Celtic Music ReviewsCeltic 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. Don't just download. "Any Given Element" by The Killdares
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: The Killdares Album: Any Given Element Year produced: 2005 Achieving a good balance when trying for solid Celtic rock can be a tough thing to do. Unless you happen to be The Killdares.  Any Given Element, the latest CD effort by this band hits hard with the opening track, September, which was my absolute favorite. The fiddle is ALIVE in this track and it sings to you, crying out loud for attention.The seemingly tough blend between guitar, and fiddle or bagpipes is effortless for them. It flows. Of course, having a competition piper (Matt Willis) and Grand Master Fiddler Champion (Roberta Rast) certainly doesn't hurt. As a matter-of-fact, all the musicians involved in this effort seem to have their specialty down rather well. The cherry on top is lead singer Tim Smith's voice, which works well, lending the alternative feel to the songs without being too common. I must admit to preferring the hard-thumping tunes to the slower ones (with the exception of the last track, Light on Paper which was beautiful), but it really is a matter of taste. The fact is, the Celtic and the rock meld, rather than being schizophrenic or sounding confused as some Celtic rock can come off. Edgy would be a good way to describe their sound. Even the rock portion is not too traditional, which adds interest musically and gives a freshness to their sound. Although they have been described as Celtic-pop, they seem more in the alternative ballpark, as they are not too pat in their style or approach to musical arrangement. (And its always nice to have a surprise or two!) Great Celtic rock. Buy the Album: Any Given Element 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, Monday, February 20, 2006. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "On the Drift" by Bedlam Bards
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Bedlam Bards Album: On the Drift (Music inspired by Firefly and Serenity) Year produced: 2006 If you have to ask what Firefly and Serenity are, you might not be in the inner circle of fans (referred to as Browncoats), but it doesn't mean that you can't enjoy this CD. Firefly was a Sci-Fi television show that garnered quite a following of viewers in its short run, even inspiring a movie, Serenity. The band members (Bedlam Bards) were less than pleased that it was canceled, and decided to do a CD lamenting the loss of their beloved show.  Never having seen the show myself, I wasn't sure if I would even like this CD, but the musicianship is expert, and although I am sure being a fan of Firefly would give the songs more meaning, they were still a really good listen. If anything, it makes me want to at least check out an episode . . . see for yourself, here is a lyric sample:Now, here is what separates FireflyThe CD has a fun parody of the theme song, some terrific instrumental tracks (including a darn good jig), as well as many clever songs reflecting on the show. Fans of Firefly who have not heard this simply must. And those who have not? Since I am one who is not yet a Browncoat, I can tell you to check it out anyway, its fun! Buy the Album: On the Drift (Music inspired by Firefly and Serenity) 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, Monday, February 20, 2006. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. Austin's Best-Kept Secret for Irish Traditional Music
Austin has a lot of great Irish & Celtic music. Groups like the Brobdingnagian Bards, Cluan, Sarah Dinan and The Tea Merchants dominate the local Celtic music headlines. That leaves some of the most-amazing in the shadows, a secret, well-hidden.
