Iona

The Best Christmas Album so Far? Yes!

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 3 Comments

 

 

A Celt

December hasn’t started yet but it is always a good idea to release a holiday compilation album ahead. With all the competition  around, people are given so many choices that it becomes hard to decide. What album should I buy my friends for Christmas?And this is what makes A Celtic Christmas(various artists) truly stand out. It is getting into the hands of the community at the right time. I even streamed this on my radio show via www.radiohappy.eu the moment I got my hands to it! I am posting the liner notes from the album at the end of this post.

Marc Gunn has the Medas touch as he’s the one who produced this collection. He also introduced them through his podcast. The artists are familiar and some are new to me. But all of them gave their best recording in this album. The first track  “Galician Carol” brings back pleasant memories as I recall hearing the Carlos Nunez version in the 90s. “Bog Down in Christmas” is fun to listen to as the words become faster as the song gets nearer to the end. Iona also made a pleasant surprise by being part of this project.

There are seventeen songs which means there are seventeen bands/artists who performed in A Celtic Christmas. I can say that, everyone who’s been part of A Celtic Christmas made a great contribution. There’s variety and loads of awesome talents. This is one of the best holiday albums to come out recently. And oh, I love the album artwork. Check it out.

You can listen to the samples or buy it here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/acelticchristmas2

 

 

LINER NOTES by Marc Gunn

A warm fire glows in the hearth of Celtic culture with this warm compilation CD of Celtic Christmas music. Celebrate the holidays with “A Celtic Christmas”, featuring a mix of traditional and original songs and tunes about Christmas by indie Celtic bands.

All these artists were hand-selected for outstanding music by the award-winning downloadable radio show, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. It is the largest Celtic podcast in the world and the #1 promoter of indie Celtic music. Find out more at http://www.celticmusicpodcast.com

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TRACKS

1. “Galician Carol”
by Mithril, http://www.mithril.us
from the CD Winter’s Day (Flying Frog Music FF0401)
music traditional

Mithril’s unique progressive style has its roots in traditional Celtic music but moves far beyond that, weaving such diverse influences as American folk, classical, and Middle Eastern melodies in…to their full tapestry of sound.

2. “Hunting the Wren”
by Heather Dale, http://www.heatherdale.com
from The Green Knight
words and music traditional

Heather Dale writes songs for ‘modern dreamers’: witty, fun-loving, imaginative people who aren’t afraid to be different! Heather’s original songs tap into legends, mythology, history and fantasy

3. “Gloucestershire Wassail”
by John McGaha, http://www.facebook.com/jklmstudios
from The Longest Night: A Winter Celebration
music traditional

John McGaha is a multi-genre musician based out of Norman, Oklahoma, with over thirty years of musical experience. The McGaha’s are a musical family, descended from Scottish and Irish immigrants.

4. “(Without You on) Christmas Day”
by George Papavgeris, http://www.folk4all.net
from Ordinary Heroes
words and music by George Papavgeris

The most prolific of creative men; the grandest of hearts and maker of songs that sear into the soul, George is unique, to say the least. His lilting accent lends a fantastic clarity to his delivery that is matched by deceptively simple guitar work. Few have written so many songs that demand your full attention and then insist, in the finest of ways, on staying with you forever. (Graham Searle)

5. “Cold Frosty Morning”
by Tom Morley, http://www.thefiddlecenter.com
from the CD The Raven’s Wing (a curious collection of fiddle tunes) (Flying Frog Music FF2010)
music traditional

As a classical, folk, jazz and swing musician, Tom Morley is one of the most visible violinists on the Gulf Coast. Classically trained with a degree in music education, Tom has earned a living with his violin in almost every conceivable musical direction. He has played professionally on stage or in the recording studio in Celtic, Cajun, country, folk, classical, swing, and jazz styles.

6. “Banjos We Have Heard On High”
by Jed Marum, http://www.jedmarum.com
from Rejoice! A Christmas Album
words and music Jed Marum

Jed Marum albums play regularly on Folk/Bluegrass and Celtic radio programs around the world. His music is also distributed widely on all the major MP3 services. Throughout the US each year Jed plays over 150 shows at festival, club and concert venues.

