In this issue: Thomas Johnston, Christmas by Baltic Crossing,The Bog Hoppers, Enda Seery’s Blog,Happy Birthday Kevin Crawford(December 6),Celtic Rebels Band,McDermott’s 2 Hours – Stor Mo Chroi and Affiniti.
Moving on with the week full of new music and bands.
Thomas Johnston
Thomas Johnston
For the past five years, Thomas Johnson has been doing his PhD on traditional music in education. Performing took a backseat. He is finally finishing up and soon he will be working with other musicians. For now he was telling me that there’s nothing much to talk about. But if you have seen the two videos I posted here, you can tell that he has a LOT to say as far as teaching music is concerned.
Thomas is warm and charismatic and these qualities translate well in his teaching method. He loves to discuss about many interesting points about music and other intellectual pursuits. Since he is currently doing a lot of research on how Irish traditional music is taught, he has a lot of recordings which he did with other musicians, which he said he hopes to make them into his solo work next year.
So what’s his music like? He sent me a recording he did with other musicians. According to him: “I’m playing a tune (on a low F Colin Goldie whistle) called ‘Crinniu Na Mbad’ which means ‘Gathering Of The Boats’. It was composed by Sean Quinn (fiddle player from New York). I recorded it with Sean Og Graham (guitar) and Liam Bradley (keys) for a musical project some years ago.”
I hope you enjoy this one as I did. He will soon be our featured artist as he answers questions related to his teaching and playing.
A live performance from O’Connor’s bar in Doolin, Co. Clare, Ireland, during the launch of the Online Academy of Irish Music in April 2011. This session was webcast on http://www.LiveTrad.com. The tunes are Johnny Cronin’s, Molly Bawn, The Sandmount and Martin Mulhaire’s. The musicians involved are Eoin O’Neill on bouzouki, Yvonne Casey & Majella Bartley on fiddle, Mikie Smyth on uilleann pipes, Stephen Markham on piano, Kirsten Allstaff & Niall Keegan on flute and Thomas Johnston on whistle.
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Christmas by Baltic Crossing
Through our exchange, Thomas sent me a link to this video. It is very timely. These are musicians from Denmark. I always consider Danish musicians as really good in whatever musical field are in, be it electronic or in this case Celtic. I bookmarked this one and will be playing this in days to come!
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The Bog Hoppers
The Bog Hoppers
Combining the rebellious spirit of punk and the melodic Celtic folk style, Seattle based The Bog Hoppers are gaining fans not just in their hometown but also all over the United States. It is through their awesome recordings and energetic live shows that they are able to win listeners and Boggers as I call them. I admit their track Cod Liver Oil caught me by surprise because I thought the low sound was a didgeridoo until I realized it’s a male voice only sang so low. It’s really worth a listen.
I love the fact that their music is lively without being noisy or too intrusive. It has all the right ingredients of a good recording that can be listened to again and again. Instrumentally, I think the band are seasoned and you can really sense the effort they put in every song in their debut album. Learn more about them here: http://www.reverbnation.com/theboghoppers
*** Enda Seery’s Blog
Irish musician Enda Seery who released the highly acclaimed album The Winding Clock is working on his second album. All of the info are documented in his TradConnect Blog. He is also offering skype lessons which you might want to check out. I love the humorous tone in his writings. But check the video below. He is a pro as far as teaching is concerned. Trivia: he used to be an English teacher. He is also teaching Gaelic. I am afraid his blogging would take my readers away! Hahaha. Cheers Enda. You are awesome!
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Happy Birthday Kevin Crawford(December 6)
The Celtic Music Fan wishes Kevin Crowford a happy birthday today!!!! Here he is playing the wooden flute during the Killarney School of Music Award Ceremony. Kevin is adding more years, more talent and more wisdom in his music!
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Celtic Rebels Band
Now for something different, you might want to check out the music of The Celtic Rebels Band from New Jersey. Very soothing. I was listening to this over hot tea and biscuits while looking at the beautiful sunset. Kind of a sad song but the melody makes you warm.
