Celticmusic

Wood Soul: Interview with Scottish Wooden Flutist Calum Stewart

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Also in this edition: Lori Watson and Rule Of Three and Kernowpods

Calum Stewart and the cover art of the new album.

Between working with the London Philharmonic orchestra, recording for the next “Lord of the Rings” film, “Hobbit Movie” and completing being part of Jamie Smith’s Mabon’s Windblown, Calum Stewart took the time to talk to us about his career and how it all started.

Greetings! It is a lovely the month of October Celtic music followers. Our guest for this week is flutist Calum Stewart. He made a lot of collaboration with other bands. The new album Wooden Flute and Fiddle is out in the market! It is a collaboration with fiddler Lauren McColl and other musicians. If you don’t have a copy of the album yet, I want to tell you it is an amazing thing to have as part of your traditional music collection. Like what I mentioned in my last article about the album: This is an album that every traditional music listeners will want in his or her collection. This is due to the huge effort that the two and the rest of the session musicians placed on this album. There are slow and fast tunes. Expect variety in instruments and grand artistry that only musicians of their caliber can provide. And even if you are not really into Scottish or Irish trad music, you will still warm up to this one for its melodic and relaxing merit. Love it love it!

This interview was done in a relaxed manner. He has a tour this autumn and  you can nominate Calum as traditional Scottish instrumentalist of the year here http://www.scottishcultureonline.com/blogs/nominate-your-favourite-act-for-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2012/

All musicians started with something that they consider memorable. I helped him trace back on how it all started-with the release of his debut album Earlywood.

Can you tell us a little background as to why is  the debut album Early Wood?

“Earlywood” is my first solo album, and reflects my home tradition of the north of Scotland, with many tunes from Morayshire. There are also several compositions, which sit side by side the older repertoire, all arranged for Wooden Flute, Fiddle and Piano: my main interest has always been finding strong repertoire, interesting arrangements and powerful sounds, in acoustic settings. The title “Earlywood” refers to the inner growth circles inside trees. The “Earlywood” stage is the time when the tree grows the most… “Latewood” is the other time, and perhaps when the tree takes stock, during winter. Earlywood seemed a good title, because it was my first solo recording.

Since recording “Earlywood” and touring with my trio, I’ve had the opportunity to continue work with Lauren MacColl (Fiddle), with whom I’m releasing a new album with now (featuring Eamon Doorley of Danu, and Andy May). ( Go to www.laurenmaccoll.co.uk/shop )

I’ve also been working closely and touring with Breton guitarist Heikki Bourgault; we released our first duo album last year, with plans for a second one in 2013 (visit www.calumheikki.com for details).

Jamie Smith’s MABON has released Windblown. What can we expect from your musical contribution in this album?

I am featured as a guest on several of the tracks of their new album “Windblown”. Although I can’t play as a core member of JSM and Mánran now, because of my own project commitments, I really enjoy working with them when the occasion arises, guesting on recordings or sometimes at concerts / festivals. We are all very good friends and keep in touch about our own separate projects, and enjoy meeting when our projects cross paths, playing at the same festival!

Early promo pic of Jamie Smith’s Mabon

You are known to play hide and seek between time zones with multiple natures: you are in demand as a musician! How’s the experience of working with different artists and how this shaped your artistry?

Working and collaborating with different artists from different genres is really important, enabling one to have a more open perspective. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some really inspiring people and they’ve really shaped my approach. However I also think it’s good to concentrate and develop one’s own musicality, ones own musical journey. Whilst you may encounter many influences along the way, fundamentally you must find your own voice.

Your musical development was traditional since you are originally from the North of Scotland and brought up with the traditional music of your native Morayshire. How do people in your hometown respond to your international success?

I always really look forward to playing on home turf, and it’s great to catch up with those musicians whom I played with when I was growing up. I try and “re-charge my batteries” when I’m back in Moray, usually remembering old tunes, learning some new ones or writing some, and most importantly remembering why I enjoy playing music in the first place! I still have family in my home village, although I don’t live there anymore – so I really enjoy going back there.

I realized that although your name is synonymous with the wooden flute, you are also and expert in playing the uilleann pipes and whistle. What are the other instruments that you play?

I concentrate on the Wooden Flute although I do play Uilleann pipes too, and really enjoy the different voice this instrument has. However the Wooden Flute takes up almost all of my concentration. Although there are different qualities in the pipes and the whistle, and sometimes they are useful – the Wooden Flute is really my musical voice, so I prefer to concentrate on this. I have a very special old flute, which I use for all my musical projects – its a Rudall Carte & co, made in the 1930’s. Its made from cocus wood, and has been with me in every musical situation since I found her! I use wooden headjoints by Tobias Mancke with her. In addition I own a brilliant Wooden Flute by Peter Worrell which is based closely on my original. As I don’t like owning many flutes and changing flutes, I take my Rudall Carte & co. with me, wherever I go!

Ewen Henderson at Clickimin Centre.

What is the recording process in making an album?

Every recording I’ve been involved with has been different. Although usually after the initial concept or inspiration, there follows a period of collecting / writing / arranging, before either rehearsals or concerts and then recording. Sometimes it’s possible to play music for a long time in concerts, developing ideas before the studio, but sometimes the music takes shape in the studio – there are no rules!

