Damien Dempsey

The Baxteria Podcast #17

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Hello friends. New tunes are up plus more emphasis on Christmas music in my Celtic music show. As for the indie variety, I am featuring tunes from Radio Happy Music Compilation for the Haiyan​/​Yolanda Victims.
Visit www.celticmusicfan.com

www.spheremusic.me

and www.radiohappy.eu

Celtic Music

Loreena McKennitt-The Seven Rejoices of Mary
Tara O’Grady-Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Enya-Amid the Falling Snow
Cherish the Ladies-Deck the Halls
Larry Kirwan feat. Ashley Davis-Happy Christmas
The Celtic Tenors-Silent Night
Damien Dempsey-Oh Holy Night

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Indie variety
Ade Hodges-Short Drone for Tacloban
Among the Echoes-Feels like Heaven
Xan Alexander-Klausified
Flight-Strange Little Girl
Heliophile-Nebula
Samuel Smith-The Way of the World

Getting to Know The Rattling Kind (Interview)

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Rattling Kind

Eddie Sherlock: Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Tom Forde: Bass and Vocals
Ben McGinn: Lead Guitar and Vocals
Anthony White: Drums and Percussion

When I first heard of The Rattling Kind I was excited. They play an amazing combination of folk, rock with a radio friendly appeal. It is also an original sound and I think this is where their charm comes from. Rise Up EP is making its auspicious debut in the ears of Irish music lovers and they are getting converts at a fast rate. I think it is time for them to take the spotlight as our new featured band.

As they say, the most beautiful songs are those that make us cry.  So yes, they write songs about the present state of Ireland, from the economic to the immigration situation that’s taking place. They have a lot lot say and sing about.  I am glad for the opportunity to catch up with Eddie Sherlock and the rest of the band to share their ideas behind the EP, the music and the things that shaped their unique sound.

Baxter:I think The Rattling Kind created a unique menu of Irish music for international listeners! What are the things that the rest of the band are up to?

Eddie Sherlock: Irish music will always be at the core of our sound, but we are open to try all sorts within our sound to create that rattling kind of music, we want people to be able to identify our sound the second they hear it!

Energy and great song structures. How do you and the rest of the band write songs. What are the processes involved before the tracks are mixed and mastered?

Well before there even was “The Rattling Kind”, Eddie(me) and Tom were sitting around penning songs together. It’s only natural then that the first few songs from the band were written by Eddie and Tom, with “All Around The Town” being produced in this fashion.Songs are written completely separately too and ideas are bounced around then afterwards. The input of others is always respected and songs may develop into a new kind of beast as we jam them out in the studio.

It can be exciting when your fellow band members understand the vibe you’re looking for from a song. Whether it be the need for a really tense atmosphere with a slow build-up to fireworks, or a more restrained approach to give off a sense of deep emotion…  If the whole band have that same feeling about a song that you have and everyone’s steering in the right direction, that’s when ya know you’re onto a winner!

All Around The Town is a beautiful music video. Can you tell us a bit about the making of this one?

Truth be told, we were working with very limited resources. We were lucky to secure the services of a clever director (Anthony Downes) and an intense actor (Alan Sherlock) who thankfully saw some promise in the song and had a couple of ideas for the music video. Together with our own ideas, we had the premise and were ready to roll! The subject matter being what it was, you could easily go wrong with an idea and some people may have overdone it a little. But it was beautifully shot and the lads got some great footage out on the road. The fact that the video was more suggestive than in your face, meant it would thug at the heartstrings a little.
I like the way you sing. Who are your vocal influences?

Everyone Irish!! haha.. funny enough, my Grand mother and Uncle would have been very strong influences in my singing.. after that.. Balladeer’s like Luke Kelly, Ronny Drew, Christy Moore, Damien Dempsey, Declan O’ Rourke.. Internationally, I love all the big vocalists.. Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Paul Weller.. the list goes on.. can’t say I have one no1, but I love a good song sung well.
What’s the first instrument you picked up as a child?

Haha emmm either the tin whistle or the spoons..
Please describe each member.
Kinda hard in a way.. see we all work as hard as each other, both in and outside of the band, in fact where more like brother’s, that purely love what it is we do, and grave to preform our art to everyone who wishes to listen.. but best I can say is

Tom: the calm one

Ben: the only one with a hand on his shoulders haha

Anto: Hard working hungry drummer, always thinking ahead
 Where can listeners buy and download your album?