*** McDermott’s 2 Hours – Stor Mo Chroi
I got the hang of these band’s music. They’re one of those influential bands that emerged from the UK. The latest news says: Their latest, long-delayed, but much anticipated album, Besieged, is due for release in 2013. Live work has not been a feature in recent times, but Nick Burbridge also collaborated with Tim Cotterell on an acoustic album, Gathered, released in 2012 to great critical acclaim, continuing a long commitment to making music for its own sake, without commercial aspirations, but aimed to take its place in the idiom.
*** Something Pop and Classical: Rebirth by Affiniti
I am sure genre aficionados will go ahead and get a taste of this new offering from these three talented musicians: Soprano Emer Barry, violinist Mary McCague and harpist Aisling Ennis. If you want your music dreamy and easy then sample their album from the link below and tell me what you think.
It is the first week of December folks and I assure you there are many reasons to update this site. The scene is boiling with great events from your favorite Celtic bands either those I know and don’t know. This is a great year and 2013 will prove to be a good year in music!
New CD from The Picts
Douglas McQueen Hunter
Scottish band The Picts have just finished recording a new set of tunes and they are working on polishing the craft. According to front man Douglas McQueen Hunter:
“I’ve been up to my eyes in the new cd coming out… I’m tied up tonight and tomorrow. All the recording is done now…. just paperwork and CD artwork”
Douglas is also in the middle of an interview with yours truly so you can see he has his hands full 😉
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An Tain
I did mention before in the Martin Tourish interview that he’s working on a music based on The Tain. Here is a snippet of the music:
According to Martin: ”
In the final act of An Táin the Brown Bull and White Bull finally meet and gore and slay each other in a furious and frenzied, slaughter which shakes and tramples the entire country. The Brown bull emerges the gore-spattered victor but his great fury proves too much and his heart cracks like a nut in his chest.
Release/catalogue number: lmm011002
Release date: Feb 1, 2012″
Awesome. Wait for that one!
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The Celtic Tenors in NYC
Zelienople, PA.
The Celtic Tenors are making rounds in NYC. They are getting more and more love from their American fans. A few weeks back they made a successful concert in China. It is just a matter of time before they conquer the world 😉
According to them:
“Tomorrow (3rd December) we will be singing a song as part of a Benefit gig for Huntington’s Disease at Playwright’s Theatre on 42nd Street NYC. Delighted to be appearing with Michael Brunnock — at Bohemian Pizza”
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Have a Cornish Christmas
Here is a nice track translated to Cornish by Matti Clarke. Yes the season is really looking up 😀
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Celtic Music live The Czech Republic
” Been meaning to see Pipes and Pipes for ages, and I’ve got no excuses this time. They’re in Plzen and their support includes Cheers!Hurrah!”
There is no excuse to see this even when you are in the Czech Republic. The invitation is in Czech but it means one thing: Great music 😉
Nejnašláplejší tuzemská punkrocková kapela Pipes and Pints přijíždí se svou novou desku „Found and Lost“!
Nové album je stále o dravém punkrocku s charakteristickým zvukem skotských dud, ale mnohem vyzrálejší o zkušenosti které kapela nasbírala během uplynulých tří let, kdy s debutovým albem „Until We Die“ objela prakticky celou Evropu. Za tu dobu se z Pipes and Pints stala kapela minimálně evropského formátu a není jistě náhodou, že si je pod svá křídla vzal respektovaný label “People Like You records” a
produkce na novém albu se ujal zkušený producent Darian Rundall, který úzce spolupracuje například s “Epitaph records” a “Hellcat records”.
Jako speciální host se celého turné zúčastní klubový objev Dirty Blondes a v Plzni je navíc doplní jihočeská legenda melodického punk rocku Suffer, která zde odehraje jeden ze svých posledních koncertů a zároveň představí poslední desku “Bee-Songs From The A-Cide” a plzeňská folk punková naděje Cheers!.http://www.pipesandpints.com/ http://bandzone.cz/dirtyblondes http://www.suffer.cz/cz http://bandzone.cz/cheersstart: 20:00
vstup: 170,-/200,-
If you haven’t checked yet, this is a great site for anything traditional. Yes, there are many styles of music and sometimes it is hard to look for something you want if you are not sure where to go and also who is in authority for such matters. Well, I tell you now, Tradconnect is the best in the tradmusic online sites. You can sign up and chat with other members and even get to have a good chat with owner Tony Lawless.