 

   After a big performance, how do you chill?

Usually, there is a lot of work to be done after a performance. I always try and meet the audience personally, making contact after the concert. Often there are interviews to do, CD signings and meetings – so it can be quite busy! After all this is over, and my flute is put away… I usually hang out with my band and quench my thirst.

What are other projects that you are working on?

This summer I’ve been working with the London Philharmonic orchestra, recording for the next “Lord of the Rings” film, “Hobbit Movie”. As well as that, I’ve recorded with fiddler Lauren MacColl, joined by Eamon Doorley (Danu / Julie Fowlis), and Andy May – this is available via: http://www.laurenmaccoll.co.uk/shop .

Otherwise, I’ve been guesting on recordings such as the new JSM album, and preparing new repertoire for a 2013 release with my duo.

What can fans expect to hear from the new album now that it is out?

Quite a traditional repertoire, coupled with some new offerings: based strongly on the interplay between the wooden flute and the fiddle

You are a huge influence to young people who are trying to learn traditional instruments. What can you advice them in how to make it like you

Play music that you believe in and always be yourself.

There you have it readers. Another exciting moment with Scottish musician Calum Stewart. I am looking forward to the “ Hobbits” soundtrack knowing he is part of the music. Also get your copies of the new album and drop by his website to say Hi. He is really down to earth and has an amazing sense of humor. I enjoyed this interview with Calum and it is really fun talking to artists and getting to know how they create their music. Have a great week ahead!

Check out his website:

http://www.calum-stewart.com

Video samples:

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Featured band:Lori Watson and Rule Of Three

Genre: Acoustic / Folk

Location Scotland, UK

http://www.myspace.com/loriwatsonandruleofthree

Sweetness! Lori Watson has a voice than can melt your heart like butter. But don’t let this sweetness fool you. This amazing musician plays music with such intensity and break neck speed. Her band is gaining a wide following all over with their fusion of traditional and contemporary style.

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Kernowpods: War an gwyns – remix

Cornwall has her own thriving community of painters, photographers, musicians and people doing their own art. One of those who help define the Cornish cultural identity is Matthew(Matthi) Clarke. He is part of Sue and Phil Aston’s circle and they are doing a LOT of diverse things with music and visuals. This is one of the songs Matt uploaded in his podcast.

Phil Aston,Dan Aston, Sue Aston, Matthi Clarke and James Perkins-An Derow.

Thanks for reading folks. More album reviews coming up very soon.

Wild and Sensual

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A new promo posted about The Pogues

In this edition: The Pogues, Jamie Smith’s MABON, Atlantean and  Gwenael Kerleo

I am sure you have notice the energy I placed on editing the pictures of the artists I posted here. It was a great practice of visual creativity on my part. At this point in time I am confident to say anything I can and post anything I want. It is fun discovering new acts and re discovering legends. Last time, I released an interview about Scottish percussionist/producer Dave Martin. It was an eye opener for me. It is inspiring to know that Scotland is a country of thriving Celtic fusion music. Music embraces all aspects. I think it is sad if we all think that Celtic music should only be about acoustic instruments and traditional songs. It is an expanding genre while it is also keeping in touch with its past. It is like an interesting person you met on a date. Someone who possesses a keen sense of culture but is also attuned to the current times. I think I’d date that person anytime.

 It’s The Pogues and I am Doing Pogo Dance!

It’s been a while since I last visited the wonderful, explosive and punk inspired music of The Pogues. As always when you think of the Pogues always expect something unconventional both in the musical and also how they project their image to the world. You know, when I get depressed the Pogues are always reliable in cheering my mood up. This song is called Fiesta. My big thanks to Irish Music Forever for posting this video.

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Autumn Tour for Jamie Smith’s MABON

Their official facebook page has confirmed this news: “The first batch of Windblown pre-orders are on their way! Huzzah! UK orders should arrive tomorrow and internationals early next week. Any future orders we receive will be dispatched within 48 hrs. Get your copy now at www.jamiesmithsmabon.com/windblown

Cheers folks :)”

Check out this new single from this amazing band based in Wales!

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Atlantean: A Unique Documentary

Take a look at this folks. Other segments of the story can be found in youtube. It is amazing how much wealth of information is stored out there waiting to be discovered.

A segment from Irish filmmaker Bob Quinn’s four-part documentary on the maritime heritage of Western Ireland and it’s links to North Africa. This scene includes examples of Conamara dancing, called “Battering”, and it’s relation to Flamenco.

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Gwenael Kerleo – Brand new skies 

The sound of the electro harp is always invigorating. A few days ago, Layne and I were discussing about cool harp designs and he said that the one on top of his list is the electro harp. It was right after I showed him the link to the Corrina Hewat interview I did. In this video we hear another addition to our growing collection of Breton artists. Gwenael Kerleo makes music that has that maritime appeal wrapped in haunting melodies. What I like about her voice is its tender quality that has an almost child like innocence and urban sensuality.

