-Skrzynecki) and many more. Eve Williams is based in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is probably the beautiful landscapes that shaped her sound and sentiments. It it an album that can appeal to lovers of Sinead O’Connor, Cara Dillon and Evanescence. The combination of folk simplicity and operatic flourishes in her songs makes her one of the rising voices in the Irish music scene.

Older recordings

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Clan Suibhne Yank~Irish~Celtic Music Group‏

Clan Suibhne. Clan Suibhne They're Not Just a Band, They're a Clan clansuibhnegreengrassmusic.blogspot.com

Clan Suibhne. Clan Suibhne They’re Not Just a Band, They’re a Clan
clansuibhnegreengrassmusic.blogspot.com

Their unique “Roots” music, dubbed “Greengrass,” is a blend of traditional Irish/Celtic meets American Folk/Bluegrass tunes.  “This genre existed long before the music we know as bluegrass. We were very surprised, but so honored to win an award for our music,” says Charles (C.W.) Farrell. The three Farrell brothers and cousin John Curran have become well known around the “Irish Riviera” for their signature style. They incorporate traditional instruments, including  the mandolin and banjo, into traditional Irish music.

Celtic music is a family affair. You can see this in bands like Clannad, The Corrs, The Rankins among others. It is no surprise when a lot of American Irish bands are consist of family members. Irish and Scottish music have grown into stellar proportions in the United States in the past few years. This is an exciting age to start your own Celtic band because even though you can’t find listeners in your hometown, you know that there is this whole wild world which is the Internet. There will always be  listeners for you out there!

Clan Suibhne (pronounced Sweeney)are a band based in New Jersey. They play acoustic music combining their Yank-Irish-Celtic Roots which they fondly mention in their website.  Like I mentioned, they are a family group, acoustic and fun. They do solo, duo, trio & quartet arrangements throughout the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York Tristate area.

This St Patrick’s Day 2013, they are scheduled to play at the Historical National Hotel in Frenchtown, NJ…and will be appearing at many other venues throughout the months of February, March and April 2013. Sounds like fun! Do check them out if you are in the area.

http://www.reverbnation.com/clansuibhne
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clan-Suibhne/240984553900
http://clansuibhnegreengrassmusic.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/ClanSuibhne

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Connie Dover and what makes her amazing.

If you’ve been a listener since 1993(her debut album came out in 1991) and now it is 2013..surely there is something about Connie Dover. She is considered as one of the stalwarts in the Celtic genre. I think she is underrated considering the achievements she has. I don’t think I am totally biased when I say that being an American singer, she took such challenging steps in making sure she breaths authenticity in her every recording. Even to the point when she has to sing in Latin of Scots/Irish Gaelic.

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Before going solo, Connie Dover fronted this Missouri based bluegrass group. She is one American singer I really respect because her music is based in hard research and she yes she sings in Gaelic.

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Si Beag, Si Mhor

This composition by the famous Irish composer O’Carolan landed into facebook discussion with my friend Ralph who plays the tin whistle. I am so glad he raised this discussion up so I was able to do further research about the song. I discovered the other versions. There are many out there but I will just post two of them here. These are fine interpretations. I am crazy for uilleann pipes and that is why the one from Planxty appears in this edition. I am also a big fan of harp music specifically the Celtic harp. So let us get to know a wee bit more of this music.

Picture. Mark Harmer gauntssummergathering.com

Picture. Mark Harmer gauntssummergathering.com

In English it means: Little hill, big hill. It’s a reference to the fairy kingdoms.
It’s also translated as “it’s little, it’s big.”It’s sometimes titled “Sidhe Bheag, Sidhe Mhor” The tune is by Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738). O’Carolan’s works were published by his son in 1747. According to this timeline “Si Bheag Si Mhor” was the first piece O’Carolan composed upon the completion of his harp apprenticeship (1691).

According to Ralph: “I think a closer translation is ‘big hill, little hill’. I’m pretty sure it has something to do with a war of fairy clans but I’d like to know how the story goes. Wanna know who owned w/c hill and who won in the end.” Here we have two versions. The first one by Planxty and the second one by Celtic harper Mark Harmer:

Note: An in depth research by harpist Scott Hoye suggested a new light to the trivia on top  . According to his source, Si Beg Si Mor is in fact a Scottish Tune, The Bonny Cuckoo. O’Carolan used the tune, made popular by the Ulster Scots, and wrote Irish lyrics for it. His poem was about the battle between two Faerie kingdoms. My big thanks to Scott for the info about this classic.

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Babel Pow Wow by Dom Duff

Breton musician Dom Duff is working on a new album. He is requesting the help of Breton music enthusiasts to help fund this project. As I

Dom Duff Babel Pow Wow Proje

Dom Duff Babel Pow Wow Project

said  in a conversation with a musician that music is a community. You get what you give. Dom Duff is very passionate about the culture of Brittany and its people. He  was also one of our featured artists way back .

I chatted with him a few days ago. He was trying to put a video project to promote the album. This involves people speaking in their own dialects from all over the world. The video you see below is just one of the many he is trying to create between music session. This man in really busy these days!

