reviews

Celebrating 20 Years of Celtic Woman: A Journey Through Live Irish Music and New Performers

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As the enchanting melodies of Celtic Woman continue to captivate audiences worldwide, it’s hard to believe that two decades have passed since the inception of this iconic musical ensemble. Marking their 20th anniversary, Celtic Woman has become synonymous with the ethereal beauty of live Irish music, blending tradition with contemporary flair.

From their humble beginnings in 2004, Celtic Woman has evolved into a powerhouse of talent, showcasing the timeless appeal of Celtic music through a series of mesmerizing performances. The group’s ability to weave together hauntingly beautiful harmonies and instrumentals has made them a beacon in the world of Irish music, drawing fans from diverse cultural backgrounds.

In celebration of their two decades of musical excellence, Celtic Woman is set to embark on a commemorative tour featuring both familiar faces and new performers. This milestone not only pays homage to the group’s rich history but also introduces fresh voices that promise to carry the torch of Celtic musical tradition into the future.

Among the highlights of this anniversary celebration is the release of a highly anticipated live DVD, capturing the magic of Celtic Woman in a visually stunning experience. This release promises to transport fans to the heart of their spellbinding concerts, allowing them to relive the energy and emotion of each performance from the comfort of their homes.

The interview with Celtic Woman promises to delve into the intricacies of their musical journey, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and the joyous evolution that has defined their two-decade-long career. As they reflect on the past and embrace the present, Celtic Woman invites fans to join them in commemorating this milestone, ensuring that the magic of their live Irish music continues to resonate for years to come.

Their new single of ‘You Raise Me Up’ is out today here is the video !

Here is my interview with violinist Tara McNeill:

1. How does recording and performing the new Celtic Woman release feel?

It has been a very proud moment in my Celtic Woman career to be part of its 20th anniversary celebration.  Sharing the stage and this recording with the original members of Celtic Woman felt both moving and empowering.  I grew up admiring these women, their beautiful voices and amazing fiddle skills, and to create music together was a true honor.  It felt wonderful to share beautiful new music and also to perform such stunning new arrangements of Celtic Woman’s most loved songs over its 20 years.

2. Was there a point where you felt it was a daunting task to live up to the previous glories of the group? Or was it something you think you’ve prepared yourself for?

It was of course terrifying when I first joined the group as Máiréad Nesbitt (the original fiddle player) was such an incredible performer and I worried that I couldn’t live up that.  But what is wonderful about Celtic Woman is that it has always been a platform for Irish women to showcase their own unique talents.  When I joined I wasn’t expected to be anyone else and we all thrive when we are allowed to be our true authentic selves.  Celtic Woman is always evolving and we are grateful so many people still love our music and come to our shows after 20 years.  Rather than feel daunted by previous success I feel honored to be part of such an incredible legacy and am excited to keep it alive today.

3. What can we expect from Celtic Woman this year?

This year will be one of the most exciting in Celtic Woman’s history.  We are celebrating 20 years so we have to do it right!  Releasing this album as a collaboration of both original and current members of Celtic Woman is something that fans have been hoping to experience for years!  We know people will just love the album and the live performance DVD.  We are all extremely excited for our 20th anniversary tour as we will be sharing our favorite music from Celtic Woman’s 20 years, our beautiful new music and we will be bringing lots of energy to the stage!

4. What was the most challenging aspect of the live presentation of the songs?

There were a lot of moving parts at the filming of the TV special in The Helix Dublin: choir, orchestra, 8 Celtic Woman members, new music, new choreography, new dresses!  There was a lot to take in and remember but it was all worth it when we stood on that stage together.  It was a moment I will treasure forever.

5. What are your preparations before going on a live performance?

We all do a lot of individual preparation learning music and songs before we even get in a room together but the fun part is when we do and it all becomes real!  Before we head out on tour we will have a week of choreography where we learn our dance steps and movement on the stage with our wonderful dancers and then we have a week of rehearsals with the band and do lots of run throughs of the show.  Then we have tech in our first venue of the tour where we get all our in ear monitor mixes ready for the tour.  And of course we have to pack for 3 and a half months in the states at some point too!

6. Do you have message(s) for your fans?

Thank you to everyone who has supported Celtic Woman over the last 20 years.  We wouldn’t be here without you.  We hope you love the new album and DVD and can’t wait to see lots of you on the road soon!  Check out if we’re coming to a city near you on www.celticwoman.com/tour-dates

 www.celticwoman.com

There you have it folks!

