Celtic Music Reviews: 2005/12

Celtic MP3s Music Magazine is a free weekly Celtic music & mp3 magazine featuring free music downloads of Celtic, Scottish, Irish music from around the world. Subscribe for a chance to win free Celtic CDs.

Vote for the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

The Austin Music Poll is now taking place. Anyone can vote in it. The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is eligible to win, but I need your help.

I setup a page with voting suggestions that also include the Brobdingnagian Bards, my Celtic band. If you enjoy our music too, I hope you will consider voting for us as well.

VOTE NOW for the IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST
and the BROBDINGNAGIAN BARDS

--posted by Marc Gunn, Friday, December 30, 2005.
Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards.

"Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers" by The Dubliners' Tabby Cats

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats
Album: "Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers"
Year produced: 2006

MEOW! If you love kitties (and who doesn't?!) grab a pint of milk and check out this CD! Bard Marc Gunn spins a yarn or two in the style of the Irish traditional songs . . . with a twist. The best part is, the CD isn't just fun, the music is good too. Gunn's voice is terrific which is all the better, after all, you can't tackle this idea without a good sense of humour and more than a pinch of talent.

Gunn co-founded the Brobdingnagian Bards, and brings his talent and wit to this CD which includes favorites such as When Kitty Eyes are Smiling and Furagone's Wake. Anyone who has ever lived with a cat can appreciate the amusing lyrics of track 10, The Demented Cat Game where Gunn laments, my home is too small for the cat tyranny! Track 11, Black Kitty Paw is another good story for cat lovers, but I won't give much more away . . . you'll have to get it and see for yourself!

If you know a cat lover, this may well be the best gift you can get for them, and they don't even have to be Irish to appreciate the songs. There is a certain understanding between people and their cats and it is brought forth here in all of its glory . . . the good, the bad and the hilarious!

Buy the Album: "Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers"

Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in the arts. She has written for Dance Teacher Magazine, Classical Singer and Dance Spirit among others, and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her at www.freelance-zone.com.

--posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, December 29, 2005.
Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards.

"One Spot On Earth" by Heidi, Stef & Bow Triplets

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Heidi, Stef & Bow Triplets
Album: "One Spot on Earth"
Year produced: 2002

Those familiar with the Irish fiddle will recognize the name of this band as something as unique as the musical style itself. Bowed triplets is a term for the three short, quick strokes on the fiddle that add pulse and flavor to the music. The name of the band is almost a little misleading however, as their sound flows throughout the CD, running the range from jigs and reels to more contemporary sounds.

Track 6, Cock Of The North, has some truly beautiful harmonies. The voices blend seamlessly with the instruments at moments, giving the song a truly neat sound. Overall, there is a nice mix of slow and fast tunes on this CD. The Bow Triplets aren't afraid to do their own interpretations of favorites such as Lord of The Dance, using those smooth harmonies and their musicianship to bring their own feel to the tune.

Not all of the tracks use voice. Some choose to let the music stand alone, and although pleasant, truly I preferred the vocal songs. The band players are expert, but the harmonies are really what sets Bow Triplets apart more than anything else since it is done easily, and well. All in all this CD was a good listen, and with 16 tracks, there is plenty to keep the listener happy!

Buy the Album: "One Spot on Earth"

--posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, December 29, 2005.
Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards.

"Piping Hot" by MacTalla Mo'r

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: MacTalla Mo'r
Album: "Piping Hot"
Year produced: 2005

This CD is truly something different! You can't pin the music down to simple Celtic, but that is part of the beauty of it, there is really a fusion of styles here, and it flows. You'll hear a big band, almost stage musical style in some songs, while others echo jazz, blues or rock, but always with that Celtic flavor. A variety of spices for the stew!

You'll hear both Scottish and Irish influence as well, and sometimes the songs are even fairly traditional in sound. If you like the bagpipes, this CD is a MUST, as they are used frequently, and quite well in the musical arrangements. Much of the music can really be described as quite danceable, and not necessarily in the traditional sense, but more mainstream.

For those who like Celtic music but are looking for something to challenge their ear, this CD is the perfect choice. People who like jazz will most likely enjoy this CD, as the rhythms are more complex than is typical in most Celtic music. The fusion of many different styles give Piping Hot a flavor all its own, and one that can be appreciated by a variety of listeners.

Buy the Album: "Piping Hot"

--posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, December 29, 2005.
Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards.

1st Annual Celtic Music Awards

Greetings Celtic Music Fans,

The Celtic MP3s Music Magazine and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast are proud to announce the formation of the 1st Annual Celtic Music Awards. I am now collecting votes for your favorite Celtic music groups from now until January 31, 2006. On the following day, I'll compile all the winners, contact the winning performers, and compile a podcast based on those amazing entertainers.

You can help your favorite bands by voting for them at http://www.celticmp3s.com/ . Then tell your friends to drop by and vote as well. This is the first of what I hope to be many such awards, so please post info about the voting at other Celtic websites and lets make it a smashing success.

Slainte!

-Marc Gunn

Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.
http://www.celticmusicpodcast.com/

Celtic Mp3s Music Magazine
http://www.celticmp3s.com/

Labels: news

--posted by Marc Gunn, Wednesday, December 14, 2005.
Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards.