Music of Ireland

Interview with Pavel of “Cheers!”

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Meet Pafka Steidl, also called by the name Pavel. He is the lead vocalist of “Cheers!” They are one of the new bands that bring something exciting to the music scene in the Czech Republic. His sense of humor shows between their live performances. Vocally, think of The Pogues and Horslips rolled into one.

The band has an energetic sound. There are elements of punk, folk and that distinctive Czech way of interpreting Irish music. It becomes a new sound altogether. Everything about their music is precise. The execution is tight. The result is a musical identity that is something to watch out for in years to come, and see how it develops.

Why the chosen name for the band and what do you think makes your band stand out from the rest? 

I’m sorry, it’s quarter to three in CZ right now [:D] well, the name just came up pretty simple – we were sitting in a pub with our fiddler Filip and questioned ourselves “how?”. But the answer showed up suddenly with another beer and that’s it. The rest of the band liked it and we are Cheers!

“What do you think makes your band stand out from the rest?” – There are many bands around the world that play the same kind of stuff and each of them are different and special in a way. Do we stand out from the mainstream? – definitely. Do we stand out from the group of other Celtic-folk-punk bands? – No, not really. Personally I think what makes a difference is that we play our songs and try not to “interpret very hard.. or be a covers only band”. And that makes it easier to answer the question. We don’t stand out, we keep the row with other original folk-punk bands no matter how lousy we might sound.

I listened to a few tracks off your bandzone page. There is this noticeable  fusion of folk, blues and punk – interesting combination. You don’t get to hear blues and Celtic in the same sound often. Anything you can say about this interesting combination? 

Really? I didn’t notice [:D] Blues, ok, you’re probably talking about Tea Cup. The song is a bit different than the rest as I wrote it some time ago and not for the band but we managed to fit it in. But the blues practically is a folk music. That spirit of whining about unfortunate love or lose fate is common to blues, punk and Irish poems. And music is still about feelings (thank goodness).

    I spoke to Jeremy King (of Poitin) and he thinks your band is going places. I am glad I got this interview based on his suggestion as he is the authority in current bands in your country. Have you collaborated with Poitin already? And if you did, how was the experience? 

Yeah, Jeremy does a lot for our band and we kind of admire that guy. We used to attend Poitín’s concerts and dreamed about how awesome would be to can play Irish music. Who could of imagine, that a few years later we’ll meet each other on the same stage. Jeremy King is also the godfather of our first single CD, by the way. We’ve collaborate with them officially twice for now, but I’m sure that more’ll be coming, as the Poitín is one of the few bands in Czech Republic playing trad Irish so traditionally. And it’s always nice to play a gig with them. It gives us the right feeling we are on the right place if you know what I mean…

Yes I see what you mean. So in terms of news or about an EP (or an Album), what can we expect from your band soon? 

For now, we skimp money and look for a studio, which’ll have the capacity to record live. Our first experience with today’s way of recording wasn’t very good. The mood of songs just disappeared. But during autumn, we’ll probably make a full CD and let you know, of course. I’m really happy that Jeremy told you about us and you’re interested. Maybe there’ll be someone to hear the future album after all [:D]

Tell us something about your band mates. 

There are seven of us:

Honza (Jenda) – he’s our el. guitar player with an attitude. Man got a kid already but still didn’t grow up from being a kid himself. He’s an important part of our spirit.

Káťa (Kate) – she’s the girl with a flute, soft singing and my soulmate. We started to play together a few years ago in another band. She’s also into Irish music and stout.

Filip – I met him on archaeological studies. He plays fiddle and likes to fiddle with people around him. There are a few rumors about him that came up pretty naturally. He’s the funny man.

Jára (Fredy) – accordionist, young man, dreamer and goody two-shoes. If something needs someone’s sacrifice for a greater good, he’s the volunteer. He never missed a session as well.

Pája (Paulitta) – Girl that shakes with other men’s hearts. She’s our bass and my schoolmate. Her second name “Veselá” means “cheerful” in Czech and she keeps it.

