Celtic Music Reviews: 2006/04

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"Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band 40th Anniversary" by Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band
Album: "Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band 40th Anniversary"
Year produced: 2003

This band is truly all about the music. Forming as a non-profit to "preserve and advance Celtic piping, drumming and dancing," they are doing their part and then some. All members are volunteers, which is a tribute to their dedication and love of Irish music, and yet there is nothing amateurish about this group of musicians. As a matter of fact, it has attracted a fine group of players, and is one of the oldest existing pipe bands in the Midwest United States.

This 40th anniversary CD is a terrific compilation of expert playing, and the music can really be described as "full" as the sound seems like it is coming from all around you on many of the tracks. As anyone who has heard a pipe band live can attest, there is nothing quite like the sound that they produce. Luckily this is preserved well here and although it isn't right in front of you, it is the next best thing.

You'll hear favorites, such as Wearing of the Green and a lovely version of Amazing Grace that shines out Irish style as it plays; the last track on the CD. The 12 songs seem to fly by and leave you wanting more, but that's fine, I doubt this group will be disbanding any time soon! If you love the sound of the good Irish bands that march in a parade, this is the perfect CD to pick up.

Buy the Album: "Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band 40th Anniversary"

Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among others and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her photography website at http://www.moonbeamdigital.com/.

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Sunday, April 23, 2006.
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Ireland: Features and Facts

by Bridget Regan

Map and Location Island Location: Ireland is an island off western Europe in the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Ireland is a divided country, with independent governments.

The Republic of Ireland (also called Ireland or Eire) occupies 5/6th of the island of Ireland Northern Ireland occupies 1/6th of the island and is a part of the United Kingdom. Capital(s) Republic of Ireland: Dublin. Northern Ireland: Belfast Official languages: English and Gaelic. Size: The Republic of Ireland covers 27,135 square miles (70,280 sq km).Population: The population of Ireland is about 3,689,000 (as of 2000). Climate: Ireland has a cool, often-cloudy climate.

Flag of Ireland The Republic of Ireland's flag is tricolor, and is made of three equal-sized rectangles of orange, white, and green. The flag is twice as wide as it is tall. The green side is by the flagpole. This flag was first used in 1848. Colors in the flag represent the native population and religious beliefs in Ireland.Green: Signifies the native people of Ireland (most of whom are Roman Catholic). Orange: Represents the British supporters of William of Orange who settled in Northern Ireland in the 17th century (most of whom are Protestant). White: White occupies the center of the flag and signifies peace between these two groups of people.

Irish Provinces: Commonly known as the Four Green Fields of Ireland. Irelands 4 provinces. Connacht is the north-western province of Ireland, comprising the counties of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. Leinster is the eastern province of Ireland, comprising the counties of Louth, Meath, Dublin, Wicklow, Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Laois, Offaly, Kildare, Westmeath and Longford. Munster is the southernmost province of Ireland, comprising the counties of Claire, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperrary, and Waterford. Ulster forms one of the historical provinces of Ireland. Six of its Nine counties Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, and Tyrone, are known together as Northern Ireland. Three counties Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan, are part of the Republic of Ireland.

Irish Identifiable:

Claddagh: The Friendship, Lovea and Loyalty Symbol or Ireland The Claddagh design is said to originate from the Galway Area, and the Aran Islands. The Claddagh ring was originally worn by men, but later used as a Marriage Ring for Men and Women. The symbol is comprised of 2 hands, a heart and a crown.The hands symbolize the 2 parties involved. The heart is the seat of affection or love. And the crown perfection. So, a perfect union of love between 2 parties. Common word translations to the Claddagh are: Friendship (hands), Love (heart) and Loyalty (crown).

Harp Emblem: Its Importance in Irish History The harp symbol has been recognized as the emblem of Ireland since the 13th century. It was officially adopted as Ireland's national symbol when the Irish Free State was created in 1922. The most famous Harp of Ireland is the Brian Boru harp which is located at the Trinity College in Dublin. The Boru harp is the oldest surviving Irish harp, and is the model used for the State emblem.

Trinity Symbol: The Trinity Symbol is an ancient Celtic design. The Trinity emblem is an ancient symbol for a high spiritual dignity. In the Christian faith, it represents the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity symbol has been inscribed in stone, and also has been colored. Red for power, faith, language and sacrifice. Blue - represents faith and trust. Green -color of the plants and trees, suggests hope of life eternal.

Celtic Cross: The Celtic Cross is possibly the best known symbol of Early Christianity in Ireland. The High Celtic Cross is a self contained monument, and are as high as 20 feet. They are generally made of sandstone, and their main characteristic feature is a circle connecting the arms. The rings around the high cross may have been a symbol of the cosmos, and at the center is the Crucificition of Christ. Or, the ring may have been a structural piece, to prevent the arms of the cross from snapping off. There are many decorations on the crosses many including scenes from the bible, while others feature animal Interlace, and scroll work. The crosses at Monasterboise and Cross of Scriptures, Clonmacnoise are good examples for the traditional Celtic Cross.

Irish Famous:

Brian Boru Harp Brian Boru (c. 940-1014) The last of the High King's to lift Ireland out of the ruins of the Norse Age. He rebuilt ruined churches, built others, he sent overseas to replace lost books and artifacts and all that he possibly could to heal the wounds of the past two centuries of Norse pillage. One of the symbols most associated with Irieand is the Brian Boru Harp. This Harp is now located in the Long room, at the Trinity College Library, in Dublin. The harp is the national symbol of Ireland.

Short Irish History:

Irelands Areas of Historical Interest: Interesting sites in Ireland include: Bru na Boinne (Newgrange), Boyne Valley, Ceide Fields, Clonmacnoise, Croagh Patrick, Dun Aengus, Glendalough, Hill of Tara, Lough Derg, Skellig Michael, Rock of Cashel.

