releases

Mountain Rose by The Gothard Sisters: Girl Power in Celtic Music!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgevKLSVrhU

Just say you are a casual listener and you happen you see one of the performances of The Gothard Sisters. I am pretty sure you would be amazed how these three sisters carry themselves. They are musically and visually captivating. You don’t even have to be a fan of Celtic music to really take note of their musical skills. This is girl power to the max. I mean, they have always carried their musical careers independently since the release of their debut album in 2006. And they stayed true to their style no matter how fickle-minded the music industry is.61eNCSEy9CL._SS280

I love the cover artwork of Mountain Rose. It really says a lot about their playfulness. And the materials are sonically delicious. I am talking about the cover of Andy M Stewart’s “Queen of Argyll.” Mr Stewart introduced me to traditional Irish music during the explosion of Green Linnet records in the 90s. The sisters gave this tune an interesting twist. The trio wrote some songs too. And whole album is like a good book you need to read up to the end. I say that because I am more of an album guy. I’d rather buy full-length albums as opposed to compilations or ‘best of.’ I am sure some of you can relate to this as every song tells a story. And every story is a branch that makes up the bigger tree which is the album. Greta, Willow and Solana are really good in making this album consistent while making each track unique to each other.

I love the clarity of The Bandit. They combine the elegance of their classical training to folk tracks. I Courted a Sailor sounds fitting in these times of gender equality. But while making interesting materials worth the discussion over coffee, they also make sure that the craft doesn’t suffer. Cat In A Bush is another playful track to listen to if you are a fan of traditional instrumental music. The Boatman’s Call reminds me a bit of Connie Dover in terms of the clear and magical vocals, while St. Annie’s Reel is a force of nature. As a fan of Grace O’Malley’s story, I am so glad the sisters have this track about her. Yes another tribute to a strong woman in history.

There are plenty of tracks you should not miss in this album. It is really a satisfying experience and I hope you get Mountain Rose and that this album will introduce you to the rest of their discography. Out of five starts I give this a five!

Karl Nesbitt is working on a new album The Constant!

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Karl Nesbitt, The multi instrumentalist Irish musician is working on a new album. The album is titled The Constant . Details are coming soon. He has been busy with many musical projects. These are recitals and Master classes.

He has already released two recordings Vista Point and the Good News EP. You can get updates about his latest releases and projects by visiting his official website

www.karlnesbitt.com

 

Videos:

Tour Dates and Releases!

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New Song Johnny and June by Mary Fahl

Great News! Mary Fahl’s new song is now available for listening in her official website. Johnny and June is a narrative song about a young man’s plight-our modern day Romeo. Always expect romance, suspense, and even visions of a grand scale when Mary dabbles into lyric writing.  The style is something you’d expect from Joni Mitchell , Leonard Cohen or even Dougie MacLean. But then there’s that unmistakable big voice filled with power and nuance at the same time.

More at www.mary fahl.com

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Gypsy Nomads are going to take their music on the road with 30 shows across the United States.

Here’s more from the press release:

“Primitive drums, excitement, blood roiling passion, sorcery, artistry,

sonic grace, unstoppable Gypsy power.” – Event Promoter, Wicked Faire

“The gypsy-cabaret duo sounds like it could be the poster act for Magic:

The Gathering, but the team of Samantha Stephenson and Scott Helland is

more of a neo-medieval band that takes inspiration from French singer

Francoise Hardy and alt-rock icon Siouxsie Sioux.” – Richard Gintowt, The

Pitch

**THE GYPSY NOMADS TAKE DYNAMIC PUNK/CELTIC CABARET ON THE ROAD WITH OVER 30 US SHOWS**

**NEW ALBUM HAPPY MADNESS OUT JULY 13**

New York, NY – In true nomadic fashion, the New York-based duo The Gypsy Nomads are on the move, announcing a cross-country tour that will stretch throughout the summer and right into the fall. Affectionately known as ‘Frenchy and the Punk’, the Celtic cabaret effectively channels the spirit of the gypsy sound with a neo-medieval flavor, rooted in the traditions of punk and folk music. After kicking off earlier this month, the tour will wind its way through America, making stops in major cities including Nashville, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Chicago before ending at SteamCon in Seattle on November 19.

The Gypsy Nomads, composed of French-born Brit Samantha Stephenson and ex-Deep Wound punkster, Scott Helland, have been touring relentlessly since 2005. From raucous, danceable old-world melodies with cheeky stories sung in English and French, to pounding, tribal-march-style drum instrumentals, this creative duo’s quirky and captivating show has garnered attention for its high energy and honest musicality. Their songs have been licensed for Indie films and television, and have already been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and WE TV’s Gothic Wedding. Their fourth full-length album is out July 13, 2010.

