Rock

Dylan Cleghorn :”We’ve labeled ourselves as TEXAS CELTIC ROCK”(Interview)

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

Working with my dad is a great experience. I learn something from him every day. He is an amazing songwriter and an incredible guitar player. And we really have an uncanny ability to sit down together and make music! -Dylan Cleghorn

CLEGHORN are a Texas-based Celtic Rock duo. They combine stadium rock with blues and folk influences laced with a strong Celtic brew. 23-year-old violinist Dylan Cleghorn explains the music, life on the road with dad and the state of Celtic music in the United States.

Listening to CLEGHORN is like experiencing the power of  storm dust rising with hundreds of horses racing above it. It’s an immense sonic invasion-the pulsing sound of rock driven Celtic music. The robust and pristine sound of Dylan Cleghorn’s violin is wrapped up by pop rock’s heavy sound that approaches anthemic intensity. John Cleghorn on the other hand adds his own guitar rifts, and golden melodies- a man who knows what Texas rock is.

It should be noted that both of them have come  long way since the days they spent being part of the band Needfire. It was those days when they stirred up festivals with their own brand of Celtic rock. Dylan has been noted as a Charismatic performer who even went as far as going down the stage to play with the crowd during concerts. He is a natural crowd pleaser.

Now they are back with CLEGHORN sounding better and know what they want and how they want the musical direction to be. This is a new frontier and Dylan gets to talk to us to tell us more of what’s in store .

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We have a sneak preview that is available for download .These songs are part of your upcoming CD. Tell us about the changes that happened musically for both you after Needfire.

The Needfire project was a great experiment that helped us grow in many ways – Both as songwriters and performers. And we haven’t abandoned those songs – we still include them in our current shows. But with this growth, CLEGHORN has a more refined sound. We are able to work harder and faster as a result of all we learned and we are having even more fun in the process. And personally, I think we are having more creativity now than we’ve ever had!

You and your dad are good in creating catchy Celtic influenced rock songs. How is the song writing process?

What a difficult question! We each write songs on our own, however the majority of the songs we are including with CLEGHORN have parts written from both of us. The songwriting process generally starts with my dad bringing words and a melody to me and asking me, “What kind of fiddle part would you play with this?” However, many times I also bring a fiddle riff or a song to him and say, “Dad, listen to this! What can you add to this?” There is no single process, but we certainly work as a team!

9 minutes of Woo, the first track is actually 9 minutes of bliss! What made you decide to creat this 9-minute symphonic instrumental?

Almost immediately after my dad and I arranged this piece we knew it was special. 9 Minutes of Woo had its origins in late 2005 and 2006. It’s a great story. The two of us were sitting on the couch watching Monday Night Football. My dad picked up a guitar and was fooling around with a few chords when he asked me to grab my fiddle. We soon muted the TV as magic was in the room. All of the ideas we had been working suddenly seemed to flow together perfectly! The CLEGHORN recording is the same arrangement and music/chord structure from that night. 9 Minutes of Woo is about 50/50 traditional Celtic melodies and original melodies written by myself. The guitar music and chord structure is 100% original by my dad.

Tell me about your instrumental influences. Your playing is like no other. It is rich, pristine and soaring. Tell us about the secret of your style..

I can credit my violin influences to two people.

The first is Joshua Bell. He is a modern classical violinist. Before I played violin, I played viola in the High School Orchestra. Around this time I stumbled upon Joshua Bell’s PBS special “Live from Lincoln Center..” This was my first vision of how the violin (or perhaps, the violinist) can demand attention though his performance.

In the first few months that I started playing fiddle and Celtic music, I was given Ashley MacIsaac’s CD “Hi How are You Today?” This CD changed me completely. It opened my eyes as to how the fiddle (or perhaps, the fiddler) can rock while still maintaining it’s great tone and orchestral qualities. My fiddle style and recording process is greatly influenced by Ashley. I’ve actually had the pleasure of meeting him since, and we exchanged emails from time to time – which is a great honor for me!

