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Michelle Butler Ceramics

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Michelle Butler Ceramics

These are fantastic ceramics by Michelle Butler!

When listening to Celtic music, why not embellish your coffee table with something lasting and beautiful as well? Michelle Butler Ceramics offers a unique way of looking at crafts. If you want something striking and personal then her designs are definitely something you should consider as gifts to loved ones, souvenirs if you happen to be in Northern Ireland or if you just want to awaken the ‘other you’  buried by years of cultural sleep.

Celtic Stone-Peacock Plaque
Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 5mm

I know how priceless these items are because I happen to own two of her ceramics. One is the Celtic stone peacock plaque and the other one is a brooch with a Celtic knot work design. She made sure the items have natural surfaces. She developed a style which reconciles primitive Celtic influences with contemporary designs and forms. What’s more, they are all handcrafted using textured stoneware clay and are finished with a rich metallic oxide producing a depth of luster-according to her website.

If you look at her catalog you will see that there are so many designs and they are divided into four types: Celtic stone, iron stone, jewelry and the unique. There is also a section for new products in case you are searching for something else. Her designs are so addicting that I am actually thinking of ordering items in the future for my growing collection of Celtic art at home. My big thanks to Northern Irish singer/songwriter Eve Williams who sent me these items. Thank you Eve for giving me something tangible and lasting. And also thanks for doing it at the time when I need something comforting and beautiful.

About Michelle Butler:

Michelle Butler is a Design Graduate from Falmouth School of Art, Cornwall, where she specialised in Ceramics. In December 1998 she started her business in the Omagh Enterprise Centre from where she relocated, in August 2005 to a barn at her home on the Gortin Road, Omagh where Sperrin Ceramics Studio was born.

Her stoneware ceramics have developed a style which reconciles primitive Celtic influences with contemporary designs and forms. The pieces are all handcrafted using textured stoneware clay and are finished with a rich metallic oxide producing a depth of lustre.

One of the brooches

A large variety of glazes are used to apply colour to specific areas of pattern and relief creating a rustic earthy ambience that makes each piece a unique gift from Ireland.

Celtic Stone, Iron Stone, Unique and Jewellery Collections are available in outlets throughout Ireland and abroad. Celtic Stone draws its influence in strong ancient Irish legacy while Iron Stone includes more contemporary designs and forms; Ironstone also features larger pots and lamp bases which are coil built and handcarved and are available as commissioned pieces.

The Michelle Butler Jewellery Collections boasts as amalgamation of these styles in a range of smaller distinctive jewellery items.

You can find more of her works in facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Butler-Ceramics/10293475761

Online store: http://www.michellebutlerceramicartist.com/

Or the store address:

Sperrin Ceramics Studio, 92 Glenpark Road,
BT79 7ST Omagh

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Huzzah!

And now few ads from friends:
Purchase the CANTUS LUNARIS – Debut-Cd : Fabula antiqua
Thank you for order and we hope you enjoy listening of our vocal-instrumental ensemble for old music and celitc !
Kind regards Cantus Lunaris
www.cantuslunaris.com

Celtic music record in Belgium.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celtiquez-vous/259037564114379

New review of “Affinity”  Moya Brennan and Corma De Barra: http://www.newagemusicworld.com/affinity-moya-brennan-cormac-de-barra/

A Place To Be EP by Linda Scanlon

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Linda Scanlon

Artist: Linda Scanlon

EP: A Place To Be

Musicians:

Jorge Carrilho – Drums (Portuguese)

Rui Marques – Keyboards (Portuguese)

Anja Brands – Violin (Dutch)

Syd Harris – Bass (half American, half English)

Joe de Bie – Guitar (half Dutch, half English)

Linda Scanlon – Guitar, Tin Whistle (Irish)

Irish singer/songwriter/multi instrumentalist Linda Scanlon has grouped together amazing musicians to highlight her beautiful voice. The first time I heard tracks off her EP “A Place To Be” , it was a jaw dropping experience. Think of the late Sandy Denny and Mary Hopkins all rolled into one. The musicians who backed her up in this 5-track recording are ‘international.’

