World

The Celtic Music of Asturias

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 4 Comments

Hello Celtic people. After a few days of rest, I am back to spin the latest news of what’s happening around in terms of music , concert as well as social networking sites these artists have. We can’t deny the influence of networking sites like MySpace and facebook in terms of music marketing. Gone are the days when artists had to tour just to get the music out there. Now, through YouTube, music video channels and even twitter , they can reach millions and court listeners. But there is a downside to this.

Though the internet is a good medium in spreading music, there is a huge competition that artists have to go through in order to be heard. Even amateurs with horrible stuff can make it out there. I am not really an expert or authority here but what I do is, I highlight bands and individual artists who are already generating the buzz. When this happens (the buzz), it means that these artists have already built a following and a credible sense of musicianship that set them apart from the rest. And yes we already have established and successful acts like Carlos Nunez, the Chieftains, Clannad, Altan, Ashley McIsaac, Capercaillie and Solas (among others) that make the headlines These headlines are important in keeping our community visible and alive. But it is also through these new acts that make all this writing about music all worthwhile, don’t you think?

Moving to Spain…..

You can now listen to the official Carlos Nunez MySpace page. You can check out pictures, latest news(however I warn you this is in Spanish) and also listen to the artists he is associated with. www.myspace.com/carlosnunezoficial is now playing tracks from  his latest album Alborada do Brasil (Sony Music). Fans in Morocco   can catch him this 26th of June at the Festival Tarab de Tanger . Here are the details(in Spanish) of his concerts taken from his official website www.carlos-nunez.com (the bottoms is the latest up to August at the top):

28/08/2010

Metz – France

Parc de Seille 21:30
Metz
France

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27/08/2010

Neuchâtel -La Tène Festival – Switzerland

La Tène Festival
Grande scène 21:30
Neuchâtel – Suisse
+ info: www.latenefestival.ch

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12/08/2010

Gijón – Spain

Semana Grande de Gijón
Playa de Poniente 23:00
Gijón

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7/08/2010

Pleuhiden sur Rance – Brittany

La Chapelle de Mordreuc 20:30
Pleuhiden sur Rance (22)

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31/07/201012:00

Íllora, Granada – Parapanda Folk – Spain

Parapanda Folk
Íllora – Granada

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24/07/2010

Festival de Cornouaille – Brittany

Festival de Cornouaille
Espace Gradlon 21:00
Quimper
+ info: www.festival-cornouaille.com

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13/07/2010

La Seu d’Urgell – Spain

Claustro de la Catedral de Santa Maria 22:30
La Seu d’Urgell

venta de entradas:
Precio de las entradas: 20 € a taquilla // 17 € en venta anticipada.
Sitios de venta anticipada:
Turisme Seu (Avda. Valls d’Andorra s/n) 973 351 511
Turisme del Consell Comarcal de l’Alt Urgell (Passeig Joan Brudieu, 15) 973 353 112

Y, si no se agotan las entradas, el mismo día en taquilla desde las 21 horas en la entrada del Claustre de la Catedral de Santa Maria d’Urgell (C/ Santa Maria s/n)

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10/07/2010

Pollença – Spain

Festival de Pollença
Claustre de Sant Domingo 22:00
Pollença
+ info: www.festivalpollenca.com

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7/07/2010

Santiago de Compostela (Special guest with Jordi Savall) – Spain

San Domingos de Bonaval 20:30
Santiago de Compostela

+ info: Lamentos e folías célticas, das fisterras atlánticas ao novo mundo
Festival Via Stellae www.viastellae.es

JORDI SAVALL viola soprano & lyra-viol
ANDREW LAWRENCE-KING arpa céltica & salterio
PEDRO ESTEVAN percusión

invitado especial :

CARLOS NÚÑEZ gaita e frautas

ENTRADA LIBRE previa recollida de invitación dous días antes do concerto no Punto de venda de entradas do Festival Via Stellae (Teatro Principal, rúa Nova, nº 21, Santiago de Compostela). 981565027.
Os posuidores do abono completo do Via Stellae terán prioridade para retirar a súa invitación a partir do martes 29 de xuño.

