Folk

Celebrating 20 Years of Celtic Woman: A Journey Through Live Irish Music and New Performers

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As the enchanting melodies of Celtic Woman continue to captivate audiences worldwide, it’s hard to believe that two decades have passed since the inception of this iconic musical ensemble. Marking their 20th anniversary, Celtic Woman has become synonymous with the ethereal beauty of live Irish music, blending tradition with contemporary flair.

From their humble beginnings in 2004, Celtic Woman has evolved into a powerhouse of talent, showcasing the timeless appeal of Celtic music through a series of mesmerizing performances. The group’s ability to weave together hauntingly beautiful harmonies and instrumentals has made them a beacon in the world of Irish music, drawing fans from diverse cultural backgrounds.

In celebration of their two decades of musical excellence, Celtic Woman is set to embark on a commemorative tour featuring both familiar faces and new performers. This milestone not only pays homage to the group’s rich history but also introduces fresh voices that promise to carry the torch of Celtic musical tradition into the future.

Among the highlights of this anniversary celebration is the release of a highly anticipated live DVD, capturing the magic of Celtic Woman in a visually stunning experience. This release promises to transport fans to the heart of their spellbinding concerts, allowing them to relive the energy and emotion of each performance from the comfort of their homes.

The interview with Celtic Woman promises to delve into the intricacies of their musical journey, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and the joyous evolution that has defined their two-decade-long career. As they reflect on the past and embrace the present, Celtic Woman invites fans to join them in commemorating this milestone, ensuring that the magic of their live Irish music continues to resonate for years to come.

Their new single of ‘You Raise Me Up’ is out today here is the video !

Here is my interview with violinist Tara McNeill:

1. How does recording and performing the new Celtic Woman release feel?

It has been a very proud moment in my Celtic Woman career to be part of its 20th anniversary celebration.  Sharing the stage and this recording with the original members of Celtic Woman felt both moving and empowering.  I grew up admiring these women, their beautiful voices and amazing fiddle skills, and to create music together was a true honor.  It felt wonderful to share beautiful new music and also to perform such stunning new arrangements of Celtic Woman’s most loved songs over its 20 years.

2. Was there a point where you felt it was a daunting task to live up to the previous glories of the group? Or was it something you think you’ve prepared yourself for?

It was of course terrifying when I first joined the group as Máiréad Nesbitt (the original fiddle player) was such an incredible performer and I worried that I couldn’t live up that.  But what is wonderful about Celtic Woman is that it has always been a platform for Irish women to showcase their own unique talents.  When I joined I wasn’t expected to be anyone else and we all thrive when we are allowed to be our true authentic selves.  Celtic Woman is always evolving and we are grateful so many people still love our music and come to our shows after 20 years.  Rather than feel daunted by previous success I feel honored to be part of such an incredible legacy and am excited to keep it alive today.

3. What can we expect from Celtic Woman this year?

This year will be one of the most exciting in Celtic Woman’s history.  We are celebrating 20 years so we have to do it right!  Releasing this album as a collaboration of both original and current members of Celtic Woman is something that fans have been hoping to experience for years!  We know people will just love the album and the live performance DVD.  We are all extremely excited for our 20th anniversary tour as we will be sharing our favorite music from Celtic Woman’s 20 years, our beautiful new music and we will be bringing lots of energy to the stage!

4. What was the most challenging aspect of the live presentation of the songs?

There were a lot of moving parts at the filming of the TV special in The Helix Dublin: choir, orchestra, 8 Celtic Woman members, new music, new choreography, new dresses!  There was a lot to take in and remember but it was all worth it when we stood on that stage together.  It was a moment I will treasure forever.

5. What are your preparations before going on a live performance?

We all do a lot of individual preparation learning music and songs before we even get in a room together but the fun part is when we do and it all becomes real!  Before we head out on tour we will have a week of choreography where we learn our dance steps and movement on the stage with our wonderful dancers and then we have a week of rehearsals with the band and do lots of run throughs of the show.  Then we have tech in our first venue of the tour where we get all our in ear monitor mixes ready for the tour.  And of course we have to pack for 3 and a half months in the states at some point too!

