This week, we are moving a bit away from the traditional /New Age flavor of this page to give way to a more pop rock oriented series of articles. It is after all summer is most parts of the world where most of my readers are. Live bands are playing in festivals and there are new releases from artists which will be featured here. You wont be disappointed that’s for sure!
I was totally stoked when these guys handed me their finished EP sometime ago. It is exciting to represent a young band that’s full of energy and looking good onstage. I think the onstage getups really represent their punk and zany musical personas. Who needs Prozac when you have Will Tun and the Wasters?
Hey Baxter! Hope you’re having a good summer! Thought you might be interested in the knowing the Wasters got a new tune out with our French rapper Mc Amalgam.. It’s a little far from the our pogues inspired roots, but what the hey… it’s summer and we were in the mood for some upbeat ska :)-Will Tun
The music video for Raggamuffin MC really say a lot about the spirit of summer in the vein of Irish music meets Rasta spirit. This track is going to be included in their new album ‘Unite and Charge’, release date TBA. I think they got what it takes to really court mainstream audience and play in big venues. Just help spread the music, blog about these guys and their fame will spread like virus. Oh and French rapper MC Amalgam really convinced me to listen to rap. Check him out and his solo work that, although not really Celtic but really fit the format if my other blog Sphere Music.
You’ve got nothing to say, from your writing it’s really perspiring
Is that only in your lyrics or does it extend toward you days?
You’ve got nothing to say in your rap so you’re only blabbering
Even though you should shut up you make 16 bars from dust
You speak into the void and even do it shamelessly
I almost got vertigo facing the emptiness that you just left
You even pretend to be giving a message
You’ve got nothing to say so you speak about a life that you fantasise
You’ve got nothing to say so you speak about the girls you pulled
Of the size of your penis and other lies you imagined
You’ve got nothing to say and what’s worse is that nobody’s forcing you to
You’ll always find an audience despite the lyrics that you have
You’ve got nothing to say so you speak about what you call batty boys
Of your LACOSTE tracksuits and the JD that you’re drinking
You’ve got nothing to say so you big-up, big up a lot
You’ve got nothing to say so you became Mc Jungle Ragga
—————————————-—————————————-—
01 – Frying Pan 3:01
02 – Cliffs of Galway 3:24
03 – Molly’s Eyes 3:36
04 – Mary Hogan’s 4:05
05 – Collier 3:46
06 – Parnik 3:49
07 – Jim 5:03
08 – Poor Man’s Hat 2:24
09 – Tearberries 2:36
10 – I’ll Never Be the Same Man Again 3:47
11 – Rugged Day 4:11
12 – Wrong & Right 2:59
13 – In the Maze 5:07
Release date: 9 May 2013
Running time: 47:46
One of the most energetic releases in the Celtic punk genre is Wrong & Right by Czech band Cheers. I featured an interview with the lead man Pavel(Pafka)Steidl last year and it was fun. You get to feel the punk attitude sandwiched between melodic tunes. Wrong & Write is fun to listen to.This is an all out party album not for the faint of hearts. But the sweet melodies will keep the balance between spicy strong sounds and crunchy beats. Yes take a bite. Feel it sizzle. Get drunk to the music!
The confidence is present. Take note: this band has performed in many live shows prior to recording this album. All the tracks were recorded live at the Saloon Roudna. The sound quality is also excellent. You really get to savor the crunch of the drums and the sharp edge of the guitars. The Celtic instruments aren’t drowned by the louder sounds as they are given room to breath in Rugged Days, Wrong & Write as well as other tracks. Katka Hofmanova also sang the female parts in the tracks when not playing the flute. This creates a balance with Pafka’s testosterone induced voice.
Freddy Kruger who played the accordion maintained that melodic envelope all throughout. The fiddle of Filip Matyas has that Irish feel which I really like. The punk power of Wrong & Right is brought to you by the guitar of Mates Sistek who also provided the backing vocals. His rocking contribution is really important. Paja Vesela made the groove and the fullness of the recording with her bass.I just love it! And last but not the least, Prema Broz kept the tunes in one place with his drums. As you know drummers are awesome.
