tin whistle

Rachel Hair: All Things Celtic Harp(Interview)

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

Plus: Somerset Folk Harp Festival, Athas’tour pic and schedules, Celtic vampire novel by Karen Victoria Smith and Delta Rae …so emotional and beautiful!

Scottish harpist Rachel Hair notes down her tips on how to get into this fascinating musical instrument: The Celtic harp!

It was through my discovery of harp music that got me  started in perusing the web for more resources. I think it was my interview with Scott Hoye and his invite to join the Celtic Harp facebook page  made this interview with Rachel Hair possible. The Rachel Hair trio brings something fresh to harp music. There’s unmistakable groove, atmosphere and optimism the first time you listen to any of their tracks. Interviewing Rachel deepened my respect and admiration for her music and her band. She is one of the great contributors to the forum lately while being out joining the Manx music festival. She kept everyone updated with pictures and links. I even got my Maeve Gilchrist through her recommendation. Everyone in the Celtic Harp community is very supportive of each other. Eric, Scott, Rachel, Corrina, Amy and the rest keep the community alive with their ideas and presence.

Rachel is very enthusiastic to share her thoughts with everyone. Especially those who are planning to study the instrument but might have doubts that hold them back.  I like her in-depth way of answering questions. I am sure you will enjoy this and add it to your bookmarks for reference.

How do you describe the Scottish folk scene these days ? What’s the trend in terms of playing, the instruments and also the general band image that the listeners are warming up to?
The Scottish folk scene has gone from strength to strength and over the past 10 years has had a real upsurge of talent and creativity. I think its one of the most creative folk scenes in the world. You have musicians who know their tradition well and can perform it fantastically but are also creating and adding to the tradition. More than ever musicians and bands are writing new music and presenting it in an ever creative and evolving fashion… its not just about playing tune after tune anymore. Bands are getting really into big arrangements and taking the listeners on a journey to what is becoming the new tradition in Scotland.
Theres a lot of cross genre music making too. I live in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, and a hub of creativity amongst musicians of all styles. Folk, jazz, indie, rock and classical musicians are not only mixing with each other socially but are musically creating new sounds together. The results of this are now being on seen on stage and festivals such as Celtic Connections are a great supportive platform of this allowing it to be brought to the public’s attention.

With friends.

Your tunes are always rhythmic and is also filled with arrangements that glow of atmosphere…how do you value atmosphere in songs? Others are more into technique and speed. Do you think it is essential in every Scottish and Irish recording to have a sense of atmosphere or ambience?

I like to create records and shows which take listeners on a journey, giving them opportunities to tap their feet along, dance but then also give them opportunities to reflect and feel the emotion of the music we create. One of the tunes we most enjoy performing as a trio is the haunting melody “Cancro Cru”. We really get emotionally involved in the tune and this is often felt by the audience and commented to us after.
I don’t think its necessarily essential that every recording gives a sense of this atmosphere but I do think its important that musicians and bands try to give an impression of what the atmosphere their live show creates, through their recordings.

You have been active these days especially during festivals. What are the things you learned being musician, in terms of traveling with ease? Tips you can give us? I remember what Scott Hoye said about harpists..it’s not like playing the fiddle where you can toss it and go. Harpists carry this huge instrument.

Preparation is the key! I often fly with my harp. Living on a large island (Britain!) means that any gig I do outside the country means a flight. I always phone up the airline in advance and let them know I’m taking a Celtic harp and ask them to make a mark on booking. I’m always very casual on the phone and make it clear that its not that bigger than a suitcase, weighs less than 20kg (normally less than my suitcase!) and that I fly all the time without difficulty.
It used to be that I could take it for free, but now you just have to accept that you have to pay for it. Most of the large airlines just see it as an extra piece of hold baggage and this can usually be paid for in advance which makes life easy.
Its always important to be sure that the car that will pick you up will have room for you, your suitcase and your harp. To be honest mine is actually quite small in its flight case so this is normally no problem.
I also have a protective fibre class flight case for my harp which is very easy to move around and protects it well. I tend to tape up the clasps on it too for safety too. I also put pieces of polystyrene pipe round my levers inside its cover, to protect them further.