Přéma (Popeye) – “He’s strong to the finich ’cause he eats his spinach” If you need a calm sensitive precise player who is able to listen others, look no further. Přéma’s got a family and that’s his number one in his life. And I think we fill the rest very well :0)

Pavel (Pafka) – That’s me playing acoustic guitar and singing and I’ve already had my moment. But still, I want to say A BIG THANK YOU for your effort, guys!

Cheers! is paying live all over Pilsen. Pavel always makes a good craic regardless of the situation and I am sure Cheers! Will gain more  and more followers in a matter of time.

Find them in facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheers/104821386271093

http://bandzone.cz/cheers

http://www.kapelacheers.cz

 http://bandzone.cz/fisher

áthas on Tour All Over Milwaukee

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Hello American readers in the Midwest. The band Athas is making rounds around Milwaukee this month. You should not miss the amazing talents of each member. I stumbled upon them last March 2010. I am excited to hear that they are spreading the joy of Celtic music around the United States and the world. Thanks to harpist Scott Hoye for posting the updates of the band.

This is an aside but I am amazed to learn that guitarist Jeff Ksiazek played jazz on saxophone  for two decades before switching to guitar! Amazing.

Heather Lewin-Tiarks: fiddle, viola
Amy Richter: bodhran, percussion
Jeff Ksiazek: guitar, bouzouki

I like it when a video highlights the the most important aspect of music: musicians playing their instruments.

Find them in facebook: https://www.facebook.com/athasmusic

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/athas

http://www.athasmusic.com/

Biography
áthas lights the dance floor on fire with a combination of traditional and newly composed Irish dance tunes. Fierce fiddle, driving bodhrán, and funky guitar riffs come together to lift listeners’ feet, drinks, and spirits.

Although approaching the tradition from various musical backgrounds, the band found each other and their voice as an ensemble while playing in Irish sessions around Milwaukee throughout 2005. Spending their time between tunes laughing and joking inspired them to make music together and their name, which is the Irish word for joy and happiness.

The band’s blend of exciting music and fun-loving attitudes quickly earned the admiration of Milwaukee’s Irish set and ceili dance communities, as well as audiences throughout their hometown stomping grounds. áthas has become a favorite act at Irish music’s premier event, Milwaukee Irish Fest, gathering praise for the excitement of their stage shows and the energy they display playing in the dance tent.

áthas is a band firmly rooted in the traditions of Irish music, constantly seeking inspiration from the past masters and passing on their knowledge by teaching throughout Milwaukee. The band remains receptive to new influences, and continues to impress audiences with their new compositions as well as their
passion, energy, and love for making music.

Influences:

Comas, David Munnelly Band, Teada, Different Drums of Ireland, Dervish, Planxty, John Whelan, Leo McCann, Seamus Begley

Interview with Fabien Guiloineau of Shelta

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 Lyon France is the home of Shelta, a band playing beautiful traditional Irish music. Fabien contributed one of their tracks for your download pleasure.

Shelta has already gained prominence as a  band that jumps into our discussion once in a while. This happens when I talk to my friend Jimmy who lives in France. The Antidote Pub is one of the great places that are very accommodating towards musicians of Celtic music. A year of drifting in and out of discussion(plus youtube posts), it was an honor  to finally  talk to one of the members of the band. Fabien Guiloineau lives in Lyon France. He plays the guitar and acts as the spokes person for the band. He has various side projects. Some, I  already featured in this site. It is great to hear first hand information from someone who is involved with the Irish music scene in France.

 

 

Shelta released two albums. One was in 2006 and latest one was in 2010. Is there a new album in the making?

We are not recording albums currently, but we are working on new tunes.

 Your band plays gigs around Lyon. Being the food capital of France, tell me what is the state of Celtic music in Lyon?

There are a lot of Irish pubs in Lyon and big Irish/Anglo community. So there are a lot of sessions (4 times a week). Irish music is very present:
You can get some news here:
http://www.afil.fr/index_eng.htm

How do you describe the music of Shelta.

 

We try to play Irish music as it is played usually in the pubs in Ireland.
So our music sound like traditional Irish, but we try to arrange it for the concert and make it accessible to the French audience.
We spend a lot of time making the best set of tunes !

 The band met in 2002 because of the common love for Irish music. What inspired the group to choose the name Shelta?

