The great lads of Welsh Celtic band Jamie Smith’s Mabon is finally doing a dedicated tour all over their own county of Wales. After countless touring all over Europe the gang feels that it is time to reunite with Welsh fans and also with their own place. According to drummer Iolo Whelan:
I guess the most exciting aspect for us is that as well as being a tour *of* our home country, it also feels a bit like a homecoming – four out of the five of us live here in Wales, but we work away so often and our fans are so widely spread, that it feels a bit like we’re bringing the music home. I don’t know if that sounds pretentious, but it is making me very excited for this tour!-Iolo
And guess what. They are giving away a FREE SONG DOWNLOAD through their band newsletter. Please subscribe if you haven’t yet and feel free to download their haunting and enchanting track ‘Caru Pum Merch.’ I personally enjoyed this beautiful song which is the last track off their CD Windblown released last 2012. I also got an autographed copy of the album from all of them and I sometimes like to show it off hahaha.
The free track is a good one to point out to people too – the Welsh-language lyrics make it the most relevant to the Welsh tour, and it gives people who are new to the band a good idea of what we do, since it captures some of both the emotional and the more strident aspects of our playing.-Iolo
The band also said that in the Spring of 2014, they’ve got a joint tour of England playing about 15 venues with the young singer Maz O’Connor so watch out for that one too.Awesome update from the band through Iolo and also goodluck to the tour of your homeland! Here is the link to their newsletter where you can download the track ‘Caru Pum Merch.’ http://gmtiny.com/DSQJT/
.My radio show from Saturday is now a podcast available in youtube and mixcloud. This is my first show in http://www.radio-happy.com which starts at 4pm German time. I linked the sites of the artists with the tracks of the show. There will be skype interviews soon so keep on listening. I haven’t given up on writing blogs because it’s my first love but radio is a great way to expand my creativity. I hope you enjoy the amazing tunes from these wonderful musicians! I feel so blessed knowing them. I couldn’t ask for more 🙂
Check out our column Huzzah! Featuring: Sue Aston,Leza Mesiah, Carlos Nuñezand Solas.
Jamie Smith
The phenomenal Welsh singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Jamie Smith talks to The Celtic Music Fan about recording, performing and singing for the first time in an album.
Jamie Smith remained a mystery for years to the Celtic music circle. His accordion playing is electrifying. He possesses great showmanship when onstage. He is charismatic. With his band, they fill out venues as live performers. Late last year was the release of their much anticipated third album called Windblown. I noticed that they are exploring new avenues of musicality.They also seem to posses that relaxed attitude in playing live and building their online presence to their listeners.
As a band, Jamie Smith’s Mabon captivated the imagination of everybody. They also brought with them the mystical sound of Wales. At the same time, they worked in fusing that sound with other styles from any Celtic nations.
As an individual performer, Jamie Smith brings something special to the music culture. I think it is his passion and also the way he abandons himself to the music that he plays. This in turn gets into the audience and the sincerity of it all is the core of his artistry. He has a strong presence in the recording and live performance. It is hard to explain and you have to own one of their albums to understand.
Before the end of 2012, we talked about creating this interview. At that time, his band was on tour so it was a busy month. But true to his word, he made it here. So here he is, Jamie Smith!
Hi Jamie, your band formed in 1999 with your father Derek, Iolo Whelan and his brother Gareth. You must have learned a lot after being exposed to many live performance at a young age.What are the things you have observed in the Celtic music scene, in terms of releasing albums and performing the songs live?
One thing I have learned is you can always improve on what you are doing. It’s amazing to look back down the years since the early days of the band and see how we’ve gradually transformed over time. I think it’s important to keep moving or else you can stagnate and lose interest. Another thing I have observed is that the tracks the band likes best and are most proud of often aren’t the ones the audience likes the most!
The new album is a pleasant departure from the previous ones. You did vocals for the first time! And you made a great job singing. Your voice is such a fantastic instrument that can move between haunting deliveries to a more pop rock kind of style. Who encouraged you to finally take the mic?