7. “Christmas Day”
by The Elders, http://www.eldersmusic.com
words and music Ian Byrne, Brent Hoad, Norm Dahlor, Steve Phillips

Their music has been dubbed as “Ameri-Celt,” a cross-pollination of styles that is high octane and progressive, yet rooted in tradition. The Elders are not a “traditional” act, so they are at liberty to pick and choose from among the catchiest bits and pieces of their rather diverse, collective musical past. The result is a skillful mix of amped-up Americana roots rock with a strong Celtic twist – featuring powerful vocals, blazing instrumentals and top-notch song writing.

8. “Christmas in Scotland”
by Marc Gunn, http://www.marcgunn.com
words and music Marc Gunn

Celtic music, the traditional and the twisted. Marc Gunn combines his love of traditional Irish drinking songs with fun, twisted lyrics. It’s like a satirical jam session between The Clancy Brothers and Weird Al Yankovic. Enjoy Celtic-style songs about hobbits, cats, kilts, Firefly, Star Wars, Star Trek, plus, Gunn’s rhythmic acoustic renditions of traditional Scottish and Irish songs.

9. “Irish Holiday”
by The Gleasons, http://www.thegleasonsmusic.com
from A Letter to Erin
words and music Dave Stevens

Fiddles, flutes, guitars, percussion and rich harmonies define the sound where Celtic and Pop music meet. That sound is The Gleasons. A mix of Celtic stylings and down home country soul, The Gleasons will take you on a musical journey leaving you smiling and stomping your feet.

10. “Yule Long and Holly Berries”
by Rathkeltair, http://www.rathkeltair.com
from Something Good for Christmas

Rathkeltair (pronounce rath-KELT-ur) is one of North America’s premier Celtic rock bands. Based in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and touring internationally since 2003, Rathkeltair delivers one of the most energetic, entertaining, audience-friendly shows you will see anywhere. Bringing together world-class musicians from Ireland, England and America, Rathkeltair is a seasoned group of veteran road warriors with incredible stories to tell. Together, they will take you on a rollicking journey through time and space. So hop in, and hitch a ride in the big white van- we don’t know where we’ll end up but you can bet it’ll be great fun. Because as any old road dog will tell you, it’s all about the journey, not the destination. That’s Rathkeltair.

11. “The Holly and the Ivy”
by Pandora Celtica, http://www.pandoraceltica.com
from On Thin Ice
words and music traditional

A 5-piece, dark faerie, acapella band. They sing traditional Celtic tunes, the occasional cover, and lots of original pieces in Celtic style.

12. “I Saw Three Ships Medley”
by Iona, http://www.ionamusic.com
from Mid-Winter Light
words and music traditional

IONA was founded in 1986 by lead singer/bouzouki/bodhran player, Barbara Tresidder Ryan & flute/whistle player/vocalist, Bernard Argent. One of the first & foremost pan-Celtic bands (performing music & dance from all the European suspects as well as their transplants in America), IONA tours internationally with 11 albums to date.

13. “Christmas in Pittsburgh 1943”
by Boston Blackthorne, http://www.bostonblackthorne.com
words and music by Jim O’Connor

Celtic and Irish-influence original music in a driving style with 3 part harmonies and traditional Irish instrumentation. The group’s second album, County Kerry to Kerry Park is inspired by one family’s emmigration from Dingle Ireland to Holyoke MA as featured in their original songs. “Bog Down in Christmas

14. “Bog Down in Christmas”
by Brobdingnagian Bards, http://www.thebards.net
from Christmas in Brobdingnag, Vol. 1
words Andrew McKee, music traditional

Scottish and Irish folk songs combined with the Lord of the Rings music and a wee bit o’Celtic fun. The Brobdingnagian Bards (pronounced brob-din-nahg-EE-en) are The Original Celtic Renaissance music duo. It’s great Celtic music from Austin, Texas. Their unique brand of folk music on the autoharp, recorder, and mandolin made them one of the most-popular Celtic groups online.

15. “We’re All Home for Christmas”
by The Malarkeys, http://www.themalarkeys.com
from Bloody Brilliant
words and music Gail and Karl Hourigan

Contemporary Canadian Celtic rock popsters, noted for their live performance Celtic mash-ups that throw traditional Irish pub songs into unlikely medleys with more modern rock songs.

