Celtic Music Reviews: 2005/03

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Celtic Jewelry - A Beautiful Mystery Unraveled

Celtic jewelry like the Celts themselves has a rich history and a proud tradition. Immensely beautiful with intricate Celtic symbols and delicate designs, Celtic cross jewelry, Celtic knot jewelry, and beautiful Claddaugh rings have been admired and desired for thousands of years.

Celtic Cross Jewelry

One of the most enduring, and coveted "gifts" of Celtic culture is jewelry featuring the Celtic Cross. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick created the first Celtic cross by drawing a circle over a Latin cross.

For an Irish Catholic, the circle in the Celtic cross may be a symbol of eternity and the endlessness of God's love. It can even represent a halo emanating from Christ.

Some say the four "arms" of the Celtic Cross represent the elements (fire, earth, air, and water). Others believe the cross denotes the four directions of the compass, and still others feel it is a representation of human existence - mind, body, soul and heart.

Celtic Knots

The most distinguishing characteristic of Celtic knots is their intricate patterns and design... and the debate as to the meaning of those designs. While it is unquestionable that many of the ancient designs had some significance, those meanings changed from tribe to tribe and location to location.

Many believe that the intricate looping in knots was a way to keep out evil spirits. It is also generally accepted that the looping Celtic knot design denotes eternity and interconnectedness. Still, there is no definitive guide as to the meaning of Celtic knots which, adds, perhaps to their mystery and appeal.

Claddagh Rings

Named for the town of Claddagh near Galway in which they are said to have originated, Claddagh rings are beloved Celtic symbols of Irish culture and sentiment. Unlike other Celtic symbols, the meaning behind the Claddagh ring is well-documented. The Claddagh design has a heart (symbolizing love) topped by a crown (symbolizing loyalty) held in two hands (signifying friendship). The phrase that is usually associated with the giving of a Claddagh ring is "Let love and friendship reign."

It's not surprise that the Claddagh is a popular marriage band. In Celtic times, it was worn on the right hand with the heart turned outward to show that the wearer is unattached or with the heart turned inward to show he/she was "spoken for." If the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the heart turned inward, it shows that two loves have been joined in marriage.

Celtic Then and Now

At one time, Celtic people could be found throughout Eastern and Central Europe, as well as in the British Isles, where the earliest examples of Celtic jewelry originate. The emergence of the powerful Roman Empire encroached on the lifestyle, traditions, and homeland of the Celts who were forced to move to abandon their homes and relocate in remote areas in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall in southern England.

Despite their hardships at the hands of the Romans, Celts endured, thrived...and continued to produce Celtic jewelry. The tradition has remained strong for centuries. Irish Celtic jewelry and Scottish Celtic jewelry have enjoyed a huge resurgence in their homelands and with "ex-pats" around the world, as people seek to rediscover and celebrate their cultural traditions.

The Authors of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been passionately involved with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years. You are cordially invited to visit MorningLightJewelry.com for a wealth of information about the fascinating world of Jewelry and Gemstones.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Editor's Note: If you are in need of custom Celtic Knotwork, talk to GrayWolf crafts. For free Celtic wedding music or an inexpensive Celtic Wedding CD, visit the link.

Labels: articles

--posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, March 31, 2005.
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"If I Should Fall From Grace With God" by The Pogues

by Michelle Osborne

Artist: The Pogues
Album: If I Should Fall From Grace With God
Year produced: 1988

I knew nothing of the world of Celtic rock until I was sent a preview copy of Marc Gunn's newly-released compilation, "The Secret World of Celtic Rock." Instantly, I was intrigued and was told to go listen to The Pogues who are highly influential in the Celtic rock world.

The Pogues, who's original name Pogue Mahone means "kiss my arse" in Gaelic, were founded by Shane MacGowan in 1981. Since then, they have shortened their name to the now well-known "The Pogues" (after a DJ discovered what pogue mahone meant) and put out 13 albums and several videos of their performances.

If I Should Fall From Grace With God, released in 1988, was their 3rd album and contains over 50 minutes of some truly great music. One of the highlights of this album is the Christmas anthem, "Fairlytale of New York." After a beginning with a solo voice and piano, it launches into a song that starts idealistic and turns fairly harsh as the couple involved speak of what has happened to their dreams. One can easily hear the youthful idealism that turns to cold pessimism as the song spins around them. Another particular favourite is the "Turkish Song of the Damned." Be ready to crank the volume up on this one! Beginning with a driving beat and a Mediterranean-influenced melody, it continually floats between this sound and a more Celtic-inspired dance tune. Screams and howls punctuate the singing, while the latter portion is a driving revved-up jig. A couple other highlights include the instrumental "Metropolis," which was inspired by Leonard Bernstein's music (no doubt this would be West Side Story), and "Streets of Sorrow/Birmingham Six," a song which shows their Republican leanings and was actually banned by the BBC.