Song for Advent fromPhil Holland and Dave Palmley / Celtic Duo
Here’s a message from Phil and Dave:
“Here’s a wee Christmas Carol for you from Celtic Twist…The Coventry carol….our own arrangement and recording…to get you in the Christmas spirit now that advent is upon us…please share with all your friends and family this year at Christmas….
all the best, Phil and Dave”
Seriously this is one awesome track. It has all the ingredients of what makes a perfect yuletide song: atmosphere, beautiful instruments and heavenly singing.
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Babel Pow Wow project by Dom Duff
“2013 will see the release of my new album Babel Pow Wow. Celebrating all cultures od the world, in my breton folk rock mood and language.
I am looking for people to help make the album possible by purchasing a copy in advance, or if you would like to contribute more to the making of the album by purchasing one of the other rewards on offer.
The money raised will cover the musicians fee, mixing, mastering and duplication.
Yes I truly support this project and I think this will be a great one.
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WGBH Music: Carlos Nuñez – Aires de Pontevedra
I am glad my friend Greg Shea always updates me with only the best videos in Celtic music. Today we have Carlos Nunez:
Born in Galicia, Spain, Carlos Nuñez began playing the bagpipes at the age of eight. He met Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains as a teenager and later became known as the “7th member” of the band. In Europe, he plays to sold out stadiums and arenas. He has toured throughout the world and continues to wow audiences with his high-spirited Celtic music.
Nunez kicked off his latest North American tour from the intimate confines of The Burren Irish Pub in Somerville, Massachusetts. This is their closing encore of the night, “Aires de Pontevedra”.
Audio Engineer: Antonio Oliart
Camera/Editing: Greg Shea
Camera: Annie Shreffler
Producer/Host: Brian O’Donovan
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Barrule booking for more gigs in 2013!
According to the band:” Barrule from The Isle of Man are booking for 2013… Got any festivals that you would like to see us play next year? Let us know, and more importantly, let them know too!”
Also in this edition: Mortal Destiny, Eve Williams and new Celtic releases !
Review of the new album by Flutatious called 333.
Happy thanksgiving to our readers in the United States.Today we have the following in the menu: an album review and two featured tracks.
While the second album established the “Flutatious sound”, this third release called 333 pushes the band’s influences. It’s like whatever styles they have incorporated in their recording career are given nods here.
There are still common elements like the vocal layering and airy pieces but their sound has become more upfront and confident. The opening track 333 A Call To Arms features a male voice reciting a line in a poem. The fusion of keys and flute bring out that fantasy feel. The track builds up into a typical Flutatious salvo: great rhythms, instrumental fireworks and traditional inspired melodies.
Everyone in the band contributes to the vocal layering in Crystal Morning. It creates that diaphanous magical feel.The sound changes from dense to airy. Horny is perhaps made for fans of 70‘s spy of kung fu movies. The funky guitars, saxophone and beats are the real winners here. This is Celtic music with bell bottoms and polyester. Whenever I put this on I feel as if I am the late Bruce Lee.
Open Window has a strong jazz influence. The track has varying tempo and mood. Like clouds changing shape before your very eyes, it has several layers and textures. Around 5:40 there is that insertion of male voice doing a Lord of the Rings sort of narration.
Wise Tree is very Druidic and relates to that belief that trees are great store houses of our memories. What’s in the Tea speaks to me a lot. I am all smiles when I listen to this. I am a tea lover as well. There is that spacey feel in the introduction, and then the track blossoms into a hip swaying, head shaking wall of sound. Somewhere around 3:30 the music changes mood with hammering drums and fiery guitar licks and then goes back into the serene mood.
Tune for Addy revisits the mood of Horny with it’s funky 70‘s feel. It also features an ethereal female voice near the end. I am sure if the band capitalizes in the vocal abilities of each member, they would wow fans of vocal music.
Mesmerize as the title suggests is a haunting tracks which starts out slow. It showcases the play of acoustic guitar and flute. Around 1:00 of the track, it blossoms into a combination of electronic layers and psychedelia. The melody suggests either Welsh or Scottish origin. Nadurra is a Scottish Gaelic word which means ‘affectionate or good-natured.”It starts with the breezy piano playing and flowers into a steady rhythm that makes you think of quiet walks along the Scottish Highlands.
