Shishonnah

Music to Celebrate Halloween or “Samhain”.

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 8 Comments

I heard this whisper and I wondered,
I heard this laugh and then I knew.
The time is getting near my friends,
The time that I hold dear my friends,
The veil is getting thin my friends,
And strange things will pass through.
The Veil is Getting Thinner

One of the most important time of the year is here. Halloween or as the Celts call it Samhain. Events in our lives can alter the things we do. I noticed this lately, when I had to do things I normally don’t do because I had to. I am sure you out there are given the task of doing what you must do because no one else can do it. It is an honor and  a burden at the same time.

You know, when it comes to family emergencies or situations that need our best judgement, I say that personal issues have to be set aside. As what I remember from my friend who became a mother once said. “Depression has no space in my life when another life depends upon me. My youthful angst just flies out of the window”. It is true.  There are times when we are called upon to act and do what’s necessary, even if it means sacrificing the things that make us glad.

This year has been very confusing. But there’s an anchor that keeps me grounded. And that is loving the things I do. I might not be an excellent blogger- and I know I do have my technical errors and stuff. But I do know that I care about what I am doing. Can’t live without it. In the midst of  the tempest that  that threatens to destroy us…we got to have something to believe in and to hold on. It has been a great loving year with you my readers. And I just want you to know that I am grateful for everything. Me might not talk face to face. I might not see you in person. But I treasure this connection we have. It is the the thing that makes everything worthwhile. May you find peace and happiness wherever you are. And I hope I do the same.

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Jeremy and his band have been creating energetic music that fuses everything.  If you live in the Czech Republic you can catch them live. An experience not to be missed.

Irish Music Session POITÍN & friends

Time
01 November · 20:30 – 23:30
Location
More info
Regular session for lovers of Irish and Celtic music. Hosted by Poitín.

Check this link for more info: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_music.cfm?bandID=502898

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If you are a subscriber of this site then you would remember how I like to mention the projects of Jenne Lennon again and again. Her collaboration with Liz Madden known as Shishonnah has been getting great reviews from all around and I can attest to that . I heard the two songs already and fell in love with them. “Dance with the River”  released on I-tunes  on  April 2nd is a beautiful evocative and percussive track that calls to mind the works of Loreena McKennitt, Dead Can Dance and Clannad. These two artists are a force of nature together. Jenne hosts her own podcast called Wind Talker Podcast: http://windtalkerradio.blogspot.com/ and I am a regular listener. The podcast focuses more on individuals trying to make a difference and going on their way to say yes when people say no. I love the message of her show and I wish her to continue touching more minds…Please listen tune in to her show.

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Lovers of Welsh Celtic music have something worth listening to. At the same time you guys will find a lot of info in this site. This week it highlights the works of Breton singer/composer Dom Duff. This is a nice radio station .

Click Radio Cymru

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If you haven’t “liked” The Bombadils yet, then it is a musical experience you should not miss. Check out the band’s music player in their Official Facebook Page .  Can’t wait for the official album launch.  Just saying hi to the band.

And oh a nice pic and article about them lately: http://www.westislandgazette.com/event/25044

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Now we all know that Texas based Celtic rock band Cleghorn are busy composing new songs and promoting their music through live shows. You will be happy to know that they have come up with new videos for their new tunes. I am glad 9 Minutes of Woo has been documented. This anthemic piece sends chills down my spine. How can I resist? Cleghorn rules!!!!  Now if you have facebook you can check these wonderful photos from their recent performance during Pirate Days of Texas 2011.

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I promote Marc Gunn‘s Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. You hear real music here. Where else anyway? Been a follower of his blog for a while now and he offers nothing but the best music reviews and MP3s to listen to in order to sample artist works. Check him out friends .

..well that’s it for today. I will let you hear more of my ‘confessions’ later . Take care folks. Trick or Treat!