Introducing Harpist Ellen Gibling

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It is a great honor to listen to a new album by Harpist Ellen GibIing. I am listening to this at 5:00 a.m., which is a perfect time to meditate over coffee and the intricacies of life. This album is a work of art where the harp shines as a solo instrument, and I think it’s a fantastic decision on her part to create an album without other instruments. Her playing is superb, precise, and at times fast. While The Bend in the Light is a relaxing listening experience, it is far from being sterile as her mastery of the instrument proves that she can jam with other artists and has proper command of her musical skills. Her jigs, reels, polkas, and airs are refreshing because although they sound traditional, they reflect her modern embellishments. It is a pleasure to hear her fantastic artistry, and I think this is the start of a remarkable career. If you want a new harpist to listen to, I recommend Ellen Gibling. I do have a lot of collections when it comes to this type of instrument. Yet, I feel that her music is an excellent introduction to the harp instrument itself, so whether you are a person who likes to study harp or a listener who happens to love the sound of the instrument, then The Bend in the Light is a good introduction. You can find her music through Spotify and some streaming services, or you can visit her website, and please download her album to listen to it offline. It would be better if you also buy her physical albums. That way, you can support the artist, and don’t forget to go to her live performances because I’m pretty sure it will be a wonderful experience!

Special thanks to Nick Storring for introducing her music to me.

Album Review: Four Celtic Voices with Celeste Ray

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Good day folks! All you music lovers out there will love what I have brought today. An album review plus a facebook event that has been making waves!

New album:

If you like Broadway Style of Singing -or classical singing for that matter then you appreciate the Four Celtic Voices with Celeste Ray album. The singing is strong, pristine and emotional.fourcelticevoiceswithcel

As for the instruments, you will hear traditional as well as classical instruments. The mood is relaxing and it is overall magical.

Although the theme is not seasonal (or Christmas) the mood is suited for the contemplative spirit of winter. This is shown in one track called The First Noel which I am sure you know how to sing by heart.You can tell that the talents involved in this project have pipes that have undergone countless performance. There is the confidence that resonates in every track.

The style jumps from medieval, renaissance, folk and even country. There are even instrumentals. My favourite is Scotland the Brave / Psattery Dance. It has that spritely energy that brings a smile on your face!

The Blessing of the Three closes this album. The dramatic soprano reminds me of Loreena McKennitt. The vocal harmonisation is beautiful. There is a playfulness there that’s been evident all throughout the album.

This is a perfect holiday album which you can play in the background if you want to feel the spirit of the winter, which beautiful voices and instruments that will take your breath away! Thanks Anita Daly for bringing the magic around.
http://fourcelticvoices.com/

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Mental Health Awareness.
Notice: St. Patricks Mental Health Foundation in Ireland. Text “shoes” to 57802 to make a donation. You can visit the website at www.walkinmyshoes.ie if you are outside of Ireland.

Below is a video about a trad challenge which has been making rounds in Facebook like the ‘ ice bucket challenge’-remember that one lads? These musicians are nominating their friends to raise mental health awareness. Yes mental health is important. Take a look at Sean Og Graham and Niamh Dunne of Beoga.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10154846486390475&pnref=story

UPDATE!!!

Today, Blackie O’Connell also posted here own below:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10203033252214061

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Flashback! Climbing Pendle by Celtic Twist:

I love this instrumental tune and would love to hear it from time to time. Here’s Celti Twist ( HOLLAND AND PALMLEY) for you:

http://hollandandpalmley.wix.com/celtictwist

Hot Days (Album review) and Appalachian Still

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Hot Days (2006)

Always expect energy when you listen to a Poitin album.  These guys always deliver goods with gusto. Hot Days is an album that looks the way it sounds (note the chili pepper red cover that screams hot hot hot!). The introduction of the didgeridoo and the soprano sax are pleasant surprises.  The album has everything that jumps and grabs you from behind.

Step It Out has Jeremy King’s superb vocals. Precision and tight musicianship are the things the band is known for.

For to Free. Wowwowow! The didgeridoo addition here is something I truly dig.  It is the right ingredient to the track! It makes you feel like you are in Australia, wearing a kilt and jumping with kangaroos. It begins with this ambient sound of an old vinyl record    being touched by a needle.

Who Are You is a fast traditional song. Every nuance is captured in the recording. The crisp vocals and resonant fiddle jive together with the fiery guitar strums. This song makes me feel like a young man ready for action.

Springtime Frolics is a track I can sum up in one word: stunning. These guys record their albums live. Such precision is not easy to master. I read somewhere that they would do it over again if ever something goes wrong. It’s like me writing this review, having a lot of re-editing to do when the grammar goes wrong wink wink.

Crazy Man Michael starts a capella and then blossoms with a guitar. It is a great title track. It sings about a tragic incident. You know, I read that if you have some Irish in you, then you will understand that the more painful the song is, the more the singing gets better. With its bare arrangement, the vocals gain the dramatic effect making it one of the most memorable singing styles I have heard in years.