The lyrics are in English but they are translated to Czech in the liner notes. I think the cover rocks. It shows a tattooed hand holding a lollipop . This clearly showcases the band’s sense of humor. My favorite song is the ballad in track 5. This is one of the tender moments when the band show their intricate and expressive side. I think this is a track that should be a single because it is easy to sing along. The other one is track 13 called In The Maze. But I tell you Wrong & Right is an album intended for energetic gatherings where you invite your friends for a pint of Guinness and great live tunes. All the tracks in Wrong & Right are recommended for big speakers.
Wrong & Right is one of the releases you should not fail to check out as it provides a satisfying listening experience. Especially if you want your tunes to rock big time.
Music keeps me alive. I am sure it is doing the same to you. Whatever problems we may face in life I have learned to rely on the wisdom of the Sound and how it has the power to pull us from the darkness into light. I know that our brothers and sisters are having problems over there in Europe as flooding continues. My prayers go to the people of the Czech Republic, Germany and the neighboring countries. These are hard times. I had hard times last month but I know that as long as we live our lives in music then nothing will ever destroy us.
Now on the lighter side, check this youtube playlist from another Celtic band from the Czech Republic called Poitin which I am sure you have read about them in my past posts. I love posting their music because I have their albums and yes I am a certified Poitin fan. Do check this out:
Info: It’s taken from a show they had recently in Prague- with a live webcam and the sound quality is quite good.
No More Woman You’ll Kill
21 Black Jack
Rather Die than Forget
Next Sunday We’ll Be Back Again
The Way Back Home
With Head Held High
The American Dream
Hate Cannot Be Forever
At The Counter Bar
My Childhood Dreams
Fancy Prankster
Johnny Techno Ska
“Refarmatory” is am album by Spanish band The Fatty Farmers. This is straight ahead Celtic rock with nods to the musical styles of The Levellers and The Pogues. I love it when bands tell about the music through the album artwork. And yes I love what I hear. In fact, The Fatty Farmers left a sonic impact that distinguishes them from the current outcropping of bands of the same musical bent. There’s never a dull moment. Every track packs a wallop.
Listen to 21 Blackjack and Sraka Dupa and you will know what I mean about sonic impact. So yeah this is an album for the depressed. Listeners who are in search of something energetic and cheerful. The band gave a bit of tribute to their Spanish roots via Sraka Dupa and other tracks but the vocals are unmistakably Irish sounding. The Head Held High showcases the bands mastery of groove. Out of this 14 tracks, I can’t find any song that’s weak or bad. You can tell the choice of materials have undergone careful analysis prior to its studio release.
I enjoy funny album artwork . The lyrics are also interesting. The instruments are superb. Talking about lyrics there is one song that really caught my attention. It is called At the Counter Bar which pays tribute to The Mermaid and the Drunks by Pablo Neruda but with a twist. Like the music, the songs have explicit lyrics and I read a lot of F bombs there but it is ok. Music is supposed to express what you feel inside and what you meant to say in colors. I love what The Fatty Farmers did for Refarmatory and I hope this record gets heard by the majority of Celtic rockers.
You may get their humor or not. But they can surely draw reaction. And like what I told one of my friends. When people don’t react to you, then it means you are boring. Refarmatory is definitely far from boring.
Bio:
At the start of 2009 a Group of farmers from different stables appear in the music scene in Toledo to bring us a music style never heard around here.
This group brings rhythm and fun with there different costumes and there hardly seen instruments.
From the banjo to the electric mandolin played by the wild Rodrigo Farmer, to the bagpipes and irish whistles by the sweet Javato, passing by “The little boy” Javito Farmers violin.
The group is completed with Lamber on the bass, Lalo playing the acoustic guitar, Fignani the electric guitar and Juankar on the drums. The last one to join the group has been Goyo, a crack of the accordion and another big push to the group.
Celtic Punk Rock Folk music that isn’t to be heard at home but to be seen in this groups great live show that will make you want to sing, dance, jump, party hard and forget about everything for a little bit.
If you haven’t yet, please check out the other version of my interview of Kevin O’Donnell that appeared in this month’s edition of Irish American News. That’s page 12 of the digital copy. Thanks to Noah Smulkis of Ceolwind Productions for mailing me the physical copy of the magazine!