16. “Christmas Waltz”
by The Brigands’ Folie, http://www.brigandsfolie.com
from Twain
music Jake Weller and Karen Garland

Brigands’ Folie is an exciting acoustic duo playing traditional Irish, Scottish, English, and colonial American music together around the Midwest since 2005. The band’s mission is to educate the public about the lives and stories of 18th & 19th Century settlers, soldiers, and sailors through music of the period.

17. “Silent Night”
by The Gothard Sisters, http://www.gothardsisters.com
from Christmas
words Joseph Mohr, music Franz Xaver Gruber

The Gothard Sisters are three young Celtic and classical musicians who write new arrangements of traditional celtic and christmas favorites. They are emerging young artists and dancers from the pacific northwest and play several instruments each, creating a warm sound of acoustic progressive celtic-classical folk.

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Special thanks to Cary Whitney for his generous support of this album.

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is an award-winning free Celtic radio show of independent Irish & Celtic music hosted by Marc Gunn. The show won “Best Podsafe Music” in 2009 and 2010 in the People’s Choice Podcast Awards. Each hour-long show features a mix of Celtic music by indie Celtic bands with styles ranging from the traditional to the contemporary. It is syndicated on a number of internet and terrestrial radio stations. Find out more details at http://www.celticmusicpodcast.com

Cover art and graphic design by Amanda Carman http://www.carmandaartsthings.com

Copyright 2013 Mage Records
http://www.celticchristmasmusic.net

 

 

Barbara Tresidder Ryan of Iona Speaks About The Music of the Celtic Nations

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

Barbara Tresidder Ryan

Silver is the new album by Celtic band Iona. With amazing arrangements of tracks and interesting choices of materials, I am sure listeners would like to hear the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of this album. And of course, the band as whole. It is quite an achievement to maintain that rush of creativity for decades.Barbara Tresidder Ryan, Bernard Argent, Chuck Lawhorn,  James K. Queen and Kathleen Larrick continue to make the music fresh and relevant in today’s generation. I am glad to be able to have a chat with Barbara Tresidder Ryan and the creative force behind the music. There is also a glimpse of her own musical life in the interview.  And oh, check out that video at the bottom of this post. She is an amazing player. So are the other members of Iona! So read along and enjoy.

 IONA as a band has been around for more than two decades. This is remarkable because it shows the member’s dedication to music! How does it feel releasing the new CD Silver?

Releasing “Silver” was just the natural progression of a long and passionate musical journey.  It has been bittersweet in some respects as the power of recorded albums has waned, giving way to the more diffuse acceptance of downloadable music, and the high tide of Celtic music, which peaked in the 90’s and early aughts, recedes.  CD sales, which were always a banner of success, are no longer the immediate gratification.  That being said, all of us in IONA are thrilled with the album as a production.

I love the music of the Celtic nations and I always make it a point to represent the many colors of the Celtic world. IONA is close to my heart being able to represent the music of the Celtic nations. Do you always make it a point to have this in mind every time you go to the studio to record new tracks for an album?

Celtic music, like Celtic design, has themes that resonate from one culture to the next.  Bernard Argent and I set out a long time ago to investigate and pursue the modal and rhythmic themes that wind through the music of ALL the Celts.  It’s freeing to launch into the ancient traditions where time signatures don’t have to conform to modern meters but to the movement of dancing feet, or sing a song that is in a mode that doesn’t even have a name!  When we choose our material, we do so by ear and what seems to fit together, borrowing from one tradition to complement another – rarely by intention: an Appalachian song just sometimes insists on being coupled with a Galician tune – we can’t argue!

 You have danceable tunes as well as ballads in Silver. I love IONA’s take on Dans les Prisons de Nantes which I iona silverfirst heard from Tri Yann. Will we be hearing more Breton music in your upcoming projects?

We always have lots of Breton music in our arrangements.  Many thanks to the fabulous Nolwenn Monjarret and her father, Polig, for introducing us to such a wealth of Breton songs, tunes and dances!

