Flutist and composer Karin Leitner has sound magic.
With her extensive studies in classical music, flutist Karin Leitner has mastered the tempo, dynamics and expression of the instrument. She also plays the Irish tin whistle Susato Kildare model key C and Yamaha wooden flute. Whither she is playing the classical pop rendition of the theme from the Titanic, or rendering the chromatic beauty of some of her works, it is true that she leaves listeners enchanted and refreshed.
She already released evocative albums titled: Earthmagic, Seamagic and the upcoming Skymagic (June 21). Earthmagic has received positive reviews from music critics. The album has 16 tracks. If you are stressed out and in the mood for escapist tunes then just take out one of her CDs and you are off to go with the destination of your choice. Even if such journey is in your head. Seamagic has twelve tracks all water themes asopposed to the Earth themes of Earthmagic. Her compositions are closer to the elements : Earth, Sea, Sky…go figure.
Her delivery is seamless as she slides from meno mosso to molto expressivo with the grace of a swan. You should check out her Theme from the Titanic video. She breathes new life into the wooden flute making the instrument sound the way we sing. I can hear traces of vibrato the way a human voice does, until the diminuendo leaves listeners gasping for more.
For those who are hungry for classically inspired music with Celtic, orchestral or mystical influences then I am sure she has a hungry market out there waiting to get her releases, all eight of them! Trivia: She is playing concerts with harpist Cormac de Barra-they recorded an album for Ireland’s Blue Book Music of Great Irish Houses.
Check out the album release launch of Moya Brennan and Cormac De Barra:
Grammy award winning musician, Moya Brennan, and internationally renowned harpist, Cormac De Barra, are set to release their brand new album titled ‘Affinity’ this June. The recording is the result of a merging of two of Ireland’s most acclaimed musical minds. Join the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/177927489035726/
Tracks: 1. Gone Are the Days 2. The Loving Time 3. Glen of Aherlow 4. Longing for Home 5. The Pride of Ireland 6. Oh Rowan Tree 7. Rocky Road to Dublin 8. The Fisherman’s Wife 9. Red Haired Boy 10. Down By the Salley Garden 11. To the Weaver’s We Will Go 12. Wild Mountain Thyme 13. Distant Shores 14. Back Home in Derry 15. Ag Croist an Siol
With the rarity of ballads in Celtic music these days, Sue Borowski finds a refreshing venue to showcase her multi instrumental capabilities. Even though she has no formal training in recording engineering, she arranged, recorded and mixed all the tracks in her basement. In the Celtic Spirit has a unique and inspiring history. Diagnosed with breast cancer, Sue channeled all her creativity into this collection of songs inspired by Ireland and the British Isles. The result is a collection of healing music that became a success story.
You will hear songs that you have missed all these years. Songs like Rocky Road to Dublin, Down by the Sally Garden and Wild Mountain Thyme. This is an album for those who are into vocal music with an easy listening style. Her expressive vibrato makes the fifteen tracks sound human and intimate. No sonic gimmicky kind of approach here. Just down to earth arrangements celebrating love and courtship, family memoires, and love for home and country. My personal favorite is the instrumental track Ag Croist an Siol. It is one of the most moving spiritual pieces in this album.
For fans of Loreena McKennitt, Connie Dover and Karen Matheson, this is a welcomed release. Celtic songs are beautiful, evocative and heart-hurting. It is always important that they are given the proper revival they need. So start listening to this album and sing along. Sing your heart’s content. Sing your pain, joy and love with the brevity of spirit through the celebration of the human voice: the greatest musical instrument!
Sue plays many instruments including guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki, Irish whistle, bodhran and accordion.