Road to Skye(revisited) closes the album. It takes the sound from the previous version of the song with an added twist. There is that ambient electronic pulse that hovers all over the track like sonar rotating around an axis point. It is a perfect rave track that will please the crowd. I can imagine sweat drenched concert floors and moving bodies hypnotized by the pulsing sound.
333 is an album of shimmering layers and atmospheric delights. It is meant for those with matured taste and can appreciate and even recognize the different genres entangled in whole album. Flutatious is meant to be played in big speakers with good sub-woofers.Yes there are intricate layers of sounds here but you can’t deny the punch and bounce they bring. And if you can savour them all, then you have yourself a truly satisfying listening experience. A kind of music that speaks to all.
Sounds samples. Just hit the ‘buy the album’ link to go to the band’s store:
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Featured track: The Hobbit by Mortal Destiny
Lyrics – J. R. R. Tolkien / Jeremy King – Music, Arrangement by Mortal Destiny
I am sure everyone is waiting for The Hobbit to arrive. The news is out that Howard Shore has finished doing the score, the guys in Poitinland recorded this Celtic rock song. This is a visual track that makes me imagine the dwarves and hobbits singing together. Jeremy King explains the thoughts behind this track:
“Pavel Čengery is the producer for our last 2 albums Bofiguifluki and Hot Days as well as being a talented musician himself. I’ve worked with him on a couple of other projects including writing lyrics for his band Mortal Destiny-the track I wrote called ‘Pagan Pride’ also features our fiddler Otik Machacek and arose during the recording of ‘Hot Days’ when we were playing a traditional Scottish tune http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=506030
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Featured Track: Oblivion by Eve Williams
It’s a coincidence! I was watching Skyfall and nearly cried when M played by Judi Dench starts reciting the lines by Lord Tennyson. Now we have Oblivion which is a song also inspired by the poetry of Tennyson himself. The heartbreaking theme resonates and given more weight with Eve’s excellent vocal delivery. She has a terrific operatic range. The orchestration in this track is simply superb. Oblivion could very well be one of those “ soundtrack of your life” that you take with you as you greet the chill of the coming winter.
In this edition: Nua,
Jonathan Kershaw and Eclipse
NUA
Making waves: Irish/Scottish Traditional Music, Experimental, Fusion trio from Toronto Canada.
NUA came up with an auspicious debut in a form of an EP. It gives us the taste of what this trio can offer not just today but also in future releases. These are clean, crisp tunes that sparkle with precision and showmanship. The audio quality is something get excited about. The surface sound of every instrument is captured giving us a degree of nuance and atmosphere.
The EP starts with Fizzbuzz which showcases the thunderous bodhran playing of Jacob McCauley and the invigorating strums of Graeme McGillivray on guitar. These sounds are sliced up with James M Law’s luminous playing on fiddle. That fiddle simply sparkles in all of the tracks.
The Draw is perhaps what one would call a ‘carrier single’ due to its upfront rhythm and fast paced characteristic that draws influences from Jazz, Folk and even World. Here, Jacob McCauley’s bodhran becomes emotive, giving us an impression that this percussion has finally reached its tonal height and is capable of being a lead instrument. We have to remember, Jacob plays different types of bodhrans including those custom made by Christian Hedwitschak. This is a tune that’s guaranteed to get you dancing.
Martin’s Yellow Tea Pot has that folk pop quality that waltzes on you like a sunny afternoon. We hear exquisite chord structures as well as interesting changes of rhythms. The guitar has a crunchy sound that really keeps everything together.
The Hijack is a perfect track to close the EP. It has all the elements of how ripe talents should sound like. Confidence, experimentation and cohesiveness are traits of what a good album should possess-and they are all here. If they are able to come up with a full sound in this 4 track EP, just imagine what a complete album would be like. You would be missing a huge part of your musical life if you don’t get this EP!
About NUA:
NUA is an innovative new trad trio, bringing a fresh and unique sound to traditional music, creating their own distinctive flavour with both original and traditional compositions from Ireland and Scotland. Based in Toronto, Canada, NUA consists of three award-winning members: fiddle player James M Law, guitarist Graeme McGillivray and bodhrán player Jacob McCauley. The interaction between the three
e is what really makes the music shine, whether it be their soaring melodies or tasteful grooves. The trio is also well known for their exciting incorporation of odd time signatures and polyrhythms, which give the music an electrifying lift and spontaneity.