Une chanson extraite de l’album “QUAI N°7” de Gwenael Kerleo (distribution Coop Breizh). Musique : Gwenael Kerleo – Paroles : Louis-Jacques Suignard. Avec Kevin Camus à l’irish tin whistle et au uilleann pipe et Yvon Molard aux tablas.

Les photos ont été prises sur la plage de l’Aber à Crozon (pointe de la Bretagne) en mars 2012.

Brand new skies

When your love burns so deep

Everything melts inside

When you’ve gone past the need

To sort out wrong and right

When your words take the hues of brand new skies

May your will and your way walk side by side

When your love burns so high

Setting your skies on fire

Looking down on your pride

And yielding to desire

Then it turns into gold all rocks and stones

And that sand once so cold a new bed of strokes

It blows on and whispers and sings

Never waits for any man

It knows about everything

And laughs in waving hands

When it takes you away

To the thrones of High Kings

It is then you start to pray it never ends

Album Reviews and Happy Weekend

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In this edition: Dave Hum, Cormac O Caoimh, Frost at Midnight, Lignit, Kevin McKidd, Dave Martin and Gillian Boucher

Clockwise: Dave Hum, Cormac O Caoimh, Kevin McKidd, Gillian Boucher and Dave Martin

The midweek edition became a weekend post due to ISP issues. Now everything is back so we are back in business. How are you lovers of Celtic music and beyond? A couple of days ago, I had an interesting chat with Martin Tourish which turned into a nice interview. So you will see Gillian Boucher in this edition because I was reminded when he said he played with her along with other artists when they were in Asia specifically the Philippines.

Next you will see Kevn McKidd who recently starred in a critically acclaimed animation The Brave. It is great to see Hollywood stars being proud of their Celtic roots. We also have a featured MP3 from Roby Atkins who is part of Frost at Midnight and yes they play great Welsh tunes. You see the guy doing techno stuff in the pic with the penguin shirt? That is no other than Scottish producer and percussionist Dave Martin who will be our next featured artist. He is part of the Big Fat Electric Ceilidh. The two men above are in my featured reviews: Dave Hum and Cormac O Caoimh. I enjoyed their CDs and I am sure you will too! You will see a video by Czech Republic based Bluegrass band Lignit with Jeremy King on the bodhran. Please enjoy and drop me a message so I can improve this site further.

Album Review: Celtic and Bluegrass 5 String Banjo by Dave Hum

Depressed? Annoyed because you are having ISP issues and it has been more than a week and they were not able to fix the problem? Just crank in one of Dave Hum’s CDs and you will forget your frown. He has a happy way of playing that every track shines with optimistic vibes. I think he is the only one I know who plays the five string banjo as of the moment and he plays it like no other kind of master. Credit goes to the fact that he plays all the instruments including the guitar, mandolin, harmonica and percussion.

His years of busking and playing all over London with the band The Huckleberries have done him well and now he is gathering enthusiasts who love traditional Irish, Celtic and Bluegrass music. My experience listening to his nontraditional album Traveling Light made me aware that he is very much into the music of the times. Well in that one he experimented with a little bit of electronic music and reggae. Here, he is playing the standards which people who listen to this kind of music will surely love. We all know that traditional music is no longer traditional when it isn’t played in a certain way and Dave knows this path so well that he actually gave tribute to the tradition by coming up with a CD composed of 21 delightful tracks.

This is a perfect kind of music if you are having little bit of traditional music party over the weekend. Just put this in your player and you will be guaranteed with tracks that will last you a while. And after one listen, the album tempts you for another spin. That is how good it is-excellent playing but music that is not intrusive you can just talk while you let this play in the background. Tracks like Cripple Creek, Farewell to Erin, Mason’s Apron and the theme from ‘The Third Man’ (taken from the 1949 BBC movie) will put a smile on your face. There are other greats like his interpretation of Raggle Taggle Gypsy and Drowsy Maggie.

You also need to check out the artwork that Dave did himself. It show’s a traveller(as the cover is meant to depict the Irish travellers having to leave their country and head for America which is how a lot of the Irish and Scottish tunes merged with the blues, gospel, oldtime and bluegrass music-Dave) carrying a staff while running around with a kite. A dog runs before him carrying a stick. There’s a girl on near left playing a fiddle. There’s also a woman beyond riding a horse. On the right looks like a trailer house with a woman watering azaleas. Then there’s the 5 string banjo where the peacock is sleeping. The colors almost remind me of ‘flower power’. Well, this goes to show that the artist is an all around kind of guy. Makes you wonder more and wait for more recordings from Dave Hum.

First track off his 5-String Banjo CD1. Yes that is Dave without his disguise!

More about the artist here: http://www.davehum.com/

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Album Review: a new season for love by Cormac O Caoimh

Like water color painting still running and moist, the music of Cormac O Caoimh seeps into your heart rendering you speechless with emotions. His classical guitar style combined with other influences is a joy to listen to. It makes you feel filled up, like you’ve just eaten a good meal. The spiritual nourishment that his music imbues is no accident.

