Before the 2010s, Irish musician Karl Nesbitt started an exceptional but modest musical venture as an instrument tutor. He also collaborated with other musicians and then released his solo album The Good News in 2003. His more popular sister Mairead Nesbitt was already on top of the global charts with Celtic Woman. However, I am more drawn to Karl’s somewhat introspective style of music. His music explores elements of pop, jazz, folk, and a little bit of classical. However, his style and delivery are hugely rooted in traditional Irish music. He then withdrew from the music scene for reasons only known to him. The traditional music scene continued and, in my opinion, became enormous. However, I am unsure how streaming services like Spotify affect independent artists. I am also suspicious that the music industry has favored artists who promote their work via Youtube and other platforms, including TikTok. However, this makes me cringe, knowing that there are artists who are not and will never be part of this scene. Sure, these days, you have to be a businessperson/accountant and sales agent to survive in the music industry. But it saddens me that this stretches the creativity that an artist loses while multitasking. Karl recently released an album called One in late May of 2022. It is an Irish fusion instrumental album that is highly energetic, inventive, and atmospheric. However, I am disappointed that little fanfare happened in the Irish music community. Something like this should be celebrated, right? However, the music scene is fickle, and people have short-term memory like social media. You have to start from scratch to promote your stuff, especially when the wave you rode crested and the world moved on. But real music lovers like me don’t see it that way. We always remember, right? We can wait for decades until an artist releases something. And when it happens, we love that work and shout it to the world. Karl is currently performing live music with other musicians, and you can see his music updates via his Instagram account. Yes, I follow his posts and show support because we should celebrate such talent. It is rare these days. And it is a beautiful kind of music.
I got my second dose of the covid vaccine today! And while I felt the relief of that, I also kept in mind that fitness is vital. That is why cycling has played a massive part in my darkest times. And when I am not pushing watts, I calm down to listen to my favorite bands in the genre.
Clannad is one band that has grown with me from my teen years up to this time. I don’t know if you are aware or agree that the band has undergone three significant musical evolution. There’s Clannad of the 70s still with their distinct sound. While other Irish bands have gone either folk, rock, or pop, this band has incorporated many styles. This is due to the many musical interests of various members. It’s Ciaran Brennan who infused the band’s rock energy and jazz sophistication. The latter is also what made their Celtic sound unique. While other bands go toward either electronic or New Age, Clannad never professes any loyalty to any genre. But of course, the record labels have to make that categorization for marketing purposes, right?
I do miss the Jazz (or smooth jazz)flavor they incorporated, starting with Anam up to Landmarks. The latter is, for me, their masterpiece album because it has all the elements that I admire in the band. These are months of introspection(Europe is approaching Autumn). It is refreshing to go back to the sounds that remind us of a far different world from today. I have listened to some of the band member’s solo projects, like Moya Brennan’s solo albums. Their influences are evident, which is highlighted by the musicians they choose to collaborate with.
I have to say I miss hearing Pol Brennan’s soprano sax and also the input of other core band members like the Duggans. Supposing you are introducing someone to Clannad for the first time, so where do you start? Below are my top ten picks:
1. Na Laetha Bhi (The Days that Were)-This might not be part of their more popular offerings, but this is the first song that hooked me. It’s from their 1993 album Banba. The first time I heard this was inside a record store. Everyone turned around because the sound what so different and haunting. It is further propelled by Moya Brennan’s contralto vocals.
2. Autumn Leaves Are Falling- This is taken from Landmarks. As I said, the album is a masterpiece with many excellent tracks. Yet, this one has that vibe that falls between folk and Jazz. It is also one happy tune that makes you smile at the thought of Autumn. Each instrument compliment this artfully crafted tune. It has imagery of churchyards, countryside-everything that makes Ireland fascinating.
3. Newgrange-The power of the band’s sound is its capacity to transport you. When they sing about the ancient Irish tradition, they don’t tell you. They take you there. This is what many bands lack now. I have been looking for that haunting quality in any band, but that is so rare these days.
4. The Hunter- This is another lovely song from the compilation album Past Present. By the way, that album is also a great introduction to the band’s music in the 80s era. I love the drums, the vocal layering and also the pulsing bass.
