Anyone who picked up a copy of Paddyrasta’s album knows the great voice of Brian Gilligan. I am glad he continues his foray into the world of groove, sunshine and beaches in this amazing album ‘Everything comes to those who wait’ from Celtic Reggae Revolution. This album also features the talent of Northern Irishman Jarlath Henderson, dubbed as one of the finest exponents of the uilleann pipes in the world, he also plays, low whistle, tin whistle, flute and cittern in addition to having a fine voice.
I love the consistency of this album. This is Irish music meets Jamaican beats. And yes, according to history: There have long been connections between Ireland and Jamaica: 350 years ago, after the defeat of Irish rebels by Oliver Cromwell’s army, thousands of young Irish boys and girls were forcibly transported to Jamaica to work as indentured servants. Many of the Irish ended up working alongside black African slaves, in similar conditions, on the plantations. Read more here:http://www.celticreggae.org/blog.html
This an album for all party people and corporate ones trying to unwind after a long day’s work. You can dance, sway or just relax and let the beautiful vocals and instruments wash over you. An album of fine beauty and excellent production. Speaking of production, Celtic Reggae Revolution was mastered by U2’s engineer Pete Maher of Top Floor Music.
I love the instrumental Ghandi’s Triumph. You will love everything here. The opening track My Sweet Child is winning. There are reggae renditions of traditional tracks like the well loved ‘Raggle Taggle Gypsy’ and ‘Spancil Hill.’ And yes the original tunes are also going to be classic on their own because they are really really fantastic! Take note of the sweet female voice in the duets.
Musicians who have featured with the Celtic Reggae Revolution include Jarlath Henderson (Uileann pipes, Low whistle), Martin MacDonald (Acoustic Guitar), Aly Salam (Drums and Percussion), Moya Sands (Vocals), Spider Mackenzie (Harmonica), Brian Gilligan (Vocals, Banjo, Mandola, Guitar and programming), Tom Roche (Button Box) and backing vocalists Becka Gauld, Laura Asensio Plaza and Jayne Carmichael.
Members: Damien McCarron – Vocals, Guitar
Mike Nile – Vocals, Guitars, Mandolin, Harmonica and Electronic Bagpipe
Renee Fine – Fiddle/Violin
Aaron Haywood – Bass
Francesco(Cheech) Mannone – Drums
Guesting on occasion:
Neale Heywood – Guitar
Ryan Bunnell – Guitar
Tracks
1. Whiskey Tonight/2. Ceili Mor /3. It’s You /4. Hold On to You /5. Story Rory /6. Lady Jane /7. New Lease On Life /8. Man of All Seasons /9. Doin’ Fine/10. Roll This Stone/11. The Cure/12. Dreaming of You/13. Big Storm Rising/14. Dublin Day
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Work is the curse of the drinking class according to Oscar Wilde. For a moment The Indulgers, a band of Irish rockers based in Colorado treat us to songs that span generations, styles and yes drinking tables. Fine musicianship, witty lyrics and the lead singer’s beautiful vocals are among the things that you will encounter when you listen to the band. Whiskey Tonight is the band’s best effort to date. It’s also their seventh studio album.
The album begins with Whiskey Tonight. Notice the aural-stitching- fiddle- extravaganza courtesy of Renee Fine. The foot stomping beat is one of the band’s signature sound along with the rocking chorus of instruments that will rock your socks off. Ceili Mor has tight harmonies and amazing bagpiping there. This reminds me of a Celtic war music. It’s You insures to draw a smile with its playful melodies and catchy chorus. As lead singer Damien McCarron croons ” It’s you” makes you visualize the smile in the song.
Hold On to You has an echo of the Dubliners which combines the Celtic warlike atmosphere of the second track. Rockin’ sweetness greets us with Story Rory in the vein of Thin Lizzy. I kind of like the sound effect of the crowd shouting “Rory” as if in an arena. Very glam. Lady Jane is one of those narrative ballads which calls to mind the reinterpretation of The Highwayman by Loreena McKennitt. It has that Spaghetti Western Feel.