I wouldn’t know how to describe it, but I feel that I’ve been able to mold my own distinct style and sound. And my original tunes seem to naturally create a unique sound by themselves. But I would not be where I am today without these two influences.

How is it like working with your father who is also your band mate?

Working with my dad is a great experience. I learn something from him every day. He is an amazing songwriter and an incredible guitar player. And we really have an uncanny ability to sit down together and make music! We played a show today and I thought to myself, “What a great blessing it is to share the stage with my dad.” When we’re on stage together everything ‘clicks’ and we both are able to let loose and have fun. Our fans respond to that and let loose with us! It’s a blast, and I think this is one of the hallmarks of CLEGHORN.

Tell us what to expect on the new CD you are both working on

We’ve labeled ourselves as TEXAS CELTIC ROCK. We have an undeniable Celtic influence. But we are also a Texas band, and with that comes an unavoidable blues and Texas country rock feel. From traditional to original, acoustic to rock, we do it all. The new CLEGHORN CD will highlight all of these influences.

What is the state of Celtic music in the United States?

The Celtic music scene is still somewhat ‘underground’ in the United States. But its presence is growing! Hopefully CLEGHORN will be a catalyst in its growth and success.

What’s the best thing about performing live/recording an album.

The two are very different. Performing live is all about having fun. We are fortunate to have a great band that supports our live shows. We rehearse to be prepared for each show. Music is our passion and when we are on stage, performing our arrangements and original songs, there is perhaps no greater feeling. Of course, without an audience there is little purpose to play live. We seek to create an intimate feel with the audience regardless of the venue. This creates an emotion that is enjoyed by all.

The studio is where we really open ourselves to creativity. Many times we will have a song all worked up before going into the studio. But sometimes we walk into the studio and let inspiration lead us. We have our instruments in our hands and we never know what product we will have at the end of the day. We’ve surprised ourselves many times with the results of our studio sessions! Recording the new CLEGHORN CD has been especially rewarding because my dad and I are the only two musicians on the recordings (the two of us performed every instrument). It has been a great opportunity to grow as multi-instrumentalists.

A friend who lives in Lyon France introduced me to your band’s link! Your fan base is growing really fast. Do you plan touring outside the United States?

CLEGHORN is a new project. We have been amazed at the quick success that we are having. We are hopeful to have many U.S. tour dates on the calendar soon. We are certainly open to perform international tours as we establish ourselves and continue to grow. We urge everyone who is a CLEGHORN fan to spread the word to friends and family. If you would like CLEGHORN to perform at a festival or event near where you live, please be vocal and contact that event’s staff! You may also send the event website and details to our booking team (booking@cleghornmusic.com) and they will look into negotiating the event!

The Whole Of The Moon(two versions with lyrics)

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 5 Comments

Today I have been listening to The Whole Of The Moon– two versions repeatedly. Someone posted this in Twitter and before I knew it I was hooked going back and forth like what you do in a seesaw. It s a boring Monday and I have been doing paper works with that song in the background. Oh and I have to tell you I am doing this on a break-not during work.

There’s something about the lyrics that captivated my imagination. It’s originally done by The Waterboys in 1985 from the album This Is The Sea. In the early 90’s, Irish singer Terry Reid covered this.  Enya collaborated with him on this track providing backing vocals and keyboards.

The Whole Of The Moon lyrics
Songwriters: Scott, Michael;

I pictured a rainbow, you held it in your hands
I had flashes but you saw then plan
I wandered out in the world for years while you just stayed in your room
I saw the crescent, you saw the whole of the moon
The whole of the moon

You were there in the turnstiles with the wind at your heels
You stretched for the starts and you know how it feels
To reach too high, too far, too soon
You saw the whole of the moon

I was grounded while you filled the skies
I was dumbfounded by truth, you cut through lies
I saw the rain dirty valley, you saw Brigadoon
I saw the crescent, you saw the whole of the moon