The mood of A Place To Be is a combination of uplifting, sweet and light. The EP starts with Sailing By, a track that celebrates the optimistic view of life’s challenges. The song highlights the violin playing of Anja Brands from Holland. “Because dreams are a kite on a windy day, free as a boat by the pier.” She sings with such abandon the listener becomes the song! You really forget you are a listener because the track wraps itself into your heart and soul.

The guitar in the Scholar reminds me of 70s folk music when simplicity was the key to making beautiful songs. This is courtesy of Joe de Bie. I love how everything builds up into a strong track backed by superb arrangement. Her voice takes an airy nature as she sings the chorus. I love how she enunciates the word ‘school books’ in this track.

Clothes of Sand is probably my favorite track. Her voice shines like golden silver. Please check out the keyboard part. Whatever sound engineering magic was used here, it definitely works. The song simply takes me to places that can only exist in books, movies and the mind. This track also establishes Linda Scanlon as an excellent tin whistle player.

A Place To Be which is the EPs title track is a work of elegant approach in songwriting. It is hard not to notice the fantastic drumming of Jorge Carrilho who channels his subtlety and energy to the drums like no other. The EP closes with the joyful Summerfly. I love how the bass creates the bouncy feel of the track. I think I already memorized the melody of Summerfly after one listen.

I believe that Linda Scanlon will enchant listeners of all genres. A Place To Be fits in any mood, any time of the day and any place you want to take this recording to. Its universal appeal is something that will keep listeners want for more.

Biography – Linda Scanlon

Born in County Wicklow, Linda began her singing career at the age of 11, achieving early success in a number of traditional Irish singing contests during the 1980s, After relocating to England in 1997, Linda briefly headed up traditional Irish band The Rogues, before seizing an opportunity to perform in the USA, playing venues in New York and Minneapolis.

In 2000, Linda teamed up with a guitarist to form the traditional Irish duo Klonakilty. This led to seven years of successful touring in Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland, culminating in a 4-week sell-out tour of Germany during December 2008, along with two London gigs, which marked the duo’s farewell.

Now branched out on her own to pursue a solo career, in July 2009 Linda completed a UK tour. The highlight of which was appearing at the International Musical Eisteddfod in Llangollen Wales.

Currently based in Portugal, Linda is hailed as the most “in demand” Irish singer on the Algarve. Her unforgettable performances include a tantalising mix of haunting vocals and virtuoso bodhran solos. Now with the backing of a full band Linda has been rehearsing new songs to reflect the change in direction for Linda’s musical career.

Linda’s new EP “A Place To Be” is the first step of many on the road to taking her music to an international audience.

The EP was recorded in Linda’s own studio with the help of studio engineer, guitarist and husband Joe. Together they have selected the songs, worked on the arrangements and rehearsed the other musicians.

This is very much a ‘hands-on’ release with Linda having input at every stage of the process from the mixing, to the EP artwork and photo’s. Linda enjoys the working process in the studio and knows her way around Cubase 7, she admits that editing a mix is a ‘joy’ and opens up endless possibilities, but is happy to leave the dark art of using outboard equipment to Joe.

Released on: Foxscan Records

Initial Release Format: Digital

Available from: iTunes, Amazon and others.

CDs from: www.lindascanlon.com

Initial Release Territories: UK/ROI/EU

Pricing For Full EP:

Digital Download: €4.95 CD: €5.95

Genre: Folk (ishh) / Irish Influence

For Fans Of:

Mary Black, Maura O’Connel, Nick Drake, Sinead

Lohan, Cara Dillon,

For Lovers Of:

Folk Music, Celtic Music, Irish Singing Voice

The Elemental Music of Karin Leitner

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Karin Leitner

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.

EARTHMAGIC: http://www.amazon.com/Earthmagic-Karin-Leitner/dp/B0035ZWQKO/ref=sr_1_2_digr?ie=UTF8&qid=1370355058&sr=8-2
SEAMAGIC: http://www.amazon.com/Seamagic/dp/B0063PI3MS/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370355073&sr=301-1
SKYMAGIC will be out on 21st June.

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Huzzah!

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/

Make Way for Skinny Lister!