::

26/06/2010

Tanger – Morocco

Festival Tarab de Tanger
Borj l-Hajoui 21:15
Tanger

For a blend of Spanish folk meets world and Celtic is Aulaga Folk www.myspace.com/aulagafolk.

From Casas del Monte – Extremadura, Cáceres Spain, The band combines passionate acoustic guitars mixed with flamenco flavor and irresistible beat that borrows from all sources. Beautiful, melodic and distinctive, the music takes you on different landscapes and cultures yet distinctly Spanish. Band members are(In Spanish because I got this from the band site http://www.aulagafolk.com) :

Carlos:Percusión tradicional, flautas, cajon flamenco, pandero cuadrado

Javier:Guitarra flamenca, española, acustica, electrica, laud

Lourdes:Voz, percusión tradicional

Juan Carlos:Voz, flautas, percusión tradicional.

Enrique:Laud, bandurria.

Armando:Teclados.

Liber:Bateria, Kongas, djembe, percusión tradicional.

Tómas:Bajo electrico.

Jose:Violin, acordeón.

The music of Asturias….

According to this article The music of the region of Asturias in northern Spain has more in common with Brittany, Wales and Ireland than Spanish music from Castille or Andalusia. Traditional Asturian instruments include bagpipes, called the Gaita, the harp loom and Asturian drums.

Brenga Astur is Celtic music fused with Spanish influences.Laced with beautiful melodies , hypnotic rhytms and evocative voice of the female vocalist, here is your chance to experience the landscape, the people, the thoughts and feelings  that shaped the music. Brenga Astur is composed of 10 band members with two Asturian pipers, bouzouki, bodhran, flute, electric and acoustic guitar, accordion, mandolin, drums, keyboard, vocals and more. Cekc out http://www.brengaastur.com/ for details and updates. Information and pics courtesy of http://www.ndoylefineart.com/index.html

Llan de Cubel is a popular name in Asturian Celtic music . The band has released seven albums, the last UN TIEMPU MEYOR was released way back 1999. According to official website: During the last years the band has been making a big database with Asturian traditional tunes. The members of the band have been investigating old songbooks, field recordings by ethnographic groups, old recordings from the begining of 20th century and even recordings by Asturian exilées after the Spanish Civil War. The band has also been writing new tunes in the traditional style that together with the music compiled in the database will be the alma mater of the new studio work that Llan de Cubel intends to record and release in 2010. Please refer to http://www.llandecubel.com/ and for updates about the band http://www.llandecubel.com/concieng.html . No I can’t find their MySpace page but if you have the address, please give it to me and I will post it here.

CMF pays tribute the spirits of  Carlos Redondo and Igor Medio, members of the Asturian Celtic band Felpeyu, who passed away on 2006 from a car crash.

This is an article from World Music Central released in 2006:

Spain – Carlos Redondo and Igor Medio, members of Asturian Celtic band Felpeyu, died today in Zuya (northern Spain) in a vehicle accident. The group was traveling from a gig in Corvera (Asturias) to another venue in Barcelona. Felpeyu’s van exited the road and overturned. Two members died and four are severely injured. Firemen were called to rescue the injured passengers from the wreckage.

The untimely death of the two well-known musicians from the Asturias region of Spain has shocked the Spanish folk music community, specially the Celtic music scene.
Carlos Redondo joined Felpeyu in 1994. He played guitar, bass and lead vocals. He was the member of the band with more professional musical experience. He worked intensively as a rock musician, teacher, producer and sound engineer. He was mainly known in Asturias as singer and bass player of the legendary Asturian pop-rock band Los Locos. He got into folk music in the early 90’s by producing some Asturian bands; Felpeyu was one of them, and he joined the band right after producing its first recording, Felpeyu, in 1994. Carlos was born in Gijón (Asturias, Spain).