New Lease On Life is a straight ahead Celtic rocker. The talents of Aaron Haywood on bass and Francesco (Cheech) Mannone on drums really shine. Man of All Seasons charms its way into your debonair heart. Mike Nile played around five instruments in this recording. The guitars in this track are lovely! It’s fiddling heaven once again with Doin’ Fine (which is the only instrumental track in the album). Drums, bass and guitars do their wonderful stuff here. Adventure and soliloquy inhabit the ocean of Roll This Stone. I love the use of vocal effects where Damien’s voice sounds like it’s coming from an old AM radio broadcast. The Cure takes us into the subject of legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. I’ve seen a video of this a few months back but I had no idea it would be part of Whiskey Tonight. I love the tight vocal harmonies and harmonica.
Dreaming of You is easy to sing along with. Big Storm Rising recalls the Celtic warlike atmosphere of the second track. The use of power chords and minor scales give this track a somewhat metallic edge. Dublin Day closes this amazing album. The soaring string parts and fast but steady rhythm makes this one of the most unforgettable closing track for an album. I love closing tracks and this one satisfies to the max. Here’s an interesting trivia: Neale Heywood, who has occasionally joined them on stage, is also in Fleetwood Mac and Lindsey Buckingham’s band. He plays on all seven of their CDs. Ryan Bunnell also joins them on stage/studio on guitar as guest musician on occasion.
Whiskey Tonight channels the energy of Celtic rock with smart pop appeal. The album is so infectious it is tragic not to own it.
The band’s bio:
Add up well over a thousand shows, tours across the U.S. and Ireland, numerous festivals, town concerts, fairs, pubs and theatres, and you have fourteen years in the life of Colorado’s Celtic rock pioneers, The Indulgers.
The Indulgers, a Celtic rock band with a unique western/americana twist, hail from Boulder and Golden, Colorado USA, but their musical roots and influences can be found in Ireland.
It began with The Indulger’s first song “In Like Flynn”, written and recorded thirteen years ago – which garnished awards from “Just Plain Folks” for best celtic song of the year as well as the CD receiving best celtic album of the year. Now over a decade later The Indulgers continue to push forward with new and exciting original celtic rock music. The Indulgers are working on their upcoming 7th CD “Whiskey Tonight” releasing the first single and video… “Whiskey Tonight” soon followed by the second single and video “Ceili Mor” (The Big Dance), a song written in Gaelic with a video that was inspired by Th’ Gatherin’ Festival in Wakeeny, Kansas where clan warriors gather to compete each year.
“Whiskey Tonight” follows The Indulgers 6th CD “Out In The West”, (nominated for best celtic album in 2009 by Just Plain Folks) featuring songs inspired by the western legends, culture, and experiences of the Irish/Scottish immigrants, who came to America bound for a new life in the west.
The Indulgers continue to create and develop an exciting blend of celtic rock/western/folk rhythms that move and inspire, delivering energetic live shows from San Francisco to New York City and abroad, including a successful tour of Ireland making arrangements with a professional travel agency to bring along friends and fans interested in touring with the band. Flights, hotels, bus, food, and a site-seeing tour guide was included in the package trip. The band perfomed in Ennis with Johnny Fean guitarist and vocalist of Horslips, a band considered to be one of the true pioneers of celtic rock music, and after a live radio broadcast in Kilkenny performed at the famed Cleere’s Theater, ending with a livley night in Damien’s hometown Howth, a beautiful fishing village just outside of Dublin. Damien’s family, friends, and locals joined the “Ireland Tour” crew for a memorable final night performance in Ireland. The band made many new friends and contacts on the journey and look forward to returning to Ireland as soon as possible bringing along another bus full of adventure seekers.
When not touring The Indulgers can always be found playing in their home pub Conor Oneill’s in Boulder, or at Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Pub in Denver, along with several other wonderful Irish pubs and venues along the rocky mountain front range.