That's what I was seeking Friday night when I drove to meet my friend Nancy at Mother's Cafe & Garden. For the past eight years, an Irish harper has played at Mother's. He now plays there three times a week. He is the best-kept secret of Irish traditional music in Austin. His name is Thomas "Doc" Grazuer. Three centuries ago, there was an Irish harper named Turlough O'Carolan. He was blinded by smallpox as a child. So he did what many such unfortunates did at the time, he started playing the harp and roamed the countryside as an itinerant musician and poet, a bard. O'Carolan was the role-model for many traditional musicians today. He composed hundreds of melodies that are still played today by Irish musicians. Doc is a lot like I am. He sees his role as a musician who preserves the traditional music of Ireland. He keeps O'Carolans songs alive for our generation. The prevalence of contemporary rhythms found in Celtic rock or even most contemporary Irish music compromises the traditional sound, but Doc keeps traditional Irish music alive by staying to the path founded by O'Carolan and centuries of harpers. When we walked into the Garden at Mother's and heard those ancient melodies waft to our ears like the food did to our noses, I knew I was in for an Irish treat. The garden or food alone is worth a trip to Mother's. But to sit in the garden with an Irish harp playing that recalls memories of Yore is the absolute best way to enjoy all that Mother's has to offer. Nancy and I talked quitely. We clapped. We listened in placid joy as Doc shared his love of Ireland through his harp. By the time we left Mother's Cafe & Garden, we were relaxed and at peace with the world. I will definitely be back to enjoy this secret Irish music gem very soon. You can find Thomas "Doc" Grauzer playing at Mother's Cafe and Garden every Thursday, Friday evening, and now also Saturday at Brunch. Marc Gunn is an Irish and Scottish folk singer with a strange affinity for Celtic ballads, drinking songs and cats. He is the lead singer for the Brobdingnagian Bards. He is also Celtic music podcaster and Irish music magazine publisher and promoter. Last but not least, he is poet, photographer and music business educator. Labels: news
--posted by Marc Gunn, Saturday, February 04, 2006. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. Catherine's Pick of the TOP 10 CELTIC CDs of 2005 by Catherine L. Tully
Can't go wrong when the pipes are good! 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. Labels: staff_picks
--posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, February 02, 2006. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Infernal Harp Racket" by Thomas 'Doc' Grauzer, Irish Harp
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Thomas 'Doc' Grauzer Album: "Infernal Harp Racket" Year produced: 2005 The harp music on this CD is peaceful enough to soothe even the most savage of beasts. This is truly a relaxing compilation of songs, and expertly played. While bad harp music can make you think along the lines of bad Christmas music, good harp music can lift your mood and settle your troubles down. Grauzer does just that with his gentle, musical touch.  Historically, the harp has been associated most often with the aristocracy, but its otherworldly sound has given it a wide appeal over the years. Unlike the bagpipes, which can be an acquired taste for some, the harp has many admirers. Grauzer's CD is the perfect music to set the stage for unwinding from a difficult day or for a romantic candlelit dinner for two. The dreamy playing will transport you.Good musicians can make playing an instrument seem and sound easy, and that is the case with this CD. With the music of the harp solo, with nothing else to distract one's ear, you wouldn't miss it if the musicianship was off. Luckily, this is not ever a concern on this effort, and Grauzer plays effortlessly throughout the songs, a testament to his skill. If you like the harp, don't miss this CD. Buy the Album: "Infernal Harp Racket" 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, February 02, 2006. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "The Circle: Renaissance Festival compilation CD benefiting Hurricane Katrina Relief" by Renaissance Festival Podcast and Modern Bard
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Renaissance Festival Podcast and Modern Bard Album: "The Circle ~ A Renaissance Festival compilation CD benefiting Hurricane Katrina Relief" Year produced: 2006 Hurricane Katrina devastated this country, and Bob Brinkman (Modern Bard) and Marc Gunn (Renaissance Festival Podcast/Celtic MP3s Music Magazine) joined forces with a variety of top Renaissance festival musicians to raise money for the Red Cross for those affected by the storm. The result is a terrific CD with variety that is uplifting and packed with songs-22 to be exact.  The list of bands is astounding: Seelie Court, Fugli, The Muses, Marooned, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Empty Hats, E Muzeki, Howl-o, Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats, The Bilge Pumps, Queen's Gambit, Vash, Dogs in Doublets, Bedlam Bards, The Cheshire Singers, Cantiga, 3 Pints Gone, The Rogues, Djilia Phralengo, Three Quarter Ale, Rillian and the Doxie Chicks, and of course, the Brobdingnagian Bards themselves.The CD is breathtaking, with some tracks that are so intense (The Rogues-Pressed For Time) that it honestly brings a tear to your eye. Others will bring a laugh (Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats-Furagone's Wake) or make you want to get up and dance wildly (E Muzeki-Unknown Gypsy Dance), but every one of these songs is spectacular-those are just some highlights. Compilation discs are usually good, but if you are a fan of this style of music, you just can't miss this one-and the fact that it is all for a good cause makes it that much better. You can't really pick a favorite, since there are so many bands and styles, it is really like getting a goodie bag. The best thing is that no matter what type of Celtic music you like, it is here. I liked them all . . . If you are interested - go to RenaissanceFestivalMusic.com to check it out. If you like what you hear, you can order it right there. Buy the Album: "The Circle ~ A Renaissance Festival compilation CD benefiting Hurricane Katrina Relief" 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, February 02, 2006. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. |
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