I Will Carry You-Shishonnah

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(R) Jenne Lennon (L) Liz Madden Photo by Roland Labana

(R) Jenne Lennon (L) Liz Madden Photo by Roland Labana

Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.  ~Christopher Reeve

Hope is the physician of each misery.  ~Irish Proverb

The new single from duo Jenne Lennon and Liz Madden known as Shishonnah will definitely thrill fans of Loreena McKennitt, Connie Dover and Enya!  The song  “I Will Carry You” starts out with a gentle piano melody that builds up into a sweeping choral and chamber extravaganza. The classically trained  lush voice of Jenne, and Liz’s supple ethereal folk voice compliment each other well- like they’ve been born to sing together. This song talks about hope and healing amidst all the pains that life hands us. Listening it again and again is such a joy!

Their first single Dance with the River is so unique and powerful. Especially the chanting  and percussion part. This is a kind of song that I think Capercaillie wish they recorded.

Jenne Lennon:

Known as “The Janis Joplin of Celtic Music!”, Jenne’s mission as an artist is to become the first American singer/songwriter internationally known in the new genre of Celtic World Fusion music, and to use her music as a platform for social awareness of poverty, AIDS and Native American rights http://jennelennon.com/   and http://www.glencoerecords.com/

Liz Madden

“If a harp had a voice, it would sound like Liz Madden.  With a sound that flows through the air like rose petals through a wind chime…” Gregg Senko of Why So Blu?

A patron of the Irish charity Bee for Battens, Liz is also a supporter of the Children in Crossfire charity and recently performed at two events accompanied on guitar by Richard Moore, Director of Children in Crossfire. Liz had the honor of singing ‘A Price for Love’ written by the late Christie Hennessy, patron of Children in Crossfire. Liz is the first artist since Christie Hennessey, to sing this wonderful song. Along with various other charity work and activism, Liz has also just completed her first book entitled ‘Letters from The Ancients’. http://www.lizmaddenonline.com/

Black 47-A Funky Ceili And Other New Releases

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“Fans have long been demanding an all out party album but the idea took hold when, driving home from Boston, I couldn’t find a CD to keep me awake but thought of over 30 Black 47 songs that could do the trick. And so – A Funky Ceili.”

Interview excerpt– from Larry Kirwan

The first time I heard them I though Robert Smith of the Cure had gone Celtic Rock. But Black 47 combine elements from Reggae, Hip Hop modern and traditional Jazz. Apart from the known instruments, the band are composed of excellent musicians formed in New York around 1989.

This is a party CD that will blend with your other collections . Yes they are hip and stylish but they also keep in touch with their political stance.Personal favorites are: Maria’s Wedding with its breezy alternative style reminiscent of bands like Hootie and the Blowfish and Gin Blossoms- plus  that distinctive vocals of Larry Kirwan. The schizo Bells of Hell is really fun which calls to mind endless nights of partying and excess but all in good spirits. Bodhrans on the Bran is really Celtic as any Celtic rock could get. I Got Laid On James Joyce’s Grave closes the album. It is a naughty and funny track with Gothic excess-something  which reminds me of New Orleans sound.

Everything in this album bumps and pulses. No need for you to think deep thoughts. Just the pure fun of knowing that Black 47 is there to shake your day into burst of ecstatic energy.

Track Listing
1. Funky Ceili (Bridie’s Song)
2. Maria’s Wedding
3. The Bells Of Hell
4. Losin It
5. Paddy’s Got A Brand New Reel
6. Staten Island Baby
7. Different Drummer
8. Izzy’s Irish Rose
9. Oh Maureen
10. Bodhrans On The Brain
11. Who Killed Bobby Fuller
12. Uncle Jim
13. Black Rose
14. Five Points
15. Sadr City
16. Czechoslovakia
17. Those Saints
18. I Got Laid On James Joyce’s Grave

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Dave Rooney has a new album out with this beautiful song.