5. Forces of Nature(From Warriors of Virtue)-A beautiful song accompanying a movie that I enjoyed! This song is Clannad in the 90s.
6. A Dream In The Night-This song is from the animation The Angel and the Soldier Boy. This track is one of those tunes I love playing during the holidays.
7. In Fortunes Hand- This is a perfect song for driving. The energy is further embellished by the beautiful beats and that smooth saxophone.
8. Why Worry-This is a song I got from a smooth jazz compilation album before I got hold of Anam, where this song came from. The swaying track lulls you to daydream-which is the thing you need these days.
9. Let Me See- I haven’t seen a live version of this beautiful song anywhere. This one is an epic track that always makes me smile when I listen to it. That amazing snare drum and buoyant bass is the strength of this track. Clannad is an excellent band. Moreso because everyone brings their styles into the creative process. I hope they come up with another album like Landmarks.
10. Something to Believe In(with Bruce Hornsby)-People have probably forgotten that Moya Brennan had duets with many artists. Big names like Bono, Robert Plant, Bruce Hornsby, Paul Young, Michael McDonald, Shane MacGowan and more. She is an excellent live performer too. This song is a testament to the band’s musical range. This is a style that they might never revisit, but it is excellent that they explored this phase in their glorious musical career.
Let me know your favorite Clannad songs in the comments section below.
Writing this in my mobile phone because I can’t wait to go home for the computer. This is just after stopping by for a coffee after a fixie ride. Yes it is a beautiful day. And one of the reasons is after hearing Atlas again! They have a music video. Check it out. It has a lot of amazing things. If you remember, the music was taken from their album Affinity which was launched using a kickstarter campaign.
The track I am talking about is called Tontine. It has that classical and jazz feel. The string section adds warmth and the groove section of bass and drums make you want to snap your fingers and tap your feet(which I was doing while listening to the music).
Atlas are Cillian Doheny and Cillian King. I followed then since the beginning of this decade because if their exceptional talents in trad music.
A Beautiful Album, The Arrows that Murder Sleep: Just in time for Samhain!
Nothing is better than waking up at three in the morning (after sleeping more than 8 hours) to the music of this fantastic Sean-Nós singer. His name is Lorcán Mac Mathúna and he is from Dublin. His newest album is The Arrows That Murder Sleep.The music glides in and out reflecting the ancient Irish atmosphere. It is an album for those who appreciate Irish music in its purest sense. This is the style/type that has drawn me to the genre. The vocal music. His voice represents the ancient and the modern Ireland. Backed by notable names in the industry, The Arrows that Murder Sleep is highly recommended for those who are passionate about the works of Iarla Ó Lionáird, Niamh Parsons, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Aoife Ní Fhearraigh and many more.
The album has twelve songs and features contributions from Eoghan Neff, Seán MacErlaine, Daire Bracken and the compositional beauty of Martin Tourish. This album also represents the best of Mac Mathuna’s compositions over a six-year period.
So what is the idea behind this album? I got this from the TradConnect Review:
The Arrows that Murder Sleep is a collection of sensual moments of ancient Irish literature, brought fully to life by a group of virtuoso musicians with powerful melodies and dynamic, cinematic, arrangements. It features songs taken from three major commissioned cycles (including the millennial celebration of the Battle of Clontarf, and the Life of Colmcille commissioned by the 2013 All-Ireland Fleadh cheoil, Derry). It includes two songs in English and nine in Irish. And it includes one solo Sean-Nós song (Contae Mhuigheo) and an instrumental response to that; (Paddy Lynch’s ship).
I love all of the songs in the album but River Roe is perhaps my personal favorite. I have to remind you that though this album might not appeal to all types of music listeners, this will definitely appeal to SERIOUS lovers of Irish music.
From the first track to the last, The Arrows That Murder Sleep unfolds like a beautiful but not hurried movie. Everything almost feels abstract as melodies and vocals flow in and out seamlessly. The talents and love that the musicians put in this project are commendable and I hope to see more releases like this in the future; and yes more albums from Lorcán Mac Mathúna. A big thank you to TradConnect for the sounds!