I spoke about wings you just flew
I wondered I guessed and I tried, you just knew
I sighed and you swooned
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/w/waterboys-lyrics/the-whole-of-the-moon-lyrics.html ]
I saw the crescent, you saw the whole of the moon
The whole of the moon

With a torch in your pocket and the wind at your heels
You climbed on the ladder and you know how it feels
To get too high, too far, too soon
You saw the whole of the moon, the whole of the moon, hey yeah

Unicorns and cannonballs, palaces and piers
Trumpets, towers and tenements, wide oceans full of tears
Flags, rags, ferryboats, scimitars and scarves
Every precious dream and vision underneath the stars

Yes, you climbed on the ladder with the wind in your sails
You came like a comet, blazing your trail
Too high, too far, too soon
You saw the whole of the moon

Oh, how [Incomprehensible] did you see the whole of the moon

© DIZZY HEIGHTS MUSIC PUBLISHING LT;

According to GrecoCelt: On a less speculative note, Mike Scott (The Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist/Pianist of the Waterboys) has said that the song’s subject is “a composite of many people”, including C.S. Lewis.

from Song Meanings website.

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If you are in Cornwall and looking for a place to hang out for some Celtic music, then try Rule 7 Bar try this link for a complete info: http://www.folkmusicfestivalsandsessions.com/2011/02/friendly-traditional-english-irish.html

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Now for some Scottish Puirt a Beul is Sileas.

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Fisherman’s Friends from Port Isaac Cornwall will receive BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Good Tradition .

From  http://www.independent.co.uk:

Once known as a safe haven for fishermen and sailors on the merciless north Cornish coast, Port Isaac, with its typical whitewashed cottages and cobbled lanes, is now a place more recognisable as the setting for television dramas such as Doc Martin and films such as Nigel Cole’s Saving Grace.

However, the Fisherman’s Friends have proved that home-grown talent can grab the headlines, too. The choir, who have sung together for 16 years, first came to critical attention when they released their first album, Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends, on Universal Records at the end of April 2010. Since then, they have performed at Glastonbury, the Cambridge Folk Festival, the Royal Festival Hall, Union Chapel and, slightly closer to home, the Boardmasters Festival in Newquay and the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/ship-comes-in-at-last-for-cornish-folk-singers-2206359.html

Highland by Blackmore’s Night from the New Album

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Those who love the beauty of British folk will have no second thoughts from savouring this track from this wonderful band whose roots go back to the 70’s.  Those who love the music that I featured in this site will surely love this release as well. After all, don’t we all love the essence of “Ren and Rock”? Read more on the press release for this wonderful duo of husband and wife team up.

NEW RELEASE DATE) Spinefarm Records to Release Blackmore’s Night’s ‘Autumn Sky’ In The US January 18th, New Song Streaming Now

BLACKMORE’S NIGHT, the group featuring husband and wife Richie Blackmore and Candice Night, will be releasing their new album Autumn Sky on January 18th. With a career spanning nearly two decades, the band of minstrels has gained crossover success all over the world with its new genre of “Ren and Rock” music. The lyrics, written by award winning singer/songwriter Candice Night, are inspired by nature and the myths and fairy tales they encounter on their international travels. The melodies, composed and arranged by Grammy nominated Ritchie Blackmore, encompass musical structure and the essence of melodies from the early 1600s. And then they are “Blackmore-ized.” Blackmore’s Night’s last album, Secret Voyage, debuted at #1 on the Billboard New Age Chart and held that spot for four consecutive weeks. 

In addition to being known from their unique sound which combines traditional as well as modern day instruments (including electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, violins, shawms, chanters etc), and Candice’s enchanting lyrics and vocals, they are also known for their fabulous live shows, many of which have been performed at castles and other exceptional venues that add to the mystique and warmth of their performance. Blackmore’s Night has appeared nationwide on PBS and Discovery channel specials, and has been awarded the Best Album of the Year and Best Vocal Album of the year by NPR New Age Reporter for their past 7 studio CDs.

