Music

Echoes: Whispering Grass by Sandy Denny

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Whispering Grass is taken from the album Like an Old-Fashioned  Waltz which I don’t ever get tired listening.  

She was the voice  describe by  Judy Collins as ‘like golden silver’. I ‘discovered’ her music late. I think it was Mary Fahl  the former singer of October Project who cite her as a primary vocal influence. Beautiful voices are hard to find these days unless you are into Celtic music. Most  of the time, those who get mainstream recognition are singers that have either ugly voices but with good looks or just those that can’t carry a tune but have to rely on auto tune. Bring the beautiful voices back!

http://sandydenny.org.uk/

 

Kitus:Folk / World / Celtic

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Something to make you boogie with your kilt!

Kitus are a French group  based in Lyon France composed of  Yannick Guyader (diatonic accordion), Sylvain Vuidart (flute, wood and metal), Luke Roche (violin) and Fabien Guiloineau (acoustic guitar, bouzouki).  They play a brand of jazz influenced Celtic music combined with waltzes, mazurkas and even Latin rhythms. The album called “Après l’After” was released in 2009. One of their notable performances was in Gannat Cabaret Festival in 2011. They are on tour and you can check the details through their reverbnation page : http://www.reverbnation.com/kitus and details for purchasing the CD are found in their official website where you can also listen to the  tracks for free.

 

Rachel Hair Trio: Harp Music That Shakes You!

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Attention: Hypnotic Harp Music Ahead!

Have you heard of a harp music that makes tap your feet the way you do with a bodhran? If not then I recommend you listen to Rachel Hair. Her style  is exciting and the vibrancy of her music rubs on you like expensive perfume-it lasts.

She is aware that the soul of Celtic music is not just playing with speed and ease. It is also about atmosphere. It is perfected  in the track Cancro Cru where the melody pulls you inside. I think the voice layering is artfully crafted. Jenn has the voice of an angel. The varied artistry of the tracks are also due to the contribution of band members Jenn Butterworth alongside top Scottish double bassist Euan Burton. To know more about her, simply read this very detailed interview made by Arperia: http://arperia.com/2012/05/07/interview-with-rachel-hair-english-version/

Listen and explore :http://www.rachelhair.com/

Talk of the Town: The Bonny Men

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Word gets around  fast for these guys..The Bonny Men!

For those who love music in the tradition of The Bothy band will love the sound this traditional group from Dublin . Bring together the knack for exuberant playing, charming vocals and great choice of arrangements then you get a good album like their self-titled debut. They are only a year old but they have accomplished so much. Read what Tradconnect has to say about the album.

They bring something to the Trad scene…that kind of feeling you get when the streets are wet after the rain. A sort of freshness and magic..something nostalgic but undeniably fresh. The album was recorded in Windmill Lane Studios Dublin..which I recall as the same place where Clannad recorded their Banba album in 1992.

Turlough Chambers – Fiddle
Conor Lyons – Bodhrán
Natalie Ní Chasaide – Piano
Maitiú Ó Casaide – Uileann Pipes
Íde Nic Mhathúna – Vocals
Adam Whelan – Bouzouki
Moss Landman – Flute
Barry Lyons – Guitar

You can listen and buy the album here: http://www.thebonnymen.ie/

Monster Ceilidh Band: A Foray Into Electronic Folk

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There is no monstrosity here. Just interesting lively music from UK based Celtic electronica band  the Monster Ceilidh Band. The website design is really cute. But wait until you listen to one of the tracks. You will be overwhelmed by how much artistry and innovation this band have placed in their compositions. Part Japanese anime music, part traditional Scottish.

They have made quite a stir in the UK being electronic and folk crossover band.  They are on tour this month and with the kind of style they have, they will draw a lot of cult following from those who are into the hip and the novel. Just take a look at that video below. I love what I am seeing and hearing!

The band are:
• Amy Thatcher – Accordion.
• Carly Blain – Fiddle.
• Kieran Szifris – Mandocello
• David de la Haye – Electric Bass
• Joe Truswell – Drums

Have a listen to the tracks here http://monsterceilidhband.co.uk/listen-3/

or go to the website : http://monsterceilidhband.co.uk