Holland and Palmley

St. Bridget’s Weekend Trivia and Celtic Album Giveaway

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

Featuring: Caliorne from France, Holland and Palmley podcast, Peace of the Countryside and more useful links below. Be sure to check.

Happy St. Brigid’s Festival everyone. We have a great weekend filled with music news from our musician friends all over the world. What’s on the menu? We have a transcript of a conversation I had with Dave Palmley of the Holland and Palmley dou. We have an album artwork preview of Trad whistle/flute player Enda Seery. Then I want to introduce you to a French band playing Celtic rock music that is fascinating

250227_157219431021191_5035823_n

as it is beautiful!

Celtic Twist Podcast and album giveaway.

Ok first on the line:I had an energetic  discussion with Dave Palmley of the Holland- Palmley duo (also known as Celtic Twist ) regarding their guest appearance at the Celtic Music Radio. I have heard of their studio and youtube uploads but I haven’t heard them in a natural environment which includes being interviewed by a DJ and also playing impromptu. This news about their recent radio gig was a pleasant surprise and I asked Dave about it. For those who are curious about this show, here’s the link: http://podcast.canstream.co.uk/celticmusic/index.php?id=8176

Dave: Just got back from Glasgow where we were playing a live session on Celtic Music Radio for Celtic Connections…if you missed it live but want to hear it anyway you can catch up later by clicking on this link! It’s the second “Live from Celtic Connections Friday 1 February” that you see on the page…there’s an announcement and one song before our set starts

Baxter:Listening to your segment now. You both sound good.

The guys from the radio were really nice!

I am listening to the first track you played live. Phil  has a nice  speaking voice. Dave you have a wonderful accent too.

The Lancashire! Phil’s voice is, after years spent travelling, a sort of generic British with hints of God only knows.

She sounds almost American!

Yikes really? Crikey!

Yes very pleasant. Sometimes she sounds Irish.Hard to tell at times

Actually Baxter, when Phil played in America in the 80s she was made an honorary citizen of the town of Towanda Pennsylvania and she did perform for president Reagan on the White House lawn (but she tries to keep very quiet about that).

OH wow that is a nice trivia! Great to hear that. This proves to be a great show with both of you.

Glad to hear you are enjoying it!

Now I hear Phil singing. Unbelievable. She has this natural audio mixed in her throat!

Thanks! She was worried that she sounded terrible…she’ll be glad to hear your words of encouragement.

At first I thought it wasn’t live because it sounded so pristine. The microphone loves her.

We’re hoping that a few people will hear it and want to join us here on Facebook…

Well this is a fantastic show. First time for me to hear you both speak live and perform live as well. You should do more radio guesting.

Thank you…we may well do that!!! we were a bit nervous but now we’ve tried it we’ll be fine to do it again.

You had an amazing debut and I don’t notice signs of nervousness! In fact you both sound like you have been doing this for a long time. Very natural.

Good to hear that! We will be popping off now for a walk down to the castle with Moony the dog…maybe we’ll see you later!

Cool. I will continue listening. Phil is explaining about the The Wild Geese . See ya!

See ya

The Celtic Music Fan would  like offer a free copy of Twist in the Tale to the winner of a competition which will start next week. This is how it goes. All you need to do is find an answer to a question which will be asked at the end of an article. This will take place next week. I will present a question and all you need to do is go to their official website http://www.wix.com/hollandandpalmley/celtictwist to look for the answer. A winner will be announced at the end of this month.  Phil and Dave could send it directly to you with a short note of congratulations. How’s that? For those who are new to this album, here is the link to the review I did back in June 27 of 2012.

***

Enda Seery album coming soon. Album artwork revealed.

Somewhere late December, Irish instrumentalist Enda Seery announced that he is working on a new album. If you remember in my previous article, I mentioned about the new tracks and also the fact that in this sophomore album, he will be singing for the first time. IT is quite a bold step for someone who has started his niche as a player of tin whistle. But I think this is eventually something he would be doing. As an English and Irish teacher, he has been using his vocal capabilities and singing is just another logical step. The album is doing fine .

You can read all about it here: http://tradconnect.com/profiles/blogs/the-road-to-my-second-solo-album-blog-5-by-enda-seery

Gallery:Recording for Síocháin na Tuaithe, Black Rose Studio

***

Caliorne – Celtic rock band from France‏

Members: Daniel – Batterie
François – Cornemuses, Veuzes, Binious & Clarinette diatonique
Hugues – Guitare électro-acoustique 12 cordes
Kevin – Guitare électrique
Olivier – Clavier & Bombarde
Patrick – Basse

Genre: Rock celtique, Celtic Rock, Fest-Noz

Here is an amazing band from France fusing rock and traditional music. The result is an electrifying blend of soaring melodies focusing on the beauty of the bagpipes. There is one track that I heard for the first time the notes being bent. Francois the piper really knows the capabilities of the instrument and making sure it is showcased to the fullest. There is that familiar Breton beat all over and also the melancholic flavour that is typical of Breton music. However these are balanced by the electrifying arrangement and fusion of mainstream rock styles.