I’d been thinking about it for a while and my wife, Gráinne, gave me the extra push to actually go for it. It’s good to have new challenges and we’re looking forward to working on more new songs this year. I have been singing for many years, just never in Mabon. I have become more interested in songs within the Celtic/folk genre over the last few years, which is partly what led me to want to try writing songs for the band.
How’s the whole experience making Windblown? Anything to share about your own experiences and also the quirks that happened during the whole songwriting and recording process?
Making an album is a strange and often obsessive process: you spend a long time working on it and constantly thinking about it, then when it’s done you quickly put it to one side and look forward to the next challenge. I’ve hardly listened to the album since we got the final copies back! We had some great moments in the studio and a lot of fun experimenting with overdub ideas, some of which made the final mix.
What’s your favorite track off this new album and why?
I don’t think I can pick out one track sorry! Something that has pleased me since releasing the album is that everyone seems to have a different favourite track. It’s fair to say Caru Pum Merch has got a lot of fans, because it sounds so different, but quite a few of the others have been singled out as favourites by listeners too.
If a young person asks you for an advice about the best way to maintain a creative working relationship with a band, what would you tell him/her?
Enjoy playing together and try to do it often! If you are all enjoying playing music together then it should be easy to be creative.
What do you like about being a musician and also being in a band?
I like entertaining people by playing music and being in a band is more sociable than touring on your own! Apart from the making and performing of music, the next best thing is getting to travel to so many different places both home and abroad.
You are also part of Barrule which is an amazing band based in the Isle of Man. How do you maintain a balance between working with the Barrule project and JSM?
Barrule’s in its infancy still so it’s not too bad at the moment, although recording albums with both bands back to back was a mammoth undertaking. If it does become more difficult, at least that means we are all doing well!
What are the other talents you have apart from those we already observed?
I play guitar, but not in Mabon. I’m pretty good at whistling actually. Drives my wife up the wall though!
Alaw — with Oliver Wilson-Dickson and Jamie Smith in Lorient, Bretagne.
With Tomas Callister and Jamie Smith in Ortigueira, Galicia.
Signing copies of Windblown. I got my autographed CD!
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Huzzah!
Welcome to the second part of this blog which is the chatty part. Yes it’s called Huzzah! Which is also one of the track titles in Windblown by Jamie Smith’s Mabon whose lead singer is our featured artist this week. Yes yes I will talk about anything and be natural as much as I can. Now those of you who are following my facebook page have already seen this video by Cornish violinist Sue Aston. For those who are new to her music, she is actually based in Penzance Cornwall. She is both influenced by Classical and the folk music. What’s fascinating about her is that she writes and plays everything. She also runs her own record and media company. To quote American singer/songwriter Jim Wearne regarding this video: “Wonderful tune, and beautiful Cornish scenery, not to mention a Cornish fiddler who’s easy on the eyes. Celtic festivals? Are you listening?” Yes like Jim said are you listening festivals?
About the video: Dedicated to everyone who has lost someone special to them. Taken from my album ‘Inspirational Journey’ written for my Dad and Nan who I miss everyday. Sue
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Four days ago I launched a discussion thread via Linkedin. I’ve been with linkedin for heaven knows how long and it became so boring I stopped visiting. Then, while perusing through the links four days ago, I found a group called Irish Music. Bam! Things just started taking off. I now have a reason to go there everyday. I met wonderful people from that group includingvocalist Leza Mesiah. Here’s a link to her songs: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lezamesiah “The back story on my Ren ‘Character’ is your generic African Musician Princess living in Scotland, having fallen in love with a Scot.”She said.
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Great news about the amazing Galician piper Carlos Nuñez
I stumbled upon this through his site: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2013/feb/03/carlos-nunez-philip-pickett-globe My fascination with his music went back to early 90s when Windham Hill started releasing albums worldwide. Celtic albumswere hard to find at that time. But compilations made it possible. So my big thank you to Windham Hill and The Chieftains for introducing this amazing artist to me!