6. Do you have message(s) for your fans?

Thank you to everyone who has supported Celtic Woman over the last 20 years.  We wouldn’t be here without you.  We hope you love the new album and DVD and can’t wait to see lots of you on the road soon!  Check out if we’re coming to a city near you on www.celticwoman.com/tour-dates

 www.celticwoman.com

There you have it folks!

Newfoundland Vinyl IV by Allison Crowe is Out!

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When your work becomes a community journal of encyclopedic range, then music can just sustain you in many ways.

Allison Crowe continues to add to her growing musical achievements with Newfoundland Vinyl IV

  Listening to her 4th collection of songs in Newfoundland Vinyl IV(a collection of tunes from Newfoundland and Labrador), I can’t help but appreciate her patience and persistence in forging a musical path that’s based on true art. Crowe has a strong but supple voice that can belt out mainstream tunes with ease. I read somewhere that she walked away from a recording deal in New York because no artistic compromise was met. They probably want her to be another pop star and she found the whole thing ecky, but oh well she has proven to be very productive and great in what she does!  In Newfoundland Vinyl series, she took the task of recording songs, that span many generations. And although this kind of project doesn’t promise one a top 20 hit in mainstream charts, its merit can be seen in generations to come. After all, true art will always linger when all fads have died down.

The latest Newfoundland Vinyl has 16 acoustic songs recorded and released under her own label Rubenesque records. My current favorite is No Change in Me. Here, she is channeling the inner Joni Mitchell while delivering a unique vocal style reminiscent of Stevie Nicks and softer Edith Piaf. There are also influences from Classical to Celtic music, which will enthrall listeners of eclectic tastes. And repeated listens will yield  appreciation for the depth of her artistry. You can’t help but marvel at the many gifts this project will bring you, lyrically and musically. 

The Beautiful Drama Unfolds:The Bell That Never Rang by Lau

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Tracks:81u8jjyljll-_sl1425_

1 First Homecoming

2 The Death of the Dining Car

3 Back in Love Again

4 Tiger Hill (Armoured Man)

5 The Bell That Never Rang

6 Ghosts

 

A true audiophile loves traveling though the highways of sounds. And the new Lau album provides this opportunity. Partly experimental and partly rooted to British folk, The Bell that Never Rang is an exquisite aural experience that will please crowds on both ends of the spectrum.

Lau comprises  Martin Green (accordion, wurlitzer, keys, electronics), Aidan O’Rourke (fiddle) and Kris Drever (vocals, guitar).With their combined influences, they merge the world inhabited by the likes of Radiohead and the tradition of Fairport Convention. Which is also to say, that Lau continues to hold the sumptuous sounds of bands that came from the region before them.

The experimental nature of their sound is no accident. According to their bio, the three members have their involvement in so many different solo projects. This includes making records for other artists, and providing creative spark for their peers. Which is such a feat considering that they are still able to be consistent in releasing albums via Lau. It is a wonder that they can maintain that creative focus with so many choices and many musicians to collaborate with. But perhaps, like making a family, it all boils to decision. And they have decided to stick to their own kind of sound and band.

The Bell that Never Rang is a joy to listen to. At the center of the new album lies the epic seventeen-minute, collaborative title track, with The Elysian Quartet. This track is so massive and dense that its gravity seems to pull the songs around it to its core. It’s almost a religious experience!

I enjoyed this album and I hope you discover the same experience as you journey through their sound, which is also a journey to your heart.

Don’t miss their US tour by visiting their Gigs section: http://www.lau-music.co.uk/gigs/

Listen To If Wishes Were Horses by Kris Drever

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If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride, sings Kris Drever in the title track of his new album If Wishes Were Horses. Part personal memoir and part disquisition into Philosophical matters and the human condition, this album sounds whimsical as it is serious.

The eleven songs combine elements of pop, British folk and soft rock. His musical style is 10900044_991812364203990_2050555669683239488_oreminiscent of Donovan and John Martyn. Vocal layers embellish some songs with complex treatment. The production highlights the sound of the acoustic guitar, making the instrument brighter and warmer above the soft swirls of  vocals and percussion. The bass sets the balance between the light percussion and the whispy strums.