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Sponsored Sponsored Looking for a Car? ayosdito.ph Check out big savings on Cars near you. Choose what fits your budget. FREE Tennis Lessons fundamentalsoftennis... "Click Here" For FREE Tennis Lessons From U.S.P.T.A. PRO Lúnasa fan? Check out new Celtic music from Qristina & Quinn Bachand. Free Download! Create Page Now 2013 2012 2011 2010 Founded Cover Photo Message Skinny Lister Skinny Lister 9,434 likes · 717 talking about this Skinny Lister Timeline Now Musician/Band DEBUT ALBUM 'FORGE & FLAGON' OUT NOW IN UK, EUROPE AND USA! | iTUNES / AMAZON
An exciting band featuring fresh and melodic tunes, notable musicians and yes they are on tour!Skinny Lister continue to charm listener with their brand of English folk that incorporates influences from the surrounding nations. music that’s melodic, sweet but at the same time bursting with electricity. They can transform a simple sea shanty or a capella track into a memorable experience. If you haven’t heard of Forty Pound Wedding (Original George Thomas Version) then you miss a good part of the experience. Skinny Lister is fronted by Dan Heptinstall and Lorna Thomas; a vocalist known for her voice and band presence, with Max Thomas on accordion / mandolin, Slim on electric guitar / mandolin and Michael Camino on upright bass. The unison singing that all five members bring to the table is a big part of the Skinny experience.

Founded in 2009, the group has already reaped positive reactions from listeners all over the globe. I think this is brought about by their style that goes down smoothly. It is the kind that breaks down reservations because it is simply hard to detect any flaws in terms of their music, production and live performance. Skinny Lister has it figured out. The music is universal and it is embraced by a wide spectrum of listeners, from Folk, Celtic and Americana.
The group’s mastery of rhythm is further reinforced by the track Rollin’ Over that sends a smile wherever or whenever you hear it played. Colours emphasizes the love for delicate tunes and fine instrumental playing. Right now they are busy with touring European summer festivals, and a week’s tour in Japan for Fujirock later in the summer and they performed successful tour across the United States recently, including Coachella Festival. They have a huge following and I am not surprised. Music like this is meant for the world to hear.

Engineer David Wrench, the same guy who worked with Bat for Lashes and James Yorkston captured the energy of their music on debut album Forge & Flagon.

DEBUT ALBUM ‘FORGE & FLAGON’ OUT NOW IN UK, EUROPE AND USA! | iTUNES / AMAZON – visit – www.skinnylister.com to buy and find out more.

Huzzah!

Qristina & Quinn Bachand: Relative Minors

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Relative Minors by Qristina & Quinn Bachand

Album: Relative Minors

Artists : Qristina & Quinn Bachand

Genre:Folk/ Celtic/ World

Type: Instrumental

Place of origin: Victoria, British Columbia

Tracks:

1. Spootiskerry/High Road to Linton/Big John McNeil
2. Extra Bar in Paddyland / The Smirnoff Gigolo
3. Jigs in A (Rosewood Jig/Teviot Bridge/Who’ll be King but Charlie/The Canadian Club)
4. The Frenchies (Fil et Bobine / Les Poules Huppes)
5. Mabou Harbour Set (Flowers of Edinburgh / Miss McLeod’s / The Beached Whale)
6. Kathryn’s Castle / Lost in the Loop
7. Jigs in G (Old Favourite / The Roaring Barmaid / Out on the Ocean)
8. La Bastringue / St. Anne’s Reel
9. Kid on the Mountain / The Butterfly / An Dro
10. Gaelic College Medley (Memories of You / Please Scrape Your Dishes)
11. The Barn Set (Colin Rankin’s Strathspey / Kelsae Brig / The Holland Wedding/Predator Reel)
12. Jigs’n’Reel (Morrison’sJig / Swallowtail Jig / Lilting Banshee /Hobbart’s Transformation)
13. Wistful Daydreamer
14. Relative Minors (Fifteen Children / Snail Fever)
15. D Set (Haste to the Wedding / Banish Misfortune / Miss Susan Cooper/Virginia Reel/Silver Spear/MacLeod’s Farewall)
16. Polka Medley (Kenmare / Britches Full of Stitches / Bill Sullivan’s)

Total time: 59:07

With the instantaneous success of Family, Relative Minors seems to have been overlooked by the music crowd. But yes Relative Minors is the album that started it all. Siblings Qristina and Quinn Bachand (Q & Q)have created a collection of tunes woven tightly to create an exquisite listening experience. Although this primarily a traditional album , the two added their own styles.