Each member adds their own distinctive sound and influence to the music. Although they are a trio with a sole melody player, the brilliant multi-tasking of each member is demonstrated countless times with perhaps a guitar-driven flat-picked melody, rhythmic fiddle playing, or melodic bodhrán playing to add to the mix. The ability for each member to take on multiple roles is one of the staples of NUA. This adds to a thrilling live experience, and a “you just don’t know what’s coming next” approach!
NUA released their first EP on November 12th 2012 and they are currently beginning work on their full-length debut album to be released in 2013.
If you are ready for something seductive, atmospheric and emotionally charged Celtic fusion music, then you better give Jonathan Kershaw a listen. Everything he does points to Renaissance music in the vein of Dead can Dance. There are also Celtic folk and Viking influences embellished with subtle atmospherics. The guitars are gentle and the female vocals are mysterious. There are other instruments like the cello.This album kept me up all night while I did my usual blogging and it has that quality of being un intrusive but at the same time with the right volume, creates a full-house of soundtracky experience.
Band personals:
Jonathan Kershaw – guitars, percussion
Laura Fauvel – vocals, some flute
Karina McGrath – vocals
Chris Jones – other instrumentation
In the words of Jonathan Kershaw:
The sound of this album was (in it’s inception) clearly supposed to be sat firmly in the traditions of Celtic folk music. Evident in the rich, flowing guitar lines intertwined with flute and violin, ringing pedal sounds and the sometimes rather ominous bodhrans.
However, somewhere along the line, the link was clearly stretched beyond its traditional boundaries. Jonathan’s love of music from outside this area becomes apparent with strange colourings from elements of classical, baroque music and dare I even say it, hard rock!
As a result, the album maintains a curious, ethereal feel of mysticism throughout as it moves through pieces in a variety of emotions:
Album Details
Artist: Jonathan Kershaw From the dark, pounding introduction of “The Demeter” and “Crossing the Third Sea” to the sensual stories and thoughts of “Never Love an Angel”, “Sandwalkers” and “Clocks & Mirrors” (with vocals courtesy of guest vocalists Laura Fauvel and Karina McGrath); the light, joyful melodies of “Lotus Corset” and the jig-like “The Green Man” to the comedy of “Rat Run” or “The Alchemist’s Penny” and the ever- increasing power of the centre piece “Andrasta”.
New album “Bizarre Tales” available now!
Celtic folk – Traditional – Acoustic rock
They are singer/songwriters originally from Edinburgh, Scotland but currently live in CT, USA . They call themselves Eclipse:twin sisters Nell and Trish and their brother Matt Wilkie.
The strong vocal harmonies and percussive arrangements make this holiday album a joy to have. It has an almost African, Mid-Eastern and Reggae vibe to it. There are modern and traditional tracks. Oh Christmas Now is traditional but this is the first time I’ve heard of this one.It seems the artists behind Eclipse have this thing for the obscure. They also have this characteristic of delivering strong and crisp vocal mixes.
There are four official members but a total of eleven people contributed their talents in creating this album. The mixing is amazing because you can even hear the surface sound of every instrument. That is how crystal clear It’s Christmas Now ! is. I am really choosy when it comes to holiday albums because I like my music loud. And I like to bring it anywhere too. And I am a total show off!
I like a holiday album that doesn’t sound ‘like Christmas’. You know what I mean? It has to be something that you can play for all seasons and doesn’t sound out of place. It’s Christmas Now! is one example of an album that can be at home in any part of the year. And yes, listening to this one makes you feel warm and cozy.
Trivia: According to the band, they were particularly proud of “ Christmas in our Hearts “, (track 6), which they wrote for their family back in Edinburgh and their arrangement of “Auld Land Syne” (track 12)
A painter’s paradise: Eva McCauley talks about how in Ireland, “the air is infused with moisture, and because of that, there is a luminosity to the light that is very unique, and an incredible thing for a painter to experience.”