Being from Ireland and having shared the stage with such artists as Declan O’Rourke, Damien Rice and Damien Dempsy to name a few; made his music eclectic but never losing that Irish spirit that is all over this CD. His lyrics are heartfelt and reflective as in the case of the opening track There’s Gold There Somewhere” –Who am I? Who are you? Who do we intend to be? It’s hard it’s hard when we can’t stand on our two feet…A combination of poignancy and passion is exemplified in the title track: With every morsel of muscle, Molecule of mind, I’d try to justify new oceans and new tides and new seasons, a new season for love…

On this side of the world it is the season of rain. And his music is the perfect soundtrack for that. There is a balance of musical precision and inventiveness that pull you up from the introspective lyrics that at times seem to overpower you with sadness. His voice is a fine instrument. I like the kind of ease he puts in singing like he is talking to you-almost intimately, close to your ears so there is no need to sing loudly …but rather in a breathy style. The transparency of the vocals and the gossamer arrangement make A New Season for Love a truly luminous listening experience.

It isn’t the kind of CD you will grow tired as in the case of those with too much fireworks in the production. This is something that grows on you. A kind of music you want to take with you anywhere when you need something warm and introspective.

One of my favorite tracks of the album A New Season for Love. This one is called Heart Attack.

More about the artist here: http://www.thecitadels.net/

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Tambourin by  Frost at Midnight

Frost at Midnight is a project band led by Welsh musician Robert Atkins. It is nice to hear refreshing Welsh music based on tradition.

Robert Atkins, guitar, bass, keyboards; Catherine Atkins, vocals; Catherine Handley, flute with Johnny Quick, vocals; John Tribe, harmonica.

More here:http://soundcloud.com/frost-at-midnight/sets

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Featured Video: Lignit – Balada o Jenny (Official Music Video 2012)

Let us check out the Bluegrass scene in the Czech Republic with Jeremy King on Bodhran.

http://www.lignit.wz.cz
Režie: Pája Junek
http://www.junekfilm.cz

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Interesting Documentary: A Journey Home With Kevin McKidd

I am currently working on a feature with Scottish musician/producer Dave Martin. He is involved in a musical project with Hollywood actor Kevin McKidd and I thought this is a nice intro to a feature I am doing with Dave. I found this video really inspiring and I hope you feel the same way too. Enjoy!

Travel with Kevin McKidd to his hometown in the Scottish Highlands as he revisits his childhood, performs and records the Speyside Sessions Album with classic Scottish folk songs with his friends, and reconnects with his roots.

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Gillian Boucher, fiddle, plays a lively set

My interview with Michael Tourish brought me back to the music of  Canadian fiddler Gillian Boucher. She is currently residing in Ankara Turkey. More of  her music here: http://www.myspace.com/gillianboucher

A Life of Music: Martin Tourish Interview

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Plus: Sahara and video plugged by Luke Fraser.

 

 

 

Martin Tourish talks to The Celtic Music Fan about composing, performing and the top 5 albums that influenced him musically.

It is great when few conversations happen beyond the interview. Our guest this week is prolific musician/composer Martin Tourish who is in the middle of his PhD studies. He lent his time to answer several questions related to his career and Irish music in general. He has just started mixing his new album. We had a little craic about Donegal winning the All Ireland Gaelic football final. So everyone over there is happy! Christmas is a great time to visit the place for the Frankie Kennedy Winter School.

According to Martin: “In Donegal they pass one fiddle around everybody in the room and everyone has to play whether they can barely play a tune or are brilliant. There’s always huge respect.” He is working on a lot of projects. I got to hear songs from An Tain. It is about the Irish saga set into music. Years ago I was over Makati and stumbled upon a copy of The Táin (1969, Oxford University Press) by Thomas Kinsella and that book opened  the whole new world of Irish myths to me. So to know that a musician is doing another interpretation of that is amazing news.  According to Martin: “This album that we made is based upon the book but it’s sung here using a proto-gaelic language as found in the oldest known text.” The song interpretations he made for this project are haunting, beautiful and captivating. The interesting use of modern and traditional instruments are fascinating. So are the vocals and scales that were applied. There’s so much atmosphere and richness in the melodies. So even if you don’t understand Gaelic you will be able to follow the plot as long as you have read the book.

I also have the honor to hear his Midori Suite. The Japanese/ Irish piece he wrote for a charity in Japan. The classical training he had took a front seat here. Martin could well be a movie composer of epic scenes. I love the combination of Japanese and Irish styles especially the part with the harp and female vocals. And then I got the Raincoats of Dijon – a track he recorded for Naxos with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland. This is another moving piece of a different style. It’s a waltz that crosses between Strauss and Disney Classics. With all these in mind, I realize that one day Martin Tourish will be making lots of music that other musicians will play. So yes I am crossing my fingers.

Here’s a little trivia: When he was in the Philippines, he was with Cape Breton fiddler Gillian Boucher, Irish fiddler Fergal Scahill, Mickey Martin and the sean nós dancer Emma O’Sullivan. They were playing a charity concert for the kids of smokey mountain so they formed the band just for that. He actually only met them either on the plane or over in Manila. A Trad session in a jeepney is one of his goals! He further stated that he enjoyed the experience and he felt totally at home.