Their bombastic exploration into the Celtic instrumentals is exemplified by the first track Spootiskerry/High Road to Linton/Big John McNeil. It’s a tune that makes you want to dance around the living room. A very happy tune. This is followed by the Extra Bar in Paddyland / The Smirnoff Gigolo in which Qristina’s fiddling shines through. In Jigs in A (Rosewood Jig/Teviot Bridge/Who’ll be King but Charlie, Quinn has mastered the art of light guitar strumming.

The amazing thing about Celtic music is that you don’t have to know what it is to appreciate it. This is in the case of tunes like The Frenchies (Fil et Bobine / Les Poules Huppes) where the melody takes a joyful turn amidst the interesting time signature. The music talks to you and this is what makes the Bachands amazing!

Everyone in the house knows how this CD has been played repeatedly. It’s that fresh quality that continues and doesn’t eat you just because the album has been listened to for a hundredth times already! Yes it doesn’t get old. Which is a feat considering that these two were literally very young when this one was released way back 2008. Big nod to the musicians who joined the project like Dave Klassen, Eric Reiswig, Russ Godfrey and Adrian Doland. These artists are huge in the Canadian Celtic music scene. The sound Engineering of Aaron Scoones maintained a raw but crystalline approach to the sound. It’s like witnessing a sunrise after a long rainy week. Design, layout and photos also gave justice t the music of this album.

I love the gentleness of Kathryn’s Castle / Lost in the Loop and its change of rhythm from slow to fast. But take note of the title track Relative Minors (Fifteen Children / Snail Fever) where they played at a breakneck speed while displaying the delicate style they are known for. Relative Minors is a flawless album and really deserves the best place in your music shelf.

Listen to the track and buy the album here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/qqbachand

Biography

“Qristina is a gutsy, fiery fiddle player – Quinn is nothing short of amazing!” – Fiona Heywood, The Living Tradition Magazine (Scotland)

“Qristina and Quinn Bachand are best act to come along in the world of Celtic music since…. anyone you care to mention.” – Tim Readman, Penguin Eggs (Canada)

“The Bachands have the Celtic fever in spades and play it superbly.” – Eric Thom, Roots Music Canada

Qristina and Quinn Bachand are creating quite a stir in the Celtic and Folk music world. In 2009 they were nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award in the Young Performer of the Year category. In 2010 they won the Irish Music Association’s award for Top Traditional Group and in 2011 they earned another two Canadian Folk Music Award Nominations, Instrumental Group of the Year and Young Performer of the Year, as well as an Irish Music Award win as “Top Duo”. Qristina and Quinn have released two independent studio albums, “Relative Minors” (2008) and “Family” (2011), co-produced by Juno nominee Adrian Dolan (The Bills).

Twenty-one year old Qristina Bachand is an expressive fiddler, with a unique personal style that is bold and edgy. Clearly at ease on stage, Qristina is a natural performer, consistently delivering a spirited performance that features her energy, enthusiasm and love of Celtic music. Qristina recently added traditional and original songs to the duo’s repertoire, and is already receiving rave reviews as a vocalist. Her singing has been described as “lovely and delicate, with a laidback sweetness.” (Roots Music Canada)

At just sixteen years of age, Quinn Bachand is a gifted multi-instrumentalist who already has a reputation as “one of the best Celtic guitar accompanists in the world” (Ashley MacIsaac). Although Quinn plays a range of guitar styles including jazz, it is his talents in the world of Celtic music that are drawing the most attention. Quinn adds a contemporary edge to traditional Celtic music. In particular, his creative harmonies, hard-driving strumming, inventive chord voicing and powerful rhythmic effects make even the most well-worn tunes seem new and exciting.

Qristina and Quinn have performed across Canada, the US and Europe, including European tours in 2008, 2009 and 2012, and North American tours in 2010 and 2011.