So it begins! Gaelic-Americana singer-songwriter Kyle Carey has launched her Kickstarter campaign with a lot in store for music lovers. This is going to be exciting. Given her track record, you will not be disappointed!
As you might have noticed, I mentioned this in my previous post. I am highly supportive of her music. If you have been following my posts you know that it goes back to her first album.
As evident in the video above, Carey only surrounds herself with the best in the industry. Sios Dhan An Abhainn was performed in the 2016 Celtic Connections. That video is an example of her evolution as an artist and it will be further showcased in ‘The Art of Forgetting.’
Here’s an exerpt of the project:
Now that I’ve carved out a niche for my transatlantic sound, I’m ready to add a new element, and so I’ll be heading down to Louisiana in January to record my third album The Art of Forgetting with seasoned and acclaimed producer Dirk Powell – who I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to work with.
Dirk and I have already discussed the ways in which we can present ‘Gaelic Americana’ with a slight Acadian twist, which includes conscripting the aid of veteran guitarist Sam Broussard of ‘Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys’ – an expert Cajun and alternate-tuning guitarist.
We’ll be laying the basic tracks in Dirk’s beautiful home-studio known as the ‘Cypress House’ and then through the winter – adding accompaniment from the finest Celtic and American musicians from both sides of the Atlantic.
With a wonderful graphic designer (Heidi Pitre!), exemplary backing musicians, mastering services already secured and a team of talented promoters to spread the word – I’m confident that this album will be some of my finest work, and make an even bigger splashthan its predecessors.
You can read more about the campaign by clicking the link below.
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
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.
***
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”.
***
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.
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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:
It is lovely to hear news from Fiona J Mackenzie every now and then. I still enjoy her last release “A Good Suit of Clothes” and I think it is a must for those who love the beauty of Scottish Gaelic singing. She will be in the US soon! Catch her live as she conducts Gaelic workshops and concerts next month- concert in Atlanta, Tues 8 Nov- Java Monkey @8pm. Then in Albuquerque as follows- workshop, Sat 12 Apple Mountain Music @2pm. Concerts- Mon 14th – Main library and Cherry Hills Library- see http://www.ampconcerts.org/index.php for more updates. For those who are interested to get a copy of her albums, check this link: http://www.fionamackenzie.org/Recordings.html
I received the Feels Like Home CD by The Celtic Tenors in the mail yesterday. Special thanks to my friend Anita Daly of Daly Communications for making Celtic music accessible to everybody. From the first track “Going Home , written by Mary Fahl up to the last track “Westering Home”, The Celtic Tenors know how to captivate listeners with their amazing individual styles and vocal harmonies. Superb arrangements and awesome packaging. Love it to bits! I will make a comprehensive review soon and a possible interview with them.
I received an early copy of Story Girl, the new album by The Gothard Sisters. The trio have what ti takes to really grow and conquer more ears in the industry because of their overwhelming talent. Thy can play, compose and dance. They are also photogenic. Story Girl is a perfect album for the season because it rings of winter. Their classical discipline also helps in making the album having that crossover appeal . Together with the CD is this amazing note from Willow:
Hi Jose!
I hope you enjoy
our new music!
Here’s an early
copy of
“Story Girl”
for you
❤ Willow
Well, what can I say Willow? I love the album. It’s like chocolate for a lonely day. It’s bright, cheerful and has that crystal sparkle. looking forward to get a story out of you and the rest 🙂
The post I was writing was wiped out after the 5th paragraph. Tsk tsk tsk!
It’s like the Woodstock of Celtic music. The only time of the year where musicians and audience from all over the world gather and celebrate a legacy that spans thousands of years.
Those who are curious about the upcoming Festival Interceltique de Lorient can go ahead and check out the myspace page. It will tell you who will be performing and also the venues which you might want to check.