Now on with our interview:

Hi Martin, welcome to our artist of the week interview. It is an honor to have you as my guest. I read your bio and it describes your life as one devoted to music. How’s the experience writing articles for the “Encyclopaedia of Music in Ireland”?

It’s an honor to be your guest! It was a great experience to write a number of articles for the Enyclopaedia of Music in Ireland. The research unearthed a great deal of new information on the subjects, only a small amount of which could be included in each of the articles. Regarding the article that I wrote on the piano accordion, reading the first description of the instrument being performed in Ireland was one of those magical moments. I often pass the venue in Dublin in which it was first heard and imagine the music that might have been played!

You came from Donegal which brought us legendary bands like Clannad and Altan. I see that your cousin Ciaran plays for Altan. Your childhood must have been a very musical one.

Donegal is an amazing place and recently, I had the honor of playing a concert with Altan and Clannad at the Fleadh in Cavan. There actually wasn’t music in my immediate family but that was probably a good thing. I had no idea that there was any difference between genres and so I played everything I heard and could reproduce. This openness to every type of music has stayed with me since. Once the heart is in it, it will be good!

 Your first album was released in 2005 which gained top reviews and honors. You are working on a new one right? Please tell us what listeners can expect in this new album.

The new album has been developed over the past four years and it is quite different to Clan Ranald, and maybe quite different from anything else! The aim of the album was to try to be as honest as possible in trying to capture the spirit of the music, moment, and musicians who took part. It’s almost entirely comprised of my compositions, with some reworking of traditional material. Really, it documents the interactions and experiences of the past four years and I hope that people will enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed it. We’re mixing it at the moment so stay tuned!

You’ve been around the world and one of those places you’ve been to was the Philippines! How was the experience?

The Philippines trip was amazing and I remember every minute of it! The people were really warm and friendly and in particular, I remember stumbling across a singer/songwriter night in a bar in Makati City and playing piano in the house band before going to the birthday party of one of the musicians! I really hope to make a return visit at some point in the future and this time, stay longer than four days!

What is it about being in the trad scene that you like?

I’m actually involved in many different scenes in Ireland but it’s the people that make each scene a joy to be involved in. The trad scene in Dublin is particularly interesting because being a small city, musicians from different scenes get an opportunity to meet and explore each other’s traditions. Everything seems to exist side-by-side and one can dip in and out of each when the mood is right!

 What do you plan to accomplish before the year ends and what’s in store for 2013 for you musically?

I hope to have both my PhD and album completed before the year is done and for 2013, I’m hoping to focus almost solely on music. As always, I’ll be playing with various musicians under my own name and with a wide variety of other musicians, bands and projects, specifically with the bands of which I’m a member: The Convergence Ensemble, and Deep End of the Ford. I’m working around the clock on plans for 2013 but at the moment, they’ve to be kept under wraps. But every year something amazing always seems to happen and if that trend continues, it’ll be better than anything I could have imagined!

What are the challenges composing music in the traditional style and do you have other musical styles that you are working on as of the moment?

Well I never compose music as a task, it just flows out in response to something when it’s ready and sticks if it’s good! It’s the most natural thing in the world and when I compose a piece of music, it’s usually fully formed. A few days ago I wrote eight tunes in about two hours for a sean-nós dancing tutorial DVD by the dancer Mary Beth Taylor, which is to be released before the end of the year. The chemistry and rhythm from her steps made the music flow and those are always special moments. Following from my Japanese – Irish piece called The Midori Suite, I’ll be writing a concert length program of material in this style. I’ll also be in Italy in October producing an album of songs by the novelist Oscar McLennin, and working on a program of world music in Brittany in November with the clarinetist Dylan Gully. Plenty of diversity!

Can you name us the top 5 albums that influenced you?

Altan’s Runaway Sunday (But really all of their albums!)

Mary Black’s Mary Black Live (particularly for Steve Cooney’s song Just a Journey)

Frank Cassidy’s Níl Gar Ann (aesthetically and creatively)

Alyth McCormack & Triona Marshall’s Red & Gold (a masterclass in tone, colour and great story telling)

Zbigniew Preisner’s Requiem For My Friend

I enjoyed chatting with Martin Tourish and I am sure this interview has given you an idea about his music and projects. You can listen to his music through:

http://www.myspace.com/martintourish

Sample videos:

http://www.LiveTrad.com
Featuring Ciarán Tourish (fiddle), Martin Tourish (piano accordion), Tim Edey (guitar), Tríona Marshall (harp), Alyth McCormack (voice), Thomas Charles Marshall, Philip Horan (shakuhachi), Fran Marshall (voice) & Morgan Crowley (voice) performing ‘Suite for Japan’, composed by Martin Tourish. This was recorded at the Aid Japan for Children concert at St. Ann’s Church, Dawson St., Dublin, to aid and support Japanese children effected by the 2011 earthquake & tsunami. Recorded and edited by Martin Moylan on behalf of Aid Japan for Children, and provided subsequently to LiveTrad.com.

The last part of the concert was with a special appearance by
PADDY Mc MENIMEN, CONNIE & MERLA DROST-BYRNE
14.08.2010, Kilcar, co.Donegalh

A Great Documentary which Martin also appears in.

