In this edition: The Indulgers, Blyde Lasses, Cillian Doheny and pictures of the day…
We had a hard week. My heart goes to those who suffered the terrible force of hurricane Sandy. As much as I love Nature, these are one of those times when nature can be scary. It is a horrible situation but as long as we remain steadfast in our devotion to one another, then we will get through this. Ive had moments in my life when I thought all hope is gone. But when I think about the love of friends and family members, everything becomes bearable again.
There is an ongoing drive to help the people of New York. Please check out Beal Bocht:
The Beal Bocht offers music, poetry, comedy, theatre and art exhibits ,making it the premiere place for to showcase both Irish and local artistic talents while enjoying great drinks and food.
Genre Irish/Celtic/Americana/Rock
Members Damien McCarron – Vocals, Guitar
Mike Nile – Vocals, Guitars, Mandolin, Harmonica and Electronic Bagpipe
Renee Fine – Fiddle/Violin
Aaron Haywood – Bass
Frannie (Cheech) Mannone – Drums
Guesting on occasion:
Neale Heywood – Guitar
Ryan Bunnell – Guitar
Hometown Boulder/Golden
Record label Celtic Club Records
General manager www.shamrocker.com
Influences Waterboys, Horslips, Thin Lizzy, Christy Moore, Irish Trad., Paul Brady, Spirit, Fleetwood Mac, Beatles and many more.
Current Location Boulder/Golden, Colorado
The The Indulgers
Good melodies, rockin’ beats, sing-along lyrics: these are the things that make up a good album that you can listen to again and again. My introduction to The Indulgers was rather nontraditional. I only know them after catching a radio show called Mile High Celtic Hour hosted by front man Damien McCarron. He moved to Colorado from Dublin.
I became a regular listener of the radio show and there is something about his speaking voice that’s great to hear. It is not just his Irish accent but his voice quality. I was not wrong when I heard their various tracks. I should also mention that apart from the front man’s vocal appeal, all the guys in the band are well-heeled musicians who are master of their own instruments. You can feel the passion as it electrifies every instrument in their songs.
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Blyde Lasses
Check out this duo from Aberdeen UK. Great fiddling tunes there that’s fresh and crisp. The Lasses Set is truly inspiring. I love the balance between energetic performance and emphasis on grace. The recording is also amazing because it lets you listen to the surface of sound. You can almost hear the way the bow grinds against the stings. Their vocals are also lush and expressive. I hope to hear more from them. It’s been a while that this site featured fiddlers. This could be the start eh?
Cillian Doheny is answering my interview questions in between touring with Moxie. I treat this as a pre feature write-up about his music. He does play the banjo way beyond his years. This man is hard-working being with so many projects in such a short period. So this is an introduction to his music and many more to come.
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.
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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.
My new York correspondent Anita Daly sent me updates in the area. Here they are:
AUGUST 10th THE FIGHTING JAMESONS
Celtic Rockers, The Fighting Jamesons, make their New York City debut this August 10th at the legendary Webster Hall.
Based in Norfolk, Virginia, for 2 years The Fighting Jamesons have been developing a strong presence on the East Coast with their high energy performances, original tunes and rousing renditions of our favorite traditional songs. They’ve shared the stage with legendary Irish rock acts such as Dropkick Murphys, The Saw Doctors, and Young Dubliners. In November of 2011 the band released their first album, “The Fighting Jamesons”, produced and engineered by Capital Records recording artist Mark Padgett. “{The CD} features a healthy respect for Irish music tradition delivered with a decidedly modern attitude…The band has quickly made a name for itself, thanks to its fieryhigh-energy shows. Think sing-along choruses, the occasional guest bagpiper and hoisted pints of Guinness.” – The Virginian Pilot
So come on out and give The Fighting Jamesons a hearty New York welcome, dance, sing along and hoist a pint (or a Jamesons!)
The State Theatre will present the popular The Celtic Tenors in concert on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 8pm, performing a fresh, innovative spin on traditional Celtic, classical, and popular works. Tickets range from $30-55.
Established as the most successful classical crossover artists ever to emerge from Ireland, The Celtic Tenors live show is an experience overflowing with vitality and variety from start to finish. The unique voices of Daryl, James, and Matthew, combined with talented young Musical Director Colm Rogan, create a thoroughly uplifting, musical experience. For tickets or more information, call the State Theatre ticket office at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org. THE CELTIC TENORS at The State Theatre ticket office, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ
AUGUST 17th BLACK 47
Celtic Rock Legends, Black 47 will be at the Towne Crier – “…An unashamedly topical wallop of the early-Seventies Jersey-bar E Street Band and the Combat Rock-era Clash, laced with the mourning siren of uilleann pipes.” – Rolling Stone . Black 47 espouses an unblinkingly political and thoroughly Irish form of rock ‘n’ roll, with songs covering topics from the Northern Ireland conflict to civil rights and urban unrest in contemporary New York. Black 47 earned their chops playing the pub scene in Manhattan and self-producing their first indie record, Black 47, before converting The Cars’ Ric Ocasek to the cause and gaining mainstream attention with their second album. The band recently celebrated their 20th year on the road. BLACK 47 at The Towne Crier 130 Route 22 Pawling, NY 845 855 1300 /http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/256596
I am sure it is going to be awesome. Those are great bands and group.