Ígor Medio had a heterogeneous background. He grew up into an atmosphere of choral and Asturian singing -which both his parents and family developed- and was also into classical music studies and blues/rock experiences before being introduced to folk music. As a folk musician, he developed a personal and eclectic way of arranging and performing Asturian traditional music. He played guitar and mandolin in the band, choosing the bouzouki as his main instrument afterwards. He played bouzouki, guitar -only on studio-, bass pedals, and sang lead and harmony vocals. Ígor was born in Gijón (Asturias, Spain).

Felpeyu recreates Asturian traditional music by combining both the Asturian orchestration and the more general and current Atlantic European types without losing its distinctiveness.

The band was formed by a group of students with similar musical tastes in 1991. Felpeyu initially performed at folk pubs and small venues. Later, it played at large stages and festivals in Asturias. In recent years, the group has performed at numerous international Celtic and world music festivals in Europe, Australia and North America.

Felpeyu has recorded four CDs: Felpeyu (Fonoastur, 1994), Tierra (Fonoastur, 1997), Live Overseas (Urchin, 2000/Tierra Discos, 2003) and Yá! (Tierra Discos 2003).

[Photos: 1 – Carlos Redondo, 2 – Ígor Medio, courtesy of Felpeyu].

From Asturias we go to Wales…

Mabon has started their UK with a blast. They have four appearances this month and 10 for August! Mabon is originally formed by Jamie Smith’s father Derek . The band has released two albums Ridiculous Thinkers (2004) and OK Pewter (2007). The beauty of Mabon is that the band infuses the influences from all the Celtic nations and yet making the sound distinct with Jamie shaping the musical path and doing the research. If you haven’t heard of them yet, well you can isten to the samples at  www.myspace.com/mabonband.  Here’s the list for their major appearances this month and beyond(See all here):

Sat 19th Jun 2010

Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival

Middlewich town centre
Cheshire

web: http://www.myspace.com/middlewichfolkandboat

Sun 20th Jun 2010

Village Hall concert

Village Hall
Carrog
Corwen
Clwyd
N. Wales

Details tba.

Sat 26th Jun 2010

Private Function

Sat 10th Jul 2010

Priddy Folk Festival

Priddy
Southwest
BA5 3BB

Headlining the Dance Tent.

web: http://www.priddyfolk.org

Creating Authentic Breton Music:Poor Man’s Fortune

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 5 Comments

When one hears the sound of the bombard as well as the binou  one will realize that this could only come from one place in the world-Brittany. For years now, Austen, Texas based Poor Man’s Fortune has been recording and performing authentic Breton music. This 5-piece band is consist of French, Scottish and American members who are recognized in their individual fields as accomplished musicians. And accidental browsing through YouTube brought them to my attention and from this moment on, their albums are a welcomed addition to my growing collection.

Official site:http://poormansfortune.com/music/

Music of Brittany: Tri Martolod(With English Translation)

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 58 Comments

Been a fan of Alan Stivell and I tried to learn this song by heart . I found the English translation to this by Bobby Bob and Ellan Vannin. However the beauty of this song really blooms through its native tongue. Breton language is fascinating to study. Too bad I am still struggling with my Irish Gaelic. The one on the video is from Arany Zoltán, a rising  singer/song writer from Hungary. Visit http://www.aranyzoltan.hu/ and  http://www.youtube.com/user/aranzoltan

The lyrics in Breton are –

Tri martolod yaouank tra la la la digatra
Tri martolod yaouank o vonet da veajiñ
O vonet da veajiñ ge, o vonet da veajiñ

Gant ‘n avel bet kaset tra la la la digatra
Gant ‘n avel bet kaset betek an Douar-Nevez
Betek an Douar-Nevez ge, betek an Douar-Nevez

E-kichen Meilh-ar-Wern tra la la la digatra
E-kichen Meilh-ar-Wern o deus moulhet o eorioù
O deus mouilhet o eorioù ge, o deus mouilhet o eorioù