Here’s the wonderful text from the artist:
Buíochas
Putting these songs together wouldn’t be possible without the support and generosity of many people. From the people who contributed their skills and talents in making this album to the closer family relations who have given support and time to make it possible. Thanks to my musical companions: Martin, Eoghan, Seán, an Daire for starters. And Liam for taking on the task of capturing the music. Special thanks to friends and family. Especially to my constant companions ar an domhain mór seo: Emma, Aoibha, Meadbh “Tiny the Bearie,” and Fiach MacHugh.
Thanks also to those who commissioned works from me and the musicians on this album over the years. To Martin Harte in the Temple Bar Company; to Eibhlín Ní Dhochartaigh of Culturlann Uí Channáin and the Derry all Ireland Fleadh; to Armagh Pipers Club’s Brian Vallely; and Liam Carson of Imram. To an Comhairle Ealaíonn, CC Átha Cliath, and the NI Arts Council.
Thanks also to Brian Fay and the DIT fine arts students; To Rónán whose beautiful paintings adorn this digibook; Úna for the technical know how ; Manus Ó Dhomhnaill and Mícheáil Ó Bhruadair for putting it on record at Port na dTrí Namhaid and death row respectively; to Dad and Mam for the love and perseverance and for getting the kids to love sean-nós. An tOll. Damian Mac Manus ó TCD agus Ann Marie Dowling as ucht cabhair len Seana-Ghaeilge. And to an tArd Rígh, Cormac Mac Cearbhaill, for his far seeing Copyright precedent in C.558 AD. We artists really needed that.
This album was produced with the support of An Comhairle Ealaíonn.
The traditional music collective is ever growing with people creating sites and musicians uploading more links to their works. I dropped by my buddies at the TradConnect forum and threw them a question. I was asking about useful topics because these past few days were trying. I think I am suffering from writer’s block.It is hard to think and writing was a struggle. But that is life. Sometimes you make it easy, sometimes you walk the hard road. And the hardest roads are the ones that shape you and make you think about what kind of person you are.
I have learned that anger can change you and turn you into someone else. But stepping back, and asking your soul is always helpful-but hard amidst the raging storm. I was off from an island vacation. I remember how angry the sea was and how scared I was. And I left it with the waves still angry.
Within this adventure. Our bus passed by a victim of a motorcycle accident. I didn’t look at the window. People said there was too much blood. Then I look ahead just a few meters from the scene of the accident and realized how the world didn’t care. How butterflies and birds still dance in the wind. How people go on with their daily lives not caring that a tragedy has happened. And the sky was ever blue, not mindful of the darkness behind. Scenes such as these makes you think….how fragile we all are and how frail our voices can be, so helpless against the humdrum of the world around us. So there is no one to deal with your broken soul but you. Love yourself more…that is the only way to be saved! Because sometimes…no one will.
The guys are really helpful and enthusiastic . I like to thank Jim McAuley for the wonderful links he provided me. Here’s his video playing Parnell’s March and Strop The Razor.
Jim and Friend’s :Jim McAuley (fiddle) – Daire Taylor ( Pipes ) Morton Robinson ( Banjo ) and John Morrow ( Guitar ),, At of Local Session, all player’s are from East Antrim.
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Below are useful links for those who are trying to gather more information about Traditional Irish music.
http://www.causewaymusic.co.uk/-Built by Dick Glasgow as a site dedicated to his music plus links to other sites. Very educational
http://www.standingstones.com/cmaoitm.html-The following discussion on the origins of Irish traditional music was assembled from several posts made by Caoimhín Mac Aoidh to the IRTRAD-L list. Caoimhín Mac Aoidh is an expert on the fiddle music of Donegal, which he has been collecting and studying for many years.
http://comhaltas.ie/?gclid=CPDE4Ye5jqoCFcIMfAodxjJtwA–ComhaltasCeoltóiríÉireann -From the website:is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music. We’re a non-profit cultural movement with hundreds of local branches around the world, and as you can read in our history we’ve been working for the cause of Irish music since the middle of the last century (1951 to be precise). Our efforts continue with increasing zeal as the movement launches itself into the 21st century.
Celtic Music Fan 