I am one of the staunch supporters of the belief that music heals the soul. I think as we help people recover physically, it is also important to look after their emotional and mental recovery. I am delighted to know that one of the bands I covered in the past is part of this charity project. The music of Ranagri is a fusion of traditional Celtic, World, Jazz and Classical music. The energy is irresistible which fills you with joy and makes you want to dance. Here’s the statement from the group about ‘When Music Speaks.’
We are very proud to be associated with this project for the great national charity Music in Hospitals (est 1948). ‘When Music Speaks’ will be released on May 10th for Mental Health Foundation awareness week. 100% of the proceeds from this song will go to MIH enabling fantastic free concerts in a variety of health care establishments. Please support them by pre ordering ‘When Music Speaks’ here https://itunes.apple.com/…/when-music-speaks-si…/id977780090
“The title The Widening Gyre appeals to us and depicts the spiral of life, widening and embracing the new. It has an innate energy. We think that idea is reflected in the album’s music,” says Mairéad.
Every Altan release is defined by craft and experience. The Widening Gyre is no exception. It just goes to prove that Altan continues to feel the excitement and growth of their music after being together for so many years. Batch mates include Clannad and the Domhnaill siblings (and you see them together in concerts and tours occasionally). Maggie’s Pancakes is the first single off The Widening Gyre which was presented on the RTE One sessions. The music is irresistible which is something that Altan have given us through the years. I have read so many positive reviews and my newsfeed is flowering with links posted by fans of the band.
At the centre of this artistic band is the fiddler extraordinaire Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh. I follow her on social media not solely for her talent but also for her advocacy. She is a staunch supporter of causes that matter in Ireland and the world. She is really outspoken with her beliefs. Traditional Irish musicians have been pigeonholed as people who are just mainly concerned with the stye of music that they’re playing – which is reasonable given the kind of discipline that goes to the mastery of the instruments. But this revelation proves that the traditional music community is constantly evolving comprising of people who are forward thinkers and visionaries. It is a great genre with great people around it.
So if you have not yet gotten your copy of The Widening Gyre by Altan, you better get one! The music will embrace you and keep you happy through troubled times.
The first time I heared father Ray Kelly, I thought he’s the preaching Elvis Costello. But this Irish priest is more comfortable with the like saving the flock than with fame. I think his rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah fresh and spot -on.
He has the pipes of a folk and rock singer. It is worth noting that his debut album is eclectic. You get a Celtic touch with old folk and rock plus something in-betwween for everyone. People call his voice ‘soulful’ but his spiritual influence prevents him from going ‘mainstream’ pop. I think it is a solid combination that will please a lot of listeners. And it is seldom you get something like this in saturated mainstream. He is not like any of the people you hear out there. And I think it is time..
Father Kelly
Check out the press release below:
FATHER RAY KELLY brings pure, soulful voice to US just in time for Easter
Father Ray Kelly, the Irish priest who shot to fame on YouTube for his rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, makes his major label US debut with the album ‘Where I Belong’, out on Manhattan Records March 17, 2015.
Over 39 million people around the world have fallen in love with Father Ray Kelly since the video of his performance of “Hallelujah” at a wedding first appeared on YouTube in April 2014. After the bride and groom were moved to tears by Father Ray’s adaptation of the song, a wedding guest uploaded the video, which drew more than a million views within a few days. The viral video attracted worldwide attention and led to late night performances on Ireland’s The Late Late Show, as well as radio, documentary and wedding requests from as far as Australia, Brazil, Japan, Chile, Lithuania and Croatia.
Each of the 10 songs on ‘Where I Belong’ showcase Father Ray’s powerful range and clear, “soulful” (Huffington Post) voice. Blurring the line between secular and spiritual, Father Ray’s lofty, ethereal timbre soars over Celtic-infused arrangements featuring acoustic guitar, piano, fiddle and Irish flute on classic ballads (REM’s “Everybody Hurts”, Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven”), Irish folk songs (“O Danny Boy”, “Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears”) and hymns (“Amazing Grace”, “How Marvelous”), as well as two original songs, “Together Forever” and the dramatic title track “Where I Belong”.