More info here: http://www.daverooneymusic.com/

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Press release:

The New Single Release by Shishonnah!


Shishonnah release their long awaited new single “Dance with the River” on
I-tunes this Saturday, April 2nd!

Formed only eight months ago by the energetic and exciting duo of Liz Madden and Jenne Lennon, their new single features the combination of their incredible voices and a mix of Native American, Irish, Classical and World influences.
This stunning track is taken from their upcoming debut album
“Elysian Dreams,” due for release in June 2011.

Every once in a while a musician or group comes along that truly touches the souls of their listeners. An act that creates a sound that’s unexpected and new. The time has come again for a new sound and it has been found in the eclectic vocal/multi-instrumentalist duo, Shishonnah.

Shishonnah fuse their incredible vocal arrangements into elements of World music with Classical and Contemporary influences. Their original songs will take you to a place that defines the human experience and uplifts the soul.

Their sound reflects a canvas as diverse as the lands of their upbringing. They blend their Irish and American musical heritage with their Celtic and Native American traditions. Using their mutual experience in various styles of music such as South African, Appalachian, Celtic, Electronic and Folk-Rock, they have created their own distinctive and innovative sound.

Two performers and songwriters in their own right, Liz Madden and Jenne Lennon have a wealth of experience behind them both on stage and in studio. Between them, the ladies play piano, harp, bodhran, whistle, Native American flute, keyboards and drums. They have headlined events and international festivals worldwide wowing audiences with their incredible individual vocal sounds.

The texture of their sound and rhythmic undertones create a mood and spirit-lifting experience that will take the listeners on a journey to a new place that is fresh and memorable. Welcome to the sound of Shishonnah.

www.facebook.com/shishonnah, www.myspace.com/shishonnah, www.shishonnah.com.

For further details please contact:

healingsunproductions@gmail.com
or glencoerecords@gmail.com

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SHISHONNAH’S NEW SINGLE ON I-TUNES!!

Shishonnah released their new single “Dance With The River” on I-Tunes this weekend! The song is already receiving rave reviews and making quite a stir in the world music scene! To download the single, follow the link below. Keep checking out the websites for touring, performance info, and the release of their second single in a few weeks!

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/shishonnah-dance-with-the/id427076550

www.shishonnah.com
www.glencoerecords.com
www.facebook.com/shishonnah
www.myspace.com/shishonnah

— The Glencoe Records/Healing Sun Productions Team

Another April Day And No Fool’s Music!

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 3 Comments

Sleek and nostalgic  debut album by Marie-Therese McCartin from Co. Leitrim Ireland.

Occasionally, an instrumental album arrives and gets nods from fans of country, pop piano music, Classical  and traditional Irish music. The Frank McNamara produced album showcases 11 tracks . Rose of Tralee, sets the mood of the entire album. Mellifluous piano playing, tender drums and occasional sweeps of traditional instruments make this  a rewarding listening experience. I know fans of Phil Coulter and Richard Clayderman will gravitate to this album. There is this rhythmic pop feel in each track that will make it ‘accessible’ to even those who don’t like Celtic influenced music.

The album cover(in the promo copy I have) shows the classically trained miss McCartin in this dark green gown embroidered with Celtic patterns  beside a piano. The one out in the market is different( as can be seen in this post). I made a research about this artist and  found interesting facts. It took her 6 months  to assemble this album. The reason for the lush sounds in the entire album: The 60 piece National Symphony Orchestra of Moldova.

“Marie- Thérèse began playing piano at the age of six and in her teenage years she transferred to the Royal Irish Academy of Music where she continued her studies finally graduating from Trinity College, Dublin, with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. An accomplished harpist and singer Marie-Thérèse was a member of Anùna and toured with them throughout Europe as a soloist.