….You can’t claim as a lover of Scottish music without knowing Session A9. This band has been around for quite sometime and has made beautiful music. Fiddler Charlie McKerron is also with Capercaillie
……Kevin Henderson filled the seat of Aly Bain in Boys of the Lough. He is also with Fiddler’s Bid. Watch out for this guy because he’s really awesome.
……Fans of Liam O’Maonlai and Hothouse Flowers will be delighted to catch them at St. Johns Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry. The date : 20 August · 20:00 – 22:00. Get tickets by calling +353 (0)68 22566.
……..Guitar & Instrumental Week is attended by students and visiting musicians. That’s betweenJuly 25th – July 30th, 2010….
……Got my first email from Weekly Inspiration based in Edinburgh. To subscribe, visit www.weeklyinspiration.co.uk
check this artwork:
This article is different from the one I am working on 15 minutes ago. Sigh.
If you are on our way to Cork and wants to know which music bar to go to next, don’t forget to visit de Barras. Situated in Clonkilty the West of Cork, it boasts a one of a kind venue that already housed artists like Christy Moore, John Spillane and new up and rising acts. Feel its ne of a kind intimate ambience and diverse acts that make de Barras stand out as one of the best pubs in Ireland. Quotes ” Mark Mc Devitt, (Irish Examiner 2000) It is the presence of an unlikely musical venue that makes Clonakilty truly special however, to cross the well worn threshold of the shy and rather retiring de Barras Folk Club, is to enter into a world full of possibilities. The possibility that anyone, literally anyone, might ramble in of the street and do a few tunes.” Contact:DeBarras, 55 Pearse St.,Clonakilty, West Cork, Ireland Phone : +353 (0)23 8833381 Booking Enquiries: +353 (0)23 8836549 TUES email: eolas@debarra.ieCheck out www.myspace.com/debarras and www.debarra.ie for this month’s gig guide……………………….There is one site directory that will tell you the best bars in town. www.irishpubs.com has not only the lists of categories, it also has a user friendly interface that will guide you while you click for the pubs near you. It says Your Guide to the best pubs in Ireland and Irish pubs around the world. It includes categories like Entertainment, live Music, Trad Music, Disco Bars. Sport, Food. Smoking facility, Accommodation, Parking. Job opportunities etc.(Job opportunities? Hmmm…) You can even add your pub to the list or sell it!
And now for some music news……….
Clockwise from top: Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Alan Stivell, Pierrick Lemou and band, Lily Neill, Eddi Reader with band and Julie Fowlis (Pictures courtesy of their respective websites).
The 15th Hebridean Celtic Festival has a line up of interesting artists. From 14th to 17th of July, expect to be enchanted, possessed and stirred up by some of the most beautiful music in the world. Here are the artists to play in the event:
According to the site news: Thousands Expected as Festival Sales Reach Milestone
People from countries as far away as the USA, Canada and Australia are expected to visit Stornoway this summer as the Hebridean Celtic Festival announced it has already sold more tickets this year than it did for the entire event last year…
Julie Fowlis , our Scottish lass is in the midst of a tour to promote her new album Uam. According to Folk Radio Uk, Uam is an extraordinary moving album. Her best and most beautiful work to date. Julie has also been made ambassador for Hebridean Celtic Festival according to her myspace blog:
The fabulous folks at the reknowned Hebridean Celtic Festival have been kind enough to make me an ambassador for the festival and one of the first three inductees to their newly formed Hall of Fame.