What are your suggestions for both artists and enthusiasts about this type of music and making it grow? We have the technology and tools but what do you think are the things that each of us can do to improve and expand the scene.

I like to use social media to connect with people… through Facebook, twitter and youtube. Its a great way of keeping in touch with your fans and new people are discovering my music through these ways every day. It also gives me the chance to promote other music, that isn’t always mine. Bands and groups that I like that I think deserve to be heard. I like to post videos etc. of them to help their music grow and get to new people. Its definitely a worthwhile thing to get into….facebook, twitter and youtube and free to use so you’ve nothing to loose!

What tell young people who find harps fascinating and want to study it?

Rocking out the Scottish reels
— with Maeve Gilchrist.

Get yourself to one of the harp festivals and try it out for yourself! I’m on the organising committee for the Edinburgh International Harp Festival and it coming along to a festival like it really is a great way to discover harp music. You can join a beginners course and have a go, visit the harp exhibition which has all the top makers in Europe showing of their harps and you can go to some of the concerts. Harp festivals really are a great way of experiencing everything “harp”. You also get the chance to meet harp players young and old, of all levers from beginner-to professional. We’re all a very friendly bunch.

Who are people who influenced your growth as an artist through the years?

When I was at university in Glasgow, studying music, my harp teacher was Corrina Hewat. She was an incredibly encouraging teacher who really pushed me to discover my own style of playing. We don’t really play in the same way and I think that’s a testament to her as a teacher.
A lot of my friends are professional musicians, Jenn and Euan who play in my trio, Jamie Smith who plays in the group Jamie Smiths Mabon and Gaelic singer Joy Dunlop. We’re all very very head strong and passionate at what we do and we’re very good at encouraging each other to keep going and achieve our dreams and success in music.

What’s your biggest goal in life.

Well to be happy, and to be fulfilled both in my personal life and in my musical life. simple!

Rachel Hair – Harp
Jenn Butterworth – Guitar / Vocals
Euan Burton – Double Bass

Follow her band in facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelhairharp

http://www.rachelhair.com/

http://www.youtube.com/rachelhair

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Somerset Folk Harp Festival

Everyone got a harpful for 4 days! People who are very enthusiastic about harp music(including yours truly) will keep this festival on the calendar. Some of the big names in the community attended: Chris Caswell presented Guerilla Music Theory. There’s also Breton dancing( this is really fun!) led by harpist Clotilde Trouillaud. For people who wanted to pick up a handy instrument enjoyed the tin whistle workshop. Maeve Gilchrist whom we presented in this site was also there teaching techniques.

Other notable musicians:

Peacocks Feathers: entertained with Irish & Scottish tunes & songs during the lunchtime concert in the Atrium.

Debbie Brewin-Wilson lead the 3-day Basically Beginning workshop.

Nicolas Carter on the first of his 3-day class on Paraguayan harp. He’ll also help out Tracy Gorman in the Paraguayan Dance class at 3:30pm.
There’s Billy Jackson in his workshop on Scottish Harp of the 17th century yesterday. Right now he’s teaching Composing in a Traditional Style. By the way I have one of his albums!
Thanks to Scott Hoye who is up to date. He’s the source of this news.
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Today in Pictures: Athas on Tour

Amy thought she ordered the large Bloody Mary-Jeff Ksiazek

Between gigs, the band unwinds.
Follow the band’s tour schedule here: http://www.athasmusic.com/schedule/
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Book curiosity:

