I am glad to get one of The High Kings do an interview. We have no other than Martin Furey who is the eldest son of Ireland’s ‘Prince of Pipers’ Finbar Furey. He also does vocals, guitar and low whistle for The High Kings. With Darren Holden, Finbarr Clancy and Brian Dunphy, the four form an indomitable power group. So, like any listener, I am curious what it’s like being them.
Their new album Friends for Life is now out.
1. Memory Lane is a fantastic album! You must have been excited when the opportunity came up with Friends for Life?
Oh yes it affirmed my belief in the Love of God to know that dreams really can come true and to be careful what we wish for, both since with great fame comes great responsibility 🙂
2. Gucci is my favorite song. It has something I have never heard in any song before. How did you come up with that kind of vocal style?
I listened to the best musician God ever put on the earth,Finbar Furey ,my father and tried to get as close to his style as possible as myself.Its a style of playing handed down in my family from generation to generation which is also popular in American music though I am not saying I know how that happened…;)
3. Johnny Leave Her is the only a capella song yet it stands out as something easy to sing along. What’s the story behind this?
There were four fellas at sea, the shortest one was trouble the largest one was easily lead and the middle two loved cards but got into an argument about a hand and so came the phrase ‘”leave her'”…Johnny I don’t know what a Johnny is doing in the song but there it is all the same,maybe he was a stowaway???
4. You already release live recordings and also toured many times. How do you keep it fresh and continue to be inspired to record songs.
The audience keeps it fresh it’s lovely to see a sea of faces who are enjoying their night..how could you not give your very heart in return for such heart in support.
5. What should every artist know when one is being catapulted into international success and meeting all kinds of people. What’s the big yes and no?
Have noticed one of either, just do what you want at all times, we are all born free and it is worth any conflict to maintain. Don’t be guilted into bullshit scenarios and do call a cheap shot a cheap shot and do be yourself no matter what they say like Sting said.
6. The four of you were invited to perform at the Official St Patrick’s Day Celebrations at The White House. How was the feeling rubbing shoulders with US President Barack Obama and Taoiseach Enda Kenny?
Another day at the office for all concerned. Good to meet him, I reiki’d him for a minute that was the best I could do for the man. Cool guy considering his obligations but I won’t support him fully til he lets snoop lion perform his new songs at the White House nor will I forgive him if I don’t get an invite 😉 Lovely atmosphere in the home which I have to hand to Michelle obviously, she really knows how to put people at their ease
7. Being in The High Kings, do you still get royal treatments when you go home to Ireland?
I am not the type of person that requires the trappings on any continent. Where do the folks hang out?
Big thanks to Anita Daly for making this possible.
1. Oh Maggie
2. Gucci
3. All Around the World
4. Johnny Leave Her
5. Health to the Company
6. Galway Girl
7. Peggy Gordon
8. High
9. Ireland’s Shore
10. Come with Me Now
11. McAlpines Fusiliers
12. Friends for Life
Too precious to be pop yet modern to be inaccessible -those are the things I found when I listen to the new album of the High Kings called Friends for Life. I think that after years of being on the road and filling arenas, the quartet of Darren Holden, Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy and Martin Furey can confess that they are going to be in music for life. They are friends and fantastic artists as they weave their talents for listeners to enjoy. Released by Sony Classical, I expect nothing less from this album in terms of production. And yes I am completely satisfied and proud to recommend it to everyone.
Oh Maggie is the first track and it introduces what the whole atmosphere of the album sounds like. Jacketed by a nice banjo sound, it proves that Ireland’s pub culture can sound so good in the cities of the world. After all, it was music that saved civilization and thus the spirit will continue to flourish through time. It shall be savored by generations to come. Gucci is a potential single with its emphasis on power chords and aggressive rhythm on top of the fantastic vocal abilities. We hear guitars, fiddles, accordions and other traditional instruments along with moderns ones in Friends for Life. Jonny Leave Her so irresistible it will make you sing along.
I think this is recorded with live performance in mind as everything here sounds upfront and lively. Darren Holden, Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy and Martin Furey have outdone themselves with this wonderful recording. I love the remake of Galway Girl and Peggy Gordon. Friends for Life continues the magic of Memory Lane but it has a more modern appeal. I think there are tracks that can sound fitting in alternative rock radio stations. The folk roots are still there but I think they are moving forward with this album. They get better and better with every studio session.
As always my big thanks to Anita Daly for pointing me to this new release!
Plus: The High Kings and Festival Interceltique de Lorient
Timothy Des Roches: The invisible noodle(string)
The harp fascinated me since childhood. I owe that to the movies and also the late Japanese jazz harpist Tadao Hayashi (in grade school) who started me in this path. He made me realize that the instrument can create a lot of sound textures depending on the player.