Sue’s love for performing music began at age ten in a Carpatho-Rusyn dance group, a sub-group of the Junior Duquesne University Tamburitzans. For three years she studied the music and traditions of her Slovak/Ukrainian heritage and performed her first solo on-stage at age eleven. In December of 2006 Sue gave her debut performance on the mandolin at the Melody Music Shop’s Holiday Showcase show at Carnegie Music Hall in Homestead, PA. In 2007 she met and auditioned with singer/solo artist, Matt Hughes of “Ar Eigean Gael”. Thus began her journey in the Celtic genre. After two years with Ar Eigean Gael, Sue joined the RichPatrick Celtic Music group as their fiddle and mandolin player, vocalist and guitarist. Sue enjoys playing in acoustic settings with friends around the City of Pittsburgh and most recently has ventured into a solo project under the name of “Steel Clover”.
As the name suggests La Unica blends Latin and Traditional Irish music to create a groovy listening experience. The title means “the one and only.” Something that your personal Druid can salsa to. It’s a joy to listen to their tracks. Silver Spear / Maid Behind the Bar is one example of their upfront and evocative style. Festive brass instruments can be heard side by side with traditional instruments. Whatever these five musicians are up to, I am sure they are succeeding. The sound is not only for one time listen. It’s a kind of music that stays with you. Yes play it again Sam. This is the music that will remain as time goes by….
The mesmerizing drums of Caminante De Mis Amores sound perfect with the Spanish purring vocals of Gonzalo Bernal. Listening to such track makes you forget the blues. “See the colors and seize the day.” This is what the album is telling you. Irish Rock Song #4 makes use of the tin whistle’s bright sound laced with the spicy Latin flavour.
La Unica has a confident sound. It is something that can be easily embraced by the mainstream. I would not be surprise if they find their music climbing the Billboard top 100. They have that potential. It makes me curious how the members are like when performing live with all the tracks in the album. The video link above is a great introduction. There is no doubt they can rouse the collective electricity from the listeners as exemplified by Dame Sabor and Five. Contigo O Sin Ti (With Or Without You) explores U2 music using Spanish language. Walk, Buffalito and Furthest We Go (Cranes) showcase the reflective side of the band.
I am so glad there are bands like La Unica who are not afraid to be creative and to be original without sacrificing the mass appeal of the music. It is true that great music can only come from artists who let time ripen their creativity. A kind of music that’s coming from the soul and brings fire to the hearts. This is your ultimate companion to weekend party.
Bio:
Based in Washington, DC, La Unica (in Spanish, “the one and only”) is bringing the Bronx block party to the Nation’s Capital all year round! This is America’s band, drawing on sounds reminiscent of The Chieftains, Gipsy Kings, Santana, The Pogues, Ozomatli, the Cranberries — and throwing in D’Angelo for good measure. La Unica crosses the bounds of time and nations to reach a unique brand of roots music, combining traditional Irish folk, a panoply of Latin influences, your standard Rock, and Funk —– but don’t forget the cowbell!
The brainchild of Gonzalo Bernal and Neil Reedy, La Unica was created in 2009 over a few beers and several years in one of DC’s greatest salsa bands ever, Movimiento! “Why not combine Movimiento’s groove-shakin’ dance beats with the soothing caress of an Irish bagpipe?” said Neil. “Absolutely!!!” said Gonzo — and a legend was born.
DC’s On Tap Magazine hails La Unica as “A well-oiled outfit that uses traditional instruments to produce a high-energy show.” The band has since invaded New York City and plans for a tour down to Miami one of these days.
La Unica independently produced and released its debut, self-titled album on April 13th 2013. La Unica is: Gonzalo Bernal [ vocals / fiddle ], Matt Giles [ bass / vocals ], Cory Padin [ guitar / vocals ], Neil Reedy [ irish tin whistle / trumpet / flugelhorn ], Matt Tredwell [ drums / percussion ]
Feautring: Kinfolk, Jamie Smith’s MABON, McAuley/Horan/O’Caoimh, John McSherry, Michael Shimmin, Joe Dart, Wilber Calver with Moya (Maire) Brennan & Shane McGowan
Featured Single: The Lady of the Woods
I mentioned the new single from Jamie Smith’s MABON in my last edition (with the amazing Corrina Hewat as featured artist). A few months ago, drummer Iolo Whelan announced that they are in the process of recording the new JSM album. It was later revealed that the title of the said album is “Windblown”. Anyone who followed their career in the old line up will know that they have always played lively instrumental tunes. You have to understand my surprise when I discovered that the carrier single Lady of the Woods features male vocals including top notch harmonization. The song uses influences from pop/rock and traditional music. The song is radio friendly enough that I am sure with the right timing and promotion will be one of those top 40 UK singles like what fellow Celtic bands Capercaillie did with Coisich, a Ruin and Manran withLatha Math.