Manx music is really fascinating and the track 10 ( Moirney ny Cainle/Arrane y Guilley Hesheree/St. Ives Fer Moh ) is worth an applaud. How do all band members keep the authenticity of the language and a tune being from the United States where English is the primary medium of communication?

Having majored in languages and lived overseas all my young life, I’m attracted to all language sounds.  Jim Queen has also taken on language study more recently and has the ear.  We both speak French fairly fluently.  We are fortunate to have speakers of most of the Celtic languages in the Washington, DC area and are coached by them in the languages with which we aren’t familiar.  My background is Cornish and Scottish, and I traveled to Cornwall many years back to consult a Cornish bard on the re-emerging language of Kernow so I could sing with some authenticity.

 Your voice is unique because it sounds natural. How did you decide to maintain your vocal style while others want the more operatic, airy kind of voice?

I started out as a folk singer in the 60’s.  My mother was from Kentucky and I grew up surrounded by what we knew as American folk music which also happened to be the folk music of the British Isles.  A quick aside here to say it’s always been odd to hear, when we’ve toured in Scotland and England, that we’re singing “their” music when I’ve always thought of it s “mine”.  I trained for 10 years in my twenties and have used that training to keep my voice strong and healthy, not operatic.  At 63, I can sing 4 or 5 shows a day, even acoustically, for days and not tire.  I now teach these techniques to singers of all ages.

 Your live shows are not just appealing in the listening sense but you also have Celtic dance thrown in the mix. How is IONA different now compared to when you were all starting out?

When we started out, we were playing mostly Irish and Scottish/English music, since that was what we knew from childhood.  We traveled a lot and discovered that there was a whole lot more to Celtic music.  We played in sessions, contacted musicians from all the “nations”, founded a great Celtic festival, the Potomac Celtic Festival, bringing together all the elements, and just continued to grow as we absorbed all the amazing influences (as you seem to be doing as well!).  We have been fortunate over the years to have dancers, who have also been musicians, be part of the band, and to have learned Breton dances that are integral to our performances.  Highland dancer Susan Walmsley danced with us for 5 years, followed by Kathleen Larrick who grew up with Irish step dance and clogging, who has been with us for 6 years.

 Where can listeners buy Silver?

Silver is available on our website at http://www.ionamusic.com/silver.shtml and also from CDBaby and itunes.  We recommend http://iona.bandcamp.com for the highest quality digital downloads.

What are the exciting things waiting for all of you in terms of live shows this year?

We’re always working on new material that we’ll be introducing at our shows.  This year, we’re not touring too far afield, this being a time for developing arrangements.  Our schedule can be found at http://www.ionamusic.com/perform.shtml.

The DVD called Live! At the 333 has been released already. Do you have other DVDs ?

Not at this time, although there is an interesting compilation of 3 different performances of “Dans les prisons de Nantes” available on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALWFAR533oA.

 What’s your message to our readers?

Open yourselves to all the Celtic influences around you: listen for the commonality and rejoice in the differences.  We’re so lucky to be able to hear and experience such a broad range of music informed by the Celts worldwide!

Links:

http://ionamusic.com/

http://iona.us.com/

https://www.facebook.com/IONAmusic

Iona Celebrates 25 Years of Celtic Music with Silver!

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iona silver

IONA is THE pan-Celtic band iof the Washington, DC metro area: Barbara Tresidder Ryan (lead vocals, bouzouki, bodhran, pieds and guitar) Bernard Argent (flute, whistles, vocals and percussion), Chuck Lawhorn (bass guitar, vocals low whistle), Jim Queen (fiddle, banjo, vocals) and Kathleen Larrick (dance, vocals), formed in 1986.