 

Shelta is the language of the Irish travelers. In Ireland the Irish travelers made a lot for Irish music (Johnny Doran, Paddy Keenan…).
And it sounds good for the name of a band 😉

After 10 years, what has remained and what has changed in terms of the band’s vision and also in terms of the music.

With time, we understand that the most important in traditional music is to have the swing !
You can have a lot of arrangements but if you don’t have the swing your music, it will be flat.

Being part of the group, how do you describe the individual playing styles of each one?

Each member has it own style but try to be the best for the collective aspect.
Guitar and bodhran try to be in the same mood, violon and accordion are very close and the flute can blend with everyone.

What have you learned in the past years playing live? 

Playing Irish music in France seems to be difficult but French people really like Ireland, so for us it’s also easier.
We try to explain our approach for the Irish music and to play it with sincerity! People like to see musicians as sincere; we don’t play just for the sake of playing music.

 

Do you know other bands/musicians in Lyon playing Celtic music with the same passion?

Yes there are other musicians, professionals or simply those  with the same passion for the Irish music !
For example: Davog Rynne, Sebastien Luthers, Julien Cartonnet, Simon Boddy etc…

What can we expect from Shelta this 2012?

We are working on new tunes and new concerts! Please watch out for our future performances.

What is the best Irish bar in Lyon?

Johnny Walsh’s Pub is the most famous, but for me the one I prefer is the Antidote Pub-both are in St Georges street in Lyon (5th).

Have you met other Irish music enthusiasts in the Antidote ?Do they have their own bands or just listeners.

We play regularly at the Antidote, every Thursday night from October to June. These are not concert types but intimate sessions or gigs. Sometimes we are just 3 or 4 musicians but there are cases when there are more than 10 of us. It usually depends on who is available.There are now some listeners who come regularly too.

Please add Shelta through facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shelta/125419444161088?ref=ts

also check out:

http://www.shelta.org
http://www.myspace.com/musicshelta

Lincoln Center Lights Up This 2012!

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Wow check this out. Got this from a press release by my friend Anita Daly.

 

Sunday July 29, Lincoln Center Out of Doors presents

OurLand: Celebrating Irish Culture in America!
The Music, The Bards, The Magic!

Artistic Director Joe Hurley

Presented in Association with The Consulate General of Ireland

 

A day of Irish Music, Poetry, Literature, Theatre, Dance and more!

 

**Notice! JUST ADDED! Performance from the cast of ONCE, winner of 8 2012 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL!***

On Sunday July 29th, for the first time in NYC, Lincoln Center Out of Doors will present a day long, multifaceted festival of Irish culture. “Our Land” will celebrate the artistic, literary and musical heritage of Ireland, the mark it made on America and the continuing cross-cultural ties that bind the two countries.

An all-day (2 pm–10 pm) extravaganza of music, spoken word,  and traditional arts, OurLand  will  explore how  the Irish helped to build NYC, with ‘Nothing But Their Genius’, while  shining a light on Irish and Irish-Americans continuing contribution to the American Songbook and  culture.  Featuring stars of pop, rock, punk, folk,  theater , film,  literature, and more, ‘OurLand’ takes place at multiple spaces on the Lincoln Center campus, culminating in   Damrosch Park   with the All Star Irish Rock Revue!

Commencing with introductions by Irish Consul General Noel Kilkenny, and Artistic Director Joe Hurley, OurLand will move through the fair and into the night with song, dance, poets, authors, artists, street performers, exhibits, book and CD signings.

Day – starting at 2 pm – on the Plazas of Lincoln Center

 

Gathering The Bards: From Galway to Rockaway – 2pm, Hearst Plaza aka “The Bards Stage”

Weaving the art of storytelling with original works and classics, Irish-American culture in verse and song.