Technology has a way of bringing visual artists and musicians together. Art has become multimedia. Eva McCauley explores the mystical side of painting and print making with her installation works. Inspired by technology’s ability to create something new and her love for evocative spirit of the Irish landscape, she created haunting and beautiful artworks. These are hanging illustrations rendered in a way that light and occasional wind play tricks on them. If musicians like Loreena McKennitt, Moya Brennan, Enya and Connie Dover have talents that can transport you with their voices and melodies, then Eva McCauley is the visual counterpart of such power.
Hi Eva, welcome to The Celtic Music Fan artist of the week edition! Your prints are fascinating. Can you give us a brief background on the things that inspire your work…these are beautiful ‘ghostly’ creations of paintings printed on scrims of fabric (silk oraganza) and hung from the ceiling in multiple layers to create an installation.
My recent print media installation “In/Visible” was exhibited in Cork, Ireland this past August/September at the beautiful Wandesford Quay Gallery . As you say, the images are larger-than-life faces printed on transparent silk-like fabric (42” X 96”), making them appear almost ephemeral, wafting in the breeze as people walk by.
The images are originally created as hand-pulled prints (monotypes & lithographs) and then are digitally captured, enlarged and printed on fabric (PolyVoile) using a wide format Agfa Aquajet printer. The faces came to me as a result of my experience living in a pre-famine stone cottage on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the rugged southwestern coast of Ireland, where I was taking part in an artist residency in a very old village called Cill Rialaig, which has become an internationally renowned artist retreat, created by Noelle Campbell-Sharpe Although I wouldn’t consider myself to be superstitious, after living and painting in this stone cottage every day for a month, I became aware of the invisible but tangible presence of human beings, who may have lived in these stone dwellings in the past.
My show, called “In/Visible”, gave these “ghosts”, or apparitions, a larger-than-life presence in the exhibition. The large faces were interspersed with large photographic images of the skies and water, so that they melded with each other, creating a multi-layered layered effect, so that the viewer could see through each ghostly image to what was behind.
Your travels to Ireland inspired most of your artworks. What was the most memorable thing about your travels there.
As a a painter I was struck by the quality of the light. Since Ireland is an island, and it rains almost every day, the air is infused with moisture, and because of that, there is a luminosity to the light that is very unique, and an incredible thing for a painter to experience. It really is a painter’s paradise. And the people in Ireland are the salt of the earth…incredibly kind, generous, always have time to talk and tell stories, in spite of the incredibly stress they are experiencing as a result of their tanking economy.
The other aspect of Ireland that influences my art is the music—I play traditional Irish music on the fiddle, mandolin and concertina, and when I’m in Ireland I become totally immersed in the local music session scene, and the local people who play the music have become great friends. I listen to the music continually when I paint, and it’s become an integral part of my work.
You have a strong affinity for things Irish/Scottish …. this is a strong influence in your art. Even your son Jacob is a world renowned Bodhran player. What was the earliest memory you have being exposed to the Celtic culture.
My father, Robert McCauley, is the Irish side of my family. He plays the harmonica and Irish tin whistle by ear (and incredibly well!), and I grew up listening to him play. He took me to Ireland for the first time in 2002, and I was instantly smitten! Since then, I have been back to Ireland 4 times (and my son Jacob often flies over with me, and then takes off on his own travels in Ireland and Scotland) in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012 (for 6 week visits), and am looking forward to returning next summer for another artist residency in Cill Rialaig, Kerry. I then hope to return to the little village of Glendree (near Feakle) in East Clare for the music and to visit friends.
You are presently the Founder & Director of Riverside Celtic College, Guelph, Ontario. What can students learn going to this place?
We offer classes in traditional Irish and Scottish music (Irish Fiddle, bodhran, Irish Flute, Scottish Smallpipes, Mandolin and Tenor Banjo, Guitar accompaniment, Tinwhistle, Introductory Violin and Celtic Song) as well as Irish Language and Irish Ceili & Set Dancing. We also host trad sessions for students, as well as traditional music concerts with musicians, (both internationally renowned and emerging), from all over the world. Often we’ll offer trad music workshops in conjunction with the concerts.