For BOOKING INFORMATION contact THE INDULGERS at 303 949-7784 or dmccarro@comcast.net or visit www.shamrocker.com
World Music Award Winners
(Westword 1999, 2008 & 2010)
Irish Music Association Nominee 2009
Five times JPfolk Music Awards Nominees
(Winners Ethnic CD 2000 – In Like Flynn)
(Winners Celtic Song 2000 – In Like Flynn)
(Nominated Celtic CD 2005 High Road to Heaven)
(Nominated Celtic CD 2009 Out In The West)
(Nominated Celtic Song 2009 When We Were Young)
“World Class Music” – KBCO Radio
“Everyone’s favorite Irish band”
– Rocky Mountain News
“Denver’s Shamrockingest band”
– The Denver Post
It’s almost weekend. I hope you are all fine and not feeling sick like me. Ok now, I have links that are posted on the facebook fanpage of The Celtic Music Fan and I think they are worth a mention here:
Here’ s a shout out from Trudy Carroll: Today lets help support mental health services for young people and #WalkInMyShoes day @WIMS2013
This one was mentioned by Jeremy Poitin : “More great music from the English folk revival scene – Arlet”
Here is one band from Belgium playing Celtic music. They call themselves: Celtiquez-vous
Kevin O’Donnell Photo courtesy of Noah Smulkis (Ceolwind Productions)
For years, singer/songwriter Kevin O’Donnell devoted his artistry on the stage and writing. The past fifteen years have been productive so far, spawning books called Fado and prior to that, he founded the Irish-American folk group Arranmore. He also played leading roles in several plays including Twelve Angry Men, The Sensuous Senator, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), Flowers for Algernon, and Neil Simon’s, I Ought To Be In Picturestook off and life happened.
Deep is the Well is the return of Kevin O’Donnell to the musical spotlight. The Celtic Music Fan convinced Kevin to do this interview because this is an important project in terms of spreading the Irish-American experience out there. Those who love history will appreciate the richness of artistry that the project has brought to the fore. It also a snapshot of past lives. History is precious and it is a source of inspiration, a deep well of passion in which we drink to face the future. The Celtic Music Fan presents our featured artist Kevin O’Donnell.
Now that Deep is the Well has finally got its official release, what’s the personal impact of the experience recording and then releasing this album?
The concept of this album has been gestating for a long time. So, it’s like giving birth! I am relieved, excited and a little bit nervous. It’s my first solo album and marks my public re-entry into music after being away from it for 15 years.
You have worked with amazing talents in this album, especially with Maurice Lennon and the gang. How was the experience working with them?
I have this theory: surround yourself with the best musicians you can find – they can only make you sound better and elevate your compositions. There are so many talented performers on this album. I feel very fortunate that they thought enough of my songs and believed in the project so strongly as to want to be a part of it. Maurice was personally responsible for getting his friends Finbar Furey in from Ireland and Jessica Willis up from Nashville to participate.
Maurice is an amazingly creative person to work with and we connected right away with a similar musical vision. That’s really important. He was, as producer, able to commit to the tracks how I hear, as the writer, my own songs in my head. That’s what a good producer does. He is a consummate professional and gentleman. He possesses a keen and rare sense of what works and what doesn’t before it’s even recorded. He pulled things out of me musically that I didn’t even know I was capable of and I’ve been at this for nearly 40 years. He has all these musical ideas floating around in his head at once that he doesn’t tell you about, you just wait to hear them fly off of his finger tips in the studio. We had a great time together over the 11 months it took to record this album. He’s a phenomenal talent and the best producer I have ever worked with – bar none.
I’ve known and performed with Kathleen Keane over the years and always admired her trove of talent. I actually wrote the song “She” several years ago specifically with her in mind to sing. It’s the first and only time I wrote a song intended for someone else to perform.
John Williams first recorded with me back in 1989 – I think he had just become old enough to get his driver’s license. A master of the “less is more” philosophy, he has an uncanny sense of knowing what to play and what not to play rather than thinking he gets paid by the note. He also takes direction well in the studio. When Maurice told him he wanted a “Flaco Jimenez feel” on the accordion track for the song “Girl From Durango,” John responded, “Got it. Just enough taco sauce to make the listener want to go out to a Mexican restaurant for dinner afterwards.”
Deep is the Well calls to the fore the distilled experiences of Irish immigrants to the United States.
(One specific family, to be more precise)
The songs are very intimate.
Thank you.
Was choosing every material to record a hard task for you?
Yes. There were three additional tracks planned but we did not record them. After careful consideration and much debate, Maurice and I agreed that the additional 3 songs would make the album too long and detract from the general melancholy theme of the album.
This album celebrates the deep connection between Ireland and the United States. What’s the significance of the title Deep is the Well for you?
I would like to turn the tables: what does it mean to you? In the context of the project, it has many meanings on many levels for me. When I began this endeavor in 2010 I just referred to it as t”he concept album”. Even in the studio, we had no title for the project for the first 6 or 7 months . Then, one day Maurice and I were engaged in a discussion about, whatever, and he used the expression “the well from which we all come from is very deep, Kev.” As soon as he said it I said, “that’s it Maurice. We’re putting that into the track “A Letter Home”, and that’s the title of the album right there – Deep is the Well.”