Tracks:

1.Les Mardi Gras/Reuben’s Train/Le Reel Béatrice 04:23
2.  Willie’s Auld Trews/Fionnghuala/Tam Lin 06:22
3.Morwnad yr Ehedydd/Titrwm Tatrwm/Abergenni 04:28
4.Volviendo al Valle/Chouteira/Get You a Copper Kettle 08:37
5. Tail Toddle/The Morning Dew/The Ale is Dear 02:59
6. Seán Bháin/Chloë’s Passion 03:54
7. Les Poules Huppées/Ton Bal Eured/Tumbledown 05:58
8. Pachipi/Dans les Prisons de Nantes/Johnny’s Gone to France 04:53
9. The Trooper and the Fair Maid/Toddy MacPherson’s 04:43
10. Moirney ny Cainle/Arrane y Guilley Hesheree/St. Ives Fer Moh 04:08
11. Shetland Reels: Spootiskerry/Sleep Soond i’ da Moarnin’/Faroe Rum/Willafjord 03:58

Silver is the symbol of wisdom. It is also a term used in a certain type of voice to signify something pure and sparkling. For example, Judy Collins described the voice of Sandy Denny as ” Like Golden Silver’ because it is something you’ve never heard from anyone. Iona’s music reflects this maturity and the wealth of experience being in Celtic music for years. They have influenced other bands. And while their works are seminal, they never stopped breaking new grounds by creating fresh tunes which  celebrate global diversity yet still rooted in Celtic tradition.

Silver has eleven tracks of rich musicality that will continue to echo in your soul long after the CD has been removed from the player. The pieces are woven in such a way that the album sounds seamless . The tracks play in relation to each other while maintaining that diversity of arrangements all throughout the album. It celebrates the spirit of the Celtic nations as band members perform tracks varying between vocal and instrumental.

Silver is not just the joy of tunes but also of tongues. The multilingual approach of this project is  impressive. It is like being treated into a dinner of different flavours and aroma that your sense can’t help but be delighted. Throw in a dance number by Kathleen Larrick and you have a stunning live show. The DVD called Live! At the 333 has been released. note: The video was recorded live with no retakes or overdubs.

The tracks :

Les Mardi Gras/Reuben’s Train/Le Reel Béatrice which is the first track makes use of the percussive power of the French language based in Quebec.

Willie’s Auld Trews/Fionnghuala/Tam Lin is a Scottish medley of lively instrumentals and a puirt-a-beul vocal track based on the Hebridean tradition.

Morwnad yr Ehedydd/Titrwm Tatrwm/Abergenni takes us into the mystery of the  Welsh tradition.

Volviendo al Valle/Chouteira/Get You a Copper Kettle is a medley of Bolivian/Galician and Bluegrass music.

Tail Toddle/The Morning Dew/The Ale is Dear takes us into the marriage of Trad Scottish/Irish and of course Robert Burns.

Seán Bháin/Chloë’s Passion is a Scot tune along with a suggestive Irish tune. All translations can be found in the band’s website.

Les Poules Huppées/Ton Bal Eured/Tumbledown takes us into a buffet of French, Breton and Irish instrumental music.

Pachipi/Dans les Prisons de Nantes/Johnny’s Gone to France takes an adventurous dip into Breton and Irish tunes. This track tells of a prisoner of Nantes(which you might have originally heard from Tri Yann).

The Trooper and the Fair Maid/Toddy MacPherson’s  all Trad Scot divided between the first which is a vocal track and then segued into the second half which is instrumental.

Moirney ny Cainle/Arrane y Guilley Hesheree/St. Ives Fer Moh all frolicking into the Manx side of the Celtic musical culture. Impressive vocal harmonies there!

Shetland Reels: Spootiskerry/Sleep Soond i’ da Moarnin’/Faroe Rum/Willafjord celebrates the music of Shetland and Cape Breton fiddling styles.

It is hard to pick a favorite track because everything is impressive. I know trad music lovers must have heard some of these tracks performed by other artists but Iona gives them something refreshing and unique.

Links:

http://ionamusic.com/

http://iona.us.com/

https://www.facebook.com/IONAmusic

 

 

 

 

 

Waiting For St. Paddy .

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I had an overtime today for some remote training. Instead of heading home right away( because I feel tired, sleepy and hungry), I decided to cast these feelings aside and log on here. Yes it makes me happy to be able to send a  love letter to the world by bringing out interesting bands.

