Celticmusic

Reflections, Meditations and Walking the Mists

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 1 Comment


Thoughts and a little bit of book review for you.

The United States still posses the biggest chunk of my readership.  The UK ranks the second. I am amused by the fact that my American readers seem to prefer that I write about artists from other countries. To cite an example, the Russian band 208 Talks of Angels got a lot of traffic when the article was published and 96% of the readers were from the US. Yesterday, Marc Gunn, the Celt father topped the number of readership. Yn Chruinnaght CD review ranked the highest, the day before yesterday.

Thunderstorm! This weather is enough to drive someone into spiritual reflection.Which, was the case when I took a week off from the Internet. That included turning the phone off and avoiding people. This doesn’t happen often but it was a great experience. It feels good to realize that there is a big world out there outside cyberspace. I was able to finish reading four books and started mixing tracks for a future project with a friend who asked me to mix his next album. I am not really confident that I will do good but it is nice to be asked. He actually recorded 7 instrumental bits for me to assemble using effects. It was quite an experience.

There is a great book I finished reading. It is called Walking the Mist by Donald McKinney. The author put a lot of himself in the book. It also glimpse into the history of the Druids. Like me, Donald McKinney was also influenced by the music of Enya and that got him started into the whole thing. Just like myself. I never knew about Celtic music until I heard the uilleann pipes and whistle in Watermark. It was also my first taste of Irish Gaelic after hearing her song “Na Laetha Geal M’óige”. I think I have to credit her influence on my desire to be a music journalist. It is that feeling you get when you hear something so beautiful. You are at loss for words, but you want to describe that experience because it is that moment in your life when you reached an epiphany and you realize: this is something I want to do!

Here’s what he wrote(page 6)

Another indication was the music of Enya. Like many people, I had thrilled to the sound of “Orinoco Flow” and it even inspired me to have a Celtic Christmas that year-my partner bought me lots of Celtic items. It is almost embarrassing now to recall how powerful Enya was for me.

The author further expounds on the power of music in general(page 149):

To the Celt, music was a powerful tool. Perhaps accompanied by poetry, it was the key to the heart of man. The harpists that wandered the roads of Ireland were treated like lords and it was a great honor, well into the late Middle Ages, to have a bard attend your house.

Donald McKinney has other interesting topics covered in this book especially about meditation and maintaining the balance of mind, body and spirit. My big thanks to Paula who mailed this book to me all the way from England.

The author recommends the following albums:

Karen Casey-The Winds Begin to Sing

Anuna-Invocation

The Chieftains-Tears of Stone

Enya-Paint the Sky with Stars

Loreena McKennitt-Elemental

Loreena McKennitt-The Visit

Mary McLaughlin and William Coulter-Celtic Requiem

Aine Minogue-The Mists of Time

Paul Mounsey-Naboo3:Notes from the Republic

Gary Stadler-Fairy Nightsong

Various-Celtic Voices

You can purchase the book using this link: http://www.donaldmckinney.com/walkingmist.html

I remember the day The Celts came out on cassette tape. It was evening. I didn’t wait the next day to buy the album.

The Celtic Spirit is Alive in São Paulo with Merrow

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

 

The word merrow or moruadh comes from the Irish muir (meaning sea) and oigh (meaning maid) and refers specifically to the female of the species. Mermen – the merrows male counterparts – have been rarely seen. They have been described as exceptionally ugly and scaled, with pig-like features and long, pointed teeth. Merrows themselves are extremely beautiful and are promiscuous in their relations with mortals.

-From Irish Fairies http://www.irelandseye.com/index.htm

 

I am glad I stayed home tonight and did my usual ‘research’. Just to let you in on my secret, I have over 2000 bands/artists in my data base and I only explored around 5% of them. I want my site to be like a directory of Celtic artists around the world. This will help bands who want to jam with other artists when they travel. This will benefit listeners to hear things they don’t usually get on their platter. Yes I want to be the only one who does this!

Let me tell you about this wonderful band from Sao Paolo Brazil. You might think that Brazil is all about Bossa Nova and Jazz. Well, after writing about Athy the blue harper, I realized that Celtic music is more prominent in South America more than ever.Think of Merrow as The Corrs meets Alanis Morissette with a bit of Goth fashion, which I dig by the way. There are two contrasting female voices here. One which is high and perky, the other one, is a lush contralto. The fiddle is the defining sound coupled with the band’s preference for hooks and catchy melodies. With more albums and production backing, this band will really win more fans.