What are your top 5 albums this month?
Frankly, I haven’t had time lately to listen to much music.
These songs are sad. In The Ballad of Jackie Ryan Fagan, tells about a musician who passed away. Most of the songs seem like a lament. They are sad but the melodies are beautiful and hopeful. In a way this is very Irish to me. Was it your intention to make it this way?
Absolutely, it is thematic of Irish folk songs. And it pleases me to know that you picked up on that.My natural musical inclination is deeply rooted in both Irish and Americana/Folk music. The album is a compilation of one Irish family’s experience in America over several generations. I wanted to I wanted to capture that aurally – make sure that each song conveyed elements of Irish and American influence in their content, arrangements, and instruments; countering tin whistle with dobro, for example, concertina with cello, electric tremolo guitar with Spanish guitar, and so on. It was also important to me that within the context of the album to have a cross-section of musical performers from both sides of the Atlantic, bringing with them their unique and wide variety of musical styles. For instance, in addition to including 4 all-Ireland performers (Maurice Lennon, Finbar Furey, John Williams, and Jessica Willis), I reached out to:
Larry Gray, (double bass) who was born in Chicago and is considered by many to be one of the work’s foremost Jazz bassists. He’s also an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana;
John Rice is a true Chicago legend – master of just about any musical idiom or instrument with strings attached to it;
Another Chicagoan, Bill Lanphier, toured with Madonna, performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and now lives in L.A. playing and writing books on Bulgarian and Macedonian Folk music;
And Haley O’Donnell, my daughter, a classically trained pianist.
It’s been fifteen years before you got back to the studio. How was the rest of those years prior to Deep is the Well?
Not just in the studio. With few exceptions (getting called up to the stage to perform a song or two every once in a while) , it’s been 15 years since I performed in front of an audience. I spent 22 years trying to become an “overnight success” as a songwriter, and the last 15 trying to forget it. After leading my own band for 14 years and playing on my own and in various groups for eight years before that, I grew increasingly disenchanted with that prospect. The last year or two had become sheer drudgery. I was miserable and I could see no point continuing. So I just stopped playing music altogether.
It was a chance encounter with Maurice Lennon about 4 years ago that began to turn the tide. We became friends (although we were acquainted with each other prior to that from playing festivals around the US in the 80’s and 90’s).
Could this be the start of more albums from you?
Hard to say at this point. We’ll see.
I see this album as something that Chicagoans can be proud of.
That’s very kind of you to say.
This really shows the kind of great things that can come out of your area. How’s the overall Irish-American music culture over there?
A couple of years ago, my wife and I were in Ireland on a book tour promoting Fado. We were in Donegal town for the evening and I asked a local gentleman where could we go to hear some good traditional Irish music. He thought about if for a few seconds and said “Chicago, great music there, so there is,” and he walked on. Very lively music scene here with plenty of great talent. The Irish American Cultural Center on the Chicago’s north side and Gaelic Park in the south suburbs are flourishing with cultural, literary, music and sporting events. There are many smaller Irish festivals throughout the suburbs during the summer months and nearby Milwaukee hosts the largest Irish music/cultural event in the world. It has been running for more than 30 years. And of course, there is no shortage of Irish pubs/music/sesiuns.
Live shows are coming soon. Are you nervous?
Extremely.
What do you expect as Deep is the Well is going to take a life of its own? I learned from releasing my book, Fado: if you set your expectation very low, you won’t be disappointed. Then, the book took on a life of its own with little meddling on my part, and it has become quite successful. I poured the money I made from that into the album, Deep Is The Well. I’m at a much different place in my life now than I was when I was younger and what drives me as an artist and a writer is different too. I’ve learned not to try too hard, and to expect nothing. Let it run its own course and be happy with that. With Deep Is The Well I just wanted to tell a story and engage the listener with some history, hopefully in an interesting way, that they might listen to it and enjoy the journey and be encouraged to explore their own family’s place in the vast American fabric. That is why the CD comes with a 20 page booklet and an interactive website with the Fagan family tree, history, character backstories, photos, lyrics, guitar chords, blog, videos and other interactive content.
Where can listeners buy your albums and your books?