Recorded at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church and parochial house, where Father Ray presides in the small manufacturing town of Oldcastle, the album features a 200-voice choir comprised of local residents, reflecting the tight-knit community Father Ray has brought together through his music since his appointment as parish priest in 2006. “We have our own Diocesan choir in our church, of 100 people,” says Father Ray, “and we brought in some other choirs as well. [When recording “Amazing Grace” for the album,] I was absolutely mesmerized by the quality of the sound when all 200 voices come together to join the chorus.”
Larry Kirwan will be performing live at the Cutting Room NYC St Paddy’s Day Eve. It will be the first since the announcement of doing separate musical projects from Black 47. See the details below:
1. You will be doing first solo St Paddy’s Day show in NYC! Are you excited?
Sure! Playing on St. Patrick’s Day in NYC is like jumping atop a wild stallion. You try to guide
it but you usually end up just hanging on and going with the excitement and glow. I did a solo
show at the Boulton Center in Bay Shore on Saturday and it went really well, so I’m wound up and ready for St. Patrick’s Night. When I did solo shows during the Black 47 era I usually contrasted the performances – take the solo show down and make it more introspective. But now I just take the Black 47 fire onstage with me and attack the electric/acoustic Takemine just as I did the Stratocaster for 25 years.
2. Can you share with us your set list?
I won’t even decide on that until just before going onstage, and even then I’ll change that set list around while onstage. I have a lot of Black 47 songs to choose from and will re-imagine them, oftentimes adding a bit more of the back story before the actual song; so it’s somewhat a different experience. People will hear more of the lyrics and perhaps get deeper into the soul of the original song. I’ll also be doing some songs from my musical Hard Times, and setting the scene back in July 1863. I’ll probably do a couple of covers. And there’s a Yeats poem that I set to music about 10 years ago that I’ve never really performed. We’ll see… but whatever, it will all be fresh.
3. What can we expect from you this year, in terms of live shows and also solo projects?
I’m developing Hard Times for a bigger production up in Toronto so will be up there quite a bit. I’m also doing a solo show of Foster in the Five Points out in Bergen Community College Theatre in Paramus, NJ on April 16th. I was commissioned to do that by the Lincoln Library and will probably do more of those shows. I have a new book coming out in April, A History of Irish Music – and will do some readings from that over the next six months. I’m also working on a new musical about Iraq that will incorporate a number of the songs from Black 47’s IRAQ CD. But I will do some strictly solo music shows – I’ve really gotten back into guitar playing again. I miss the Fender Strat – it was like a part of my body for all the years of Black 47 – but I’m enjoying the acoustic again. So, onwards and upwards, as the bishop said to the actress!
4. Message to your fans?
“Treat every day as if it’s your last – and one day you’ll be right.” That’s actually from my friend, Malachy McCourt. But it’s so true. On a more personal basis, thank you so much for all your love and support down the years. Even though Black 47 will no longer play, the spirit of the band will go on. The songs are still there and I’ll be playing them.
It’s going to be an exciting event. Go to his website for more details: http://www.black47.com
His arrangement of The Ashokan Farewell for acoustic guitar. Played on a McIlroy AJ16
Dermot McIlroy is a versatile artist. Apart from playing in his project bands, he is also a guitar builder. Have you tried visiting McIlroy Guitars? The video will give you an idea what one of them sounds like(the McIlroy AJ16). And he plays really good! He executes that depth and craft in the video Ashokan Farewell which has a rather interesting background.
Dermot McIlroy in Antrim, Antrim, United Kingdom. Photo by Daniel Burne.
I love instrumental music. They don’t have resistance or aggression. They are compatible with almost anything. The Ashokan Farewell plays like a peaceful river. Everything flows without bumps and uncertainty. And the notes are clear like golden silver. Can you hear it? That certain feel to it?
I think there should be a solo instrumental album from McIlroy don’t you think? I think, for that to be realized one day will be a truly wonderful experience. Solo guitar music is timeless. I love collecting them. I can play them anytime and anywhere. I hope this post(and most importantly the accompanying music lights up your week) inspires you as you start your day or recline to sleep.
I will be posting a blog about Derek Smith of this Welsh trio, Glasnant. According to him:
“Glasnant means Blue Stream in English. Our music will be like a stream flowing through the Celtic countries.” They will go to Ireland on March 12th-16th to take their interceltic music to the Aran Isles. Sounds exciting!
Celtic Music Fan 