phil holland

Celtic Twist-Twist in the Tale (album review)

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

 

 

I was so excited when the mailman gave this to me, that I stopped all chores and put this in my CD player. Celtic Twist is a duo that will win more followers with their brand of Celtic music.

There’s a lot of artistic polishing done to the recording of  Twist in the Tale by  the duo Celtic Twist (Phil Holland and Dave Palmley). Only an arrogant listener with the heart of ice will fail to appreciate these enchanting pieces. The first track, Maids of Mourne (based on Sally Gardens) opens with the sound of seagulls by the shore. Then, we have the guitar and harp by Phil and Dave. The song soon builds up into an Enyaesque piece complete with vocal layering that sounds like church choir.

There are lively tracks like The Raggle Taggle Gypsies/The King of The Faeries, Ye Jacobites, Gerdundula, Toss the Feathers/Scotch Sally and Whiskey You’re the Devil that will sweet you up your feet with their refreshing and energetic styles. These are all wrapped in jigs and reels.

The remaining half of the album are tracks that convey relaxation and reflection. These are elegantly crafted compositions. One song called Looking For Moss(third track), is already familiar because Phil already uploaded this track on youtube for friends to hear. Hearing it compiled here is a treat! I also need to commend her rendition of She Moved Through the Fair. In this traditional song, Phil puts aside  her classical singing style, to make way for the lighter, airy spirit of Irish music-more like Kate Bush meets Moya Brennan.

Takes Forever expresses that hopeful longing for someone. The melody just breaks your heart. The Far Away Child is a vocal track with harp and guitar. Once again, I noticed the lighter and sweeter voice of Phil. Heart of Ice sounds like a song about heartbreak or loss.   Cold wind, Cold heart, Still life, Torn apart, Walls of ice, Carpets of snow, Cannot stay, And cannot go….

The album ends with Climbing Pendle. Have you heard how a harp sounds like through an effects pedal? This will tell you how. I thought it was a didgeridoo or something. It used used during the intro and the last part of the track. Climbing Pendle is one of the most memorable instrumentals I have heard in quite a while. If you like the music of Loreena McKennitt, Enya, Clannad, Chieftains and even Kate Bush then you will appreciate Twist in the Tale.

Order of tracks: 1: The Maids of Mourne Shore 2: The Raggle Taggle ypsies/The King of The Faeries 3: Looking For Moss 4: She Moved Through the Fair 5: Ye Jacobites 6: Takes Forever 7: Gerdundula 8: The far Away Child 9: Toss the Feathers/Scotch Sally 10: The Wild Geese 11: Heart of Ice 12: Whiskey You’re the Devil 13: Climbing Pendle

http://hollandandpalmley.blogspot.com/

To purchase the album, contact: lmcrecords2011@gmail.com

About Dave and Phil

The exciting and dynamic fusion of two such versatile musicians creates a sound that is as varied as it is unique. Rooted in Celtic music but drawing from their diversified musical backgrounds, Dave Palmley and Phil Holland bring to this musical communion all their decades of experience and insatiable passion for making music. Their contrasting yet harmonious vocal styles give added depth and texture to an already fascinating weave of instrumental sounds. Their repertoire consists of many traditional Irish and Scottish classics and lesser-known songs, jigs and reels, but Dave and Phil have also combined their song writing and compositional skills to create their own inimitable sound. Dave Palmley: Guitars(acoustic and electric),mandolin, bass, bodhran and vocals. Phil Holland: Celtic Harp and Electric Harp, violin, keys, bass and vocals.

Finding Compassion In A Bleak World

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 3 Comments

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about all my years watching Earth, is that people aren’t what they may seem. There are shop boys, and there are boys who just happen to work in a shop for the time being. And trust me Tristan, you’re no shop boy. You saved my life. Thank you.

-Yvaine( from the movie Stardust a story by Neil Gaiman )

There are people who define themselves through the kind of work they do. It is  dangerous. People sometimes lose their sense of who they are when they get caught up with the kind of employment they lead. For instance, when one becomes a  manager of a company, he or she thinks that he or she is indeed a ‘ manager’ in all aspects of  life. And that person could no longer discern which role ends and which one begins.

I always think we are more than what we do. You  can be silly which is fun. You can be a  teacher, a student of life or a  Philosopher. It is great to look at the world with our many selves instead of  one eye.

