I want to thank my friend Christi for bringing this group to my attention. The Fields of Athenry has been covered by great Irish bands. And no arrangements are the same. This one also shows that a song will always be fresh when handed over to artists who not only respect the essence of the music but also builds it to reach immortal heights. The Kilkennys are a group that I will check out from now on.
Music
From Friends/Celtic Link Members
Sue Aston now out in Bandcamp
Hello Celtic Music Fans. Another week of musical discovery is here. Sue Aston is now available in Bandcamp. Those who don’t have her albums yet can listen to sample tracks. Let the healing melody wrap all over you. The title reminds one of Cornwall’s beautiful beaches.Soon it is summer. What a great time to go surfing over there.I was listening to this track again and again today. I am being reminded that there is truth that certain type of music has a calming effect on troubled hearts.
Interesting Article about Breton Musician Dom Duff:
Read the full artile here: http://whatson.brittanytourism.com/festive-brittany/breton-artists/dom-duff
Hamish Burgess with his latest piece 'Brigid' (www.mauiceltic.com/gallery.htm) during his talk on Celtic Mythology, based on his Celtic art, on the Irish Music Cruise to the Caribbean Jan 2012. http://www.irishmusiccruises.com
photo © Hamish Burgess 2012
The Celtic Art of Hamish Burgess
The latest addition to Celtic Music fan’s people that make the Celtic world go round. Hamish Burgess is a graphic artist based in the island of Maui Hawaii. His works are amazing and I can look at them for hours and feel totally relaxed and happy. Here’s a little blurb about his profile:
Hamish Douglas Burgess is an artist living on the island of Maui, in the Hawaiian Islands. He continues the ancient practice with his own Celtic art, traditional and modern. Coming from Celtic stock (Scottish), and living for many years in a Celtic area of Britain (Cornwall), he has a love of Celtic art and music instilled in him, producing Celtic artwork in different media, photography from the Celtic Lands, and playing the bagpipes – he also holds the Hawaii State tattoo artist license. He regularly spends time in the ancient Celtic areas of Britain, Ireland and Europe, studying ancient works of Celtic art, and visiting other artists. Recent works have included album covers, book illustrations, commissioned pieces, original celtic tattoos, temporary celtic tattoos and even an entire car!
To learn more, visit his works:
http://www.mauiceltic.com/-I bookmarked it!
http://www.manaoradio.com/ He is a weekly presenter
Gem from 2011: Michael Cooney Pat Egan Uilleann Pipes and Guitar 2011(Thanks to Beebee Simmons)
Two instruments that work together. The mellifluous sound of the uilleann pipes can work well with the acoustic guitar. It is great to see the two instruments make a perfect tandem. Blurb:
Two of our favorite musicians in the world. Pat Egan and Michael Cooney. Philly House Concert…. Foxhunters is the reel… Thanks so much to Bette and Bob for hosting this concert!!!!
A Dose of Irish Traditional Music: The Shannon Family(Thanks to Beebee Simmons).
Traditional Irish music is fun to be heard as to be seen. You can just see and hear the passion there…and makes you pasisonate to do something too..like in my case write!
The She Amigos
They’ve got the funk, the grit and the free spirited music.Linda Welby, Dee Brown and Regina McDermott, collectively known as “The She Amigos”. They are three awesome women from Ireland. Learn more about them here: www.irishcountrymusicradio.com
Justus and Law – LIVE at the Gumboot Cafe – Dec 22, 2011
They are based in based in British Columbia. There is something about Canadian Celtic musicians…they add a fresh touch to traditional sounds. I love the fine way these guys play the instruments. So much passion and beauty. Please check the project
The 12th Annual Sunshine Coast Summer School of Celtic Music July 9-13, 2012 very interesting. You might want to sign up!
I am not done yet. There is still a part 2 to this one.
Bran, Jimmy’s Playlist and Lost Girl Soundtrack
Bran are a band based in two places: Quimper France and Prague Czech Republic. The music is predeominantly Breton with various sources of influence like Bohemian folk as well as sources from Scottish and Irish music. The best thing about this band is their fresh approach to music . I have to tell you they have a sax member who adds a jazzy touch to all the traditional as well as original compositions. You can listen to free streaming of their latest live album through their official website and myspace page.