Other players: Johnny Cameron,David Mclean, Damien Mullany, Alan Burton, San Proctor, Dorothy Swift and Paul Fox.
From the first few notes emanating from the acoustic guitar of the intro to This Land, one is given a tip that this album is composed of songs that you can sing along. Coupled with great accompanist from the trad scene , Kinfolk has an album that makes you feel like you are watching a family album. I call this a grand offering due to the number of guest players ranging from bouzouki, mandolin, keyboard, banjo, accordion, fiddle, uillean pipes, and other vocals and instruments. The harmonies are solid and breezy. When you are driving long distance, this is one of those albums that you’d like to listen to on your way home from a long day’s work.
Tracks:
There are 13 tracks. There are ballads , instrumentals and upbeat songs. They are arranged in a way that reminds of of a plot in a novel. Each song tells a different story but still related to the bigger picture that makes this album solid.
This Land: A tribute to Ireland and anyone who has an immigrant soul will relate to this:
” Well I hope and pray her smile will be there to greet me
Though my home’s far away I can still hear her sing so sweetly”.
Donegal: The upbeat tempo of this track makes one wonder. If this album has enough airplay and this track has enough promotion, this could be one of those top 40 folk tunes. The fiddling and singing reminds me of Scottish pop rock band Simple Minds. It is irresistibly catchy and poppy.
Stac Pollaigh: Acoustic guitar, whistle, keyboards make this instrumental track have that New Age crossover appeal. Something spiritual, relaxing but still very traditional sounding.
The Hunger Roars: Hunger Roars recall the term ‘starving artist”. I personally think it is about one goes through in life mourning over relationship we can’t salvage from the ruins. A kind of existential anguish permeates the track. It is a song that you can interpret based on your own personal feelings. It has that kind of hoe down tempo. In spite of its lively tempo, the melody is steeped in melancholy atmosphere. Something luminous but somber at the same time.
Wonderful Day: Another finger snapping and toe tapping track. An uplifting and positive track which is a tribute to a beautiful landscape. Embellished by the nice sound of the banjo and the other instruments, this song is one of those undiscovered gems in the folk music scene.
Campsie Glen:
“ Will you come with me this summer,
To the fells in Camsie Glen..
This idyllic track takes me back in those years when everything seems like a scene through a rose colored bowl. Thoughts of childhood are precious and this is something that will save us from the twist and turns of adult uncertainty. The fiddle is bright and the vocal harmonies are rich. The simplicity of this med tempo track is what makes it such a pleasure to listen to. There are ven sounds of birds at the end of this.
Bound for New York: No need to expound on the thoughts of this one because I am sure you know what t is about. And I agree! Once again, the vocal harmonies and the chorus that goes:
“So I’ll have to go,
I’ve got to let you know,
My ship will leave the harbor in the morning
Cross to the sea so blue,
But my heart will stay with you,
I’m bound for New York City in the morning..
If this song doesn’t make you misty-eyed then you are either made of steel or a frickin’ robot. I just lost it!
Lady of the Isle: The drone of the keyboards coupled with the tin whistle makes the intro to this song very ‘soundtracky’. The vocal follows with the beat of the percussion. It has the characteristic of a slow marching song. The spacey arrangement creates a haunting atmosphere which has that lament sound.
“ But we cannot be together, So I’ll love her from afar,
For she is to wed another, and that day will break my heart”.
Thingamajig: Is a jig…but has a pop rock flavor. A great fusion of styles. The percussion and fiddling makes me want to go out and dance in the rain!
Working for the Company: Voice and acoustic guitar feels like a break from the grand instrumentation of previous tracks. A tin whistle and scattering of ‘ohhhs and ahhhs’ in between the chorus and verse plus other spare vocal ‘cloak’ makes this one a must for listeners of chill music.