Our music is available on iTunes, Amazon and Bandcamp. It will be available in some record stores soon.
What’s your message to our readers?

Keep it Rattling!

http://www.reverbnation.com/therattlingkindhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rattling-Kind/238499291049http://breakingtunes.com/therattlingkindhttps://twitter.com/TheRattlingKindhttps://itunes.apple.com/ie/artist/the-rattling-kind/id568135744http://www.bandpages.ie/original/the-rattling-kindhttp://www.linkedin.com/pub/the-rattling-kind/72/66a/a58http://youbloom.com/profile/TheRattlingKind

A Holiday Album For All

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Also in this edition: Marc Gunn, Celtic Twist/Holland and Palmley Duo and Jamie Smith’s MABON

Album Review: Together for Christmas(Various artists)

A CONTEMPORARY CELTIC CHRISTMAS COLLECTION’ with Larry Kirwan, The High Kings, Damien Dempsey, The Elders, Kyf Brewer, Cherish the Ladies + more!
What’s holiday without Celtic musicians coming together in one albumTogether for Christmas CD cover
Together for Christmas CD cover

right? I am listening to Together for Christmas and I see great reasons to own this album. It contains eclectic sounds from rock, jazz to classical. I also noticed the huge efforts placed by the contributing bands, sound people and solo artists each track.

Songs from Together for Christmas is something you can listen to again and again because it is an amazing gift you want to unwrap and play either through your headphones or huge speakers. It has the great casting and track order. Lots and lots of surprises!

The Elders make  perfect album opening due to the upbeat and catchy melodies of Christmas Day. Solid harmonies, strings and stirring chorus can get you up your feet. Ashley Davis moves me with her terrific voice. Fans of Sarah McLachlan and Loreena McKennitt will warm up to her haunting and captivating style in Nolaig Moon. Her voice is so good I sometimes overlook the craft placed in this song which is equaly amazing! I will definitely check more of her own projects.

John Munnelly adds that Beatlesque touch with the jolly Happy Christmas. Cherish the Ladies offers a fine  instrumental track in Deck the Halls. Take it from the pros in the genre. A combination of traditional carol sounds and Irish jigs.

Kyf Brewer’s gruff vocals and upbeat pace of Whiskey for Christmas will keep you humming and tapping up to the end of the end..Emma Kate Tobia soars with her angelic soprano that adds a magical touch to this album. It creates a soothing balance like watching snow crystals fall slowly to the ground. Walking in the Air is true to its title in every way.

Track Dogs is a band with nice surprises. They do a kind of alternative rock with a touch of shoegazer sound. The Celtic Tenors top the bill with Silent Night. Those who got their album Feels Like Home will know what to expect. The Celtic Tenors are like the Three Musketeers. When they blend their talents they make powerful songs.

Happy Xmas is a popular tune originally done by Lennon and Ono. Sarah Mclachlan also covered this track. It is nice to finally hear it in another interpretation through Larry Kerwan and Ashley Davis.The Wild Colonial Bhoys surprise us with their punk inspired sound that has both the hint of The Beach Boys and Traditional Irish sound.

Damien Dempsey’s almost a capella rendition of Oh Holy Night  showcases his robust voice while keeping true to the atmosphere of the song..The High Kings give us the new sheen to Driving Home for Christmas. It’s another classic!  I was crossing my fingers when I saw this in the tracklisting. I didn’t want to be disappointed. And  good enough, The High Kings add freshness to this classic. They make it very Irish yet preserving the spirit of the original composition by Chris Rea.

The Temple Bar Band feat. Dave Brown and Claire Pelo make a beautiful nod to 2000 Miles (originally done by the Pretenders). This time, you hear the choir of children.. And yes! Clair Pelo has a terrific voice. George Murphy Feat Emma Kate Tobia   don’t need further intro with Fairy Tale of New York. This track was released as a single last year. I am glad that it finally  made it to this compilation. Their talents are amazing together.

Tara O’Grady closes this compilation with her jazzy take on Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Everyone’s style stands up. The range of artistry and genre covered by the artists who contributed their talents in this release are wide. You will enjoy it!

Special thanks to Anita Daly

ANITA DALY
DALY COMMUNICATIONS for this wonderful album.

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Gigs, news etc!