I don’t have more information about the band but if you know them please step forward.          

 

http://www.myspace.com/merrowcelticrock

 

Celtic Music Is Freedom : A New Celtic CD by Marc Gunn

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 1 Comment

March Gunn is one of the influential people who inspired me to start my music review site. For me,the musical culture I am writing for is always spiritually and aesthetically enriching. I think there is good to be said about an artist who not only performs but also brings back something to the community.

Like the title of his new album Celtic Music is Freedom, he has always excelled in his path as an independent artist. It would be however unfair to praise his marketing skills and not mention his musical assets. His autoharp is always great to listen to. His bluesy strong vocals are  engage the listeners to stop whatever they are doing and listen to his tails of heroism, the human condition and comedic stuff.

Songs like Drunken Sailor, A Well-Dressed Hobbit and Monahan’s Mudder’s Milk among others will keep you tapping your foot and snickering with Marc’s brand of humour.

You can listen to his music through this link.

http://marcgunn.com/us/


More info about the album can be found here: http://marcgunn.com/projects/celtic-music-is-freedom-new-album-by-marc-gunn/

 

What Marc Gunn  says about the album:

Celtic Music Is Freedom : A New Celtic CD by Marc Gunn

 

It was January 2011 when I drove up to Kentucky, found a cabin in the woods, and started recording a whole bunch of Celtic songs. I had several CDs I wanted to release: Scottish Songs of Drinking and Rebellion, the next Cat Companion CD, another Irish drinking songs CD and who knows what else. My goal was to just record.

I had over dozens of songs halfway completed when I left. Autoharp and vocals were done. All I needed was to decide if I wanted to add additional instrumentation. Seven months later, I released “Don’t Go Drinking With Hobbits”. The first album from that recording session.

I could probably compile five more albums from that session, but I don’t have the time or money. I’ve barely touch the home studio since that week in January. Yet, I REALLY want to share this music.

A couple months back, I sent a couple tracks to my friend Daniel Briggs. Daniel helped record on “Don’t Go Drinking With Hobbits”. I asked him to record a simple guitar, maybe some bass, and some background vocals. That’s the same arrangement I had for the first Cat Companion CD. He agreed.

The first track he recorded was “A Drop of Nelson’s Blood”. It was awesome! He had his whole band–Dogs in Doublets–record on the track. It had this fun, old-timey feel. You can hear it on my website.

 

 

Crapshooters are Making Good Music in Germany

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

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

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

http://www.myspace.com/thecrapshooters

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

Yn Chruinnaght’s CD ‘The Gathering’

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

Yn Chruinnaght’s CD ‘The Gathering’ is an exciting collection of Celtic music featuring twelve tracks donated by artists who have played at the festival over the years. The Gathering CD will raise vital funds for future events.

Those involved in the Manx music festival Yn Chruinnaght took a bold step with The Gathering. It is a compilation CD with 12 songs. These tracks were carefully selected and they all represent what is good, new and beautiful about the Yn Chruinnaght festival in the Isle of Man. Yn Chruinnaght (which also stands for the English word The Gathering)  was made up of tracks kindly donated by various artists who joined the festival throughout the years.

I have to be honest, it is hard to choose which is the best track. The Gathering is a CD that boasts wonderful tracks from bands that have been part of the festival through the years. From the enchanting hammer dulcimer of Cornish band Leski, to the perky accordion of Jamie Smith’s Mabon; everything in this album shines and enriches the soul.

The tracks and artists are:

Three spires/Tregajorran furry – Leski (Cornwall) Hammer dulcimer along with irresistible rhythm makes this the best choice as an opening track. Everything about Leski celebrates the beauty of Cornish music.

*
Ah, que les femmes y sont betes d’obeir a leur mari – Trio Froger (Brittany) The tempo represents Breton dances. A trio of accordion, fiddle and lead vocals.

*
Our ship did sail/If young men could swim – Sheear (Isle of Man) Meaning ‘West’, Sheear is an all girl band made up of musicians and singers who come together in between playing in other bands. Whistles, fiddles, piano, flute and vocals make this track a magical listening experience.