With my journey to the discover of Celtic music, it was not hard to fuse the past and the present. Hearing the instrument gives you deeper meaning when you know its history and its construction. How or why does it make such sound? As what poet Lao Tzu says about traveling..”A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” And also “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” –– Robert Louis Stevenson. Learning is a great journey -by knowing the harp more.
You have to realize this didn’t take place in one day. Tim and I just sent messages and ideas back and forth as we went along:
I got a brilliant idea for the interview. Why don’t we make a picture discussion. I will go ahead and post pictures from your picture gallery and let you explain further. We will make it as informal and chatty as possible.
Or if you prefer we will make it on the main conference with Scott(Hoye). Anything that makes you comfortable.
After sometime….
He said: This may be mildly interesting to you. I’ve been discussing the build of a traditional wire strung harp with someone for some time now. This person desires a replica harp with an English Walnut pillar and column (the sound box is to be carved from Linden/Lime ,latin: tilia. Our conversations started over a year ago. Well, after about one year I came upon a proper log for the carved sound box (the wood needs to be green/wet), and after countless hours of searching I just found the English walnut in the right thickness (rare) in Southern Poland. Enough for many harps and pleasantly priced – WAAAAY cheaper that it would be from a US vendor, even though the wood is actually more common here than in Europe. It’s very odd to me how these things seem to make themselves available when I’m close to being ready for them even if the odds are stacked against me. Money is always an issue – I have little and wood and transport are costly – and transport is always challenging as I haven’t a car.
In the picture the shorter lengths are about 1.5 meters long and 7 cm thick, the rest is 5cm thick and about 3 meters long. The wood has “seasoned” naturally for five years. Commercial wood is usually kiln dried, which is less desirable for musical instruments.
Now this is a great thread starter 😉
Hey, I know that pic (referring to the picture below).
Let us discuss about wood carving in this picture. How long did it take for you to finish this one?I am actually in your album now.
Hmmmm, 80 hours maybe. But “in the round” like that is a real pain and I never clamped that piece while working on it. Or rather, I clamped it with my left elbow while carving with the right and left hand.
You seem to take harp making a step further by adding intricate designs. How do clients react to your finished products?
The design took longer than the carving – I can take a long time to settle on a design. When it’s for me, as this harp was, I want something I can live with, something that fits the harp. If a carving is for someone else THEY decide; that makes things easier.
What clients? Thus far it’s all for my wife, except one small wire harp. They liked the carving a lot, it made the harp more personal. For myself, I enjoy finding what the wood has within and adjusting to the grain. Thankfully, every piece of wood is different so even if you’re making the same design over and over there’s always something new, but hand carving adds another layer to that.
Interesting!
I didn’t know you have so many” weapons” ( see picture). How did you get into harp building?
I like “les armes blanches!” There’s absolutely no such thing as too many chisels. Grab and air-sickness bag, love got me involved. It was my 5th anniversary that was approaching and I wanted to give Magda something special. The fifth anniversary calls for a wooden gift so I set myself to thinking. I remembered that she had once told me that as a little girl her dream was to play the harp, but in Communist Poland that was beyond the grasp of all but the luckiest of talented youths, so she opted for classical guitar. So, I researched and bought a harp kit from Musicmakers; it was a 26 string Limerick harp in walnut. I did some simple carving to to make it truly hers and found an interest in both harps and carving. Later I made a connection with the harp maker Rick Kemper of Sligo Harps and have been enjoying a kind of intl. apprenticeship with him. Rick’s harps are awesome and he’s been very patient and kind to me. It’s now four summers that I’ve been cluttering his shop with myself and one harp project or another.
That is the best gift I have ever heard in ages!Look at these gorgeous harps she got.These are wire strung harps right? How many of these are in your house now?
Actually Magda has an irrational preference for nylon or gut strung harps. Those floor harps in the picture are nylon strung (there’s no money in my piggy bank for gut). On the left is the second harp I “built” for her, a Muscimakers Voyageur (another kit) on which she wanted carved dragons. On her right is a cross-strung harp that was the result of my second summer spent in the company of Rick Kemper. So, that’s two, then there’s my little 19 string wire harp (bronze strung) of lime and cherry, a nineteen string wire harp of cherry and maple (strung in brass), the 32 string Lamont strung in bronze and silver, and a small 22 string nylon harp bought before I decided to build a kit harp. That makes 6, and I’m currently working on a triple strung harp (81 strings) for Magda because there’s still room to throw a cat in the music room. Oh, and we live in flat that’s right in the middle of Lodz.
That one is really tiny. I haven’t seen a size like that before.