Members: César Ricky (eletric guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica and vocal) and Jackie M. Mendes (tin whistles, low whistles and vocals), and some friends!
Tracks:
When I survey the Wondrous Cross
Close to you
Panic
Build Me Up Again
With All My Soul
Wherever you Go
Saved My Soul
Two Little Princesses
Carried Me
Follow the Way
I’m Not Condemned
Nearer My God to Thee
Back to the New bolted out of the gates upon its release via Noisetrade. Noisetrade is one of the most accessible sites to showcase bands of all genres . For this Brazilian band to spotlight their work internationally is a great thing. After all, the sound of Tehilim is really something that American and UK listeners will embrace. All tracks are sung in English. I dig the influences: Iona, Moya Brennan, The Corrs, John Petrucci, Steve Vai, Dixie Chicks, Sheryl Crow and others.
Most of the compositions in Back to the New is built around the guitar flourishes of César Ricky Mendes who is also the band’s lead vocalist. Jackie Mendes plays the whistles and backing vocals. The couple has four album credits . There are three guest musicians who played in Back to the New for the bass, drums and other instruments.
The music of Back to the New reminds me of American Southern Rock with an arena packed energy. It is a kind of music that’s best to be played live and in a wide setting as opposed to something intimate. The vocals are robust with remarkable range. Most of topics in back to the New revolves around Christianity, soul searching and finding meaning in life. I think I can label this album safely as Celtic Christian Rock album with mainstream appeal. I also think they are better known as Tehilim Celtic Rock as opposed to just Tehilim. That way people who pick up the recordings will have an idea what to expect.
Consider track 7 Saved my Soul as an example:
Lord, you saved my soul And gave me hope You loved me so And made me new Lord, I want to know Who needs your love And save their soul And make them new You saved my soul, Saved my soul Don’t let me go without your love You saved my soul, Saved my soul I sing for all, you saved my soul.
It’s also the most Irish sounding track in the entire album.
Lyrically, think of early Moya Brennan albums like Perfect Time and Whisper to the Wild Water meeting up with Jars of Clay and you will appreciate each Tehilim releases. Although the content of the album is Christian-centric, Tehilim is never preachy which makes it accessible to all ears even if you are not a Christian. And yes in the end it is the beautiful music that’s worth listening to again and again which is actually what universal love is all about: embracing all and pleasing all. You can download the album via Noisetrade.
Hi there folks and welcome to our Saturday edition. This is what happens when you put things aside and then realize you have things piled up at the last minute. So, let me bring you great tunes once more and also recommendation. And please don’t be shy. If you have anything to share, use the comment thread of this post and post your own stuff. Be the blogger too!
Donal and Mick McCague: These two brothers are always popping up in my newsfeed so I finally got a good video to showcase their amazing instrumental talents. Donal (Fiddle) and Mick (Guitar) pay a set of reels at the all Ireland Fleadh in Cavan in August 2011.Check this video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-8imeWmCKY
Yes I wrote a review about this amazing album from way back: Everything in this album bumps and pulses. No need for you to think deep thoughts. Just the pure fun of knowing that Black 47 is there to shake your day into burst of ecstatic energy. Buy it here: http://www.black47.com/
Another album lovers of Irish music should not miss: Memory Lane is an album worth of repeated listens. It’s a collection of tracks that sound familiar to everyone Irish or not, but given a new life and freshness by The High Kings. This is just their second album but it looks like they have achieved a lot. These guys know their stuff. They are real musicians with real instrumental talents. They are seasoned vocalists and their individuality shines in every track. They are also charismatic figures that looks good on your CD library. I am pleased to own this album. In terms of production, the album shimmers with clarity and lushness of sound. Buy it here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Memory-Lane-High-Kings/dp/B0036V0VPY
I am still enjoying this gem:
Expect to hear instrumental arrangements that were made popular during that time. I am a fan of harpsichord and recorders and they’re highlighted here! What I love about the recording is the variety . You hear English Country dances, James Oswald, Matthew Locke, Traditional Scots Tunes, Traditional Irish and so much more.