THE GYPSY NOMADS Tour Dates:

May 1-2 Spoutwood Mayday Faerie Fest, Glen Rock, PA

May 1 (night) Glen Rock Mill Inn, Glen Rock, PA

May 7-8 Beltania Fest, Florence, CO

May 12 Meadowlark Coffeehouse, Lincoln, NE

May 14 Next Millennium In-store Concert, Omaha, NE

May 15 Aquarius Books Shop, Kansas City, MO

May 19 Java Cabana, Memphis, TN

May 20 French Quarter Cafe, Nashville, TN

May 21 Loudhouse Coffee, Greenbrier, TN

May 22 Sungeros Coffeehouse, Louisville, KY

May 26 Green Lantern Pub, Lexington, KY

May 27 The Revolution, Toledo, OH

May 28-30 World Steampunk Expo, Dearborn, MI

June 3 Lions Lair, Denver, CO

June 4 Tenacious Bros Pub, Grand Junction, CO

June 5 Dwntwn Hookah Bar, Salt Lake City, UT

June 6 Zia Records Inshore Performance, Las Vegas, NV

June 7 Yayo Taco, Las Vegas, NV

June 10 Trunk Space, Phoenix, AZ

June 11 The Ruby Room, San Diego, CA

June 18 Linnaea’s Cafe, San Luis Obispo, CA

June 23 Headlands Coffeehouse, Fort Bragg, CA

June 25 Baxtalo Drom @ Amnesia, San Francisco, CA

June 27 Organic Brewers Fest, Portland, OR

July 9 Diablo’s Downtown Lounge, Eugene, OR

July 15 Hummingbird Cafe, Butte, MT

July 16 Palace Lounge, Missoula, MT

July 17 Crescent Moon In-store Concert, Tacoma, WA

June 18th Linnaea’s Cafe, San Luis Obispo, CA

July 22 The Can Can, Seattle, WA

July 30-31 Faerieworlds Fest, Eugene, OR

Aug  7-8  World of Fae Fest, Chicago (South Elgin), IL

Sept 17 Mystickal Voyage Event Space, Baltimore, MD

Sept 18 Mountain Mabon Festival, Clarksville, VA

Sept 24 Earth Warriors Festival, Clarksville, OH

Oct 9 Witches Ball. Mount Holly, NJ

Oct 23 Celebrate Samhain, Peterborough, NH

Nov 12&13 FaerieCon, Baltimore, MD

Nov 19 SteamCon, Seattle, WA

Resources:

Website: www.thegypsynomads.com

Myspace: www.myspace.com/thegypsynomads

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thegypsynomads

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Cara Dillon Tour Around the UK


Cara Dillon is also gearing out for a tour around the UK up until August. So if you guys are interested to get tickets, better book now by visiting her official website and getting the instructions there. I think it would be lovely to listen to such pristine voice on a live setting. And when it is a Cara Dillon show, expect to be not only dazzled by her voice but also by the musicians that back her up.

http://www.caradillon.co.uk/index.aspx

June

* 16  The Brewery Arts Centre

Kendal 01539 725133

* 17  Gala

Durham 0191 332 4041

* 18  Big Session Festival

Leicester 0116 233 3111

* 19  Lowdham Book Festival

Lowdham 0115 9663596

* 24  Crosby Civic Hall

Liverpool 01704 540011

* 27  Norden Farm Arts Centre (Duo Show)

Maidenhead 01628 788997

July

* 01  The Assembly

Leamington Spa 01926 523001

* 03  St Mary’s Church

Sandwich 01227 831493

* 09  Eastleigh Music Festival

Eastleigh 023 8065 2333

August

* 28  Shrewsbury Folk Festival

Shrewsbury 01746 768 813

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Ashley MacIsaac July Tours


After a successful tour  at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. And Ecole Secondaire du Sacre Couer – Sudburry ON Ashley McIsaac will be seen in  the following venues:

July 9th, 2010 – Mariposa Festival – Orillia, ON Canada

July 10th 2010 – Same as above

His performances are never to be missed. http://www.ashleymacisaac.com/news

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Natalie MacMaster Live DVD Out!


Fans of Natalie MacMaster will be delighted to know that they can now take her performance home in the comfort of thir home theater.  The DVD Natalie MacMaster Live in Cape Breton is now out. It features stalwarts known in the genre of Folk,Blue Grass and Classical such as  Hayley Westenra, Bela Fleck, Donnell Leahy, Buddy MacMaster and the Cape Breton Fiddles Association .

You can buy the DVD here:http://www.nataliemacmaster.com/recordings/dvd-live.htm

Notable Celtic Releases List

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Sure I have been away from the computer most of the time but not on my music player;) These are the list of artists I would suggest you listen to if you are looking for authentic Celtic stuff:

1. Connie Dover-The Border of Heaven conniedover2

The “voice so pure, so captivating, that it tells you: this is how to sing a song” artist released this wonderful album in 2001. My choice picks are: I Am Going to the West, Brother Green , My Dearest Dear and The Water is Wide. Visit her official homepage.

2. Cecile Corbel-Song Book vol. 2cecile-corbel-song-book2-nov2008

If you haven’t picked up Cecile Corbel’s latest recording yet, then I recommend you give her a listen. This Breton artist has already established herself as one of the formidable forces in the Celtic arena. Visit the official website.

3. Jenny Mulvey-Suirimulveycd01

Beautiful singing, eclectic approach to traditional material-these are what you can expect from this Irish singer. You can listen here.

4. Dom Duff-E Unanpochette_Dom_Duff

This 2008 release by this Breton recording artist is a good introduction to his earlier releases. If you like your Celtic music invading the festive barracks of the Gypsy Kings and moving a few degrees into the realm of Sting then Dom Duff is for you. More sound samples here.

5. Sue Aston-Sacred Landscapessueaston

This pro violinist from Cornwall has all the chops to charm her way into the hearts of her listeners. If you like your music with a mellow waltz of Secret Garden and the mysticism of Cornwall then ms Aston will light your way. Samples can be heard here.

More to come…..