Dark Dealings by Karen Victoria Smith
Synopsis: At thirteen, Micaela O’Brien was found wandering a pasture in Ireland, the sole survivor of a mid-air explosion. Now, as a successful investment banker, she will discover that Wall Street has fangs and claws. When international power brokers, creatures hiding in plain sight, threaten her and those she loves, will this heiress to a Druid legacy deny her power and let loved ones die again?A thrill ride of money, monsters and murder across the globe.
According to the author
: 2 DAYS left to get Dark Dealings for Kindle on sale for $1.49. 1/2 royalties 2 Kick #Cancer Overboard.BUY,read,review amazon.com/Dark-Dealings-… Read the novel described as Trueblood meets bluebloods with a 4.4/5 rating on Amazon. Price goes up August 1
Tataratat! The Gothic Celtic in me loves it! Twilight fans sorry but I think Karen Victoria Smith does more than Stephanie Meyer. Nothing is better than Vampires and Celts in one book.

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Our featured band Delta Rae

Take a look at this official video by Bluegrass fusion band from North Carolina  Delta Rae. I love the concept. It is both funny and creepy. The voice of Brittany Holljes has a powerful quality in a pop sense but with New Age delicacy. There are also male lead vocals occasionally. The music has a knockout rocking quality but with  the atmosphere of Sarah McLachlan. It is a band that will  appeal to fans of music categorized as folk/rock or country with chillout moments. My favorite track from the band is Holding On To Good because it is really explosive and glorious and the sound just floods through you. So beautiful! But wait till you hear Surrounded, a moving and mesmerizing track that builds up into a glorious release- a crashing wave of sound, angelic harmonies and earth ravaging meteor or emotions.

Members:

Ian Holljes (vocals/guitar)
Eric Holljes (vocals/keyboard/guitar)
Brittany Holljes (vocals/percussion)
Elizabeth Hopkins (vocals/percussion)
Mike McKee (drums)
Grant Emerson (bass)

Info:

http://www.deltarae.com/

Music: http://www.myspace.com/deltaraemusic/music

Crapshooters are Making Good Music in Germany

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This video reminds me of old photographs. These guys take their late 19th century fashion seriously!

Despite the title, the Crapshooters play a good blend of Traditional Irish, American Bluegrass and German folk. The introduction of bodhran, tin whistle, concertina, banjo, acoustic guitar, bass and various percussion will make you realize that they are very serious with their musical direction. There are slow airs that will move you. The harmony vocals are good. After four songs you will be convinced that these guys are actually shooting great music! Eire is one tune that I consider captivating.

http://www.myspace.com/thecrapshooters

You can fine them in facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crapshooters/233770759981989

Chris Caswell: Harp Builder, Multi-Instrumentalist and Music Teacher.

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

This is the right way to play the Celtic harp….

Occasionally, we are blessed with someone who has an eye for beauty and a  hand for musical expression. Chris Caswell embodies the nature of a true bard. Apart from being a versatile musician (playing flute, penny-whistle, harp, bodhran, and bagpipes), he is also the builder of Caswell harps. He started making harps in 1972 while also serving as a session player for other bands. His designs are unique and breathtaking- like his own music. He is also a music teacher around the San Francisco Bay area.

I got the time to sit down and really listen to his tunes this evening. He gives multiple expressions to the harp in a way that it sounds like different instruments. At times it reaches sublime spirituality especially when he does those arpeggios. There is something ‘quiet’ about his music that speaks to you. One of my favorites is The Wild Geese taken from his 2001 album Holy Wood. The relaxing beauty of his tunes makes you sit back and relax. He has unique harp interpretations of bagpipe tunes like in the case of Catriona’s Lament (piobaireachd). There is no arguing. The harp makes a unique sound that could never be achieved by other instruments.

Chris continues as a musical asset through building harps, playing tunes and handing them down to generations upon generations of Clarsach musicians telling you: this is the beautiful way to play the Celtic harp.