The tunes are lively and melodic. I should also mention that I adore the packaging of the album especially the very informative liner notes. Buy it here: http://www.musicapacifica.org/recordings.html#
Feautring: Kinfolk, Jamie Smith’s MABON, McAuley/Horan/O’Caoimh, John McSherry, Michael Shimmin, Joe Dart, Wilber Calver with Moya (Maire) Brennan & Shane McGowan
Featured Single: The Lady of the Woods
I mentioned the new single from Jamie Smith’s MABON in my last edition (with the amazing Corrina Hewat as featured artist). A few months ago, drummer Iolo Whelan announced that they are in the process of recording the new JSM album. It was later revealed that the title of the said album is “Windblown”. Anyone who followed their career in the old line up will know that they have always played lively instrumental tunes. You have to understand my surprise when I discovered that the carrier single Lady of the Woods features male vocals including top notch harmonization. The song uses influences from pop/rock and traditional music. The song is radio friendly enough that I am sure with the right timing and promotion will be one of those top 40 UK singles like what fellow Celtic bands Capercaillie did with Coisich, a Ruin and Manran withLatha Math.
Other players: Johnny Cameron,David Mclean, Damien Mullany, Alan Burton, San Proctor, Dorothy Swift and Paul Fox.
From the first few notes emanating from the acoustic guitar of the intro to This Land, one is given a tip that this album is composed of songs that you can sing along. Coupled with great accompanist from the trad scene , Kinfolk has an album that makes you feel like you are watching a family album. I call this a grand offering due to the number of guest players ranging from bouzouki, mandolin, keyboard, banjo, accordion, fiddle, uillean pipes, and other vocals and instruments. The harmonies are solid and breezy. When you are driving long distance, this is one of those albums that you’d like to listen to on your way home from a long day’s work.
Tracks:
There are 13 tracks. There are ballads , instrumentals and upbeat songs. They are arranged in a way that reminds of of a plot in a novel. Each song tells a different story but still related to the bigger picture that makes this album solid.
This Land: A tribute to Ireland and anyone who has an immigrant soul will relate to this:
” Well I hope and pray her smile will be there to greet me
Though my home’s far away I can still hear her sing so sweetly”.
Donegal: The upbeat tempo of this track makes one wonder. If this album has enough airplay and this track has enough promotion, this could be one of those top 40 folk tunes. The fiddling and singing reminds me of Scottish pop rock band Simple Minds. It is irresistibly catchy and poppy.
Stac Pollaigh: Acoustic guitar, whistle, keyboards make this instrumental track have that New Age crossover appeal. Something spiritual, relaxing but still very traditional sounding.
The Hunger Roars: Hunger Roars recall the term ‘starving artist”. I personally think it is about one goes through in life mourning over relationship we can’t salvage from the ruins. A kind of existential anguish permeates the track. It is a song that you can interpret based on your own personal feelings. It has that kind of hoe down tempo. In spite of its lively tempo, the melody is steeped in melancholy atmosphere. Something luminous but somber at the same time.
Wonderful Day: Another finger snapping and toe tapping track. An uplifting and positive track which is a tribute to a beautiful landscape. Embellished by the nice sound of the banjo and the other instruments, this song is one of those undiscovered gems in the folk music scene.
Campsie Glen:
“ Will you come with me this summer,
To the fells in Camsie Glen..
This idyllic track takes me back in those years when everything seems like a scene through a rose colored bowl. Thoughts of childhood are precious and this is something that will save us from the twist and turns of adult uncertainty. The fiddle is bright and the vocal harmonies are rich. The simplicity of this med tempo track is what makes it such a pleasure to listen to. There are ven sounds of birds at the end of this.
Bound for New York: No need to expound on the thoughts of this one because I am sure you know what t is about. And I agree! Once again, the vocal harmonies and the chorus that goes:
“So I’ll have to go,
I’ve got to let you know,
My ship will leave the harbor in the morning
Cross to the sea so blue,
But my heart will stay with you,
I’m bound for New York City in the morning..
If this song doesn’t make you misty-eyed then you are either made of steel or a frickin’ robot. I just lost it!
Lady of the Isle: The drone of the keyboards coupled with the tin whistle makes the intro to this song very ‘soundtracky’. The vocal follows with the beat of the percussion. It has the characteristic of a slow marching song. The spacey arrangement creates a haunting atmosphere which has that lament sound.