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With Celtic band Solas making it on the same page as Beyonce just goes to prove that Celtic music is BIG in the United States http://soc.li/CXRcSvD
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So do you have any Celtic music buzz to share? Feel free to comment on the thread and post your own. Yes this is open for all and ideas are welcomed. This is what I learned lately: When you are in the world of marketing(that includes independent musicians and writers) playing nice really helps. We don’t live in a vacuum. And we create things not for our self but for the audience. Being ‘accessible’ and ‘community minded’ do help. Good luck everyone 🙂
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
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 ofcongratulations. 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.
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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 .
Gallery:Recording for Síocháin na Tuaithe, Black Rose Studio
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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.
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.
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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/
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!
Also in this edition: Lori Watson and Rule Of Three and Kernowpods
Calum Stewart and the cover art of the new album.
Between working with the London Philharmonic orchestra, recording for the next “Lord of the Rings” film, “Hobbit Movie” and completing being part of Jamie Smith’s Mabon’s Windblown, Calum Stewart took the time to talk to us about his career and how it all started.
Greetings! It is a lovely the month of October Celtic music followers. Our guest for this week is flutist Calum Stewart. He made a lot of collaboration with other bands. The new album Wooden Flute and Fiddle is out in the market! It is a collaboration with fiddler Lauren McColl and other musicians. If you don’t have a copy of the album yet, I want to tell you it is an amazing thing to have as part of your traditional music collection. Like what I mentioned in my last article about the album: This is an album that every traditional music listeners will want in his or her collection. This is due to the huge effort that the two and the rest of the session musicians placed on this album. There are slow and fast tunes. Expect variety in instruments and grand artistry that only musicians of their caliber can provide. And even if you are not really into Scottish or Irish trad music, you will still warm up to this one for its melodic and relaxing merit. Love it love it!
All musicians started with something that they consider memorable. I helped him trace back on how it all started-with the release of his debut album Earlywood.
Can you tell us a little background as to why is the debut album Early Wood?
“Earlywood” is my first solo album, and reflects my home tradition of the north of Scotland, with many tunes from Morayshire. There are also several compositions, which sit side by side the older repertoire, all arranged for Wooden Flute, Fiddle and Piano: my main interest has always been finding strong repertoire, interesting arrangements and powerful sounds, in acoustic settings. The title “Earlywood” refers to the inner growth circles inside trees. The “Earlywood” stage is the time when the tree grows the most… “Latewood” is the other time, and perhaps when the tree takes stock, during winter. Earlywood seemed a good title, because it was my first solo recording.
Since recording “Earlywood” and touring with my trio, I’ve had the opportunity to continue work with Lauren MacColl (Fiddle), with whom I’m releasing a new album with now (featuring Eamon Doorley of Danu, and Andy May). ( Go to www.laurenmaccoll.co.uk/shop )
I’ve also been working closely and touring with Breton guitarist Heikki Bourgault; we released our first duo album last year, with plans for a second one in 2013 (visit www.calumheikki.com for details).
Jamie Smith’s MABON has released Windblown. What can we expect from your musical contribution in this album?
I am featured as a guest on several of the tracks of their new album “Windblown”. Although I can’t play as a core member of JSM and Mánran now, because of my own project commitments, I really enjoy working with them when the occasion arises, guesting on recordings or sometimes at concerts / festivals. We are all very good friends and keep in touch about our own separate projects, and enjoy meeting when our projects cross paths, playing at the same festival!
Early promo pic of Jamie Smith’s Mabon
You are known to play hide and seek between time zones with multiple natures: you are in demand as a musician! How’s the experience of working with different artists and how this shaped your artistry?
Working and collaborating with different artists from different genres is really important, enabling one to have a more open perspective. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some really inspiring people and they’ve really shaped my approach. However I also think it’s good to concentrate and develop one’s own musicality, ones own musical journey. Whilst you may encounter many influences along the way, fundamentally you must find your own voice.