References:

http://caswellharps.com/

http://chriscaswell.net/

http://www.facebook.com/ChrisCaswellHarp

http://www.myspace.com/chriscaswellharp

Artist bio:

I began making harps in 1972, first with Jay Witcher, then by 1977 in my own shop with Terry, my wife for 20 years (who was working at Witcher’s before I got there!). Over those years, my sense of calling has become only richer and clearer. In fact, the last few years have resulted in more new and possibly significant ideas than ever.

I always say I never make a harp I wouldn’t play myself. In fact, I tend to design new models to fulfill what my inner ear says is possible. This goes hand-in-hand with my own growth and experimentation as a player. Here, as best I can, is how I describe this calling:

Tradition

to make harps designed from the heart, and in the lineage of the ancient Celtic harps

Innovation

to continue to evolve the harp for a new generation of players, and for the future of the instrument itself

Excellence

to combine fine craftsmanship with a passion for its sound and esthetics, bringing each design into the realm of art

My aim during the making of every harp–from the least expensive to the most–is to connect with life directly, and experience a taste of my existence. My sense is that this translates into something in the instrument itself.

My goal isn’t to make lots of harps (though I have and, God willing, will) but to make harps that respond to their players’ desires, becoming a vehicle for the magic of music in each of us.

It’s a great blessing in my life that I continue to have an opportunity to follow this passion, and that this passion is as bright as ever. I invite you to be part of it by following your own desire. If you have a harp you love, wonderful. If you would like another to fulfill something you want to hear, contact me.

If you’re brand new to the harp, I will do what ever I can to put the right instrument in your hands, and support you as you blossom. Remember–Yes You Can!

“Yes You Can” is my way of saying :Don’t put off that which you know in your heart to be right for you! We all can find reasons not to do what we know will make our lives richer.

Life is precious and we must support that which connects us to the deep part of ourselves. If playing the harp helps you do that, then I am here to help you.

All best wishes,

Chris Caswell 

***

Updated: I am posting the last exchange I had with Chris after this article was released. This was around June of 2012. You can tell he was a man of humor and great spirits. You will be missed Chris.

Hi Baxter,

Thank you so much for the kind review!

You might not have seen a recent FB posting of mine that you (or rather, the review) might benefit from. I’ll copy it to you here:

“Finally, I can go public with a bit of news I’ve been sitting on for about nine months!

I was contacted back then by an editor for the BBC who had found my recording of pibroch (piobaireach) on the metal-strung harp and intended to use it in an upcoming documentary. It looks like they’re ending up utilizing three of the pieces off my Holy Wood CD – Catherine’s Lament (the pibroch), the McLeod’s Big Tune, and Rowing from Islay to Uist.

Here’s the email I got this morning:

‘Hi Chris,

just a quick heads up to say that the Cairngorms show is finished!

It’s now called “Cairngorms – A Year in the Wild” it’s part of a three part series. Our date for transmission is as yet unconfirmed but it looks like a Sunday in July for the UK.

I can tell you your music has been used to illustrate some lovely material round the River Dee, and a very special piece contemplating ancient pines that our poet/nature writer Jim Crumley calls Wolf Trees…

I am still intending to send you a copy of the material but our production manager is reluctant to allow anything out until it has been broadcast. Hopefully this is enough to be going on with for you in terms of publicity efforts.

Thanks again for allowing the use of your music!

all the best,
Stuart’ ”

Also, I’m a little confused by the last sentence. It seems to make me sound like I’m telling people the “right” way to play the harp. That’s not something I’m comfortable with.

Regardless, thanks again. Best wishes for your blog.

All the best,

Chris

Hi Chris ,I know what you mean now. I altered a word in the last sentence. I hope it makes you comfortable now

12:58
Chris Caswell: Thanks! That does feel better. Thanks again for the review.

12:58
Baxter Labatos: Hahaha all the best Chris! you are welcome.

***

A memorial service for Chris is planned for this Sunday, Feb 10 at 6:00 pm, at St Monica’s Church in San Francisco, Geary & 23rd Avenue. His friends are welcome.

http://www.facebook.com/ChrisCaswellHarp

Enda Seery: Magic in the Tin Whistle (Interview)

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 2 Comments

Traditional Irish Musician on Whistle/Flute/Keyboard from the heart of Ireland talks to CMF!