A documentary by journalists / film makers Malou Fickling and Robert Gustafsson about Traditional Irish music in a changing Ireland. Set in rural and urban Ireland (Donegal and Dublin) this piece takes a look at the history, themes, preservation and evolution of Irish music. Musicians interviewed include Martin Tourish (TG4 Young Musician of the year 2008), Danny Diamond and Dinny McLaughlin.

Language: English Version

This production was entirely conceived, shot and edited by Malou Fickling and Robert Gustafsson. It was created for a final college project for Journalism and Media Production at Linnaeus University, Sweden.

For more information email Malou Fickling at Malfic@hotmail.com

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Proud to announce the release of Sahara’s latest CD ‘A New Beginning’ – now available from iTunes, Amazon and other music outlets!!

Samples are available in the link below. I found them totally uplifting and beautiful. The production is superb. A must have for those who love genre bending music that exudes warmth and elegance.

https://onerpm.com/#/album/937792581

Connect with them through:

https://www.facebook.com/SaharaMusic

http://www.saharamusic.com.au/

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Upon Recommendation from Luke Fraser

Casual lookin’ Luke.

Luke Fraser plays guitar/vocals for The Bombadils and Raftmen. Once in a while he drops by for a chat. This is one of the videos that made it to our conversation.

From “A Christmas Celtic Sojourn”, recorded live at the Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts, on December 19, 2009. Tunes composed by Liz Carroll; choreography/improv by Nic Gariess.

For information about tickets, CD recordings, and celtic radio programming, visit http://www.wgbh.org/celtic

Copyright 2010

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Album Reviews and Debut Video

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Featuring: Jamie Smith’s MABON, Brendan Mulholland, Slim, Scott Hoye and Jeremy King

Hello readers of the page. We are featuring two album reviews in this edition.  I am also sharing a video for Peggy Gordon by Slim. He has been busy promoting his album Gallows Tree Tales which is a good album. We have one traditional album by Irish flutist Brendan Mulholland. This album satisfies your craving for traditional music which has not been present here lately since we have become very eclectic but I assure you once in a while this dude goes back to the roots.

We are starting this edition with the review of the stunning Windblown by Jamie Smith’s MABON. Iolo Whelan provided the album liner notes. I really love liner notes because they explain in detail what the music is all about. I don’t understand people who just listen to music without wanting to get their hands on the liner notes. It is just plain weird to listen without understanding what you are listening to. It is like eating something without knowing the ingredients.

What makes me like these albums? You will find out.

Album Review: Windblown

Band: Jamie Smith’s MABON

Track listing:

1.HUZZAH!

2.LADY OF THE WOODS

3.TUNNAG’S TUNES

4.SUMMER’S LAMENT.

5.THE GORDANO RANTER

6.GARETH & AOIFE’S

7.YES WE SING NOW

8.THE JOY OF LOWENNA

9.CARU PUM MERCH

10.THE WHISKEY BURP REELS

This month marks the release of the most anticipated album from Jamie Smith’s Mabon. Windblown is composed of ten tracks with varying moods. The common denominator however is that each song is finely crafted. There are tracks that are veering on being candidates for top 40 tunes. One fine example is the carrier single Lady of the Woods. All the tracks are sung by Jamie Smith and backed by the band. His voice is a pleasant surprise. I know this man to play the accordion like a devil but hearing him sing stops you in your tracks.

Windblown can withstand the great divide: between pastoral beauty and urban sleekness. The band members are well informed about the UK pop/rock scene as well as the varying styles of Celtic music all over Europe. All tracks play like pieces of poetry blown from another world- messages of beauty and grace from the subconscious.

The overall mood varies. It’s like watching a subtle intersperse of motion between light and shadow playing intricate pastiche of sound, creating patterns and breaking like scattering leaves on nameless roads. This is where you pick up the pieces of things unsaid and could have been. A hopeful painting of our times where tradition wrestles with technology. Here the two embrace like pieces of the same puzzle. They don’t fight but complement one another. I think even those who don’t listen to Celtic music will be instant converts. The band is the testament that our musical culture doesn’t stay in the museum but constantly evolves, takes other forms yet still retains that sacred identity.

I think the most hunting song in the album is the Welsh vocal track called Canu Pum Merch which starts slowly then builds up into a rhythmic play of classical and ethnic styling. This is the song that will leave you wishing the band creates more of this style in their future albums.

The album closes with Whiskey Burp Reels that is mesmerizing. I am fascinated with the way the band combines trad reels with electronica. Oh yes you heard me!

Windblown is like a voice from a friend telling you: Hey we’re in business. Let’s go ahead and spread beautiful music to the world!

Liner notes by Iolo Whelan:

‘Windblown’ is the crisp new 10-track studio album from Jamie Smith’s MABON, where Wales’ finest purveyors of original, InterCeltic music celebrate the autumn equinox after which the band is named.

Following on from Mabon’s award-winning Live at the Grand Pavilion, ‘Windblown’ is a “coming of age” album from a young band of virtuoso musicians spearheaded by composer and accordion maestro Jamie Smith.