“ But we cannot be together, So I’ll love her from afar,
For she is to wed another, and that day will break my heart”.
Thingamajig: Is a jig…but has a pop rock flavor. A great fusion of styles. The percussion and fiddling makes me want to go out and dance in the rain!
Working for the Company: Voice and acoustic guitar feels like a break from the grand instrumentation of previous tracks. A tin whistle and scattering of ‘ohhhs and ahhhs’ in between the chorus and verse plus other spare vocal ‘cloak’ makes this one a must for listeners of chill music.
Home to Ireland: The use of Major 7th chords gives this track a pastoral flavor. Major 7 reminds me of golden wine and gentle rays of the sun. “ Why don’t you come home to Ireland, All the way back to this green green land. This actually expresses my sentiments why I consider Ireland as my spiritual home.
Paddy’s Shout: Another instrumental track that showcases the mature and excellent musicianship of Gerry Power and Brian McDaid. I find my self rocking my head to this gentle uplifting track.
I Blame the Whiskey: The closing track. A tongue in cheek song about…well, you with your Celtic blood would understand and relate to. But this is also a song about trying to cope with a bad experience in life. We all have that. Yes we blame the whiskey, cigarettes or anything we can get out hands on to quell that ache..anything to keep us alive. A beautiful track that I can relate to.
My verdict is: Buy this album. It has a general appeal even to those who aren’t into Celtic music. The tracks are easy to the ears and all of them are worth your listen.Maybe music can’t really heal our pain or existential anguish but it is such a fine company when we feel lost and lonely. I love this album! Buy this album here:http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kinfolksongs
Featured Artist: Wilber Calver (AfroCubanCelticMusic)
Gran concierto en Einsiedeln, Switzerland !
I want to introduce you to this exciting artist and whose album Diaspora is making waves! Jazz musician Courtney Pine (the first Jazz musician in my cassette collection as a kid) praises Wilber Calver’s album saying: “Wilber Calver is a unique new artist who has created a brilliant original sounding album that is steeped in the traditions of his Cuban culture and the Celtic folklore of his chosen instrument the bagpipes. I can’t stop playing it.”http://www.wilbercalver.com/
We have another legendary artist in the making!
From the official website:
About Wilber Calver
Wilber Calver Rodríguez “The Ebony Piper” was born in Holguín (Cuba). In 1997 he enlisted as a percussionist in the traditional music group of the Centro Gallego de la Habana, with whom he performed in many festivals. In 1998 he took his first bagpipe lessons with Professor Eduardo Lorenzo and it was from this moment that he fell in love with the pipes and took the decision to dedicate himself to the instrument.
During the following years he built up his performance experience and was included in the EU documentary “The latest Bagpipers of Havana”, won the “Premio iberoamericano ” Rey de España” ( 2004 ), appeared on the feature film “Havana Blues” (2005) directed by Benito Zambrano.
His TV appearances include : Musical ” Cuerda viva ” Cuba ( 2004 ), ” De la gran escena ” Cuba ( 2004 ) -Progra ESPECIAL ” Día da Patria gallega ” TVG España (2007) – ” A compañenos ” TVG ESPAÑA( 2008) – Serie “Padre Casares ” TVG España ( 2009 ).
He has been reviewed in the following publications : Revista Bohemia ” Con la gaita a cuesta ” Cuba ( 2004 ) -Revista ” O anuario da gaita ” Epaña ( 2000 ) – ” Gaitas con tumba..o ” Diario La voz de galicia
Wilber now lives in the Swiss Alps – Einsiedeln – and is in the process of recording his first album which will be an exciting fusion of celtic melodies with Afro-Cuban roots, arranged and produced by Alex Wilson.
***
Flashback: MOYA (MAIRE) BRENNAN & SHANE McGOWAN – You’re the One
As my personal tribute to the amazing late Irish novelist Maeve Binchy, I am posting this beautiful video by two equally mesmerizing artists, Moya Brennan and Shane McGowan. The song is written by Michael Kamen. It’s the ending track for movie Circle of Friends.
Celtic Music Fan 