Small wire-strung, that’s the lime/cherry – fruit flavoured! Except that lime/linden trees aren’t fruit bearing and the cherry is a wild and rather unpalatable fruit bearing variety – better for cabinet making than jam making. That is actually the first harp I made all on my own. The wood for the soundbox came from a tree being felled on my way to work.
Let us talk about construction. What are the yes and no of making levers and of the kind of materials you use?
Whoa! I don’t make levers and wouldn’t want to. Levers are made by elves and dwarves in unknown lands (I do fear that some of this activity takes place in China – at least component manufacture, but I may be wrong…I hope I’m wrong. I have installed levers, and shall likely do more of it in the future although it’s not my preferred way to spend time. The levers in the picture are Camac levers and are very popular for their quality of tone and ease of use – by the harpist. Other brands exist: Truitt, Delacour, Peter Brough, Loveland, Robinson… Each type has it’s advantages and disadvantages.
Nylon and steel strings…the difference in sound, construction and the challenges making each?
Wow, esoterica. Interestingly enough, nylon and steel strings both call for just about the same vibrating length. Wire harps are strung (usually) with brass or bronze. Brass and bronze call for shorter (significantly so) vibrating lengths for a given note than than nylon. Nylon, gut, nylgut (a synthetic), or fluorocarbon strings all produce a “typical” harp sound with some being darker, some brighter, some punchier… Brass and bronze strings sound closer to a harpsichord when played with great technical skill. The wire strings have a greater sustain and typically less volume from the harp although in some ways the sound carries better. Steel strings sound more like little bells, more tinkly.
Nylon harps are lighter built than wire harps and requiring a greater length of string material for any given note. Given a wire harp and a nylon or gut harp with the same range of notes, the nylon/gut harp will be bigger. Wire harps tend to be styled after existing historic harps or harps depicted in stone carving or period illustrations. There is a greater freedom of form and materials used that can be perceived in the nylon/gut strung harp arena. Many lever harp players cry out for lighter and lighter harps, one builder even builds in carbon fiber – ultralight. You’re more likely to hear wire harp types clamoring for archaic dry joinery (no adhesives) and specific woods. All types of harps have their merits and uses.
Tim, if people are looking for great harp manufacturers, where would you refer them?
Who are they? WHERE are they? What kind of music do they want to play?
Generally I’d tend to go with one woman/man operations. You get more of a dialog, more personal service. USUALLY a better instrument. Big name companies are more interested in NOT having to perform warranted repairs and that forcibly affects building strategies and sound. It’s nice to buy local. If not, make sure a competent luthier lives within a couple of hours drive. A floor harp can be expensive to ship for repair work!
Timothy Des Roches is the guy you might want to look for if you want a harp builder. His bio says:
I live in Lodz (woodge), Poland with my wife, Magda, my son, Mieszko (myeshkoh), and my dog. Life just keeps getting better.
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Featured video: The High Kings – “The Rising Of The Moon”
Check out the new video “The Rising Of The Moon”, from Ireland’s ‘Best Folk Group of the Year’ THE HIGH KINGS. Their new album “Memory Lane” is out now in the US.
The original bards are here again with the new album Memory Lane. Those who hunger for traditional Irish music will definitely grab this. After all, it’s a breather to the prevailing format right now especially Irish musicians who do crossover performances by singing pop hits. I know a friend who disagrees with this kind of ‘travesty’. I don’t consider myself as a purist but I do think that Irish music shines through its traditional melodies.
The album opens with the energetic Step it Out Mary. The fast paced singing reminds one of Scottish mouth music. It also calls to mind Clannad’s Dulaman.
As I Roved I Out is another fresh take with its upbeat tempo. The beauty of the High Kings vocals are their ability to harmonized songs in such a break neck speed that was only perfected in the 70s by Skara Brae. Like the first track this talks about marriage or getting married.
I love the new version of The Fields of Athenry. The guys did a gentle take on this much covered track. One of the ‘rebel’ songs that have made impact on generations old and new.
On The One Road features the performance of The Wolfe Tones. Another one of those tunes that stick on your head after two listens. “ North men, South men comrades all, Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Donegal, We’re on the one road swinging along, Singing a soldier’s song..” Now listen to this part and you will know what I mean when I say not all the catchiest songs are found in top 40 radio!
Raglan Road is a poem by Patrick Cavanagh. This has been through a lot of remakes including a version by Loreena McKennitt on her “Ancient Muse” album. This is both a solemn but with a walk on by pace. “On a quiet street where old ghosts meet I see her walking now away from me so hurriedly.” Never listen to this part with a broken hear because this will tear you apart. Beautiful and painful at the same time.
Whiskey in the Jar was introduced to me by the Holland and Palmley dou. From then on In fell in love with its brisk melody and catchy chorus.