Home to Ireland: The use of Major 7th chords gives this track a pastoral flavor. Major 7 reminds me of golden wine and gentle rays of the sun. “ Why don’t you come home to Ireland, All the way back to this green green land. This actually expresses my sentiments why I consider Ireland as my spiritual home.
Paddy’s Shout: Another instrumental track that showcases the mature and excellent musicianship of Gerry Power and Brian McDaid. I find my self rocking my head to this gentle uplifting track.
I Blame the Whiskey: The closing track. A tongue in cheek song about…well, you with your Celtic blood would understand and relate to. But this is also a song about trying to cope with a bad experience in life. We all have that. Yes we blame the whiskey, cigarettes or anything we can get out hands on to quell that ache..anything to keep us alive. A beautiful track that I can relate to.
My verdict is: Buy this album. It has a general appeal even to those who aren’t into Celtic music. The tracks are easy to the ears and all of them are worth your listen.Maybe music can’t really heal our pain or existential anguish but it is such a fine company when we feel lost and lonely. I love this album! Buy this album here:http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kinfolksongs
Featured Artist: Wilber Calver (AfroCubanCelticMusic)
Gran concierto en Einsiedeln, Switzerland !
I want to introduce you to this exciting artist and whose album Diaspora is making waves! Jazz musician Courtney Pine (the first Jazz musician in my cassette collection as a kid) praises Wilber Calver’s album saying: “Wilber Calver is a unique new artist who has created a brilliant original sounding album that is steeped in the traditions of his Cuban culture and the Celtic folklore of his chosen instrument the bagpipes. I can’t stop playing it.”http://www.wilbercalver.com/
We have another legendary artist in the making!
From the official website:
About Wilber Calver
Wilber Calver Rodríguez “The Ebony Piper” was born in Holguín (Cuba). In 1997 he enlisted as a percussionist in the traditional music group of the Centro Gallego de la Habana, with whom he performed in many festivals. In 1998 he took his first bagpipe lessons with Professor Eduardo Lorenzo and it was from this moment that he fell in love with the pipes and took the decision to dedicate himself to the instrument.
During the following years he built up his performance experience and was included in the EU documentary “The latest Bagpipers of Havana”, won the “Premio iberoamericano ” Rey de España” ( 2004 ), appeared on the feature film “Havana Blues” (2005) directed by Benito Zambrano.
His TV appearances include : Musical ” Cuerda viva ” Cuba ( 2004 ), ” De la gran escena ” Cuba ( 2004 ) -Progra ESPECIAL ” Día da Patria gallega ” TVG España (2007) – ” A compañenos ” TVG ESPAÑA( 2008) – Serie “Padre Casares ” TVG España ( 2009 ).
He has been reviewed in the following publications : Revista Bohemia ” Con la gaita a cuesta ” Cuba ( 2004 ) -Revista ” O anuario da gaita ” Epaña ( 2000 ) – ” Gaitas con tumba..o ” Diario La voz de galicia
Wilber now lives in the Swiss Alps – Einsiedeln – and is in the process of recording his first album which will be an exciting fusion of celtic melodies with Afro-Cuban roots, arranged and produced by Alex Wilson.
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Flashback: MOYA (MAIRE) BRENNAN & SHANE McGOWAN – You’re the One
As my personal tribute to the amazing late Irish novelist Maeve Binchy, I am posting this beautiful video by two equally mesmerizing artists, Moya Brennan and Shane McGowan. The song is written by Michael Kamen. It’s the ending track for movie Circle of Friends.
Plus: The Stride Set, Brian Femming and the late Maeve Binchy
Learning of an instrument as a journey, rather than a destination..
286 pages with illustrated examples and also audio materials accompanying this book should be a joy to those trying to learn the tin whistle.
I have a brief background in the recorder and it isn’t hard for me to understand the notation as well as terms that Stephen Ducke used in this book. I should tell you that even though you don’t have a musical background and have just picked up the instrument, this book is straightforward and free of any cumbersome words that might hamper the learner.