Hag e-barzh ar veilh-se tra la la la digatra
Hag e-barzh ar veilh-se e oa ur servijourez
E oa ur servijouirez ge, e oa ur servijourez

Hag e c’houlenn ganin tra la la la digatra
Hag e c’houlenn ganin pelec’h hor boa konesañs
Pelec’h hor boa konesañs ge, pelec’h hor boa konesañs

E Naoned er marc’had tra la la la digatra
E Naoned er marc’had hor boa choazet ur walenn
Hor boa choazet ur walenn ge, hor boa choazet ur walenn

You can see that the structure of the song is quite repetitive, so the following attempt at a translation just tries to deal with the operative words in each verse – you’ll have to sort out the vocables for yourself.

In fact, you’ll probably have to sort out the meaning for yourself! I hesitate to attempt any Breton, not knowing how the grammar operates to any great extent.

However, by fumbling through my Breton dictionary, some sort of story seems to emerge – the nearer the end, the more hazy my attempts get, needless to say. Take it all with a pinch of salt!

Three young sailors went travelling

By means of a strong wind they were sent up to Newfoundland

In the vicinity of Meilh-ar-Wern (the mill on the marsh?) they set(?) their anchors

And inside that mill was a female servant

And she asked me where were our usual neighbours

In Nantes in the market our customary chosen circle

I hope you can find a Breton speaker to give you the proper thing.

Shoh slaynt – yec’hed mat,

Bobby Bob, Enez Manav

P.S.

I found this interesting wiki article about Celtic fusion: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_fusion

 

BARLEYJUICE releases “ BONNY PRINCE BARLEY”

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 2 Comments

Wow I used to hunt for news on the web. Now news goes to me. That’s why I can’t be away from my mailbox because I get surprises everyday.  Take for instance this band profile sent to me by my correspondence. Barleyjuice has one of the loudest instruments in the Celtic family, the bagpipes. It’s also a coincidence because it has been a week that I have been hooked to bagpipe music. Sometimes I really want my music that loud. So these guys will really amuse you, not only with their interesting backgrounds but the fact that the music is really fascinating. Expect great instrumental playing and Highland dancing. Expect to be carried away. Check out the videos and their music page to get the idea . Anyway I am just posting the info I got here and hopefully , you will get your own CDs of Barleyjuice out in the stores right now.

BARLEYJUICE releases “ BONNY PRINCE BARLEY”

February 1st on Ryf Records

“This album takes no more than seconds to drag you in, wring you out…”

Shay Clarke, WDCB Radio/Irish American News

Bonny Prince Barley named Celtic Rock Album of the Year by CelticRadio.net

BARLEYJUICE— Kyf Brewer, Keith Swanson, Billy Dominick, Jimmy Carbomb, Eric Worthington and Gregor Schroeder – on their latest release, Bonny Prince Barley, will excite their fans with this album of unrepentant Celtic Rock.  Here you’ll find great tunes, smart lyrics and a few instant classics from these great songwriters and musicians.

Barleyjuice have been described as “Infectious…fun…delightful” by Jamie O’Brien, music critic for The Irish Edition.  Bonny Prince Barley is Barleyjuice’s fourth studio release. With only ten carefully picked selections, it rounds a new corner for the band, further defining their trademark sound within their penchant for creating the perfect package.

Steeped in originals that sound like traditionals, Bonny Prince Barley leaps out of the starting gate on a high note and keeps you happily riding the wave until the very last note has faded.  Shay Clarke adds that Bonny Prince Barley is  “Toe tapping, hand clapping, whiskey drinking, crowd pleasing, high stepping music that makes the blood flow a little faster.”