Passion affects people around you. When you love what you do, everyone will feel it. This awareness creates enthusiasm. And therefore in your own way, you affect the universe. It’s like magic: The ability to make people  hope..and even  dream…

There are artists who make you feel a certain way about how they play music. You don’t even have to understand what the music is about to appreciate it. Sometimes there are tunes that don’t need words to express that feeling. You just listen  and then you connect. Just like that. This transcends  everything. Today, a musician is going to make that example.

Enda Seery from Streamstown, Co. Westmeath, Ireland sets the standard for the tin whistle. His  album The Winding Clock (Traditional, Folk, Celtic)has 13 tracks that will serenade your ears with wistful and cheerful tunes. The sound of this instrument has never been sweeter or softer. When not involved with music, he is teaching Irish language . This passion in preserving  tradition  is reflected in his style of playing. His original compositions made there way, along with the traditional tunes in The Winding Clock. Between gigs and and working on a second album, I was able to squeeze the time for him to be our guest!

Hi Enda, you have been getting a lot of positive reviews regarding your playing style. I can tell that you are an instrumentalist who gives more emphasis on the beauty of playing rather than the speed . There is richness and grace in every note. How long did it take you to perfect this style of playing?

Thanks a lot for your kind comments. In my opinion too many trad players today try to place too much emphasis on speed rather than respecting the tune(s) they are playing. I like to keep the tune pure. Just last week at a show I noticed some young players trying to do too much with a tune, basically trying to be too fancy. Tradition shouldn’t be tampered with! I have perfected my style over a number of years by listening to all types of players, not just Whistlers. I always try to play for a few hours a day to keep perfecting my style and repertoire of tunes.

You play traditional tunes and you also compose. What are the challenges you undertake doing both?

To be honest I don’t see it as a challenge. Composing is something that I take for granted now. I love to mix and match old traditional tunes with my own compositions. I make sure though to keep my compositions in the traditional idiom. I was delighted to hear some reviewers and experts alike say that my compositions on ‘The Winding Clock’ album integrated well with the other traditional tunes.

‘The Winding Clock’ has received positive reviews. You are also recording your second album “High and Low”. What will listeners expect to hear in this second album?

I suppose the dreaded second album can be tricky after the first but I had a lot of material, especially new compositions left over after the recording of ‘The Winding Clock’. I am going to take my time recording the second album ‘High and Low'(a reference to my use of high and low Whistles). I am about to start a Masters in Trad Music Performance at the Irish World Academy, University Limerick so I won’t have a lot of time for recording. Listeners though can expect to hear a lot of new compositions between reels, jigs, hornpipes, polkas, airs and instrumentals. I am also going to record a few tracks on the Trad Flute and Low Whistle.

 You will play whistles, low whistle, flute and keyboards in this new album. Are there other musicians you will be working in this project?

Yes, John Byrne will again hopefully work with me on this album. Myself and John have started to do a number of gigs and performances as a duo recently. He is a gifted Guitar player as well as a talented Banjo player. I will provide a lot more Keyboard backing on this album too. I will be recording again at Black Rose Studio, Kilcock, Co. Kildare with Rob Laird as Sound Engineer. There might one or two other guest musicians in the pipeline too.

Tell us about your involvement in Comhaltas ‘Seisiun’ show .

The Comhaltas run ‘Seisiun’ show is a series of shows that runs throughout July and August in venues all over Ireland. This year I am playing but also producing in the show at Aras an Mhuilinn, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. I would hope that I have put my own personality on the show in Mullingar. I have added in Sean Nos Dancing and and new compositions to the show. Producing and arranging is something that I would like to do a lot more of in the future. I am lucky to be working with some great people in the resident group of Aras an Mhuilinn: ‘Ceoltoiri an Mhuilinn’. Audience attendances have been good so far. Aras an Mhuilinn is a beautiful venue in a prime location in Mullingar, a venue that is there to be used by Comhaltas branches of Counties Westmeath, Offaly, Laois and Longford.