Already established as “a mighty instrumental force” (The Independent), the band also unveils songs for the first time, including the aptly named Yes We Sing Now and the haunting Welsh-language track Caru Pum Merch (Loving Five Girls).  These songs take the band’s well-loved sound into new dimensions, but stay in the same ethos – reaching into contemporary soundscapes but still firmly rooted in their Celtic heritage.

From slick songs to joyful jigs, graceful mazurka to ecstatic muiñera, ‘Windblown’ is an emotional journey, an expression of joyful musicality: an autumn storm of youthful energy balanced by a mature restraint – taking Jamie Smith’s MABON on to a brand new page of their ever developing story.

“stunning” – R2

“stratospheric” – Financial Times.

“Both fur coat and knickers. Uplifting, energetic and cerebral in equal measure” fRoots

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

THE ALBUM

The theme for the album is derived from the band’s name: Mabon is the name of the autumn equinox in the old pagan calendar, thus ‘Windblown’, and the leafy, stormy, autumnal theme.

The album’s title also refers to a line from one of the songs: “windblown leaves whispering” advice to the song’s central character.

THE MUSICIANS

Jamie Smith: composer, accordion, lead vocals.

Oliver Wilson-Dickson: fiddle, backing vocals.

Adam Rhodes: bouzouki, backing vocals.

Matt Downer: bass, upright electric bass, double bass, backing vocals.

Iolo Whelan: drum kit, percussion, backing vocals.

THE GUEST MUSICIANS

Tomas Callister: fiddle, banjo.

Tom is an occasional ‘dep’ for Oli, and has made a great contribution to the album’s sound. Raised in the Isle of Man (yet another connection!: Adam, as well as Jamie’s and Iolo’s wives are all from the isle of man) and trained in Scotland, he features alongside Oli in places, and as the main fiddler in one track, ‘Huzzah!’.

As well as standing in for Oli in this band, Tom plays alongside Jamie and Adam in their acoustic Manx music trio, Barrule.

Calum Stewart: flute.

Scottish flautist, long-time Mabon friend and collaborator Calum appeared on the last two Mabon albums. He is now based in Brittany, but appears on several tracks of Windblown, and one set on the album features a composition of his too.

Will Lang: bodhrán

Another long-time collaborator, Will adds his trademark bohdrán sound to several tracks.

Dylan Fowler: acoustic guitar, lap steel.

Dylan engineered Windblown in his eco-studio in South Wales. His creative musical contribution in the control room inevitably spilled over into instrumental contributions too.

THE TRACKS

HUZZAH!

An instrumental album-opener, in classic ‘Mabon-style’!  A set of three tunes – slip-jig, jig, 6/4 reel – that starts off very traditional and works its way into a full band groove.

LADY OF THE WOODS

A tribute to Jamie’s love of epic fantasy, this adventure song is a reminder that nobody is entirely immune to the temptations of the flesh, and that those who think they are can be the first to fall prey to infidelity.

This song includes backing vocals from the whole band – a great candidate for singing along in the kitchen!

TUNNAG’S TUNES

Tunnag was a particulary crazy Manx cat of Jamie’s. Tunnag is Manx for ‘duck’, and the cat was so named because, as he had no tail, he looked as if he had a duck’s arse.

This is an elegy in several parts: ‘Mr Nibbles Cheats Death’ is the story of a field mouse which survived Tunnag’s attentions and was nursed back to health; ‘Farewell Tunnag’ is self-explanatory; and believe it or not, the name of the last tune, ‘Feed the Worm’ is totally coincidental, though curiously apt.

SUMMER’S LAMENT.

A self-explanatory title, Jamie sings about the end of summer: and so the autumnal theme pops up again!

THE GORDANO RANTER

This dramatic piece is dedicated to a lonely member of night staff at Gordano services on the M5, who launched into a long, unbridled rant about modern society and celebrity culture when Jamie and Oli were just getting a coffee on a late drive home from a gig.

GARETH & AOIFE’S

Written for Jamie’s good friends Gareth and Aoife Roberts and performed at their wedding in October 2011. Features special guest guitarist Dylan Fowler, who opens the track with a solo introduction.

YES WE SING NOW

The first song Jamie wrote for the band when we decided to introduce vocals to our sound in 2011. It’s a positive song about finding happiness through the forgotten art of contentment. Pursue goals and seek to improve your lot, but don’t forget to enjoy the ride!

THE JOY OF LOWENNA

The first of these two tunes is dedicated to Jamie’s daughter, born earlier this year. It’s a beautiful, sensitive tune played acoustically by Jamie, Oli and Adam.

The second tune, A Costa de Cricieth, was written in a north-Wales hotel room overlooking the sea, and is in the style of the Galician ‘muñera’.

CARU PUM MERCH

The band’s first Welsh-language song, with a melody by Jamie and lyrics by drummer iolo, whose mother-tongue is Welsh.

The material is in a very traditional style – a slow, haunting air with lyrics about love and death, written in iolo’s local dialect and reflecting his region’s rhyming style: but the treatment is very contemporary, with epic arrangement, rich production and a driving groove.