Want to get to know the band? Check out their myspace link as well as their official website:
Bran- An hini a garan (The Coast of Bohemia 2005)
Celtic Music in TV Series
I have been hooked to this Canadian TV series Lost Girl because not only that it deals about Celtic myths but the music is also interesting. After research I found out that a lot of the ‘modern’ sounding Celtic tracks I heard from that show is by this band called Delhi 2 Dublin which I already featured here last year in passing.It was my friend Tim who told me about the show and I picked up from there.
I am sure some of you have seen this series which deals with supernatural/crime/mystery. It stars Anna Silk as Bo, a succubus who grew up in an adoptive human family, unaware of her non-human nature and of the Fae world. Her succubus powers only become apparent to her when she accidentally kills her first love by draining him of his life energy, an act which forces her to flee her home. Bo exchanges her previously normal life for one without family or friends, moving from place to place whenever she kills again.
Her sidekick is played by Ksenia Solo, a scam artist who displays kleptomanic tendencies. She can speak Russian fluently and possesses excellent street-smarts. Anyway check the series out and the tunes. You will love it due to its predominant Irish/Scottish leanings.
http://www.facebook.com/lostgirlseries
Jimmy’s Playlist
This blog will never be complete without the genius of my friend Jimmy who discovers bands everyday. I don’t know how he does his searches but he sure knows how to get them.
From Lake Effect album.
(L/R): Fergal Scahill (Fiddle), Seán McCarthy (Uilleann Pipes), David Howley (Guitar)
Tune Names: Ryan’s Favourite, The Hag At The Churn, Patsy Touhey’s
Recorded November 2011, Clifden, Co. Galway
FullSet perform “Tree Reels” from their debut album Notes At Liberty. Recorded in September 2011 in Glenstal Abbey, Co. Limerick by Seán Egan
Band Members (L/R): Eamonn Moloney (Bodhrán), Michael Harrison (Fiddle), Janine Redmond (Button Accordion), Andrew Meaney (Guitar), Seán McCarthy (Uilleann Pipes), Teresa Horgan (Flute, Vocals – Not Featured)
Tune Names: The Oak Tree, The Laurel Tree, Moll & Tiarna
http://www.facebook.com/fullsetmusic
Soundtrack Moll Flanders.
Music: Mark Mancina.
The Bonnymen perform at RTE Breakthrough Music Bursary 2011 live in studio 1 of the RTE Radio Centre.
Track 5 off his new album “Summerhill”
Richard Wood and Gordon Belsher at the Colinsburgh Galloway Library, April 30th 2011.
Pre-Halloween Music News
As the world turns, the music spins. We have music news as well as up and coming. Thank goodness it’s a weekend. The week went by in a blur. What have you been doing folks? If you ask me, been busy with domestic stuff as well as renewing old ties with friends. And nothing beats the moment of having the soundtrack of your life help you recall those moments in time when everything was perfect and you thought that moment was not going to end….
First up is the upcoming concert of fiddle maestro Maurice Lennon: The time: 31 October · 21:00 – 23:30. The venue: Traditional Harcourt Sessions, Harcourt Hotel, Harcourt St Dublin 2. Here’s the specific invite for those who are interested, additional info here:
Bank Holiday Monday Special Concert !
Tickets in Advance €10 cc Bookings to 01 4783677 No Fees charge Generous Student/Sen Citz Concessions with ID on night
Adm on door on night €12 . Visit the following website for more info:
I think this is an event not to be missed. I love his style and I am sure you want to bring your friends along for some craic after great music.
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Dornoch Castle hotel will be shaking with musical vibration and good vibes. This is going to be a fund raising headed by Scottish painter Paul Taggart.
Date:
04 November at 19:00 – Sunday, 04 March 2012 at 23:30
Venue:
Dornoch Castle Hotel
Castle Street
Dornoch, United Kingdom
Find more info in these links:
FB LINKS
RNLI – https://www.facebook.com/rnli
ESRA Dornoch Lifeboat – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dornoch-Firth-Lifeboat/118113264958560?ref=ts&sk=wall
Dornoch Castle Hotel – https://www.facebook.com/DornochCastle?sk=info
Whisky Collectors – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whisky-collector/327387785355?sk=wall
Corralach – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Corralach/278643255496013
‘Awash with the RNLI’ Paul Taggart fund-raising project – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Artist-Author-Paul-Taggart-Awash-with-the-RNLI-fund-raisers/150537801669098
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TRADITIONAL AND FOLK CONCERT for The RISE FOUNDATION
Yeah folks. Here’s another musical treat you shouldn’t miss. Lots of musicians coming over and playing for your listening pleasure.