I am most chuffed and honoured. See the official info below! (then go and buy tickets – it’s a fab festival!!) love Julie x
Sounds like she is not only winning our hearts, she is winning the whole of UK and the world. Bless you Julie! Check her blog and music at www.myspace.com/juliefowlis and www.juliefowlis.com her tour schedules:
Cuirmean-ciùil
Tour Dates
12th Jun
St Albans
St Albans Arena Civic Centre St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 3LD
13th Jun
Southwell
Southwell Folk Festival Nottinghamshire
15th Jun
Cardiff
St Davids Hall, The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1AH
17th Jun
London
Union Chapel, Compton Avenue, Canonbury, London N1 2XD
20th Jun
Salisbury
Salisbury City Hall Malthouse Lane Salisbury Wiltshire SP2 7TU
Breton band TornaoD is in the middle of an exciting tour this month. This band from Kaligan France have been leaving audiences breathless with their astounding, dynamic energy such that, initially bemused, then won over, people are never indifferent. Their site describes the music: In an authentic meeting of tradition and modernity, TornaoD draw inspiration from a mixture of sources, from Alan Stivell to Metallica, Led Zeppelin to Denez Prigent, 70s rock side by side with 80s metal, New Age, the East, and more…From June to August, you can watch them live in the following venues:
If you don’t have an idea who Pierrick Lemou is, then you’ve missed out on life’s great musical pleasures. His fiddle plying is like no other because after all, he walks in two cultures: Breton style meets Irish influences. There is a softer and sweeter style in his playing. His arrangement is also eclectic in a sense that he derives from all sources, including the great jazz bassist Jaco Pastorious. I am personally getting a hang of him and he bleeds magi in every song. Check him out at www.myspace.com/pierricklemou and http://www.pierricklemou.com/Following the release of the much-awaited album Emerald, Alan Stivell is fully booked for the month of July and August. He also conducted an online chat with his fans (in Breton I guess) and
yes he will be on one of the biggest Celtic Festival this year ,
The amazing voice behind Danu Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh continues to soar the heights of musical success as her band promotes their new album “Seanchas” was released in April 2010. Listening to her full voice, it would be hard not to be loved. She has the mastery in the sean nos style of singing as well as great talents on the flute and tin-whistle. She is good friends with Scot Julie Fowlis who collaborated with her on collaborated on the album “Dual”http://muireann.ie/biog.html . Expect to hear more from Muireann .Please read www.myspace.com/muireannmusic and muireann.ie . Beautiful photos courtesy of Bríd Ní Luasaigh
There is an amazing Celtic harpist in our midst that mixes music of all genres making the sound totally her own. Lily Neill has created such a stir in the music scene after the release of her debut album “Without Words “ in 2004. “Lily Neill speaks to us without words in this gentle and gracious recording. Once again the magic of the plucked string surrounds us and brings us to a place of special resonance and peace. There is something universal in this sound: no less than three of the tracks, for example, bring the Japanese Koto and Irish Harp together as if they were long lost cousins. A shared universal sonic gene comes through her fingers as if the music inside her is truly ancestral”. Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, November 2006. www.myspace.com/lilyneill and www.LilyNeill.com
If you haven’t got the copy of John Spillane’s latest album (The Best of John Spillane, So Far, So Good, Like), then don’t miss out on this musical gem of an album.
John is a native of Cork, the county he lovingly describes as ‘the centre of the universe’, and it has been a huge influence on this singer/songwriter. Vocally, Spillane is quite unique with an almost sean nos like element and has been described as having a voice ‘full of honesty, commitment and sensitivity’.
…some of the most skillfully crafted, vividly realized songs anyone has written in Ireland over the past dozen years.’ Earle Hitchner, premier writer/reviewer for Irish Echo and The Wall Street Journal. www.johnspillane.com and www.myspace.com/johnspillane .
With the release of the new record Love is the Way, we are greeted by a new Eddi Reader. This one is more breezy, country sounding and free spirited which is a departure from years of seeing her in those glasses and wild hair. I first became familiar with Eddi upon watching the Jools Holland show. Her voice is simply awesome and her personality is vibrant. As she says about the album: I have a passionate love of instinctive, beautiful songs. Also a slightly insane attachment to romantic chord structures. Words that speak of some universal humanist truth. That can be ‘thrown away’ with no regrets. This can be summed up in most of the songs on this record. Tour dates for this month and July:
Celtic Music Fan 