Please check this one out:

More here: http://www.kisskissbankbank.com/fr/projects/dom-duff-album-babel-pow-wow-2013

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Wonderful Review of trad album by Colin Nea

Fair play to Colin Nea on a great review from TradConnect-Enda Seery: http://tradconnect.com/profiles/blogs/album-review-colin-nea-between-the-jigs-the-reels

Colin Nea and Enda Seery are cousins. They are also very supportive of each others music projects. The proud Enda was posting and tweeting about this wonderful review of his album Between the Jigs & the Reels with Jack Talty on a piano. I haven’t talked to Colin Nea yet but I have exchanges several pleasant messages with Enda. He is also releasing an album this year and I am sure Colin is going to advertise it too. It is great to see trad music growing. It is composed of family relations jamming together or with other musicians. Like I’ve mentioned before: Irish music is a family affair.

Celtic Music Whimsy

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In this edition:  Enda Seery, Fraser Fifield, Celtic Twist/Holland and Palmley, The Picts, Irish Music Ottawa Blog, and 9 Celtic music videos from youtube!

Videos: Seth Lakeman-Race to be King, Loreena McKennitt-Dante’s Prayer, Fraser Fifield- ‘Drawing Maps’, Rachel Hair Trio-Tsunami Jack, Eluveitie-Inis Mona, Enya-Book of Days, The Chieftains/Sean Keane-Drowsy Maggie, Seamus Ennis-An Poc Ar Buile and Ashley Macisaac-News Show in Japan.

Night Swimmers III by Eva McCauley

Night Swimmers III by Eva McCauley

How I got saved by a 16-year old artist!

I have a confession. Around Monday of last week, I was getting anxious because I usually have the Artist of the Week ready for publishing every the next day. But everyone was busy due to the holiday rush and no one was able to commit. Yours truly was experiencing panic. When I set a schedule, I stick to it not because I have a boss. After all, I own this site, no one pays me to write and I don’t earn my living by blogging. It is my passion for Celtic music and musicians that drive the itch. I have no partner in this. The same goes for my other blog Sphere Music. I do everything from ground up including the design and the decision of what I am going to feature next.

If you want to be part of my upcoming artist of the week, it is so simple. I get my recommendation from (your)peers in the music scene. Also, when I set my sights on you, then you get to be featured here. I write for the readers but I also write for the musicians. It is a practical thing to do. It helps musicians get to know other talents and this could be beneficial if they are looking for someone to jam with when they are in another country. From England, Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall, Isle of Man, North America and other parts of the world, I have started building a network of artists. I feel like a super spider! Bloggers have the passion to keep the music scene alive. We are the Rolling Stones, Hot Press and Billboard magazine of Celtic music-well maybe not your typical journalism major but I try to make it interesting as much as possible.

Now we were talking about the incident last week right? Well it was the 16 year old Quinn Bachand who saved me. He’s the one who’s able to commit and he did an interesting interview! You can read this week’s interview about him to know more.

So what do we have for the start of the year?

Síocháin na Tuaithe Preview (New Album from Enda Seery in 2013)

Enda Seery is very excited about the release of his second album scheduled this year. He sent me demo clips of the few album tracks and they sound really amazing even in their rough states. I am sure the finished album will be fantastic.

16 tracks of Traditional Irish Music and Song… Coming soon in 2013!

http://www.endaseery.com

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A Flurry of Recordings from Fraser Fifield

Guess who is hardworking this year and last year in the world of Traditional and Jazz music? Fraser Fifield is everywhere. Here is a nice article where he appeared: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/music/music-news/scottish-jazz-federation-launch-tours-1498666  He recently got his left arm broken. Get well soon Fraser!

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My House by Celtic Twist/Holland and Palmley

From Phil and Dave: “Everyone has a dream…however small, however simple…as long as its your dream and it makes you happy”.

This is a beautiful song!I like how Phil’s vocal style has evolved. It is softer and warmer now. I really love these guys. I mean they are not just part of my favorite circle of Celtic musicians but they also full of love and support. Wonderful friends and wonderful musicians. Such a rare combination.

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The Picts New Year Concert

Check out the photos from Douglas McQueen Hunter and the rest of  The Picts.

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Irish Music Ottawa Blog

I am proud to represent one of my peers from Canada. This is one of the most comprehensive sites I have ever seen. If you are in a band, an avid Irish music listener, if you are looking for gigs or want to know what’s going on, check this site. According to Craig who runs Irish Music Ottawa: This not-for-profit webpage provides links to primarily Ottawa Valley, and Irish Traditional Music (ITM), activities in, or within a few hours of the Ottawa / National Capital Region of Canada.  Music is a shared experience between musicians and the audience. That’s the spirit!

http://www.irishmusicottawa.ca/

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The rest of my facebook posts:

I love posting videos on facebook because I am driven by the mood of the moment and the kind of music that suits that mood. I was looking back and I already posted a lot this week so I am sharing this with you in case we are not facebook friends. Just to give you an idea what I thought were hot music!

Happy New Year!!!