Music

Keltiac: Tripping the Sonic Eden

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

Keltiac might be the next exciting thing after Afro Celt Sound System…or so much more? You be the judge.

After listening to the sample tracks of Chris Dawson’s project band Keltiac, I am convinced that buying the CD Out on the Edge is a good idea. If mp3 files can make you feel the extravagant sounds, think about what the richness of the CD recording is capable of doing. All the elements work together. The tracks sound like they have been rehearsed a hundred times before being recorded. The sound quality is excellent. The production bends towards slickness, yet every strand of sound seems wispy with detail.

Out on the Edge-radio edit is a testament to those excellent arrangements and production techniques. Most of the tracks like Dragon’s Breath and Road to Coimbra are winners. The band is approaching the territory of world music yet never losing their Irish and Scottish folk roots. I recommend Keltiac to listeners who love bands like Kila, Afro Celts Sound System and Dead Can Dance.

http://www.myspace.com/keltiac

http://www.chrisdawson.net/

Naia

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

Celtic harp and flute. These are two instruments that sound like they’re made for each other. Flutist Nicole Rabata and harpist Danielle Langord will enchant you with their perky tracks. They make music that  sounds like it comes from the fairies. There is this lively and sparkling quality in every track. Portland is their home base. Hear more about them.

http://www.myspace.com/naiaduo

http://www.naiamusic.com/

Update:

Harpist Danielle Langord is working on her solo album which will be out, hopefully this September. She will update CMF when it is finally finished.

 

Pushing Borders with Blue Highway

/ mrbaxteria2008 / Leave a comment

Blue Highway are a Bluegrass band characterized by slick and tight musicianship. The members are from Tennessee.

Thumbs up to tracks: Two Soldiers, Wondrous Love and the a capella Someday.

You need to hear them in big speakers to get the total feel of the music. I see that this band is known all over the world based on the press releases. You can’t blame them. After 10 albums, they have established themselves as stalwarts in the field of Bluegrass. The effort they put in  every tracks make them a cut above the rest. The catchy tunes make the band accessible to mainstream listeners. Blue Highway is a band for people with impeccable taste in music.

http://www.myspace.com/bluehighwayband

http://www.bluehighwayband.com/

The Enchanting Luascadh

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

Music of the elves…

We think of festive and loud sounds when we talk about the music of Brittany. This association is brought about by the popularity of the bombarde and the biniou. After looking further, I found this unique artist by the name of Alicia Ducout. She goes by the moniker Luascadh. Originally from Rennes, Bretagne, she tours around France with the medieval Celtic ensemble Gaimalis.

She mostly makes music using the harp. The vocals will delight you. It feels like the forest of the elves has suddenly opened up to draw one in. The music of Luascadh can be described as medieval Celtic. There is something hypnotic about the harp being played in such fashion. The sound it makes reminds me of the branches of trees that grow and surround you. She conjures images of fireflies dancing upon the leaves. When the sun sets and crickets start chirping their evening tune, it is time to play Luascadh.


http://www.myspace.com/luascadh

associated with

http://www.gaimalis.net

http://www.myspace.com/gayemalis

After studying drama at Lyon, and after 10 years of piano practice, I have evolved in several medieval ensembles, the journey opened the doors of Celtic civilization and ancient traditional music . .. These doors are engulfed  with wind and the breeze  and of the tale of the Celtic harp!-Luascadh

Listen to Clanú

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

Irish musicians make great tracks with this band!

Clanú is a four piece band that needs your best audio speakers. They play slow and fast tunes. These musicians also add atmosphere to every track. Clanú combines Irish trad music and Bluegrass. You will  love the vocals too. Songs like the moving Bruach na carriage baine has cinematic appeal. The Outlaw Joseph Emmet sounds like something out of a Western movie. Into the Sun glides playfully into your mood. She Came To Me Softly is a ballad laden with beautiful vocals and excellent instrumental arrangement. The House Set is a jig rooted to the band’s love for traditional music. Slow Whiskey is a slow remake of Whiskey in the Jar which is refreshing to listen to.

They are based in Belfast.  I attached links below where you can get resources about these guys. You can contact the band through

clanu@mcilroyguitars.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/clanumusic http://www.myspace.com/clanu Download Ancient Walls from itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/ancient-walls/id420714616

Biography

Clanú are a four piece band spanning two generations and the influences of each generation comes through in their music. From the fast paced modern Trad of Damian and Niall to the even faster contemporary folk and bluegrass sound (or greengrass as we call it) of Dee and Barry. With the wide range of instruments they play, they manage to produce a sound which enthralls crowds around the country and beyond. Add to this the song-writing and tune-writing capabilities that all the members possess and you have a unique yet familiar trad / folk sound that will have you dancing, singing or crying and sometimes all at the same time.