Time:
07 November at 20:30 – 08 November at 00:30
Venue: Harcourt Hotel, 60 Harcourt St, Dublin 2 @ 8.30 pm
Check this info out:
RISE – (Recovery in a Safe Environment)
The RISE FOUNDATION is a registered charity founded by
Singer Frances Black in 2008 focused on the family of those
in addiction (alcohol, drugs,gambling, food etc…)
For further information and new Projects underway i.e Rathlin Island Project Email http://www.risefoundation.ie
SPECIAL GUESTS and all those listed are giving their services free
and ALL proceeds to The RISE FOUNDATION.
LIMITED NO OF TICKETS AT HOTEL €12 purchased in advance
from Hotel . Tickets are already selling prior to announcement of
Concert and its advised that you collect or book yours now.
cc Bookings to 01 4783677 office hours
ADM on NIGHT €15
All proceeds to The RISE FOUNDATION.
VERY SPECIAL GUESTS TO BE ANNOUNCED in coming days will join the following
Cathy Jordan DERVISH
Seamus Begley and friends,
Niamh Ni Charra,
Triona Marshall and Alyth Mc Cormack
Martin Tourish
Brenda Castles
Roisin O’Reil,
Aoife Scott Band
CIORRAS
Aimee Farrell Courtney and many many more to be added.
Some Traditional and Sean Nos Dancers will grace the floor during the Concert !
SPECIAL GUESTS to be announced during the week
Further info from harcourtsessions@gmail.com
Hmmm… some great names in music there. I am sure this will be a night to remember.
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Check out Tim Edey and Brendan Power with Ross Couper and Tom Oakes. Amazing musicians getting together to bring you excellent music.
Time:04 November at 20:00 – 05 November at 00:00
Venue:
The Cumberland Arms
James Place Street
Newcastle, United Kingdom
More info: Duo Tim Edey and Brendan Power with Scottish/Irish fiddle and guitar duo Ross Couper and Tom Oakes
Doors at 8pm
Gig to begin at 8.30pm
Tickets are £10 in advance
£12/£10 on the door
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Now check this nice tune from the group Scottish Manran. Can’t get enough of the music. Vocally, instrumentally and concept wise…love them!!!!
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For those who don’t have a copy of Feels Like Home by The Celtic Tenors, I encourage you to get one. You will really, really enjoy the music. If you love traditional Irish music, Celtic Thunder, The High Kings, Anuna, and Gregorian, then you will love the combination in The Celtic Tenors.
The guys are:
MATTHEW GILSENAN 
Matthew Gilsenan was born into a hard-working farming family in North Meath. Steeped in the local musical traditions and raised by parents who shared a great love for music, from the great composers to obscure Irish folk, Matthew (along with all his siblings) was born to sing.
His classical training started in the Sisters of Mercy convent in Kells, Co.Meath, aged 10, and progressed to some of the great Irish and Scottish teachers. Although he ventured into opera and classical singing, Matthew never lost his love for the music of his youth, in particular the vibrant contemporary Irish music which is his great source of inspiration.
Matthew’s busy singing life ran in parallel with his engineering career, but his desire to sing was too strong, and ten years ago he turned to singing professionally.
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JAMES NELSON 
James Nelson, from Sligo, is a BA.,B.Mus (Hons) graduate from UCD, and a student of David Harper (UK), Britta Sundberg(SWE) & Edith Forrest (IRL).
Highlights from an oratorio rep of 60 works include Golgotha (Martin) in Bern&Zurich, and L’Enfance du Christ (Berlioz) alongside Katia Ricciarelli in Rome. More than 50 roles in opera include Pinkerton (Butterfly) in Kent, Lensky (Onegin), Alfredo (Traviata), Tichon (Katya) in Portugal, Basilio (Figaro) with Raymond Leppard for Scottish Opera, and roles for Opera Ireland, Opera Theatre Co, Singapore Lyric, New Israeli, and Wexford & Buxton Festivals.
James writes a column for the “Sligo Weekender”, and is part of an ongoing building project in Nairobi (Kenya) helping give AIDS orphans a second chance at life, as well as teaching them music&performing in concerts with the kids. A debut CD is available – “Cheryl’s Children – On Top of the World”.
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DARYL SIMPSON 
Daryl Simpson, from Omagh in Northern Ireland, studied singing with tenors Peter Alexander Wilson and Nicolai Gedda, and completed his Opera Masters Degree at the Alexander Gibson Opera School in Glasgow.