THE WHISKEY BURP REELS

Jamie Smith’s MABON is a concert band in nature, and flourishes best in front of an attentive, seated audience: but a lot of our fans love to dance too, so this one is for them – a feel-good, dancey track to round off the album.

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Album Review: Jean’s Hill

Artist: Brendan Mulholland

Track listing:

1) Reels: The House of Hamill – Sean’s Reel
2) Hornpipe & Reel:The Tin Wedding – The Maids of Castlebar
3) Slow Air: An Chuilfhionn
4) Jigs: The King of the Pipers – Behind the Haystack – The Maid On the Green
5) Hornpipes: The Belfast Hornpipe – The Newry Hornpipe
6) Reel: Farewell to Ireland
7) Slow Reels: The Laurel Tree – The Sally Gardens
8) Jigs: Dermot Grogan’s – The Pullet That Wants A Cock – Erin Go Bragh
9) Hornpipes: Factory Smoke – The Acrobat – The Sunshine Hornpipe
10) Reels: The Pigeon On the Gate – The Thrush In the Storm
11) Slow Air: The Hills Above Drumquin
12) Reels: Sailing Into Walpole’s Marsh – Corney Is Coming – The Chattering Magpie

Released: 1st April 2012
Catalogue Number: THM001
Barcode: 5060092483292
Running Time: 46mins.

What makes the wooden flute interesting is its resonant and sonorous sound. In really good recordings you can even hear the air passing through the holes which makes it possess an almost human sound. I think what is great about traditional recordings is how a particular instrument is highlighted. In these recordings it’s the instruments that become stars. Although the player’s virtuosity is important, artists take the backseat and let tradition shine. In music there’s always room for everything. There’s room for expression and that is why we have singer/songwriters. But we also have musicians who take the other road which is building the attention towards a style that defines the musical culture. It is true that although we have Celtic artists who make fusion music, it is through these traditional recordings that the roots are defined and gives the whole community its Celtic identity. And I am not just saying this is about Irish music. This is about the music of the seven Celtic nations.

Jean’s Hill by Brendan Mulholland takes the elegance of the wooden flute and embellishes it with tunes which he learned from family and friends. If you pick a copy of the CD and browse through the liner notes you can see how he explains the history of each track. By the way I have to add that the album packaging is excellent. It has this coffee table quality. Yes the tracks are awesome but isn’t it nice that they find a CD case that describes how great this recording is?

Those who contributed their talents in this album are notable names in the trad scene.

Lineup

Brendan Mulholland – Flutes
Stevie Dunne – Guitar & Bouzouki
Francis McElduff – Bodhran
Paul O’Donnell – Piano

If you are just learning your way around traditional Irish music then this is an amazing introduction because once again, the liner notes are very helpful. This album is also produced by Brendan Mulholland himself and I’d say he made a good choice having Brian Connolly Engineer the tracks. This man really captured the warmth of the music. The beauty of this album isn’t complete without the talent of Paul Conlon who added his visual style to this packaging.

There are three tracks that are original compositions while the rest are traditional. One of the tracks, the opening called Sean’s Reel is composed by the artist for his son Sean.Check the video I added above as reference. Jean’s Hill has played on my working table for days while I let the rays of the new day in. A zen way to start the day. Brendan Mulholland made an uplifting excursion into the mystery and beauty of traditional Irish music. A must have!

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Video Debut: Slim | Peggy Gordon

At last what we have been waiting for is here. Peggy Gordon video was released in September 18. I waited for this to happen because this is one of my favorite tracks off the Gallows Tree Tales album. I know that I have friends who like this song totally. I mean it is not often to get a traditional inspired song to pull your beating heart out of your chest and have it smashed with the song’s riveting intensity. Slim’s voice has the power to inspire hurt, joy and redemption. The ballad starts with him singing gently and then the sweeping blanket of the choir takes you through landscapes of longing and release. A perfect song. One of the best I heard in ages. Check this awesome video!

BUY THE NEW SLIM LP ‘GALLOWS TREE TALES’ – visit www.slim-music.com and www.facebook.com/gallowstreetales

Filmed by Bruno Vincent at Slim’s album launch for the ‘Gallows Tree Tales’ LP, at Proud Galleries, Camden Town, London, on Wednesday 8th August 2012. Band personnel: Slim – vocals & guitar, Benn Cordrey – bass, Seb Wesson – guitar, jh – piano, Emma Bowles – backing vocals, Sam Kimmins – percussion, The Singology Gospel Choir conducted and arranged by Reese Robinson.

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Belated Happy Birthday to Scott Hoye

September 11 marks the birth of this wonderful singer/songwriter. Scott Hoye introduced me to the whole new world of harp music. There I met Rachel Hair and her Trio, Corrina Hewat and a whole lot more . These artists appeared in several editions of The Celtic Music Fan. I owe that all to Scott. I am still waiting for the physical release of his album which I am sure will be very interesting.

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Jeremy on Czech Radio talking about music, comparing life in CZ and in UK, etc.

http://prehravac.rozhlas.cz/audio/2721413

It is great to hear Jeremy King’s speaking voice. Although this is in Czech it is nice to hear him talk about music.

Czech band Poitín (Irish traditional music) at pub Balbínka in Prague
www.poitin.cz