Since we are celebrating the Irish-American experience with our featured artist Kevin O’Donnell, why not take a listen to this track? It’s a song originally done by American artist Belinda Carlisle, now covered and performed (with a new arrangement) by Northern Irish singer/songwriter and coloratura soprano Eve Williams.
“I don’t record a lot of covers but I really love this song.” Eve Williams.
Athrú:Another traditional Irish band from Antrim Northern Ireland. The exuberant tunes and brilliant musicianship are not to be missed by lovers of Celtic music.
The Last Pint which is the first track off their online debut EP already tells you what this contemporary Irish trad group can create: beautiful melodies, exciting tunes and great instrumental renditions. I could not stop moving my head to the energetic rhythms. Bodhran,whistles,flutes, fiddle, banjo,bouzouki and guitar are all showcased each having its own spotlight in this wondrous carousel of instrumental fun.
The Inver Bank Set lights up the playlist with its own brand of rhythm and partying of instruments. By the time you hear Marga’s you will be smiling because the tin whistle sounds joyful. All the instruments sound like they like to be with each others company. Athrú is another example of such wonderful outcropping of traditional Irish bands in Northern Ireland. It’s the same place that gave us talents like Cara Dillon, Déanta, Realta and of course our artist of the week Eve Williams. You’ve got to watch out for this band because they have more amazing stuff waiting to be unleashed.
They are influenced by such diverse music of Beoga, Flook, Patrick Davey, Lunasa, John McSherry, Emma Sweeney, LA and Moxie among others.
Current update:
We’re playing at the “Trad for Rescue” concert tonight night in The Wild Duck Portglenone. Admission £6 and concert starts at 8.30pm. Niamh McGlinchey, Kask and Ioscaid will all be performing! If your free head on down :)-Athrú
There are amazing stuff going on in my news feed again so I want to share some of them with you:
This was originally shared and posted by 67 Music:
Pacific NW singer/songwriter, Colleen Raney is underway with preparations for a new album. It wasn’t to long ago that we caught up with her on the release of “Lark”. http://youtu.be/aNY32KeLtf8
Irish singer Colleen Raney has a wonderful new album entitled “Lark”, and held several CD Release Parties to celebrate. 67 Music caught up with her at The Secret Society Ballroom in Portland on Jan. 22nd, 2011, two days after the official release.
SkOt talks with Colleen prior to her show about her new record and other topics.
Learn more about Colleen, her music, tour dates and news at: http://www.colleenraney.com http://thesecretsocietylounge.com http://sixtysevenmusic.com
Yes folks Elva MacGowan is returning, this time with an EP called Secret Love. As the title suggests, expect standards, silky vocal delivery and exquisite musicianship. According to her:
“I have just recorded a single (Cry Me A River) taken from my forthcoming EP Secret Love.”
What can we expect from Secret Love?
“I am blending my knowledge of vocal performance with my love of old time jazz standards and traditional Irish accompaniments.
Who are the talents involved? You will be pleased: traditional musicians Donncha Moynihan on Guitar and Karl Nesbitt on Low Whistle and Bodhran.
Arthur Hamilton’s ‘Cry Me A River’ is a unique cover because it features traditional Irish instruments by traditional musicians. Elva MacGowan’s Celtic music projects are widely acclaimed and supported by peers in the industry. And this single is a testament to that fine artistry and control. I love other types of music and Jazz influenced my growing up. To have it in the same room as Traditional Irish music is such a wild thing!
How’s your Sunday folks? I want to give a big shout out to my friend The Wild Irish Poet Alan Cooke. It’s his birthday today. I also read in advance the copy of his new book The Spirit of Ireland(An Odyssey Home) . The cover above is just a possible cover as nothing is decided yet. I will be publishing my review soon and I got important quotes from this book. Anyway here’s the trailer:
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The Scottish New Music Awards: If you have any UK artist whom you think deserves and award, then go ahead and submit your nomination to http://www.scotmusicawards.co.uk/index.html
It is great to open up emails over coffee and so I had this conversation with artist Eve Williams who lives in Northern Ireland. She’s the one who actually talked about the link. According to her:
I really like the idea… coz nowadays music is not just about what’s in the charts. There are some great independent artists and they contribute to their local communities by playing and getting people out to hear them! The music industry in Northern Ireland is woeful. Hardly any venues, no publishers… the republic is better.
Celtic Music Fan 