Autumn Sky brings us 14 new Blackmore’s Night songs, plus a cover of “Celluloid Heroes” from The Kinks. Recorded during Candice’s pregnancy, Candice and Ritchie have dedicated the Autumn Sky album to their newly born daughter Autumn Esmerelda Blackmore.

Listen to “Highland” from Autumn Sky here:

OFFICIAL SITE: www.blackmoresnight.com


The BibleCode Sundays :Refreshing!

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Melodic, Alternative, London Pub Rock and Totally Irish!

It is a lazy Sunday. I want to make a bit of noise. And I want to represent this band. The BibleCode Sundays:Ah, great sound, beautiful album and interesting members.

Ghost Of Our Pasts is an album of party vibes in an Irish sense-they are composed both of English and Irish members. From the first track Dockside Lullabies up to the last track McBratney From The Kitchen, you will be guaranteed of the fun this lads will bring into your living room with your speakers tuned to a high volume.

There are jigs interlaced with alternative rock guitars and vocals sounding like a cross between Chris Isaak and Tony Hadley(of Spandau Ballet). If you are into 80′s and 90′s Alternative Rock and appreciate Irish music in between then this will make your Sundays.

Dockside Lullabies
Lyrics by Ronan MacManus

I hear you knocking but you can’t come in
Don’t tell ‘em where you live you gotta shed your skin
Liverpool echoes to the sound of drums
& if you wanna work then don’t sing your songs
Dockside lullabies (too ra loo ra)
Dockside lullabies (too ra loo ra)
Dockside lullabies (too ra loo ra)
Dockside lullabies in my head
Walking down the dockside you could be walking through the Bogside
Change your name, play the game, don’t get on the wrong side
Liverpool echoes to the sound of drums
You’re staring down the barrel of a Thompson Gun
Dockside lullabies (too ra loo ra)
Dockside lullabies (too ra loo ra)
Dockside lullabies (too ra loo ra)
Dockside lullabies in my head
Liverpool echoes to the sound of drums
Keep your face hidden when the boss man comes
Dockside lullabies (too ra loo ra)
Dockside lullabies (too ra loo ra)
Dockside lullabies (too ra loo ra)
Dockside lullabies in my head
Dockside lullabies (too ra loo ra)
Dockside lullabies (too ra loo ra)
Dockside lullabies (too ra loo ra)

Buy the album here:

http://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-Past-Bible-Code-Sundays/dp/B001CW7LW0

Sahara:Soulful and Uplifting Sound from Australia.

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 8 Comments

One of the great success stories of the Australian music scene.

When you are needing something to spice up you morning cappuccino, or a companion to your Earl Grey tea at night Sahara is the perfect music for your best moments. With musicianship that has been distilled by time and space, you are an audience to the best duo  in this music category. Dave Long has one of the rare gorgeous male vocals in the tradition of Sting and Steve Winwood. I swear I could go on for hours and hours being hypnotized by tracks like  No Man’s Land, Higher Than High, and Make My Day.  I’m sure no one would question Trish long’s expertise with the sax and other instruments apart from the fact that she has a voice that could rival Celine Dion’s yet has the Irish gorgeousness.

According to their bio:

Sahara is the award winning singer/songwriter team Trish and Dave Long who met in their hometown Dublin in the eighties before migrating to Australia where they have toured extensively performing to sell out audiences. Before leaving Ireland they had performed in many of Dublin’s music venues eg. The Baggot Inn, The Meeting Place, Slattery’s, Dame Tavern and Trinity College, and alongside some of the Irish household names such as Brendan Grace, Red Hurley, Linda Martin, Errol Walsh, Freddie White, Declan Sinnott and Kieran Halpin.


I hear traces of  Van Morrison, Bruce Hornsby and Traffic. If you love something that teeters between classic folk/rock, Celtic and jazz then Sahara is a perfect soundtrack.
Trish Long: Sax, Vocals, Flute, Flageolet ,Recorder & Sequencing.
Dave Long: Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards & Sequencing.