 So what are the plans you have later this year musically

I’m starting a Masters in Trad Music Performance at the Irish World Academy of Music Limerick in September. Really looking forward to working with some fantastic people there. I hope to fit in a few recording sessions for the High and Low album too at Black Rose Studio. Also I am due to play on the main stage with a number of my friends at the new Green Village Festival at Castletown Geoghegan Co Westmeath on Sat September 24th.

 What are the best traditional albums you’d recommend to our readers?

Danny O Mahony’s new album ‘In Retrospect’. Liz Carroll and John Doyle ‘Double Play’. Steph Geremia ‘Open Road’ and of course ‘The Winding Clock’!

And lastly: what’s your message to our readers?

Traditional Irish Music has never been stronger so get out and buy or download the music. The music is part of what makes us Irish. It can raise the spirits of a nation. Finally for whistle players remember that it can become your main instrument and as we say in Irish cleachtadh a dhéanann máistreacht!(practice makes perfect).

Well said Enda!

Get your copies of The Winding Clock here

Additional info:  ‘The Winding Clock’ was released in November 2010. Recorded at Black Rose Studio, Kilcock, Co. Kildare. Accompanient on album provided by John Byrne on Guitar from Mullingar, Co. Westmeath and Colin Hogg on Bodhran from Castletown Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath. Ciarán Seery(Button Accordion), Siobhán Seery(Flute) and Pádraig Seery(Fiddle) all from Streamstown also feature on the album.

http://www.endaseery.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/Mrwhistleman1000

http://www.myspace.com/endaseery/music/songs/the-winding-clock-80753714

Lisa Lynne Franco’s Circle of Hope, Love and Peace.

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

Beautiful Celtic harp music for all seasons!

I strongly recommend Fairy Tales  by Lisa Lynne Franco, for those who love Celtic harp music. This is a beautiful album filled with optimistic melodies and tender percussion. It also features a bamboo flute by George Tortorelli. The album opens with the beautiful mid-eastern flavored Dance of Herod. Like a wicked bar of dark chocolate, the tune waltzes into our consciousness. This is a perfect soundtrack for traveling.

Cucanandy is a stately  bouncing tune with its use of tin whistles and chimes. Douce Dame Jolie is of old English flavour with a Scottish lilt embellished with bouzouki lines. Crimson Morn as the title suggest, is a lament. The bright  and breezy rendition reminds me walks on the beach. Now Oh Now, I needs Must Part is a Valentines tune-but not the happy kind!

Carolyn’s Welcome is tune at the fireside. The strings are impeccable with their warmth. Chimes, tin whistle among other instruments wrap this Irish tune. It is a perfect holiday song. Lisa gives a refreshing redo on this Simon and Garfunkel classic Scarborough Fair. It stays loyal to the original tempo, but with hints of Enyaesque swaying of string parts in the middle part.

Fanny Power is playful. This piece evokes scenes of the summery countryside and child-like innocence. The 10th track Circle of Joy is probably Lisa Lynne’s most ‘pop’ instrumental piece. I first got hold of this on the Celtic Season’s compilation and I never got tired listening to it. Regal, optimistic and magical; this tune will continue to hook future listeners.

Greensleeves has  been covered by other artists and it is just ok.  Boru’s March is a traditional piece that I remember from Breton musician Alan Stivell.

Love and Peace is a magical album. It is filled with the spirit of Renaissance and traditional Celtic.

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Phil Holland

Phil Holland

In the vein of Instrumental music, I would like to present to you this wonderful artist by the name of Phil Holland. I am looking forward for an interview article about her-if her time permits!

Check her MySpace page out and listen to the music.

http://www.myspace.com/philholland2