In 2012 we’ve had concerts with musicians like renowned fiddlers Tony Demarco & Patrick Ourceau, brilliant Galway fiddler Maeve Donnelly with guitarist Andy Hillhouse, the amazing Irish flute player and singer Nuala Kennedy with fiddler Dana Lyn and guitarist Andy Hillhouse, and look forward to upcoming concerts with the new trad trio Nua (fiddler James Law, guitarist Graeme McGillivray and bodhran player Jacob McCauley) as well as a joint concert in December featuring Bua and North Atlantic Drift.
We have 52 mutual friends in facebook. And you are also very active in networking. But tell me, how effective is social network sites in terms of getting people to attend shows…especially in terms of those you invited within Ontario.
I think that it’s a great way to get the word out, as more and more people are on Facebook. And it’s an excellent way to keep people informed of what going on in one’s life and career, especially if you’re travelling, and touring around Ireland and having shows!
The Riverside Celtic Society is turning lots of heads these days. Can you tell us more about it?
I founded Riverside Celtic College in the village of Elora Ontario, in 2003, when I was first getting into learning how to play the fiddle. I was instantly addicted to the instrument, and traditional Irish music, but was having trouble finding instructors to teach Irish fiddling.
I started the school, partly because I wanted to learn how to play, but also wanted to turn other people on to the music. I also found that after my trips to Ireland, I would come back to Ontario and crave the intimacy and richness of the Irish culture that I’d left behind me, and had a desire to create that same feeling of community in Ontario.
So, in addition to starting the school, my close friends and I started a traditional Irish pub session at the Shepherd’s Pub, in Elora, Ontario, Canada, that has been going for almost 13 years! Since then, the school has evolved into a really special and unique non-profit organization that seems to attract the most wonderful folks to its classes and events.
Riverside Celtic Society has recently received a major catalyst to its growth and evolution as an organization: we received a generous two year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which has proven to be a very positive development, allowing us to offer a new educational outreach series of music/dance performances called the “Kitchen Party”, as well as hosting an exciting new concert series (including music workshops), called the RCC Traditional Music Concert Series “Live Trad at the Albion”.
We have also recently received generous donations from a group of former students, to create a a new traditional music scholarship, in memory of a dear former student who, sadly, passed away in June 2011, the Tom Kelly Music Scholarship. Ar RCC, we’ve essentially put our energy towards creating a community of like-minded people, who love the music and culture of Ireland and Scotland, and want to share that passion.
What albums are you listening to these days and what music would you recommend to us?
The most recent recording I’ve been excited about is the soon-to-be-launched EP of the new trad trio, NUA (full length CD to released in 2013), with fiddler James Law, guitarist Graeme McGillivray, and bodhran player, Jacob McCauley, which features some really exciting original music that, while grounded in traditional Scottish music, is really innovative and experimental in its approach.
A addictive traditional brew is being served courtesy of award-winning fiddle player James M Law, versatile & tasteful guitarist Graeme McGillivray and award-winning bodhrán player Jacob McCauley. Stylish, delicate at times and mostly energetic, Nua is a trio that’s sure to captivate and please listeners. I am a big fan of Jacob McCauley’s drumming style as he brings layers of expression to the bodhran. Graeme McGillivray’s wispy strums create an envelope of steady rhythm to the laser preciseness of James M Law’s fiddling.
NUA live in Guelph, April 2012. Original composition by NUA
NUA is an innovative new trad trio, bringing a fresh and unique sound to traditional music, creating their own distinctive flavour with both original and traditional compositions from Ireland and Scotland. Based in Toronto, Canada, NUA consists of three members: award-winning fiddle player James M Law, versatile & tasteful guitarist Graeme McGillivray and award-winning bodhrán player Jacob McCauley. The interaction between the three is what really makes the music shine, whether it be their soaring melodies or tasteful grooves. The trio is also well known for their exciting incorporation of odd time signatures and poly rhythms, which give the music an electrifying lift and spontaneity.
Each member adds their own distinctive sound and influence to the music. Although they are a trio with a sole melody player, the brilliant multi-tasking of each member is demonstrated countless times with perhaps a guitar-driven flat-picked melody, rhythmic fiddle playing, or melodic bodhrán playing to add to the mix. The ability for each member to take on multiple roles is one of the staples of NUA. This adds to a thrilling live experience, and a “you just don’t know what’s coming next” approach!
NUA is currently preparing for the release of their first E.P and their debut album to be released early 2013.
Celtic Music Fan 