Daryl joined Opera Theatre Company’s “Young Associate Artist Scheme”, performing in many recitals and broadcasts, and in Monteverdi’s Coronation of Poppea. Daryl furthered his studies at Zurich’s “Internationales Opern Studio”, where he sang Tamino (Die Zauberflute), and roles in Les Mamelles de Tirusias (Poulenc) for Oper Zurich.
As well as performing worldwide on the concert platform, Daryl is also the Musical Director of the Omagh Community Youth Choir, which was set up in the wake of the Omagh atrocity to promote peace and reconciliation through music.
***
COLM ROGAN – MUSICAL DIRECTOR. 
Colm Rogan was born in County Louth into a very musical family. He began piano lessons aged 8 and succeeded quickly, earning a distinction in his final grade by age 15. From there, Colm developed a love of all kinds of music including Pop, Blues and Rock, and dedicated time to becoming proficient in other instruments including guitar, bass and drums.
Colm went on to graduate from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth with a B.Mus (Hons) degree, specialising in composition. During his time at Maynooth, Colm was active in meeting Ireland’s foremost composers and his compositions have been performed by members of the RTE Symphony Orchestra.
After completing his studies at Maynooth, Colm spent time working as a live and recording artist before taking up the position of Musical Director of the Celtic Tenors.
Colm is thrilled about his future with the Celtic Tenors and is delighted to be touring as a vital part of the team.
From November to December, they will be in the US for concerts:
| USA 2011 | ||
| Date | Venue | time |
| 25 Nov 11 | Katherine Hepburn Theater, Old Saybrook, CT. | 8pm |
| 26 Nov 11 | Mayo Center for PA, Morristown, NJ. | 8pm |
| 27 Nov 11 | Strand Theatre, Zelienople, PA. | 7.30pm |
| 29 Nov 11 | Hiwassee College, Madisonville,TN. | 7.30pm |
| 02 Dec 11 | The Clarion,Brazosport College, Lake Jackson, Texas. | 7.30pm |
| 03 Dec 11 | Piney Woods Arts Center, Crockett, TX. | |
| 07 Dec 11 | McCain Auditorium, Manhattan, Kansas. | |
| 08 Dec 11 | Lied Center, Lincoln, Nebraska. | 7.30pm |
| 09 Dec 11 | Stiefel Center, Salina, Kansas. | 8pm |
| 10 Dec 11 | Lied Center, Lawrence, Kansas. | 7.30pm |
| 11 Dec 11 | Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, Colorado. | |
| : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : | ||
Source of info: http://www.celtic-tenors.com/
October 5:Music that Uplifts
Donal McCague (fiddle): Sep 20, 2011 Unitarian Church, Dublin( with Dave Sheridan (flute) and Michael McCague (bouzouki)
A friend told me that the mother of the dog that he has passed away. On top of that I have this frustration that I find hard to describe except this: the feeling you get being nominated several times but not bagging even just one award. So what to do? Nothing. But the feeling of being confined eats you. In times like this only music is the way out. Let me give you a list of performers that merit a listen in situations like these artists:
Eden’s Bridge: Grow- Taken from the upcoming The Longest Day EP. The freshness of this track will carry you into caress of waves and prairie leaves. Transporting, uplifting, let it carry you to the silver lining of your personal clouds:
.
Visit : http://www.edensbridge.net/
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Listen to Donal McCague’s Bit’s and Pieces
Explosive shimmering interpretation of traditional pieces from this young Irish fiddle player. The golden album cover speaks of the tracks-utterly timeless, radiant and mesmerizing. Here’s the preview:
Visit: http://bitsnpieces2011.com/
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Nuala Kennedy creates a mood that kicks off the blues. This Scottish singer/flutist has made a following of her own with her style. Check this info from reverbnation :
Based in her adopted homeland of Scotland, Irish singer and flautist Nuala Kennedy performs a range of material from across the Irish and Scottish traditional music repertoires.
She also composes her own idiosyncratic brand of traditional music and tours in a variety of lineups from duo and quartet to a nine-piece festival band.
She has a new album (Tune In) released on Compass Records in March 2010. It was described as ‘A Picaresque Adventure and A Delight’ **** by THE IRISH TIMES
http://www.reverbnation.com/nualakennedy
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Feel free to share your own tunes and we will discuss it .
Celtic Music Fan 