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Video of the day: The Moorings – “Friendship”
This video was sent by Pavel of the band “Cheers!”.
I like the way this track progresses from the harmless intro and then spews into a spasmic kaleidoscope of melodic Celtic rock that makes you want to puke all the bad spirits out with their brand of feel- good energetic music.
I have to warn you. Not for the faint of hearts. there is that scene where the girl in the video throws up. It was one of those surprising EWWWWW moments but it was fun. It made me laugh my guts off. Totally original and beautiful music!
The band:
Denis Jelly : Guitar + Vocals Anne-Sophie Golé : Violin Samuel Klein : Drums Matthieu Renaudet : Bass Nicolas Biegel : Guitar
Athy has made a lot of buzz these days. He is in demand around the world. Mind you I even received an email from the United Sates asking if I know his whereabouts because they would like to book him! I found that incident very funny.
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Featured band: Cleghorn
Are you stressed? Need a music chocolate? Just listen to this son and dad duo called CLEGHORN. and I am sure you will forget your blues. If not, the music will make the pain so insignificant like a bite from a wimpy ant. Ah 10 tracks already!!!! They are also preparing for gigs all over the United States.
Imagine sunflowers, daisies, camellias and gardenias trailing behind a horse driven wagon. Yes indeed, it can mean that summer is around and the smell of it is unmistakable as Nomad’s music remind us of the carefree nature of our youth, the storybook colors of days gone by when carnivals were the attraction to people (way before chart music, movies and television stole the show).
I got to hear the whole album called Happy Madness from this New York based duo of Samantha Stephenson( Vocals, Percussion Galore, Drums ) and ScottHelland (Godin Guitars, Vocals, Loops, Wah and various effects, Percussion, Drums, Anvils). Dark Carnavale is the opening track with its foot stumping, hip spanking beat . Anyone can notice the voice that sound like a combination of Edith Piaf and Siouxsie Sioux.
Now if you are a Cure fan, the intro of Extra Extra will hit a familiar chord. Then there’s that violin line that makes you realize this is a band grounded on folk music’s sense of using authentic instruments. Another hip shakin’ and feet stumpin’ track .
I am sorry I don’t know the clear distinction between a Spanish guitar and flamenco guitar but the intro of Happy Madness, the title track sounds like either of the two. There are also bell and other sounds. Such a short track though but sets the mood for what the album’s all about.
House of Cards drives suspense and mayhem to you sang in a narrative way that makes you come closer to the campfire to know the conclusion. The jangly sound of acoustic guitars come to mind early Bauhaus and The Banshees. It’s OK is a tribute to escapism when all else fail and we leave everything to the higher power to make everything right.
Magician and Dancer is another narrative song. The spellbinding quality of the telling approached bardic excellence.
Adult humor is clearly evident in Make Out which is a tongue in cheek song about you know what. The racehorse speed, French phrases and Western Movie (Silver, away!) approach to the arrangement are what kept the balance in this ribald good-hearted song. Listen to the track here: Make Out mp3
Marionette is a poetic song about neglect. Sombrero Cabaret calls to mind old-time duels seen in Western Movies. A female soprano vocalise give an ethereal( and somehow bordering on the creepy) to this instrumental track performed in a fast galloping way.
Vaudeville Voodoo tells a plot of a girl seeking revenge for a guy who wronged her through the method of Voodoo. Pins and needles and voodoo doll, pins and needles, and sticks and stones, chants the chorus amidst the happy melody and rhythm of this one.
Vitame Vas is a retelling of children fairy tale.Yes,I am French closes this album with a positive point of view.
‘When I came to America what a land to behold, all was so
different, so
big and so bold.’
…and of course it takes us into the narrator’s personal journey of growing up a stranger to this strange land…This is one track that speaks of alienation , a vaguely autobiographical song laced in clever poetry and interesting music.
CMF: What do you expect to achieve in this album. In terms of how people are going to perceive your music?
This is the fourth CD we have released since The Gypsy Nomads were formed. Each CD has it’s own personality. In 2008 we released At The Carnival Eclectique and Eternal Summer. The former highlighted the drumming instrumentals as well as celtic and middle-eastern flavored tunes and a couple of vocal songs including Oh Gypsy. Eternal Summer focused on the French songs with a gypsy cabaret feel. The new release, Happy Madness, is almost entirely in English and has the upbeat cheeky songs that we have been playing live since last summer, like Make Out and It’s OK, as well as some brand new tunes like Yes! I’m French and Dark Carnivale. A common thread throughout the CDs is the fun, lively and free spirited energy. We want our music to be a release, a respite from the mundane.