In this uncertain times there are  few that you can rely on. Even best friends can fail you. Yes even the best and the brightest people can fail. The only things  worth holding on to are 1. Family members 2. Music…well the rest follows but these two made it to the top list. I believe that blood is thicker than water. I know that family is not really defined by blood ties and you can find a family in everyone but then again that’s rare. Anyway just a little bit of things I think about there…

For the news:

The Irish are Coming! Irish Music Workshops

Cape Breton people listen up. The Irish are coming! Yup that’s what it says on the headline as an interesting workshop is on the way. This is sponsored by the Cape Breton University. Don’t I just love Cape Breton? I am sure you love to so join now: http://www.cbu.ca/content/irish-are-coming-irish-music-workshopshttp://www.cbu.ca/content/irish-are-coming-irish-music-workshops

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Celtic Christian Music-What A Joy:

This is big not just on St. Paddy’s day. After all there is something universal about Celtic music that can be enjoyed in all seasons and all religious practices. When something is  truly beautiful, it speaks to all. Famous names in attendance are: Iona, Moya Brennan, Eden’s Bridge( My new favorite band, though they are not really new to the music scene), The Crossing, Ric Blair Band, Jeff Johnson, Dave Bainbridge, Robin Mark, Kathryn Scott, Flatfoot 56, Troy Donockley, Deep Still, Leahys, Carol Arblaster, Skip Cleavinger, Noirin Niriann, and Daniel Nelson..

http://www.squidoo.com/CelticChristianMusic

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Irish music festival to benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Yes it says: Renton’s A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub and Restaurant is throwing a three-day Irish music festival in support of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society this weekend, starting today (Friday).

This is a beautiful event to explore if you are in the Seattle area.

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Kerry Records presents An Irish Hooley
The Emerald Isle Series

This looks explosive. Just look at these stars:

Riverdance star *Patrick Barnett*
Members of Slugger O’Toole Band
 Sensational Irish harpist Keri Zwicker
Irish actor Sheelagh Cullen
Irish singer: Laura Turner
The Kerry Dance Troupe
The Kerry Trad Orchestra

http://www.toaks.org/cap/tickets/events/event.asp?eventID=1576

Great Big Sea, Need Fire, Denez Prigent and Future Events

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July 13 marks a big day for Canada’s  Great Big Sea as they released a new album Safe Upon The Shore celebrating their 18th year in the industry.  The album is composed of 14 tracks . It has a wonderful cover artwork! “Nothing But a Song’ is the first single. There is something wonderfully bouncy about the song that reminds you it is summer.  Check out somewhere around 2:15 of this video where the fun really escalates..

Texas-based Celtic Rock band Needfire is also in the middle of a hectic tour. Their music is a combination of  straight ahead rock, Americana and celtic styles. Traditional instruments like bagpipes, fiddles and even didgeridoo are utilized both in recordings and live shows.   Check out the following schedules here: http://www.needfire.com/news.htm

Christian Celtic band Iona are preparing for their September tour this year. This band is fronted by Joanne Hogg who has one of the most beautiful voices since Moya Brennan and Karen Matheson. Watch out for latest updates here . Iona disappeared from the music scene for almost a decade and now it looks like they will sweep the scene once more.

I have been looking for a Tri Yann site in English because their official site is in French. There is however this one helpful link in English which lists their discography and videos . Check out NME’s Tri Yann page.

Galician culture finally has a home in The Galician Way, an online magazine that covers  topics from films, books,tunes, art and shows. Everything you need is there.

The official site of Breton singer Denez Prigent is now on construction. One of his musical highlights was having two  songs   featured in a movie Black Hawk Down with Lisa Gerrard (Gortoz A Ran is one of them). This song is entirely in Breton as you can see in this video. This is one song that is simply perfect when sang as a duet with former Dead Can Dance other half Lisa Gerrard.

AlzheiMelilla of YouTube provided a translation for this song:

Teuio en-dro an avel c’hlas
[Will come back the blue wind]
– Da analañ va c’halon c’hloaz’t
[To breathe my wounded heart]
– Kaset e vin diouzh e anal
[I will be pulled away by its blow]
– Pell gant ar red en ur vro all
[Far away by its stream to another land]
– Kaset e vin diouzh e alan
[I will be pulled away by its breath]
– Pell gant ar red, hervez ‘deus c’hoant
[Far away by its stream, wherever it wants]

Hervez ‘deus c’hoant pell eus ar bed
[Wherever it wants, far away from this world]
– Etre ar mor hag ar stered
[Between the sea and the stars]