More about them here:

Gallery

***

More links

Just talked to John Ryan via linked in. Linked in is amazing in bringing people together who have common interests. Anyway I am listening to samples of The Dublin City Ramblers and they make good sounding music! Have a sample:)
http://www.dublincityramblers.com/ This is the fb band page to those who are curious http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dublin-City-Ramblers-Fan-Page/223644963693

***

Sharing the page of one of Celtic Music Fan’s interview alumni and featured artist Andrew “Slim” Black 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/gallowstreetales

***

From Paddy Ryan : Don’t know if you heard of them, but the Ryans Band won two awards at the Irish music awards, there website is www.theryansirishband.co.uk and they are also on facebook.

***

Attention: Celtic musicians in Indianapolis, Craig Stonebraker of Murphy’s Steakhouse looking for entertainers on march 16th for St pats celebration. Venues: murphys steakhouse & murphys pubhouse Fishers & Indianapolis In.Phone: 317-545-3707
Fax: 317-545-3766 Email: craig@murphyssteakhouse.com http://www.murphyssteakhouse.com/

***

Irish Music Group via Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=709717&trk=anet_ug_hm

This is an amazing group I found in linked in. For months my linkedin was really boring until I found people in my niche. And this is one energetic group right now. I encourage you to join. I met new friends there including Skot Cranmore of 67 Music!

The High Kings-Memory Lane

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 2 Comments

Album Review

The original bards are here again with the new album Memory Lane.  Those who hunger for traditional Irish music will definitely grab this. After all, it’s a breather to the prevailing format right now especially Irish musicians who do crossover performances by singing pop hits. I know a friend who disagrees with this kind of ‘travesty’. I don’t consider myself as a purist but I do think that Irish music shines through its traditional melodies.

The album opens with the energetic Step it Out Mary. The fast paced singing reminds one of  Scottish mouth music. It also calls to mind Clannad’s Dulaman.

As I Roved I Out is another fresh take with its upbeat tempo. The beauty of the High Kings vocals are their ability to harmonized songs in such a break neck speed that was only perfected in the 70s by Skara Brae. Like the first track this talks about marriage or getting married.

I love the new version of  The Fields of Athenry. The guys did a gentle take on this much covered track. One of the ‘rebel’ songs that have made impact on generations old and new.

On The One Road features the performance of The Wolfe Tones. Another one of those tunes that stick on your head after two listens. “ North men, South men comrades all, Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Donegal, We’re on the one road swinging along, Singing a soldier’s song..” Now listen to this part and you will know what I mean when I say not all the catchiest songs are found in top 40 radio!

Raglan Road is a poem by Patrick Cavanagh. This has been through a lot of remakes including a version by Loreena McKennitt on her “Ancient Muse” album. This is both a solemn but with a walk on by pace. “On a quiet street where old ghosts meet I see her walking now away from me so hurriedly.” Never listen to this part with a broken hear because this will tear you apart. Beautiful and painful at the same time.

Whiskey in the Jar was introduced to me by the Holland and Palmley dou. From then on  In fell in love with its brisk melody and catchy chorus.

Leaving of Liverpool is sung in an almost sean nos fashion. This is a very familiar track that you’ve probably heard . After all the title of the album says it all. It is bringing life to these old tracks . It’s like opening a closet filled with vinyl records and one can’t help but play them one by one, dusting the dust away and marveling how time flies so fast.

Red is the Rose is one of the favorites here. It’s rendered a cappella. They sing it in harmony. Without the distractions of instruments, the spiritual essence of this song is reached to perfection.

The bodhran tapping introduces us to The Star of County Down followed by the tin whistle and banjo. Then we have harmony and acoustic guitar. The middle part increases speed with the uillean pipes and accordion doing their duel. Can’t help tapping my feet on this.

Boolavogue is something I haven’t heard before. But this proves to be one of the strong tracks in the album. Lovely hooks are provided by the fiddles uillean pipes and whistle amidst the strong guitar strums and marching percussions.

Cavan Girl is composed by the late Tom Moore. The gentle guitar plucking introduces us to the narrative about a man who falls in love with the fairest woman in Cavan. After the energy of the tracks that precede it, this one is like a breather for you to sit down by the fireside.

The Rising of the Moon pulls us up top our feet again. I heard this through Fairport Convention. This one proves to be another good version.

Green Fields of France is a beautiful lament for Willie McBride. The Irish Rover closes this wonderful album with its thunderous chorus and amazing arrangement.

Memory Lane is an album worth of repeated listens. It’s a collection of tracks that sound familiar to everyone Irish or not, but given a new life and freshness by The High Kings. This is just their second album but it looks like they have achieved a lot. These guys know their stuff. They are real musicians with real instrumental talents. They are seasoned vocalists and their individuality shines in every track. They are also charismatic figures that looks good on your CD library. I am pleased to own this album. In terms of production, the album shimmers with clarity and lushness of sound.

The High Kings:

Finbarr Clancy: Vocals, acoustic Guitar, Bass guitar, Flute

Brian Dunphy: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Bodhran

Martin Furey: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Bouzouki, Whistles

Darren Holden: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Accordion.

With:

Ewan Cowley, Nollaig Casey, Robbie Harris, Maria Mason, Paul McAteer and Wolfe Tones. Produced by Mark Murphy.

Special thanks to Daly Communications for letting me hear this CD!

Buy Memory Lane here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Memory-Lane-High-Kings/dp/B0036V0VPY