Ok, now get ready for the mentionables!

CELTIC CHRISTMAS SHOW by Marc Gunn

Image from Marc Gunn

Image from Marc Gunn

Mark has been a blogging buddy since I started this site in 2009. This fella is a huge volcano of creativity. He is a great example for those who want to keep the Celtic Music scene alive.

From Marc:

“In addition to fine tuning my Christmas playlist, I finished a Celtic Christmas drinking songs show for the Pub Songs Podcast.   I also started compiling songs two shows exclusively for the Celtic Christmas Podcast.  The first goes online today!

I invite you to listen to the Celtic Christmas Podcast.  It features Celtic Christmas shows from many of the top Celtic podcasts online.  I didn’t update it last year, but I’m bringing it back again in 2012.  Subscribe at http://celticchristmaspodcast.com/”

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Christmas Track :Snowfall-Celtic Twist/Holland and Palmley Duo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfmeLnqn1rM&feature=youtu.be

This track reminds me of a little music box. The high bell sounds are really great to hear. The heavenly voice  of Phil Holland is something you don’t want to miss here. The kind of feeling you want to have when you think of this season. I think more and more, the Holland and Palmley dou are transitioning into what I can only describe as breath taking sound! They have evolved in terms of artistry and so do we!

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Jamie Smith’s MABON – NEWS – NEW TOUR DATES 2013 ANNOUNCED

LORESPOSTER!cid_2F5941A2-0ED1-4617-9C76-9F7872FDA6B7

Fans of the amazing Welsh Celtic band Jamie Smith’s MABON will have something to rejoice this 2013. Tour dates are announced!

According to John Eeles (Facilitator /  Sound Engineer):

“The band have just wrapped up a great year, with sold out shows during the recently completed tour and widespread critical acclaim for their new album.

2013 is already gearing up to be a busy year, both in the U.K. and abroad, with plans afoot to put a European tour in place, and dates in Canada and Scandinavia in the pipeline.”
For more information on the shows and the band go to the website :
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So there you have it folks. More news to come. Stay tuned to my next edition which is still about Celtic music news for you.

 

Damien Dempsey In A New Book

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The Irish Lion is featured in a new book along with other news..

Damien Dempsey is among those featured in a new book called With Love, From Me…To Me Letter to my sixteen year-old self  here .

About the book:

With Love, From Me…To Me gathers these words of advice, reassurance, admonition, praise and comfort. The letters range from funny to encouraging, hopeful to regretful, but always heartfelt. Contributors include Miriam O’Callaghan, Joe O’Connor, Ray D’Arcy, Sonia O’Sullivan, Maeve Binchy, Charlie Bird, John Boyne, Jason Sherlock, Nell McCafferty, Paddy Moloney, David Norris, Ross O’Carroll Kelly, Ardal O’Hanlon, Patricia Scanlan and Victoria Smurfit. With Love, From Me . . . To Me: A Letter To My Sixteen-Year-Old Self is the ideal gift this Christmas for family, friends – or yourself!

All royalties from this book benefit the Irish Youth Foundation.

You can buy the book @ Amazon.

He will also join Glen Hansard for  a Christmas charity single. More news here.

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But of course we are always awed when we hear something about Julie Fowlis and Salsa Celtica-the latter which has my pal  Kenny Fraser playing the fiddle.

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More info on the Golowan Festival 2010 in Cornwall and Sue Aston’s pics.

It is Cornish and Celtic. It happens every year. Penzance come alive with parades and music. Colorful people come from all over the world. Musicians play their wonderful tunes.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/cornwall/hi/things_to_do/newsid_8727000/8727584.stm

Sue Aston

Lumiere is Irish Perfection

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Lumiere’s Singing:Beautiful, safe, secure and home


Meet the wonderful ladies of Lumiere: Éilís Kennedy and Pauline Scanlon-from the same Kerry town of Dingle. Each complimenting one another’s voice like patterns on a stained glass. I can’t believe my ears! These women have voices  in the tradition of the great Irish singers of our time. There is vulnerability balanced with strength and you will have a lot of tears to shed by the end of the album.


I absolutely love Fill Fill and The West’s Awake with Damien Dempsey (This video).

Another good link for the official music video of Damien Dempsey here

 

Plus a live performance here.

More here: http://www.myspace.com/lumieremusicofficial