If you're looking for an album of solid Celtic rock, which is both unique and fun to listen to, you cannot possibly go wrong with this album by The Pogues.

Buy the album: If I Should Fall From Grace With God

Celtic MP3s Music Magazine writer, Michelle Osborne, is a native to the central New York region. She plays both high and low whistles regularly with the Syracuse Irish session. Besides being heavily involved in Irish traditional music, she is also a classical clarinetist and composer.

--posted by Marc Gunn, Wednesday, March 30, 2005.
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"Choice Language" by Capercaillie

by Phil Hall

Artist: Capercaillie
Album: "Choice Language"
Year produced: 2003

Here's something you don't hear that frequently: Celtic-style muzak. Capercaillie titled this release "Choice Language," but one can't help and wonder if any other choices are available. None of the 12 selections rise to anything resembling a memorable song. In fact, the only way the tracks can be differentiated is that some are in English and some are in Gaelic.

Vocalist Karen Matheson has a clear and lilting phrasing, but there's no passion or feeling in anything she puts forth. At times, she is so bland that it feels she's singing phonetically. A protest tune "Who Will Raise Their Voice?" comes out with such a tedious and unconvincing interpretation that it feels as if she is some degree of musical disobedience for being coerced to perform against her will. "I Will Set My Ship in Order" is meant to be a tribute to Ossian's Tony Cuffe and George Jackson, but her singing is so tepid that it feels more like an insult than a tribute.

Throughout "Choice Language," Capercaillie pollutes the tracks with a watered down concept of Celtic music that frequently sounds like bad New Age or bland lite jazz. The occasional groan of pipes and whistles remind the listener of the Celtic roots, but even then long stretches of musical monotony flows before those reassuring sounds turn up. It's not impossible for the mind to wander while the songs play - these tunes barely register or catch the fancy. If someone were to pipe Celtic music into elevators, this would be on the playlist.

Buy the Album: "Choice Language"

Celtic MP3s Music Magazine writer, Phil Hall is contributing editor for Film Threat, book editor for the New York Resident, author of "The Encyclopedia of Underground Movies" (MWP Books) and a proud child of Wales.

--posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, March 24, 2005.
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The Fenians St. Patrick's Day Tour 2005

by Brenda Stokes

Artist: The Fenians
Event: St. Patrick's Day Tour 2005
Venue: House of Blues at Anaheim
Date of Event: March 17, 2005

To the scent of Guinness and a variety of other alcoholic beverages, St. Patrick's Day with The Fenians is something I won't soon forget.

The intimate setting of the House of Blues made for an up-close experience that got the audience pumped as they jumped in unison to the traditional and contemporary Irish rock band.

Opened by the Poxy Boggards and the Fearon-O'Connor Academy of Irish Dance, the St. Patrick's Day festivities were lively and rambunctious, yet tame enough for the family to enjoy. The Poxy Boggards were a pleasant surprise, singing in tight harmony with hysterical lyrics, one of which was performed acappella and was dedicated to all of the non-Irish people. It was hilarious and appropriately titled, "I Wear No Pants." After encouraging the crowd to buy them beers, the Boggards left the stage.

Next up, the Fearon O'Connor dancers—ranging in ages from about eight years old to their late teens or early twenties—blazed the stage with their fancy footwork. The audience cheered and one man near me remarked, "Did you see her feet? I'd like to see you try that!"

After a bit of a break, The Fenians finally took the stage, firing up the crowd with ease. These guys know how to do St. Patty's Day right and combined the perfect mix of traditional pub songs with their own originals to keep the audience entertained. The simultaneous clapping (my hands still hurt!) and jumping bodies were an obvious indicator that this crowd was having the time of their lives.

From originals like, "Clare to Here," and "The San Patricios," to the energetic drinking songs like, "Drunken Sailor," and "Whiskey in the Jar," The Fenians rocked the House of Blues on Thursday night, providing myself and all those who helped to sell out the performance a rip-roaring good time.

The Fenians musical repertoire spans several years, including songs about rebellion and hard times and those that deal with the lighter side of life, like love and alcohol. Whatever you're in the mood for, the Fenians have something for you, from smooth jazz sax, tin whistle, or the oftentimes comical, yet talented ballads by drummer, Chris, "The Animal."

After spending four rollicking hours with the Fenians and company, they closed the show with one of their latest hits, "Everyday's a Hooley," and an encore that brought Poxy Boggards back to the stage for "Drunken Sailor." The whole crown joined in on the chorus and I was sad to see the show come to close. They were magic and I can guarantee I'll be first in line to see The Fenians next St. Patrick's Day. Where will you be?

Buy Fenians CD: Every Day's a Hooley

Celtic MP3s Music Magazine writer, Brenda Stokes is a freelance writer, former Irish Step-dancer and college student located in Southern California. She dreams in jigs and reels and is pursuing a degree in English with an emphasis in Irish studies. Her work has appeared in Woman This Month and N2arts and she can be reached at brenda@ph-x.com

--posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, March 24, 2005.
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Temple Records

The Temple Records website gives you access to the best in Scottish Traditional Music, plus a little bit of Irish Music for good measure.

