Honey Promises is the debut album from this Irish lass from Galway. Sinead Madden is the name. I love the name. Reminds me of another Sinead from Dublin who tore the Pope’s picture on stage. But this lady maintains a quiet persona. No controversies there, just music and for the sake of music. She also played the fiddle with the Moya Brennan band. You can check more info on her myspace site.You can also watch her video performance here. I was surprised that this info is also listed under this Blog Catalog link.
moya brennan
Celtic Spirit(A compilation by Narada records)
If you are into meditation or spiritual music then you better pick up Celtic Spirit . Released by Narada records ( which brought us a lot of World and New Age compilations), this abum promises to draw new listeners and sooth old ears.
Artists like Connie Dover, Aoife Ní Fhearraigh and Sheena Wellington will attract people who like Enya, Loreena McKennitt and Moya Brennan. You will also find wonderful Instrumental pieces by Anjali Quartet and Áine Minogue. If you are into Gregorian Chants, then othe compositions in accapella will delight you.
What I like about Narada compilations is that they introduce the best recordings of each artist under the theme. Therefore it makes you want to look for an album release. That’s what Connie Dover did to me. So, if you want something spiritual but with a bit of secular style, then this is for you. If you just love heavenly voices then Celtic Spirit will give you a glimpse of angels at the gates of heaven.
Tracks
Visit Amazon tolisten to samples and buy the album.
Máire,the debut album of Moya Brennan
Today I want to review Moya Brennan’s Maire…her first solo album out of 
Clannad. Released in 1992, the album celebrates the Irish tradition in a fresh approach. Abundance of percussion, electric guitars and vocal layerings embellish this release under Atlantic Records.
I just love the way Moya sings each slow tracks as if she is whispering. There is nuance and at the same time up front delivery. Tracks like “Cé Leis” and “Jealous Heart” promise heart hearting beauty. While “Atlantic Shore” is update,rock driven; well suited to the age of Grunge without being ‘Rock and Roll”.
Musicians are :
- Máire Brennan – Vocals, Harp, Piano, Keyboards
- Deirdre Brennan – Vocals
- Brídín Brennan – Vocals
- Calum Malcolm – Keyboards
- Donal Lunny – Bodhrán, Bouzouki, electric Bouzouki, Mandolin, Keyboards
- Nigel Thomas – Drums, Percussion
- Nigel Clarke – Acoustic Guitar
- Alex Poots– Flugel Horn
- Richie Buckley – Soprano Saxophone
- Mick Taylor – Tin Whistle, Chinese Flute
Producer: Calwn Malcolm and Donal Lunny.
Moya Brennan to host the PBS Special in the US
Moya in Concert(Courtesy of Sim_04)
I am a step late from Treecat in reporting this but folks we’re in for a good news. It is confirmed in Irish Central that the First Lady of Celtic music Moya Brennan will make waves in the United States this summer.It says here:
Good news for fans of Moya Brennan, the traditional Irish singer from Clannad – she’s been tapped to host a new PBS series on Irish music that will start shooting later this summer, according to the Sunday Tribune.“Part of the reason they approached me is that I know all of the people taking part. That’s why I feel less a presenter and more a thread running through all these musicians and their music,” said Moya, who’s currently touring the U.S. with Ashley Davis (see our “Craic” section for Mike Farragher’s review of the show.) Some pretty heavy hitters are lined up to take part in the series, among them Sinead O’Connor, Oscar winner Glen Hansardfrom the film “Once,” and the Chieftains. Who knows, maybe even Moya’s reclusive sister, the multi-million selling artist Enya, will also make an appearance . . .
I am so excited about this. My heart is beating fast…
A New book about Clannad
Clannad the early years
Have you seen this already? The New Clannad Book
the discription reads:
A new book detailing the life and career of Clannad in pictures and words.
It is often wisely quoted that, to truly understand the meaning of the present, one needs to reflect upon the past. This adage proves most appropriate when exploring the traditional heritage and subsequent career of the international award-winning musical group Clannad. On this journey we see the family ascend from their Tory Island roots through the rolling Donegal countryside to the majesty of the world stage. While they soar towards success, we will follow the versatile clan as they appear on television screens, major motion pictures and ultimately the Grammy podium. As the fairy tale story of Clannad unfolds through photographs and history it becomes evident why they are proudly proclaimed Ireland‘s most successful international ambassadors of the Gaelic language.
more info is available here:Clannad Website
Celtic Music Fan 