*
Mae gen i fuwch – Never Mind The Bocs (Wales) The great thing about the Celtic language is that you don’t have to understand it, to appreciate the sound it makes. Such is the case of this Welsh track from this five-piece band. From Cajun to ceilidhs, via Blues and folk-rock, the contemporary approach of Never Mind The Bocs will charm lovers of Dougie McLean and Planxty.

*
Just for Sean – Leo McCann (Scotland) What he can do with button box and tin whistle will find you tapping your feet and rocking your body. Leo has recorded over twenty albums. This track is an example of his fine musicianship distilled through years of playing in his own solo albums as well as other bands. Hands down! This is one of the great trad music I heard in ages.

*
In with the bricks – Pipedown (Scotland) I wrote about them in my previous article and hearing this track proves my point that they are a force in the Scottish folk scene. In With the Bricks applies the skillful ease of poly-rhythms and the mellifluous sound of the small pipes.

*
Kishtey ny yindyssyn – Staa (Isle of Man) A little bit on the groovy side with the infusion of reggae, bossa and vocal harmonies reminiscent of The Beach Boys, Staa will warm you to their music right away.

*
Sumach – Scoot (Cornwall) Trad driven with hints of jazz and funk this Cornish band will enchant lovers of traditional Irish and Scottish music. The undeniable command of skill and technique are displayed in this wonderful track which is a duet between acoustic guitar and flute.

*
Bonny broom – Imrama (Ireland) After thirteen years of playing, this track shows the refinement of this band. Influences of Planxty, Sweeney’s Men, The Bothy Band, and Steeleye Span are evident in their recordings.

*
Kilmartin sky – Rachel Hair (Scotland) I became a fan of her music and I wrote about her band in my previous post. Rachel is the best Scotland has to offer in terms of harp playing. Delicate and haunting, this track celebrates the power of Celtic music through nuance and grace. A truly enriching and perky listening experience that made me tap my foot as the track gathers rhythm when it reaches the middle part.

*
Derriere chez moi, ‘y a un etang – Chal ha Dichal, with vocals by Lors Landat (Brittany); The reason why I am crazy about Breton music is because of the energy and passion all Breton performers give when they sing or record albums. This track shines with so much positive energy that I end up smiling after.

*
Fiddler’s despair – Jamie Smith’s Mabon (Wales) Well, introduction is not needed when you talk about this band. Energy and skill are consistent with their every track. Despite the title, Fiddler’s despair is a joy to listen to.

I think everyone who loves Celtic music should get this album. It only features the best and the brightest from the Celtic nations. The album features a beautiful photo by Dimitar Pentchev with a nice album artwork by Adam Rhodes. It also boasts an informative liner notes. I think liner notes are very important. Dave Rowles made a great arrangement in this compilation CD.

Special thanks to Laura Rowles for this wonderful treat.

You can buy the CD here: http://www.ynchruinnaght.com/cd/

Yn Chruinnaght Inter-Celtic Festival – 14-21 July 2012

2012 marks the 25th anniversary of the death of Mona Douglas, the founder of Yn Chruinnaght Inter-Celtic Festival. Throughout her life Douglas was passionate about promoting and supporting Celtic culture, and she was respected throughout the Celtic world for this. Douglas had a vision of a Manx national festival, and this resulted in Yn Chruinnaght being started in 1977. However, unfortunately she did not live long enough to appreciate the huge success of her legacy.
Yn Chruinnaght aims to foster cultural relations between the Celtic nations, whilst also working to promote Manx culture, both on the Island and further abroad. The festival features performers from all of the Celtic countries in various venues throughout the Island. As well as music and dance performances, the festival also includes language events, lectures, workshops, art exhibitions, and fantastic sessions.
This year promises to be a particularly exciting festival, with the line-up so far including Scottish fiddle supergroup, Blazin’ Fiddles, mighty Breton band, Forzh Penaos, progressive Cornish group, Pentorr, and the extremely talented Rua Macmillan Trio. Manx bands that will be appearing include new Manx trio, Barrule, Strengyn, and Nish as Rish, who had the honour of winning the Trophée Loïc Raison at Lorient festival last year.
The festival offers much to keep visitors occupied throughout the week; however, there is still plenty of time to explore the beautiful Island. The Isle of Man boasts fantastic beaches, striking mountains, and picturesque glens, and has attractions to suit everyone.
For more information on the festival, see www.ynchruinnaght.com or email ynchruinnaght@manx.net
For more information about the Isle of Man, see www.visitisleofman.com