It will also give you a complete understanding why Irish music sounds that way. Learning through this book will reward you in twofold: playing the tin whistle and understanding Irish Celtic music. The rest is up to you to find out. I cached up with Steve and popped him few questions: .
I see that you are managing 9 blogs all and all. How do you find the energy to teach and blog at the same time??!!
The author: Stephen Ducke
Actually, my Blogger blogs are mostly collections of videos, and Irish traditional news stories found online (with links to the original articles) It’s a way for myself to keep abreast of the news, and there does seem to be a readership too. My principal site is Tradschool, and this is all my own work: In the blog I regularly post tune recordings on flute and whistle, band profiles and other information. There’s also a news section that I update when I can, although less so in summer for example, when there are more gigs and workshops and I’m not often at home…
You play other instruments apart from the whistle:concertina, uilleann pipes, fiddle, flute, guitar and bodhran. Man, do you even sleep? What are the challenges of playing the tin whistle for beginners?
I play the flute and whistle, and am lucky to have some colleagues who participate in sending me recordings for the website, so I am able to post concertina and fiddle tunes also, and sometimes uilleann pipes.
Please tell us more about this e-book tutorial that you are selling on your site right now.
The tutorial came from my teaching of flute and whistle, in Ireland but especially over the past 10 years in France. Many of the questions my French students have about the music and the instrument were not the type of question I was used to answering in Ireland – technical questions about the music, style and interpretation, for example. As a teacher, I feel a responsibility to at least try to answer the student’s questions, and this called for a lot of reflection on my part, and a closer examination of the music than I was used to; I realized how many things I had been taking for granted as an Irish player.
The tutorial’s format will be familiar to anyone who has taken my workshops – I adapt what I like to call a “layered” approach to playing the music, beginning with the rhythm and adding each new element little by little. I believe that, as an orally-transmitted folk music, Irish traditional music is necessarily based on a simple system, and to properly appreciate and play this music, an understanding of the system is necessary.
I feel that this tutorial is different in that I try to bring the student to an understanding of the musical style, not so he can imitate the recordings provided, but so that he can go o to interpret new tunes and form his own style and repertoire. Where I feel many other tutorials miss out is that they provide repertoire, and descriptions of ornamentation, but very little explanation of how it all goes together. I try to examine the logic behind the music, so the student can feel confident in his understanding of the style, and confident enough to make his own choices in style or interpretation.
If I am in my 60s, do you think it is too late to master the instrument?
It depends what you mean by “master” – at 37, I’ve been playing the whistle almost 30 years and don’t feel I’ve mastered it yet; however the journey to where I am today has been immensely rewarding and gratifying. At sixty, it’s definitely not too late to start, and it’s not too late to take pleasure in playing this wonderful music. I prefer to look at the learning of an instrument as a journey, rather than a destination…
Video of the day: Beginner Bodhrán: FREE Lesson No.1 of 2 from OAIM.ie with Brian Fleming
It is nice to be enlightened from various sources. Even though you are not going to be a serious musician, looking at these tutorials can enhance your appreciation of the music. I think that knowledge and esthetics go together. You can’t enjoy something you don’t understand right?
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Today in pictures: The Stride Set
Meabh O’Hare (fiddle) Jani Lang (fiddle) Patricia Clark (fiddle) Michael McCague (bouzouki) Josie Harrington (guitar/vocals) Kevin Jones (drums)
An undated handout image provided by Christine Green Authors’ Agent in London, Irish novelist and playwright Maeve Binchy passed away after a short illness at the age of 72 on 30 July 2012. Photo credit: EPA/Liam White
Her book Circle of Friends introduced everyone to Ireland in the 50s. I like the fluidity of her prose. She can be subtle but also funny. Books like Tara Road, The Lilac Bus, The Glass Lake among others, stayed with me and I can still remember how the characters are. I think all Irish people have the gift whither it is musical, visual or literary. Their passion speaks in volumes and it can me be contagious. She will always stay in our hearts.
Celtic Music Fan 