The performers include Oscar winning Director Terry George (Hotel Rwanda), Actors Cara Seymour (Gangs of New York), Angelica Page (Sixth Sense), Geraldine Hughes (‘Belfast Blues’), Barbara Feldon and Aedin Moloney, Malachy McCourt, Alfie McCourt, Best-Selling Novelists Peter Quinn, Tom Kelly, John Swenson, Thomas Bahler, and Mike Farragher, Musicians Cherish the Ladies, Kirk Kelly, Niamh Hyland, New Orleans Fiddler Gina Forsyth, Celtic Tenor David O’Leary; Poetry and A cappella singing from the WB Yeats Society of NY, Gerard McNamee, The NY Rose Of Tralee Anne Marie Lynch, Salina Mailer, Faith Hahn,  and more in a wildly eclectic and interactive parade of The Jewels of Ireland’s Bards.

Irish Consul General Noel Kilkenny and Artistic Director Joe Hurley

Irish Consul General Noel Kilkenny (left) with

Artistic Director Joe Hurley (right)

The Auld Triangle – “Nothing but my Genius” – at 5pm, Josie Robertson Plaza

Josie Robertson Plaza is re-christened “The Auld Triangle” for the audience to take a wild, magical stroll on Raglan Road with buskers, poets, painters, and dancers that will stir your soul. Behan to Beckett, Christy Moore to James Joyce – Bring your voice– for sing-alongs….Alive-Alive Oh!

 

Evening – Damrosch Park – from 6 pm to 10 pm “The Sailing Stage”

Thousands Are Sailing – But we dance to the music…And we dance…

We begin with A Parting Glass: Celebrating the legendary ALAN LOMAX’s work preserving Ireland’s Musical Heritage. Alan Lomax’s extensive recordings in Ireland are a shared musical treasure. They will be honored with Round Robin-style Irish-Americana performances led by Lomax archive director Don Fleming, Cherish the Ladies, Lianne Smith, Marni Rice, and very special friends. Complete with the original two-track recorder onstage that Lomax used to capture these historical Irish recordings!.

At 7:00pm we roll on as Joe Hurley and The Gents take the stage!

The New Yorker called Hurley “One of the city’s deepest pop singers, both in his vocal range and the level of his soulfulness… mesmerizing.” Their set will include a performance of Hurley’s CD Let the Great World Spin, created with and inspired by Colum McCann’s National Book Award Winning novel. The Gents feature Tony Garnier (Bob Dylan Bandleader) Ken Margolis, Megan Gould, James Mastro, & special guest Flogging Molly’s Matt Hensley.

The grand finale at 8pm will rock with a performance by Joe Hurley’s All-Star Irish Rock Revue!

A Beloved NYC institution, “that receives rave reviews every year” NEW YORK MAGAZINE The All Star Irish Rock Revue celebrates Ireland’s musical gifts to the world as guests dive into “The Great Irish Songbook,” performing the timeless classics of Thin Lizzy, U2, Van Morrison, The Undertones, Pogues, Elvis Costello, Stiff Little Fingers, John Lydon and more.

Co-hosted by critically lauded performer Edward Rogers, early confirmations include fiery rocker Willie Nile, Tony Winner Michael Cerveris (Evita), Ellen Foley, soul-legend Tami Lynn (Dr. John, The Rolling Stones) Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dennis Dunaway (Alice Cooper Band), Film Star Antonique Smith (‘Notorious’), The New York Dolls’ Sylvain Sylvain, Uk’s Stephen Frost, Tish & Snooky, Mary Lee Kortes, Sam Bisbee and members of Flogging Molly, Rogue’s March, Lez Zeppelin, The Mekons, Cracker, The Ian Hunter Band and Blue Oyster Cult. Musical Director is Chris Flynn.

Artistic Director for the ‘OurLand’ celebration, Joe Hurley has sung and recorded with artists ranging from The Chieftains to Judy Collins and Shane Macgowan, Sam Shepard to Flogging Molly, Jimmy Webb to Maude Maggart. His collaboration with Irish Novelist Colum McCann, on The CD ‘Let The Great World Spin’, led to sold-out tours of Europe together.
In 2011 Hurley, Johnny Depp and Keith Richards won two Audie Awards for their narration of Richards’ international Best-Seller LIFE, including the prestigious ‘AudioBook of the Year’ Award.