BONNY PRINCE BARLEY is available on the band’s web site and at live appearances. For lyrics, song credits, more music and to learn more about the band, visit www.barleyjuice.com.   For further information/media contact Anita Daly, Daly Communications, 212 772 0852 or anitadaly@yahoo.com

A brief description of the songs on Bonny Prince Barley:

Track #1: “Drunkard’s Ambassadors” – penned by Kyf Brewer & Keith Swanson, is a high energy tune with both political and alcoholic gleanings. Having enjoyed this song in the group’s live show for over a year, many Barleyjuice fans refer to the band members using this term!

Track #2: “Swig” – Keith Swanson hits his high mark with this intricate jig, his first recorded since Another Round’s “Taylor’s Fancy”. Note the smattering of Jethro Tull, which comes in the form of whistler Jimmy “Carbomb” Parkinson’s solo.

Track #3: “Songs For Sinners” – Following such tongue-in-cheek faves as “Tartan is the Colour of My True Love’s Hair” and “Love With a Priest” from Six Yanks, Kyf Brewer follows through with more twisted wit and wisdom done Irish style. We’ll all lay together, beneath the bloomin’ heather…

Track #4: “Hard Life of Ivan MacRae” – Brewer turns a corner with this serious and touching ballad of a common Irish townie and his not-quite-realized dreams to break out. Expertly sung and heartfelt, with a touch of the traditional, “March of the King of Laois” woven throughout.

Track #5: “Weekend Irish” – a fist-raising anthem to the festival lovers. Described as Bruce Springsteen meets the Pogues, this shout-out chorus is a favorite at every event, and a popular Celtic radio request. With the inclusion of the bagpipe on “Rising of the Moon”, penned by the powerful matrimonial writing team of Kyf & Kay Brewer, co-authors of “What’s Up Yours?” from Another Round, and “Love With a Priest” from Six Yanks.

Track #6: “Nancy Whiskey” – done in ska fashion, the latest Barleyjuice Nancy song, traditionally sung by Keith “Swanny” Swanson, which joins a list of Nancy songs included on previous offerings, in honor of his wife of 20-odd whiskey-and-beer-soaked years.

Track #7: “Jo’rneyman’s Song” – Brewer’s rustic ballad, which sings well in the pubs and tells of the highs and woes of a traveling musician and the good folk he bids hello and goodbye. Jimmy Parkinson accompanies Kyf’s bare-bones acoustic guitar & vocal with a lone bass whistle.

Track #8: “London Calling” – a Celtic rock-up of the Clash’s classic tune, featuring Billy Dominick’s bluegrass fiddle on excerpts of “Road to Lisdoonvarna”.

Track #9: “My Bonnie Lassie and Me”  – a gentle, lilting ballad of life in the highlands of Scotland. Written and crooned by Jimmy Parkinson.

Track #10: “Bleary-Eyed Beauty” – hats off to the Pogues, Brewer’s powerful lullaby carries the same energy as “A Pair of Brown Eyes”, and sings of looking after a favorite femme after a full night of partying. Originally written for his young daughters, the appeal is widened by the fact that the lyrics are easily adaptable to a wild love affair with a very unpredictable young lover.

As the last bars of the repeated chorus fade, the message of Bonny Prince Barley rings clear. The little bar band from Philly has done it again… only better! Thanks for your support.

—
DALY COMMUNICATIONS
Specializing in Niche Marketing, Promotion and Publicity
217 East 86th Street, #151
New York, NY 10028
212 772 0852 // dalycommunications@gmail.com

REPRESENTING BETTER MUSIC FOR THE WORLD
www.myspace.com/dalycommunications

Poland’s Banshee Celtic Band

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 5 Comments

Polish band created a stir in the Celtic scene with their eclectic blend of Folk, Rock, Jazz and World styles.

The purpose of this site is to discover beautiful acts , to realize that we are all related and to stretch the limits of how music is perceived. It is always a delight to find such music all over the world. It is great, especially when that music calls to mind the beauty of nature, the myths and musical arrangement. These things make Celtic music so diverse. I am so excited over this band! Listen to Banshee Celtic Band via MySpace :http://www.myspace.com/bandbanshee

and the official website:http://www.banshee.art.pl/folk/theplan.htm