Hot Days is a track which begins with both the high and low whistles fencing each other tenderly. The mournful notes progress into a beautiful track with rich arrangements and incandescent beauty which calls to mind a phoenix rising from its ashes. The second half of the track jumps into a jig with an explosive chorus of other instruments.

Midsomer is an energetic traditional track that won’t let you stop tapping your feet.

A Bucket Full of Mountain Dew is another traditional track with fast singing.  There are amazing vocal harmonies and a beautiful melody.

March Flowers is a jazzy jig which begins with the acoustic guitar, then the whistle and then other instruments join in. It has this swaying rhythm to it. It makes you think of seaside and relaxing afternoons. I noticed that there is a consistency of clean recordings all throughout the album.

For to Free really frolics into your mood and into your subconscious.

I Was A Young Man is a fast ballad about coming of age. There is great bodhran playing on top of the fiddling. The didgeridoo encapsulates the track like fine moth’s wings. It’s awesome!

Saxet is a jazzy traditional track with a vibe that smells of beer and chips. It is also a sexy track.

Curragh of Kildare ends the track with its amazing fiddling. Hot Days is an album that makes you realize that some very talented Irish music players are also found in the Czech Republic. This is world music at its finest. You can buy Hot Days here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/poitin5


Sources:

www.reverbnation.com/poitin

www.poitin.czwww.myspace.com/poitinkapela

www.soundclick.com/poitin

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Get to know Appalachian Still

Guys who are into Bluegrass and anything Americana might want to get themselves ensnared by the music of these six guys bringing you nothing but the freshness of homegrown freshly brewed American music. The  good vibes of Bluegrass and Country music have made their way into my chest and now my head is moving back and forth while listening to tracks like Deep Ellum Blues and I Know You Rider. The band, Appalachian Still, is from Northampton Massachusetts and they have been around since 2005. Bring on the croissants, this is going to be a great day! Just give them a chance and who knows? You might get hooked, head over feet.

Members

Andrew Woodland: Clawhammer Banjo, Vocals & Management
Jared Libby: Guitar, Vocals, Recording & Engineering
Sean Mallari Upright Bass
Sam Barnes: Fiddle
Ivan Ussach: Drums/Percussion
Peter Nabut: Sound-Man

Sources:

http://www.myspace.com/appalachianstill

http://www.appalachianstill.com/

https://www.facebook.com/appalachianstill

De La Basse Bretagne-Poitín

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De La BasseBretagneis an album by Poitin, a Celtic band based in the CzechRepublic. Since the release of their first album in 2000, the band have gained a steady cult following around Europe and the UK. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, people don’t have to wait for music to get into their music store. They can just search the web and discover the kind of music they want.

De La Basse Bretagne is a fine example of a musicianship that has grown ripe with challenges, time and passion. The opening track  J’ai Une Bonne Amie a Quimperle defines the kind of consistency you can find in the album. The strong and at times silky delivery of the female vocals and also the tight execution of instruments  make you hope that there is a follow-up to this Breton flavored album.

They have other releases dealing with other styles around the seven Celtic nations. But what makes this one great for me personally is the dedication to the kind of music that are associated around the geographical the area. And not only  do they give justice to tracks like De La Basse  and Marv Pontkalleg with  mouth-watering instrumental execution but also because of the sensitivity that Jeremy King and the rest of the band  put to this recording. I have to say when you reach track 11 of this album called Son Ar Sistr, you would be rolling your eyes  and tapping your feet to the exquisite beat of the bodhran!

I learned that Poitin make their recording in a live way and  have to do it all over again when there is even a slight mistake. Now that is hard to see in current bands with all the comforts of studio layering and sound engineering. And this makes them the best live band ever.

Members:

Jaroslav “Oto” Machácheck – fiddle ; Jakub Siegl – guitars; Jan Brabets – bouzouki, banjo, tin whistle, backing vocals; Jeremy Marc King – lead vocals, bodhran; Sasha Shantorova- flute and whistles; Dick Savage- Didgeridoo, spoons, egg, backing vocals.

Tracks
1. J’ai Une Bonne Amie a Quimperle 4:11
2. Kan Bale an A.R.B. 4:16
3. Gavotte Des Montagnes
4. File La Laine 3:40
5. Ma Jument Hippoline
6. De La Basse Bretagne
7. La Blanche Biche 6:35
8. Le Loup 2:34
9. La Jument De Michao
10. Marv Pontkalleg 5:14
11. Son Ar Sistr 6:18
12. Lída, Lidunka 4:00

Amazon sells their album now: http://www.amazon.com/De-La-Basse-Bretagne/dp/B007Q1IXNC/ref=sr_1_9?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1337494578&sr=1-9

Also, check out http://www.reverbnation.com/poitin