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 »
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 »
The sound drug: Flutatious. I was trying to think very hard if Flutatious belongs here or in my other blog devoted to Indie folk/rock/dance-general music. After listening again and again, I decide to post it here for several reasons: 1. It is so pleasant to hear that it really fits here. 2. I know a lot of people who follow … 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 »
My new solo record is out! A New Shade of Green is across the board, truly. Think traditional Irish music + Foo Fighters + Genesis + Incubus + Iron Maiden + a dash of Bill Withers. Yep, all over the place, but it all comes together in this project and manages to make sense. … Continue reading »
Calan bring together the remarkable talents of 5 young musicians giving a fresh and vibrant sound to traditional Welsh music. With a contemporary and lively approach they breathe new life into the old traditions through their sparkling melodies, foot tapping tunes and spirited and energetic performances of Welsh step dancing. They blast their way through … Continue reading »
Sinead O’Connor Image Credit: Neal Preston/Corbis I am a big fan of atmosphere. Atmosphere is another piece of a puzzle that every recording has. People who work with sound are masters of these by incorporating effects like reverb, echo, delay and attack- things that we refer to as ‘wet sounds’. Not all atmosphere is achieved … Continue reading »
Heavenly Welsh Band Fernhill I heard about Calan and Fernhill from Idris Morris Jones of BBCRadio5 Radio Cymru which is focused on Welsh music. I was trying to come up with a project about pipe music and he was my target reference. But he told me that he is not the right person to talk … Continue reading »
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 … Continue reading »
I love her voice. I also love her direction. last July , Connie performed with Roger Landes at the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area , Akron, Ohio performing this beautiful song called Will You Go Lassie Go. Continue reading »
(This video is done by Snuffesnuitje who, like me is also trying to find a good translation. His effort is highly recommended). Alan Stivell’s 1995 hit does it for all generations Been listening to Alan Stivell’s 1995 album Brian Boru today. There are actually two versions of the title track. One is the album version … Continue reading »
National Eisteddfod of Wales attracts up to 160,000 visitors. The National Eisteddfod has been attracting foreign visitors annually and numbers increased up to 160,000 attendees. It costs around £2.8m to stage. It is traditionally held in the first week of August and the competitions are all held in the Welsh language. According to Wiki: The … Continue reading »
Ex-Catatonia singer Cerys Matthews performing Welsh traditional ‘ Ar Lan Y Mor’ in front of a small audience in Rhosygilwen, Pembrokeshire. Catatonia were a highly melodic alternative band in the late 90s which produced a lot of international hits . Years later, they just disappeared. Unlike fellow Welsh singer Donna Lewis who has no plans … Continue reading »
Seán Ó Riada (1 August 1931 – 3 October 1971) composed this timeless piece “Women of Ireland“, or “Mná na h-Éireann. by Kate Bush By Sinead O’Connor Ta bean in Eirinn a phronnfadh sead damh is mo shaith le n-o ‘S ta beann in Erinn is sa binne leithe mo rafla ceoil no seinm thead … Continue reading »
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. Continue reading »
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 … Continue reading »
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 … Continue reading »
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 … Continue reading »
the rest: link2 link3 link4 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 … Continue reading »
Track listing: “Sean But/ Tommy People’s/ The Lark in the Morning” (jigs) (All traditional) “The Leitrim Queen” (song) (Ian Burns) “Lucky Can Du Link Ony/ Pottinger’s/ Billy Nicholson” (reels) (Trad/ Tom Anderson/ Trad) “Farewell and Remember Me” (song) (J Chalmers) “Angus Polka no 1/ Angus Polka No 2/ Donegal Barn Dance” (All trad) “An Spailpin … Continue reading »