Leaving of Liverpool is sung in an almost sean nos fashion. This is a very familiar track that you’ve probably heard . After all the title of the album says it all. It is bringing life to these old tracks . It’s like opening a closet filled with vinyl records and one can’t help but play them one by one, dusting the dust away and marveling how time flies so fast.
Red is the Rose is one of the favorites here. It’s rendered a cappella. They sing it in harmony. Without the distractions of instruments, the spiritual essence of this song is reached to perfection.
The bodhran tapping introduces us to The Star of County Down followed by the tin whistle and banjo. Then we have harmony and acoustic guitar. The middle part increases speed with the uillean pipes and accordion doing their duel. Can’t help tapping my feet on this.
Boolavogue is something I haven’t heard before. But this proves to be one of the strong tracks in the album. Lovely hooks are provided by the fiddles uillean pipes and whistle amidst the strong guitar strums and marching percussions.
Cavan Girl is composed by the late Tom Moore. The gentle guitar plucking introduces us to the narrative about a man who falls in love with the fairest woman in Cavan. After the energy of the tracks that precede it, this one is like a breather for you to sit down by the fireside.
The Rising of the Moon pulls us up top our feet again. I heard this through Fairport Convention. This one proves to be another good version.
Green Fields of France is a beautiful lament for Willie McBride. The Irish Rover closes this wonderful album with its thunderous chorus and amazing arrangement.
Memory Lane is an album worth of repeated listens. It’s a collection of tracks that sound familiar to everyone Irish or not, but given a new life and freshness by The High Kings. This is just their second album but it looks like they have achieved a lot. These guys know their stuff. They are real musicians with real instrumental talents. They are seasoned vocalists and their individuality shines in every track. They are also charismatic figures that looks good on your CD library. I am pleased to own this album. In terms of production, the album shimmers with clarity and lushness of sound.
Welcome back Celtophiles. I have fresh news for you today. Just finished my jug of black tea and all geared up to rock the keyboards…..
If you are looking for irresistible vocals with great instrumentals then Memory Lane by The High Kings will bring you those. From the lively Star of the County Down backed by a nice banjo to a capella Red is the Rose will surely grow on your Irish music garden.
The High Kings just returned from their successful January 29 The Children Need You Concert. As what these guys say:
“We are honoured to have performed with 12,000 champion children, who are the Hallelujah choir over the course of 3 days. Thank you for being the best backing choir ever!”
Memory Lane will be released on March 8, 2011!
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American fans in Indiana, be sure to catch The Chieftains , who will be appearing at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the IU Auditorium. These guys brought us decades of magical Irish music that are love by both old and new.
Originally founded in 1962 by Paddy Moloney, the band’s style is grounded in traditional Irish instrumental music. From playing only the fiddle, flute, tin whistle and bodhran, which gave the music a rustic and traditional sound, they incorporate world materials byt collaborating with artists like Loreena McKennitt, Sinead O’ Connor and MOya Brennan. More news in this link: http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=80100
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Florida Welcomes Scythian
Gypsy grooves meets Celtic spirit, Cythian(sith-ee-yin) will set you on your feet with their brand of fusion mixing blue grass, and world styles. Yes the core is Celtic and these guys have their own punk humors to keep you amused. I love them and you should check them out as they perform live at Skipper’s Smoke House courtesy of WMNF88.5 FM.
With a voice darker than Sarah Brightman’s but with music more organic than Enigma or Era, Hayley Griffiths unleashes Silver Screen. The title will probably give an impression of covers but the press release has confirmed she adds her own trademark to the songs. Check her out with that sample video. What do you think?
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Hearing the Legend.
I stumbled upon Cape Breton’s fiddle legend Dan R MacDonald. Gives me shivers. More here: http://danrory.com/home.html
carved from Linden/Lime ,latin: tilia. Our conversations started over a year ago. Well, after about one year I came upon a proper log for the carved sound box (the wood needs to be green/wet), and after countless hours of searching I just found the English walnut in the right thickness (rare) in Southern Poland. Enough for many harps and pleasantly priced – WAAAAY cheaper that it would be from a US vendor, even though the wood is actually more common here than in Europe. It’s very odd to me how these things seem to make themselves available when I’m close to being ready for them even if the odds are stacked against me. Money is always an issue – I have little and wood and transport are costly – and transport is always challenging as I haven’t a car.
😉
take for you to finish this one?I am actually in your album now.
lime/linden trees aren’t fruit bearing and the cherry is a wild and rather unpalatable fruit bearing variety – better for cabinet making than jam making. That is actually the first harp I made all on my own. The wood for the soundbox came from a tree being felled on my way to work.
Celtic Music Fan 