I have a bunch of news for you guys. Remember when I actually mentioned a Christian Celtic band Eden’s Bridge last time? We had no input as to what’s up with them. I was surprised when I stumbled upon their site and learned that they released a Christmas EP last year. I Know it’s a little bit late for that but not for the music. There is something magical about this release which can withstand seasons. I think this is the kind of EP you’d listen to when you want inner peace. Check out The Winter Sings on this link and listen to the songs.
Our friends Phil Holland and Dave Palmley sent me a special gift in a form of a song .I want you to experience the kind of profound feeling I got when I heard this track. Adventurous- bordering on the Baroque with traces of Clannad and the duo’s personal styles; Steal Our Soul Away is a preview to what is going to be a future album. Beautiful song, fantastic talents! We love you Phil and Dave.
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Visual artist and musician Sharron McCulley has carved up a musical project with Jan Harris called Red Sonnet. The songs are wrapped up in keyboard sound scape that begs for more cinematic moments and water color tears. Christian , New Age, Folk- whatever you want to call them but the fact remains. The music of Red Sonnet is a perfect soundtrack to a tired night when you want to feel a little bit dramatic but enlightened. They’ve just finished recording their new album Across The Bridge. They will be performing soon so watch out.
Today I have been listening to The Whole Of The Moon– two versions repeatedly. Someone posted this in Twitter and before I knew it I was hooked going back and forth like what you do in a seesaw. It s a boring Monday and I have been doing paper works with that song in the background. Oh and I have to tell you I am doing this on a break-not during work.
There’s something about the lyrics that captivated my imagination. It’s originally done by The Waterboys in 1985 from the album This Is The Sea. In the early 90’s, Irish singer Terry Reid covered this. Enya collaborated with him on this track providing backing vocals and keyboards.
The Whole Of The Moon lyrics Songwriters: Scott, Michael;
I pictured a rainbow, you held it in your hands
I had flashes but you saw then plan
I wandered out in the world for years while you just stayed in your room
I saw the crescent, you saw the whole of the moon
The whole of the moon
You were there in the turnstiles with the wind at your heels
You stretched for the starts and you know how it feels
To reach too high, too far, too soon
You saw the whole of the moon
I was grounded while you filled the skies
I was dumbfounded by truth, you cut through lies
I saw the rain dirty valley, you saw Brigadoon
I saw the crescent, you saw the whole of the moon
With a torch in your pocket and the wind at your heels
You climbed on the ladder and you know how it feels
To get too high, too far, too soon
You saw the whole of the moon, the whole of the moon, hey yeah
Unicorns and cannonballs, palaces and piers
Trumpets, towers and tenements, wide oceans full of tears
Flags, rags, ferryboats, scimitars and scarves
Every precious dream and vision underneath the stars
Yes, you climbed on the ladder with the wind in your sails
You came like a comet, blazing your trail
Too high, too far, too soon
You saw the whole of the moon
Oh, how [Incomprehensible] did you see the whole of the moon
According to GrecoCelt: On a less speculative note, Mike Scott (The Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist/Pianist of the Waterboys) has said that the song’s subject is “a composite of many people”, including C.S. Lewis.
Once known as a safe haven for fishermen and sailors on the merciless north Cornish coast, Port Isaac, with its typical whitewashed cottages and cobbled lanes, is now a place more recognisable as the setting for television dramas such as Doc Martin and films such as Nigel Cole’s Saving Grace.
However, the Fisherman’s Friends have proved that home-grown talent can grab the headlines, too. The choir, who have sung together for 16 years, first came to critical attention when they released their first album, Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends, on Universal Records at the end of April 2010. Since then, they have performed at Glastonbury, the Cambridge Folk Festival, the Royal Festival Hall, Union Chapel and, slightly closer to home, the Boardmasters Festival in Newquay and the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival.
Those who love the beauty of British folk will have no second thoughts from savouring this track from this wonderful band whose roots go back to the 70’s. Those who love the music that I featured in this site will surely love this release as well. After all, don’t we all love the essence of “Ren and Rock”? Read more on the press release for this wonderful duo of husband and wife team up.
NEW RELEASE DATE) Spinefarm Records to Release Blackmore’s Night’s ‘Autumn Sky’ In The US January 18th, New Song Streaming Now
BLACKMORE’S NIGHT, the group featuring husband and wife Richie Blackmore and Candice Night, will be releasing their new album Autumn Sky on January 18th. With a career spanning nearly two decades, the band of minstrels has gained crossover success all over the world with its new genre of “Ren and Rock” music. The lyrics, written by award winning singer/songwriter Candice Night, are inspired by nature and the myths and fairy tales they encounter on their international travels. The melodies, composed and arranged by Grammy nominated Ritchie Blackmore, encompass musical structure and the essence of melodies from the early 1600s. And then they are “Blackmore-ized.” Blackmore’s Night’s last album, Secret Voyage, debuted at #1 on the Billboard New Age Chart and held that spot for four consecutive weeks.
In addition to being known from their unique sound which combines traditional as well as modern day instruments (including electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, violins, shawms, chanters etc), and Candice’s enchanting lyrics and vocals, they are also known for their fabulous live shows, many of which have been performed at castles and other exceptional venues that add to the mystique and warmth of their performance. Blackmore’s Night has appeared nationwide on PBS and Discovery channel specials, and has been awarded the Best Album of the Year and Best Vocal Album of the year by NPR New Age Reporter for their past 7 studio CDs.
Autumn Sky brings us 14 new Blackmore’s Night songs, plus a cover of “Celluloid Heroes” from The Kinks. Recorded during Candice’s pregnancy, Candice and Ritchie have dedicated the Autumn Sky album to their newly born daughter Autumn Esmerelda Blackmore.
I love her voice. I also love her direction. last July , Connie performed with Roger Landes at the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area , Akron, Ohio performing this beautiful song called Will You Go Lassie Go.
Dublin’s Temple Bar performer is currently on tour in the United States promoting his album This is My Home.
Be sure to visit Dublin’s Temple Bar when you drop by because I am sure you will hear this distinctive voice playing nightly. Dave Rooney has a voice that can calm an angry soul and inspire tired hearts to hope and love.
The first time I heard the title track ‘This is My Home’ I am carried away by his bold lyricism and his decision to take the high road-that’s going independently , not waiting for some money-eyed record exec to pick his songs up for commercial release. Instrumentally, this album is rich. Backed by seasoned musicians of excellent caliber, the tracks shimmer. You can hear the dobro, fiddle, whistles piano and keyboards, saxophones bass guitars and drums arranged with excellent taste. The album has energetic tracks but are balanced with introspective ones for those who just want to chill out. If you like Chris de Burg, Luka Bloom, Christy Moore and the likes, then this one’s for you.
Dave’s music has soul and wisdom. Coupled with wit he creates an album that’s solid and artfully crafted. Hear him out and I am sure you will never forget him. http://www.daverooneymusic.com/
Celtic Music Fan 