What’s the process in creating each album?
We are perpetually in writing mode. We don’t necessarily sit down and say, ok, let’s write a song! Scott plays guitar everyday and riffs are always presenting themselves. When I hear a riff that seemingly has lyrics attached to it, we start working on the song at that moment. It can be sitting in a hotel room or on a bench at a rest stop, in the living room of someone’s house we’re staying at or in a park or wherever we happen to be. Some songs come out very quickly and we just have to craft the arrangements and tweak the lyrics. Other songs get their start but don’t move into a finished mode until much later, weeks, maybe months later. When we have about 15 to 18 songs written that we think are recording worthy we start doing preliminary recordings at home to get an idea of added instrumentation. We often have been performing the songs for a while on tour so we work out a lot of those details during live shows. Doing them live first allows us to feel out what works and what doesn’t, it also tends to bring about more creative ideas. As we are on the road most of the year it can be challenging to schedule the recording sessions but we do seem to record sporadically in the fall and in the winter. After we have done the preproduction recordings at home (invariably some songs get dropped), we go to the studio to lay down the tracks.
What are the rules you consider before going into a studio?
We don’t think in terms of rules, that sounds like external forces dictating what we should and shouldn’t do. When we enter the studio it is more of a feeling of openness, of the possibilities of what could arise. No matter how much we prepare beforehand, we always come across new ideas during the recording process.
How do critics react to your type of music and style on stage?
For people who are not familiar with our music, they are most amazed by the amount of sound we make for being just two people, the chemistry we have onstage and how high energy and exciting the show is. Scott creates that wall of sound with live looping on his Godin guitar and I provide accents with percussion like tambourines, djembe, cymbals, hi-hat, seed pods, zils, shakers and of course vocals get added into the mix. We are both very fiery people and that fire comes out the most when we perform. Our all-drum instrumentals are also a highlight. We tend to do those at the larger shows like the steampunk conventions and alternative music festivals. We’ve been described as relentless, high octane, powerful, seductive. I’m coming from a dance background having started at the age of four with ballet and later modern, jazz and hip hop and Scott is an ex-punk rocker so we both have a flair for theatrics and are often described as a highly visual performance.
Did you listen to Banshee music while growing up( I ask because of the vocal similarities)?
I get that a lot (at every show!), and it’s really flattering, Siouxsie Sioux is great. I had heard a few songs when I was a kid but didn’t really get to explore her music until later on. Scott was a fan growing up when he was a little punk rocking metal head. The Banshees have such a cool sound and Siouxsie’s voice is very distinct and I definitely connect with her style. I love her recent CD Mantaray. I’ve also always been a fan of Johnette Napolitano and Chrissie Hynde.
What’s this fascination with medieval themes?
I grew up in Europe before coming here to the States, I loved history class in school when I was living in England. I think it’s just a part of who I am. There is a rawness and earthiness that I’m attracted to. The architecture especially and I was always fascinated by the battles and dramas of the various monarchies. My favorite is the Battle of Hastings and the story told by the Bayeux Tapestry. But truth be told, I would not have wanted to be a woman back then! Scott has always been drawn to medieval imagery too. When he stepped away from being in bands and started writing solo his music naturally came out with a renaissance and celtic flavor. His song titles reflect that. When we go to Europe we love visiting the old castles.
You are both photogenic and your album covers are such visual treats. Who decides what goes into the album and what shouldn’t be there in the final part?
Like everything about The Gypsy Nomads, it is definitely a team effort. We are both very visual people. I studied sculpture and drawing in NYC for many years and have gotten more into oil painting in the past 8 years. Scott has been drawing since he was designing those punk flyers as a teenager playing bass in the western Mass hardcore punk scene. Those have evolved into intricate drawings so his aesthetic sense is very strong too. For this particular CD we were lucky enough to have a really fantastic photographer, Frank Siciliano, for a photo shoot in the 1800s tavern brewery in Pennsylvania called Bube’s Brewery (we also shot a live concert DVD there this past Spring which will be released later this year). The CD layout was done by graphic designer Karl Ourand.
I love your gospel about being free spirited. Please tell us more of how we are going to make this world a great place to live in.
Our sense of being free spirited means just that… letting your spirit be free which really is just about tapping into what brings you joy. We are very blessed to be traveling around playing music. It’s not easy by any stretch of the imagination but it is what we love to do and ultimately we know we affect people in a positive way. We hear amazing reactions from people; it’s very humbling. We get emails all the time from fans telling us that they are addicted to our CD, that it hasn’t left their CD player in months. We are told stories of how our music has inspired them. We are doing what we love and if we can inspire people to strive for the same, it all becomes a snowball affect after that.
Check this making of Make Out video. It is filmed in New York by photographer Frank Siciliano featuring actors Hunter Mullins and Noelle Burk.
Celtic Music Fan 