I guess when one is done with work,one should leave everything behind. The feelings of hurt, the things that you heard said about yourself, or even the displeasure of exchanging unpleasantness with someone. One should try to put on the other self- the real you. That is another part of you that your real friends enjoy so much.One should no longer talk about work.

***

Another sad news. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/03/28/ns-jenna-cyberbullying.html

We live in a world where too much information is available and young people are not made aware how to deal with that power. There is no longer a sense of responsibility towards what we can do. Knowledge is power but the sad thing is that a lot of people use it to destroy others. In Nova Scotia, A 15- year old girl took her own life  because she was bullied. The same thing happened sometime ago to an Irish immigrant in Massachusetts. It looks like schools could no longer protect children. We are sending them to the jungle. Teachers who have the power and influence are stymied by this. Principals could not do anything but watch young people shoot each other. Whats the world turning to?

***

While the world is looming in darkness, let us check out music news to keep us warm

***

Winston Scottie from Cape Breton

***

Someone tweeted this and I  think it is a beautiful piece . Music from Galicia Spain. Luar Na Lubre-Canto De Andar

***

Leading figure in Manx music passes away

‘A Manxman who inspired generations’, is one of the tributes which have been paid to Alan Pickard who has died at the age of 69.  More here: http://www.manxradio.com/newsread.aspx?id=51052

***

THE 119th Manx Music Festival starts at the Villa Marina in Douglas this weekend.

Known locally as The Guild, the competitive music, speech and dance festival has attracted 1,400 entries.

More here: http://www.isleofman.com/News/article.aspx?article=34548

***

Peter McGowan & Finn MacCool

Time
01 April · 22:00 – 23:00
Location
Genghis Cohen 

740 N. Fairfax Ave,

More info

Cover $8 

Club (323)653-0640

***

Skype tutorials

Created by: Eamon Murray
More info Hi folks, From April 1st I will be giving one to one tutorials via Skype! For those who are in far flung corners of the globe we can now connect for a tutorial where you can pick my brains. These are for any level of experience from total beginner to advanced. Follow this link for more information- 

http://www.eamonmurray.co.uk/Site/Tutorials.html

www.eamonmurray.co.uk

All the best, Eamon

***

Holland and Palmley Celtic Duo DAL VIVO!

Location Calisto Cafè, VAILATE 

Via Manzoni, 2

Vailate ( tel. 036384077 )
Created by: Holland Palmley Duo
More info Holland and Palmley, Celtic Duo.
Per la prima volta in Italia.
Dal vivo al Calisto cafè.
Presentando anche il loro CD “The Visit”
Venite per una serata di buona musica e buona compagnia.
Speriamo di vedervi.
 

 

Already and Upcoming!

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 1 Comment

I have a bunch of news for you guys. Remember when I actually mentioned  a Christian Celtic band Eden’s Bridge last time? We had no input as to what’s up with them. I was surprised when I stumbled upon their site and learned that they released a Christmas EP last year. I Know it’s a little bit late for that but not for the music. There is something magical about this release which can withstand seasons. I think this is the kind of EP you’d listen to when you want inner peace.  Check out The Winter Sings on this link and listen to the songs.

http://www.edensbridge.net/

***

Our friends Phil Holland and Dave Palmley sent me a special gift in a form of a song .I want you to experience the kind of profound feeling I got when I heard this track. Adventurous- bordering on the Baroque with traces of Clannad and the duo’s personal styles; Steal Our Soul Away is a preview to what is going to be a future album.  Beautiful song, fantastic talents! We love you Phil and Dave.

***

Visual artist and musician Sharron McCulley has carved up a musical project with Jan Harris called Red Sonnet. The songs are wrapped up in keyboard sound scape that begs for more cinematic moments and water color tears. Christian , New Age, Folk- whatever you want to call them but the fact remains. The music of Red Sonnet is a perfect soundtrack to a tired night when you want to feel a little bit dramatic but enlightened. They’ve just finished recording their new album  Across The Bridge. They will be performing soon so watch out.