Further exploration into his website sheds light to the album:

If Wishes Were Horses is a collection of semi-biographical songs covering the universal, and not so universal, themes of education, politics, sex, love, ennui, self-employment, social migration and Shetland. Drever’s recent outpouring of songs stems from a move back to the Northern Isles, Shetland this time rather than his native Orkney and the discovery of new lyrical voices to describe his life, times and wild new surroundings.

I haven’t heard of his work with Lau. But I will definitely go look because his style and craftsmanship are captivating. The 2016 Celtic Connections performance made an impression, further cementing his status as a singer-songwriter of heartfelt songs.

If Wishes Were Horses is an album with mid-tempo songs. With the exception of the last track Going to the North with its fast percussion rendering but even then, the relaxed  mood remains. The same tempo is found in the fourth track Shipwrecked with its hypnotic vocals and dreamy arrangement. There are many beautiful songs in this album and I think it really deserves to have a part in your ‘top artists’ collection.

I can listen to If Wishes were Horses again and again and be wrapped in that blanket of wonder, amusement and longing -hese emotions that get regal treatment in the artistry of Kris Drever.

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“Newfoundland Vinyl 3 by Allison Crowe brings the beautiful winter breeze early

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Newfoundland Vinyl 3 is a Holiday treat that should not be missed by beautiful music lovers! 

Now that we can move on to Yule, you might want to shop around for a good holiday album. No need to look further. Newfoundland Vinyl 3 by Canadian singer/songwriter Allison Crowe offers a perfect soundtrack for your winter needs. Her singing is strong and with the times. There is an interesting history how this album was conceived(please check the additional info at end of this post).

There are thirteen songs (my lucky number) in the album and they offer unique listening experience as I don’t think I have met a kind of style or recording like her’s.  The styles vary from traditional to modern. The perky Up She Goes is already a favorite. Fiddlers Green, The Irish Rover will appeal to lovers of Irish music. While the rest are infused in folk, pop and blues style. She brings the spirit

Allison Crowe’s arrangements are simple and they exude an intimate air which is rare these days, in a world where music is overblown or over produced. You get the sense of organic simplicity in each track. it’s the feeling of coming home after a long hard day from work.

This recommended especially if you are looking for something that is not too classical, too folky or ethereal. The earthly arrangements and warm performance are gifts from this wonderful album that should last through all seasons.

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More about Newfoundland Vinyl 3:

“Newfoundland Vinyl” is a perennial favourite attraction of the cultural treasure that is the Gros Morne Theatre Festival.

Conceived by Jeff Pitcher, Artistic Director of Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador, (TNL – the Atlantic Canadian professional theatre company founded in 1979), the hit stage show’s under the Musical Direction of Allison Crowe who’s been with the production from its launch in 2012.

Each Summer Allison Crowe delights in residing in the beauty of Gros Morne National Park – an UNESCO world heritage site located on the west coast of Newfoundland. In working with her wonderfully-talented cast and crew, Allison records a selection of songs to be included in the show repertoire. Once the play’s run its season, she selects some of her favourite tunes to share from this collection.

TNL describes the latest edition: “Hits of the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s by Newfoundland’s biggest recording stars come to life! For your toe-tapping, tear-jerking enjoyment the music and songs of Ryan’s Fancy, Harry Hibbs, Gary O’Driscoll, Dick Nolan, Joan Morrissey, Bob Porter and more…”

“I have had such a wonderful time learning this year’s crop of songs for Newfoundland Vinyl – from waltzes and parlour songs, to torch songs, to songs with the same spirit as 1960s protest anthems and beyond – simply great music from throughout the decades,” notes Allison. “The silly, the sentimental, the sad, and serene all converge in this GMTF show… So, please, enjoy and do sing along!”

credits

released October 20, 2015

Music arranged, performed and recorded by Allison Crowe – Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada.

See individual track listings for songwriting credits.

Album cover photos by Allison Crowe

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