Here at Temple, we have some of the best Scottish Traditional harp, bagpipe and fiddle music plus gaelic song, singer/songwriters like Pat Kilbride and not forgetting Battlefield Band.

From artists like Alison Kinnaird, Ann Heymann, Marie Ni Chathasaigh, Bill Taylor, Dr. Angus MacDonald, John D. Burgess, Shotts & Dkyehead, Christine Primrose, Arthur Cormack, Flora MacNeil, Brian McNeill, John McCusker, Alan Reid, Jim Hunter, Peter Nardini ... to name but a few.

Temple Records also offers some free mp3 downloads from each album!

Visit Temple Records for more information.

Labels: articles

--posted by Marc Gunn, Wednesday, March 23, 2005.
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Celtic Rock CD Arrives

Yay! The Secret World of Celtic Rock has arrived! Still need to mail it to CDBaby, but I did drop some copies off at Things Celtic. So if you want a copy of the CD before anyone else, head over there: 1806 W. 35th Street in Austin, Texas.

Labels: news

--posted by Marc Gunn, Monday, March 21, 2005.
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"Two Horizons" by Moya Brennan

by Brenda Stokes

Artist: Moya Brennan
Album: "Two Horizons"
Year produced: 2004

After listening to "Two Horizons" by Moya Brennan for the first time, I was left speechless. Her flawless voice and instrumentation make for a unique Celtic musical collection that combines old and new styles seamlessly.

The album begins with the haunting melody of "Show Me" that can't help but remind me of Brennan's sister Enya's style of song. However, Moya captures something unique unto herself in this piece with sweeping instrumentation and a new-age sensibility.

Other tunes include, "Bright Star," "Bi Liom," and "Change My World," which is a more traditionally Irish song that still captures the best of Brennan's enchanting vocals.

Personal favorites include "Falling," a catchy and radio-worthy track that will leave you singing the chorus for days; "Tara," a story-driven piece that showcases Moya's crystal clear voice; and "Mothers of the Desert," which features a pop dance beat with strings and Moya's lilting harmonies overlaid on top of it. It is particularly catchy and hypnotic for me because of the graceful combination made between Moya's voice and the techno beat.

All of the songs included on "Two Horizons" connect in some way, creating a complete story when put together and making for a unique and enjoyable listening experience-even if you're not a fan of Irish music!

The title track, "Two Horizons," begins mysteriously as many of Brennan's songs do, but is a classy display of her soft, yet powerful vocals. As the low whistle begins to accompany her, the song slowly turns more and more traditional, soon leaving Brennan's voice behind for the bodhran and fiddles.

What a joy Moya Brennan brings to Celtic music lovers everywhere with, "Two Horizons,"-an album that is so uniquely Irish, you can't help but come back for more.

Buy the Album: "Two Horizons"

--posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, March 17, 2005.
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History of Celtic Stone, Music Group Biography

For a few years now, I've had people ask me about a band called Celtic Stone. The group performed at Renaissance Festivals in the 80s and independently sold over 200,000 copies of their albums.

At long last, I was contacted by one of the members. Robert Hilliard provided me with an Semi-Official Biography of the band Celtic Stone that is well worth reading.

Their CD Digital Traditions is once again available for sale.

Labels: news

--posted by Marc Gunn, Monday, March 07, 2005.
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"The Blue Idol" by Altan

by Phil Hall

Artist: Altan
Album: "The Blue Idol"
Year Produced: 2002

This offering from the Irish folk sextet consists mostly of traditional tunes from Eire, although "The Low Highland" made its way over from Scotland and "Daily Growing" arrived via England. On the whole, "The Blue Idol" is a pleasant but strangely unmemorable production. There is nothing particularly wrong with it, but at the same time it just never clicks.

The Blue Idol by Altan

Vocalist Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh sounds lovely, as ever, and she graces both the English -- and Irish-language lyrics with clear and majestic phrasing. But strangely, her singing often lacks passion -- it's as if she is going for vocal style and not substance. "Daily Growing," a tale of a woman married to a lad some years her junior, never has any emotional impact when the story's cruel finale comes about – it is so antiseptic that it could easily have been a phonetic interpretation.

Other traditional tunes, such as the "The Sea-Apprentice Boy" and two versions of "The Pretty Young Girl" (an English and Irish rendition) are casually tossed off without any evidence of attachment. There is no soul or heart here. It literally just lies there, pretty but inert.

Even the instrumental pieces are strangely enervated. It would seem like Celtic Music 101 to fire up an audience with a lively reel or a jig, but here the music just plays blandly.

Altan has done better, can do better, and (if they continue to record) hopefully will do better. But with "The Blue Idol," they goofed.

Buy the Album: "The Blue Idol"

--posted by Marc Gunn, Monday, March 07, 2005.
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