Eureka! It is nice to know that Wales closely resemble that of Brittany when it comes to dancing(and language too). I was looking for simple Welsh tunes when I stumbled upon these videos. See for yourselves.
traditional
Karen Matheson and Fiona Kennedy
For lack of any news today,I am featuring two wonderful Scottish singers.What attracted me to this song is the rapid firing of Gaelic language. I think more than the music, it is the language that defines the authenticity of the rt. Without it, then Celtic music would be incomplete. That is why I admire singers who perfect the art of singing the language.
American singers like Connie Dover earn my respect for being fluent both in Scottish and Irish Gaelic. Then there are those who sing in Breton and Welsh…or any of the languages. It is this sense that colors the art. English after all, is not the only important language there is. We need it to communicate. But it is not as beautiful as the Celtic languages. Enjoy.
The Legacy of Brenda Wootton
Brenda Wootton put Cornish music on the map when she started her music career in the 60s. Blessed with an amazing voice and a gift for poetry and story telling, she was seen as an ambassador of Cornish music. Listening to her sing in this video now, I realize that no one will ever have this voice again. Thanks to the Internet, a lot of young people are once again rediscovering this wonderful artist. More about Brenda Wootton here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brenda_Wootton and http://www.cornwalls.co.uk/history/people/brenda_wooton.htm
Here is also a helpful guide to the music of Cornwall :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Cornwall
What’s New in Music !
So many updates, so little time. I am writing this in breakneck speed while I m trying to uncover a new band from Russia as well as a gifted siren who sent me an email. I shall post them in this site soon . But first thing’s first. The wind has taken us to the Scottish skies . There are new releases waiting foe our ears to swallow-hahahaha I like this imagery.
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Celtic Metal from the Russian Federation:Fferyllt
I didn’t know what to say. This band blew the rooftops with their explosive brand of music-A union of Celtic and Metal music. There is nothing more refreshing than to have someone shake down the house once in a while. What can I say? They look better than most metal bands though…and sound much ,much better. Take a look at this edited video I found in YouTube:
Official band site:http://www.fferyllt.net/
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Siren of Songs from British Columbia:Oona McOuat
I have heard of Oona McOuat long before I got a mail from her but I didnt know how to get in touch. Like all wonderful musicians I listen to, she lives in British Columbia. Her music is a combination of soft tunes drenched in soulful saxophones, traditional instruments and lounge sophistication that makes just lose yourself to the music after a hard day’s work. Her music is evocative and her voice is part ethereal and part earthly rooted both in folk and jazz. I love her refreshing approach to this kind of genre because she really brings something new to it. Like bringing a new set of recipes on a get together party . I hear a bit of Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant and Loreena McKennitt in her . But of course the music is uniquely Oona McOuat.
You can listen to her songs here:
http://www.myspace.com/oonamcouat
Her new album Honey and Holy Water is now available. You can learn more at her official website: http://www.oonamcouat.com/
I will be posting more updates about her soon.
Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham in Scottish Tradition.
the rest:
I was typing keys away and lazily browsing the Internet when I came across these four videos in You Tube which originally appeared in 1997 from St Andrew’s Night Concert and other venues. I have been a follower of Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham since they collaborated with Connie Dover’s Somebody . They have been around a bit and they are still making beautiful music. In fact they are having concert as reported by Gig Guide. So get your tickets if you are around the area.
Celtic Music Fan 