Member Since:

March 05, 2009

Members:

Jan Harris –
piano, guitars, keyboards

Sharron McCulley –
vocals

http://www.myspace.com/redsonnet

Behind The Celtic Melodies: Phil Holland and Dave Palmley

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 1 Comment

Article plus Interview

2 traditional Irish jigs.
Phil: fiddles and bass
Dave:guitars, mandolin and bodhrun.
for info on how to buy the new CD “THE VISIT” by Dave Palmley and Phil Holland write to lmcrecords2011@gmail.com

The Visit is one of my most played album this month as we mark our departure from Yule and welcome Imbolc. The album cover of stone circles evoke pagan musings , and yet the music is universal. This is a musical venture that the  classically trained musician Phil Holland did after her solo albums; venturing into a more upbeat and more Irish/Scottish driven arrangement.

   Dave Palmley who also made a mark with his own releases(His UK single Looking Closer is timeless) and added a twist to these wonderful tracks. I can tell where Ms Holland’s style ends and where Mr Palmley’s own comes in. But they create such wonderful musical chemistry that everything is seamless and spontaneous. It’s like these guys have been collaborating for years.  Tracks like Baidin Fheilime, The Clare Jig, The Hills of Connemara and the rest are given freshness. And the length of time for this album to happen?

  (PHIL and DAVE):  We didn’t expect to start an album for a while, but when we started playing together, the rapport was amazing and it just happened.In the space of 2 months we wrote, arranged and recorded everything that you hear on the album. It was just something that needed to come out. Initially we thought we would do mainly some of our favorite traditionals but we found that our combined need to write and create was just too strong and the album ended up being half and half…6 traditionals and 6 original pieces.

In fact since we completed “The Visit” we have continued writing and recording and the next album looks to be already on its way with even more originals that seem to be taking a more progressive direction, although always with a Celtic feel which is inevitable given our combined backgrounds and love of Celtic music.

 I am fascinated by the power of this type of music to bind people together. You could be anywhere in the world and still find someone who shares exactly the same vision as you.  

 We became aware of each other’s music and began corresponding, exchanging thoughts and creative ideas.

There was a mutual understanding and admiration of each other’s work and we decided we really wanted to write, play and record together.

Dave was in England but has actually now moved to Italy so that we can work together on a permanent basis.

Although we’ve only been together as a duo for 3 months there’s already quite a bit of interest in the European Celtic scene and a couple of tracks have already been played on BBC radio. We feel very excited about the music we are making together and we’re looking forward to sharing it with lovers of this genre.

 

 There are a couple of tracks in this album which are my personal choices. One of my favorites is the carrier single “Brave Warrior I and Into Battle Jig”. The melody is beautifully heartbreaking and this track is divided into two parts, the slow beginning and the rapturous second half.

 We started writing the Jig first and initially it was intended as a simple jig. However when we heard its assertive, almost battle-like quality, we realised we could do more with this and the Brave Warrior was born!

We imagined the gaelic warriors of ages past preparing for battle, and what would go through their minds, thinking of homeland, family and possible death and loss. It was a very poignant image but also very proud and strong. The piece itself is very essential, using only 4 tracks; guitar, celtic harp, fiddle and drum, and in this respect is symbolic of the essential nature of the gaelic warriors and their fight for freedom.

It was a wonderful experience writing “Brave Warrior I and Into battle Jig”, because it came to us so spontaneously, almost like a gift, and as it unfolded, we could see and hear the beauty of it. After we recorded it and listened back we heard the depth of feeling and yet it sounded very fresh, uncluttered and natural.

As this is an instrumental, since writing it we have actually starting working on a song version of it with lyrics, which will most likely be on the next album.

   This sounds like an interesting thing to anticipate!

Awesome January

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

Looking for Moss,a metaphorical search for life and hope in the darkest,bleakest moments.
Phil: piano,violin,celtic harp,bass,keys.
Dave: acoustic guitar,electric guitar, mandolin
all dave and Phil’s CDs are available by writing to lmcrecords2011@gmail.com

I am not just saying this because I am a Capricorn. I mean it because I feel that 2011 has a lot in store for lovers of Celtic music. Remember that Loreena McKennitt’s The Wind that Shakes the Barley is already out so tour is on the way. Clannad is back to performing and a possibility of another album is  not far …I have conducted wonderful interviews. I recently talked to Sue Aston from Cornwall. She kicked off the 2011 with her new album Between Worlds. You better grab your copies. Phil Holland has also released The Visit with Dave Palmley so you better look for that one because it is really different from her previous albums! So 2011 is going to be great and I hope you are  a part of it where ever you are. So come out , come out.

Pic Courtesy of Phil and Dave.

Pic Courtesy of Phi Holland and Dave Palmley.