In 2003 she realized a life-long dream when she set up the Cavan Academy of Music. The school has 300 students studying a range of instruments including piano/keyboard, violin, viola, cello, drum, and guitar as well as traditional Irish instruments – fiddle, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, low whistle, button accordion and the Irish harp. The Academy offers something for everybody from 3 to 93!”-from the official website:http://marietheresemccartin.com/

Another April Day Track Listing:

1. The Rose of Tralee

2. Black is the Colour

3. Oró sé de bheath abhaile

4. Rose of Mooncoin

5. Another April Day

6. Buachaill an Éireann

7. Carrickfergus

8. Clare to here

9. Homes of Donegal

10. Love thee deerest

11. Oft in the stilly night

12. Galway Bay

13. You raise me up

14. Old bog road

15. Port Lairge

16. Another April Day (vocal arrangement)

Another April Day is available on cdbaby.com. iTunes and http://www.marietheresemccartin.com

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Anton Emery’s Acoustic Blend..

Hear your favorite traditional tunes in a n album that highlights simplicity of solo instrumental music. This time the acoustic guitar takes center stage!

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/AntonEmery

http://www.celticfingerstyleguitar.com/

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This is from a newsletter I got. I am glad this duo is binging out a beautiful album soon.

The New Single Release by Shishonnah!



Shishonnah release their long awaited new single “Dance with the River” on
I-tunes this Saturday, April 2nd!

Formed only eight months ago by the energetic and exciting duo of Liz Madden and Jenne Lennon, their new single features the combination of their incredible voices and a mix of Native American, Irish, Classical and World influences.
This stunning track is taken from their upcoming debut album
“Elysian Dreams,” due for release in June 2011.

Every once in a while a musician or group comes along that truly touches the souls of their listeners. An act that creates a sound that’s unexpected and new. The time has come again for a new sound and it has been found in the eclectic vocal/multi-instrumentalist duo, Shishonnah.

Shishonnah fuse their incredible vocal arrangements into elements of World music with Classical and Contemporary influences. Their original songs will take you to a place that defines the human experience and uplifts the soul.

Their sound reflects a canvas as diverse as the lands of their upbringing. They blend their Irish and American musical heritage with their Celtic and Native American traditions. Using their mutual experience in various styles of music such as South African, Appalachian, Celtic, Electronic and Folk-Rock, they have created their own distinctive and innovative sound.

Two performers and songwriters in their own right, Liz Madden and Jenne Lennon have a wealth of experience behind them both on stage and in studio. Between them, the ladies play piano, harp, bodhran, whistle, Native American flute, keyboards and drums. They have headlined events and international festivals worldwide wowing audiences with their incredible individual vocal sounds.

The texture of their sound and rhythmic undertones create a mood and spirit-lifting experience that will take the listeners on a journey to a new place that is fresh and memorable. Welcome to the sound of Shishonnah.

www.facebook.com/shishonnah, www.myspace.com/shishonnah, www.shishonnah.com

***

Interesting video:

***

An April Fool’s Day tribute:

Shishonnah’s First Single “Dance With The River” Coming This New Year

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 5 Comments

(L) Jenne Lennon (R) Liz Madden Photo by Roland Labana

New updates from Jenne Lennon !

I chatted with Jenne Lennon over Skype and it’s been confirmed. The new single by Shishonnah will be out this early New Year which will introduce the album next year. According to Jenne:

Liz(Madden) and I are hard at work in the studio. Our first single “Dance With The River” is going to be released in the early new year as an album teaser. We were just notified yesterday as a matter of fact, that the full length album will be released April 20. The first three tracks are up on Shishonnah’s myspace,with the rest of our sites to follow soon. So all is well on the album front. Hope you have a very blessed holiday season!

Looks like there is no stopping this lovely duo and their lovely music. Sweet anticipation. And just look at these gorgeous pictures!

http://www.myspace.com/lizmadden

http://www.myspace.com/jennelennon

And they have a facebook page as well: http://ja-jp.facebook.com/pages/Shishonnah/140230299335002

by Roland Labana