His new trio Ghost Head Revival, combines traditional elements with adult alternative freshness. Karl has collaborated with many musicians in the Irish music scene. He is part of Tremolo and the band is very active these days.
This video will tell you that these guys have something fresh to offer in the music scene.
Ghosthead Revival (James Gornall/Clint Fitzgerald/Karl Nesbitt) are an eclectic acoustic trio – blending songwriting, instrumental and world music. Dynamic, sensitive and powerful, the trio is committed to reviving the more “Grass roots” techniques of recording, arrangement and performance. With up to seven different instruments between them, and many more influences, Ghosthead Revival are an exciting new act combining originals and re-invented covers.
North American fans are in for a musical treat this July. Four shows are scheduled for Legends of the Celtic Harp. According to Lisa Lynn Franco:
Four California shows with Patrick Ball, Aryeh Frankfurter and myself performing “Legends of the Celtic Harp” a musical tribute to the true stories and folklore of the harp through time. It is a wonderful show and Patrick is his usual self…Which is brilliant! It’s funny and moving and touches the heart.
Santa Cruz on July 5, Santa Barbara on July 6, Pasadena on July 7 and Fresno on July 8. Write me for details or visit www.LegendsOfTheCelticHarp.com
Music for a Peaceful Heart , the album, has been out since May 1. She is one of those musicians who introduced the atmospheric beauty and grace of the Celtic harp. The Circle of Joy is still my favorite instrumental track of all time.
Patrick Ball continues to bring the lyrical gift of Ireland to the world through harp music and spoken word.
Anyone who is interested in the sound of the wire-strung harp knows Patrick Ball. A fan of traditional Irish music isn’t a stranger to his name or music. If you are an insider, I am sure you have heard of O’Carolan’s Farewell to Music. This man knows intensity. He knows how to use it to put the audience under his spell.
Listening to his music is a wonderful excursion into the world of imagination. That unique bell-like purity of the wire strung harp or Clarsach has gained worldwide prominence lately and Patrick Ball is among those spearheading its renaissance. I read his biography and that years ago, this artist was studying to become a lawyer. I guess music finds us even in the most unexpected places and situations.
His music can move you to dance or to weep with its sublime beauty. Such magic contained in this instrument. And such power to move the emotions. Close your eyes and turn off the lights. Let the golden stars sparkle in every note. The album Wood of Morois is out in 2010. You can learn more about him through the links I attached here.
The orange cover artwork shows the silhouette of a bare tree with birds on its branches. One should be aware that experience and wisdom can bring about something excellent. I had the pleasure listening to Fine Friends by Sliotar. A band interview is coming out soon.
The few chords of the opening track remind you that Sliotar can pack a wallop. Stick the Kettle On is an instrumental tune with captivating grooves. The uilleann pipes of Ray MacCormac remind you that pipes replace electric guitars here. A quarter to two minutes of this song will send you pogo dancing with gusto.
All Too Real showcases the band’s songwriting style that has that adult alternative twist. Even JP Kallo’s singing style fits the format. For those who like their Irish music more contemporary and radio friendly this is a fine example.
All Around Lough Gillis another instrumental tune showcasing the tin whistle. The drumming of Des Gorevan maintains its crunch all throughout the album without being too over powering. It took me several listens to this track alone to note that we are dealing with complicated drum styles here. Listening to music is like detective work. You don’t see pieces of evidence unless you look further and really pay attention.
May Morning Dew is sung without accompaniment. The strong sometimes gruff vocals maintain that expressiveness. The lyrics and the reverb created by either the room size or mixing have that compelling combination.
One Chance is a personal favorite. I like the sunny melody here. JP sings ‘Another Monday morning, coffee keeps you going, running late for work’ I think the Sliotar should expand on this direction more. I hear keyboards. I hear that nice editing effect applied to the last part of the chorus. Whoever did the sound engineering here has done an excellent job. I give this a high- five!
Rays Heel catches you by surprise with its unpredictable arrangement. It begins with that stately tempo, which calls to mind an idle walk , then around 2:50, it explodes into that fast jig that again gets you on your feet.
I could not stop smiling to Rock-A-Bye Baby. It has that ingratiating appeal in its simplicity and intimacy, stripped of the drums. A perfect song to listen to when you are depressed and you want comfort. ‘Rock-a-bye baby..rain falls from the autumn sky..another wind blows hard and cold..let me keep you warm’ …Catchy!
Tinkering on the Bridge begins with the uilleann pipes and builds up into that foot tapping jig. It changes tempo at 2:05. The energy of this track really makes you rock your body.
Take it As it Is follows the vibe of track 7 but with the drums. This is one hell of a tear jerker.
Whiskey in the Sauna makes me imagine that I am catching butterflies with my fingers or doing a kung fu/ Arabic dance steps on a Saturday night after meeting kindred spirits. Have you tried drinking whiskey in the sauna?
The album closes with the solo vocal track Fine Friends. It reminds you that after the laughter, everyone must part ways.
The album Fine Friends, also tells us that after listening to all the tracks, you will surely come back for more.This album deserves more listens because like good friends, the songs provide company that are enriching in all aspects.
About Sliotar
Sliotar is a three piece band based in Dublin playing modern folk music.
The roots of the tunes they play come from the music of Ireland,
but in the past few years the group is relying more and more on original
compositions. Sliotars fourth album, Cirque de Sliotar, has finally captured
the modern sound that has been in development and has been an obvious
at their live shows. Sliotar has been around now over twelve years,
eight with the current line up, and they have one of the longest running
residencies in Dublin in the Porterhouse. Also in the past few years
Sliotar have changed their way of touring, resulting the band travelling
all around Europe and even further. And still the Sliotars best asset is
the live show. Around 200 concerts every year keeps the band tight and
the energy of their live show is something that can only be experienced
and is not for the faint hearted.
The beauty of two worlds. No other effect is achieved like the purity of two distinct instruments merging together creating symmetrical patters of sounds…If there is an imagery I can take to describe the beauty of Sophie and Fiacra’s music, then it has to be the Celtic knot work. Elegance, confidence and free spirited warmth are all reflected in the four sample tracks you can hear in their audio and video gallery.
The two came from musical backgrounds. Sophie Lavoie, is from Quebec and she was introduced to music from a very young age. From piano, she moved to the violin incorporating both Classical and folk influences of her region. Fiachra O‘Regan, from Connemara, on the West Coast of Ireland, released his own solo album and has been known in festival circuits playing and teaching pipe music.
These two musicians have something fresh to offer in the Celtic music scene. Not only that they play beautifully, but they also take their website image seriously. You can buy their albums here: http://sophieandfiachra.com/shop
Since the start in 2008, Sophie & Fiachra have gone from strength to strength with performances in Canada and throughout Europe, and TV appearances on RTÉ and TG4 in Ireland, and Borio Channel in Germany.Sophie & Fiachra have just recently recorded their debut eponymous album (buy). Their concept is fresh and original; music from Sophie’s native Quebec blended with that from Fiachra’s home, Ireland. The result is pure powerful music.
Both band members are very much devoted and true to their traditions in terms of music, and each have been influenced by listening to recordings of Masters from previous generations as well as Current Masters. They share many tunes as their music shares its origins. The styles of these two musicians blends naturally and without compromise; their music is vibrant, rhythmic, and timeless. This Is Old Quebec meeting with Old Ireland.
Because of the Styles of these individual musicians and the nature of their instruments, the music ofSophie & Fiachra sounds like much more than a two piece band. This energetic music promises to entertain and astonish all Audiences.
Celtic Music Fan 