Your musical development was traditional since you are originally from the North of Scotland and brought up with the traditional music of your native Morayshire. How do people in your hometown respond to your international success?
I always really look forward to playing on home turf, and it’s great to catch up with those musicians whom I played with when I was growing up. I try and “re-charge my batteries” when I’m back in Moray, usually remembering old tunes, learning some new ones or writing some, and most importantly remembering why I enjoy playing music in the first place! I still have family in my home village, although I don’t live there anymore – so I really enjoy going back there.
I realized that although your name is synonymous with the wooden flute, you are also and expert in playing the uilleann pipes and whistle. What are the other instruments that you play?
I concentrate on the Wooden Flute although I do play Uilleann pipes too, and really enjoy the different voice this instrument has. However the Wooden Flute takes up almost all of my concentration. Although there are different qualities in the pipes and the whistle, and sometimes they are useful – the Wooden Flute is really my musical voice, so I prefer to concentrate on this. I have a very special old flute, which I use for all my musical projects – its a Rudall Carte & co, made in the 1930’s. Its made from cocus wood, and has been with me in every musical situation since I found her! I use wooden headjoints by Tobias Mancke with her. In addition I own a brilliant Wooden Flute by Peter Worrell which is based closely on my original. As I don’t like owning many flutes and changing flutes, I take my Rudall Carte & co. with me, wherever I go!
Ewen Henderson at Clickimin Centre.
What is the recording process in making an album?
Every recording I’ve been involved with has been different. Although usually after the initial concept or inspiration, there follows a period of collecting / writing / arranging, before either rehearsals or concerts and then recording. Sometimes it’s possible to play music for a long time in concerts, developing ideas before the studio, but sometimes the music takes shape in the studio – there are no rules!
After a big performance, how do you chill?
Usually, there is a lot of work to be done after a performance. I always try and meet the audience personally, making contact after the concert. Often there are interviews to do, CD signings and meetings – so it can be quite busy! After all this is over, and my flute is put away… I usually hang out with my band and quench my thirst.
What are other projects that you are working on?
This summer I’ve been working with the London Philharmonic orchestra, recording for the next “Lord of the Rings” film, “Hobbit Movie”. As well as that, I’ve recorded with fiddler Lauren MacColl, joined by Eamon Doorley (Danu / Julie Fowlis), and Andy May – this is available via: http://www.laurenmaccoll.co.uk/shop .
Otherwise, I’ve been guesting on recordings such as the new JSM album, and preparing new repertoire for a 2013 release with my duo.
What can fans expect to hear from the new album now that it is out?
Quite a traditional repertoire, coupled with some new offerings: based strongly on the interplay between the wooden flute and the fiddle
You are a huge influence to young people who are trying to learn traditional instruments. What can you advice them in how to make it like you
Play music that you believe in and always be yourself.
There you have it readers. Another exciting moment with Scottish musician Calum Stewart. I am looking forward to the “ Hobbits” soundtrack knowing he is part of the music. Also get your copies of the new album and drop by his website to say Hi. He is really down to earth and has an amazing sense of humor. I enjoyed this interview with Calum and it is really fun talking to artists and getting to know how they create their music. Have a great week ahead!
Sweetness! Lori Watson has a voice than can melt your heart like butter. But don’t let this sweetness fool you. This amazing musician plays music with such intensity and break neck speed. Her band is gaining a wide following all over with their fusion of traditional and contemporary style.
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Kernowpods: War an gwyns – remix
Cornwall has her own thriving community of painters, photographers, musicians and people doing their own art. One of those who help define the Cornish cultural identity is Matthew(Matthi) Clarke. He is part of Sue and Phil Aston’s circle and they are doing a LOT of diverse things with music and visuals. This is one of the songs Matt uploaded in his podcast.
Phil Aston,Dan Aston, Sue Aston, Matthi Clarke and James Perkins-An Derow.
Thanks for reading folks. More album reviews coming up very soon.
Celtic Music Fan 