Genre: Irish and contemporary folk, bluegrass and country Members: Dee McIlroy, Eugene Glenn, Barry Skeff Hometown: Belfast It’s hard for me to listen to The Folkalists without giggling. From afar, the music maybe pleasant, warm and even inviting because of the efforts placed in the arrangements. Up near you get the lyrical wit and sarcasm … Continue reading »
Band: The Indulgers Album: Whiskey Tonight Location: Boulder/Golden Colorado Members: Damien McCarron – Vocals, Guitar Mike Nile – Vocals, Guitars, Mandolin, Harmonica and Electronic Bagpipe Renee Fine – Fiddle/Violin Aaron Haywood – Bass Francesco(Cheech) Mannone – Drums Guesting on occasion: Neale Heywood – Guitar Ryan Bunnell – Guitar Tracks 1. Whiskey Tonight/2. Ceili Mor /3. … Continue reading »
For years, singer/songwriter Kevin O’Donnell devoted his artistry on the stage and writing. The past fifteen years have been productive so far, spawning books called Fado and prior to that, he founded the Irish-American folk group Arranmore. He also played leading roles in several plays including Twelve Angry Men, The Sensuous Senator, The Complete Works … Continue reading »
Artist: Kevin O’Donnell Album: Deep is the Well Players: Jim DeWan, Finbar Furey, Larry Gray, Kathleen Keane, Bill Lanphier, Maurice Lennon, Haley O’Donnell, John Rice, John William, and Jessica Willis Style: Irish Country, Americana Tracks: A Letter Home When I Was Young Factory Girl Downtowner Motel Girl from Durango Illinois & Michigan Canal Camp-Farm Road … Continue reading »
Enda Seery(Éanna Ó Saoraí) is releasing his sophomore album Síocháin na Tuaithe which means Peace of the Countryside in English. The album is traditional but with added ingredients that incorporate a bigger “Celtic” sound. We can take this interview as a sort of a closer look into the process of creating an album. And there … Continue reading »
Hello readers. I want to bring your attention to The Gathering. The place is in Kansas state. So what can one expect in The Gathering?According to Damien McCarron of The Indugers who got a call and who is also playing in this video: ” They play rugby with crosses on fire, there’s all sorts of … Continue reading »
Featured artists: John Breen, Brian Cunningham and Corncrow Welcome to our post valentine edition. I made it a rule not to talk at the beginning of a post. I will just reserve the talk for our Huzzah! Section so see you there . The attention turns to John Breen this week . He hails from … Continue reading »
Also in this edition: Marc Gunn, Celtic Twist/Holland and Palmley Duo and Jamie Smith’s MABON Album Review: Together for Christmas(Various artists) A CONTEMPORARY CELTIC CHRISTMAS COLLECTION’ with Larry Kirwan, The High Kings, Damien Dempsey, The Elders, Kyf Brewer, Cherish the Ladies + more! What’s holiday without Celtic musicians coming together in one album Together for Christmas … Continue reading »
Also in this edition: Janet M. Christel and Maeve Mackinnon Brian McDaid explains how Irish music shaped both their styles and also the new album they are working on. I was interacting with Gerry Power before this interview started. Brian McDaid arrived a week ago for a few gigs. Gerry decided to hand the questions … Continue reading »
Featuring:Patrick D’Arcy, Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha, Kyle Carey and Noriana Kennedy Introducing Piper Patrick D’Arcy For some musicians and listeners, simplicity is everything. Patrick D’Arcy sets an example of how one instrument can give out so many layers to observe, savor and glorify. His simplistic use of the uilleann pipes, unadorned by other instruments sort of … Continue reading »
Featuring: Emma Kate Tobia, Sue Aston, Noel Duggan, Karnataka, Denez Prigent(with Lisa Gerrard) and Celtic Tenors. My dearest subscribers, welcome. It is raining while I am writing this and the weather can really change the mood. So we are going to go on a ‘softer route’ with classically sounding Celtic tunes-well, mostly- some old songs … Continue reading »
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 … Continue reading »
Ha! I am sure traditional fans in North America will love this. Yes they are coming. My big thanks to Christi in the United States for keeping me informed about the Celtic news over there. This is the message from the band: Hi Folks, If you’re anywhere near Lowell, Somerville or Oak Bluffs in MA … Continue reading »
Hello American readers in the Midwest. The band Athas is making rounds around Milwaukee this month. You should not miss the amazing talents of each member. I stumbled upon them last March 2010. I am excited to hear that they are spreading the joy of Celtic music around the United States and the world. Thanks … Continue reading »
The word merrow or moruadh comes from the Irish muir (meaning sea) and oigh (meaning maid) and refers specifically to the female of the species. Mermen – the merrows male counterparts – have been rarely seen. They have been described as exceptionally ugly and scaled, with pig-like features and long, pointed teeth. Merrows themselves … Continue reading »
Their debut CD, “Gra na Firinne” was released in November 2011. As summer approaches, more and more Celtic bands are putting out albums that have that feel of white sandy beaches and bonfires. I can cite Beannacht as an example. The duo of Tom Johnston and Dierdre Forrest show that carefree simplicity. The tracks in … Continue reading »
Scott Hoye takes harp music to the next level! I think these days the harp has been overlooked in much of Celtic music. Chicago based harpist/singer/composer Scott Hoye has added charm and elegance to this instrument making it fresh as a ripe fruit ready to be plucked for your sonic hunger. He weaves his personal … Continue reading »
Mirror mirror on the wall, who has the best album cover of them all? I believe that every topic merits an article. The little conversation that I had with Christi and Connie inspired this piece. It has something to do with the post Christi made of the Irish band Lúnasa. Through the years this band made amazing recordings … Continue reading »
It’s a breeze for big record labels to push songs up the charts. They just open up their pocket books and wave a wad of cash around. Boom! They own the Celtic Top 10. If you listen to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, you know that it’s not that big labels have better music, … Continue reading »
If you want your Irish music to be straight ahead traditional with no frills, just delicious home grown music, then Tarbolen is for you. I love folk instruments and the combination of the octave mandolin and banjo can be irresistible. The Bluegrass lover in me says it is one of the best releases this year. Traditional music is alive … Continue reading »