He  leads the NYC groups Rogue’s March and Joe Hurley & The Gents and has released many critically-acclaimed CDs. Hurley’s  ‘Amsterdam Mistress’ is featured on SONY MUSIC’s ‘Whiskey In The Jar-Essential Irish Songs’ alongside classics from The Pogues, Dubliners, and Clancy Brothers.

Hurley and 75 authors entered the 2012 Guinness Book of World Records for their 24 hour live-broadcast global readings on peace, with www.AuthorsForPeace.org

‘OurLand’ is an outgrowth of the annual All-Star Irish Rock Revue Charity Concerts that Hurley has held at sold-out venues around New York, since 1999.
http://www.facebook.com/JoeHurleysAllStarIrishRockRevue

www.roguesmarch.com/press

Lincoln Center Out of Doors is one of the largest free performance festivals in the U.S.  Over its 41-year history, Out of Doors has commissioned some 95 works from composers and choreographers and presented hundreds of major dance companies, renowned world-music artists, and legendary jazz, folk, gospel, blues and rock musicians. It has highlighted the rich cultural diversity of New York City and partnered with dozens of community and cultural organizations. Since 2008 the festival has been produced by Lincoln Center’s director of public programming, Bill Bragin, with associate producer Jill Sternheimer.

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE and take place on the Lincoln Center campus. Visit LCOutofDoors.org for a complete schedule of events or call 212-875-5766 to request a brochure.

Lincoln Center Out of Doors 2012 is sponsored by Bloomberg and Pepsico Foundation and SofTrek Corporation.

Media Sponsors The Irish Echo, The Irish Examiner USA, Murphguide.com

More Press Releases to come with updates of artists, performances and events, so stay tuned!

Like our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/JoeHurleysOurLandFest
Follow us on Twitter: @OurLandFest
https://twitter.com/OurLandFest

https://Facebook.com/JoeHurleymusic

Follow Joe on Twitter @JoeHurleyMusic

https://twitter.com/joehurleymusic

Web: http://www.roguesmarch.com/

MEDIA:  Anitadaly@yahoo.com  //   ourlandfest@gmail.com

Web:  http://www.roguesmarch.com/irishrevue/

CD’s at http://JoeHurley.bandcamp.com

Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Hurley

Photo ids: Irish Consul General Noel Kilkenny (left) with

Artistic Director Joe Hurley (right) -photo by James Higgins

Beannacht and the Sound of Summer

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Their debut CD, “Gra na Firinne” was released in November 2011.

As summer approaches, more and more Celtic bands are putting out albums that have that feel of white sandy beaches and bonfires. I can cite Beannacht as an example. The duo of Tom Johnston and Dierdre Forrest show that carefree simplicity. The tracks in the album are arranged in a way suited for few instruments. There are other instruments that embellish this silky project but mostly, the focus of Gran a Firinne is to project that languid poetic style reminiscent of Christy Moore and Luka Bloom.  Margarita, sunset and the music of Beannacht. Sounds like a perfect combination. Aloha! Summer is here.

Notable tracks: Upon Your Ocean, Why’d You Go, And I Love and many more.

Brian  Ostering captures the silky sound which borders on the wispy yet making sure to add that warm touch especially on middle frequencies. Great mastering by George Wirth. Sounds like this album is great both in artistic and technical aspect.

Thanks to Anita Daly for the taste of the music 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/BeannachtMusic

About

Writing great songs, playing great shows, supporting venues and fellow musicians.

Biography

Beannacht was named one of the Top Irish Music Makers of 2011 and Rookie of the Year by Mike Farragher and the Irish Voice!

Beannacht was named Best New Act at the 2011 Jersey Acoustic Music Awards in Asbury Park, NJ!

Beannacht is the musical duo of guitarist/singer/songwriter Thomas Johnston and his niece, lead vocalist and lyricist Deirdre Forrest. Both musicians are heavily influenced by nearly all genres of music and especially enjoy being able to share their Irish culture through their music. Beannacht is a famous poem by Celtic writer and spiritualist John O’Donohughe and the word beannacht translates to “blessing” in the Irish form of the Gaelic language.

Description

An acoustic duo creating original songs that are a blend of contemporary Irish, classic rock, folk, and blues. Their debut CD, “Gra na Firinne” was released in November 2011.