Bru na Boinne "Boyne Palace": Ireland's Stonehenge One of Ireland's most spectacular archaeological sites is located in the Boyne Valley in County Meath. Newgrange, Dowth and Knowth were built around the same time that Stonehenge was erected in England. These tombs were built around 3200 B.C., several centuries before the great pyramids of Egypt. The exact reason these sites were built is unknown, but one of their features, is that they may have been used as an ancient form of solar calendar. The Newgrange site was designed to catch the sun during the winter solstice (December 19-23), the rising sun shines thru a slit over the entrance, and lights up the burial chamber for 17 minutes. At Dowth, the light of the setting sun of the solstice illuminates one of the chambers. At Knowth, the rising sun of the spring and autumn equinoxes lights the eastern passage, while the setting sun may have caught the western passage those days.

Clonmacnoise (Offaly) An early Christian monastic site founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon at the crossroads of Ireland in County Offaly. The Clonmacnoise location borders the three provinces of Connaught, Munster and Leinster. The monastery is on the east side of the River Shannon, in what was then the Kingdom of Meath, but occupying a position so central it was the burial-place of many of the kings of Connaught as well as those of Tara. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th-13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs. The original high crosses and grave slabs are on display in the Visitor Centre.

Hill of Tara (Meath) Though best known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland. 142 kings are said to have reigned there in prehistoric and historic times. The Hill of Tara has been an important site since the late Stone Age when a passage-tomb was constructed there. Tara was at the height of its power as a political and religious centre in the early centuries after Christ. Features of the Hill of Tara include the Mound of the Hostages, the Stone of Destiny, and Ancient Standing Stones Rock of Cashel (Tipperary) This was the seat of kings and mediaeval bishops for 900 years and flourished until the early 17th century. A spectacular group of stone fort Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. Features include 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. The original forbidding fortification of the Eoghanachta, kings of Munster. Brian Ború was crowned King of Munster here in 977 and he became High King of Ireland in 1002. He was the first high king to exact universal and effective tribute from the other kings of Ireland.

Dun Aengus: Dún Aonghasa (Dun Aengus - Angus' Fort) The mysterious structure of Dun Aengus is situated on the western side of Inish Mór, one of the three Aran Islands (Oileáin Árainn), stone outcrops, in the Atlantic thirty miles (48 kms) west of Galway City. The islands, Inish Mór, Inishmann and Inisheer have some of Europe's finest examples of pre-historic and early Christian antiquities.Dun Aengus is a vast fortification perched on the summit of a hill that rises precipitously from the ocean to a height of 300 feet (100 meters). Half the site, consisting of three concentric enclosures, has fallen into the sea, but what is left makes a fascinating sight. The cliff edge at Cahercommoun in the Burren is Early Christian and Dún Aonghasa is believed to be much older. Dun Aengus has been estimated to have been built anywhere from 900BC to 500C.

Glendalough (Wicklow) This early Christian monastic site was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses.In the 6th centaury St. Kevin founded a monastery and from this grew a monastic city, which became famous as a centre of learning throughout Europe. The spectacular Round Tower in the Monastic City stands an impressive 34m high and 16m in circumference.The tower was originally built as a bell tower and a place of refuge when the monastery was attacked. There are many stone crosses and churches to see. As well as these magnificent remains, there is the breathtaking scenery of the valley to enjoy.

Croagh Patrick (Mayo) Is a holy mountain in Ireland, located in south Mayo, 5 miles from Westport, and on Clew Bay. It is a conical mountain that is said to be the place where St. Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland. Today it is a pilgrimage spot, where visitors from all over the world. It is said that St. Patrick fasted for 40 days at the summit of the mountain. Croagh Patrick is also known as the "Reek", and on "Reek Sunday", the last Sunday in July, thousands come to follow the steps of Patrick. Today, a church sits on the top of the "Reek". It is said, that if you climb Croagh Patrick three times, you will have earned yourself a place in heaven.

Bridget Regan: Student of Ireland and its beauty. Webmistress of http://celticdan.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bridget_Regan

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--posted by Marc Gunn, Sunday, April 23, 2006.
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The Man Who Saved Celtic Music

by Joey Robichaux

Familiar with the name "Francis O'Neill"? The current wave of interest in Celtic music owes him a great debt -- he's the person who collected and published the music for thousands of Celtic tunes, making them available to musicians all over the world.

O'Neill was born in 1848 in Ireland. When he was 16, he emigrated to the United States. During his life, he was a rancher, a teacher, a Chicago policeman, and fathered ten children. He also played the flute!

O'Neill (also known as "Chief O'Neill") loved Celtic music. At that time, the music was passed down tune at a time from one musician to another. Little had been saved by transcribing in written form.

O'Neill did not read music -- he played by ear -- but he became convinced of the value of saving Celtic tunes for prosperity by transcribing them into musical notation for future generations. With the help of a fiddling seargeant in the Chicago police department who did read music, he managed to do so. He would play the tunes he had learned from other musicians; the sergeant would transcribe them into musical notation.

By the time O'Neill died in 1936, he had collected and transcribed nearly 3,500 tunes -- many of them dating back hundreds and hundreds of years!

He eventually published eight books -- including the now classic "The Music of Ireland". This book is still easily available in most bookstores. This book alone provides notation for 1,850 tunes! (Note: You can find these transcriptions for free at http://www.freesheetmusic.net !)

Noel Rice offers this comment that illustrates O'Neill's contribution: "He recalled reading about some boys who would sit at the feet of an old musician, thinking they were learning the music the way generations before them had. "And this old man," he said, "was playing these lovely Irish tunes right out of O'Neill's book."

Joey Robichaux rides the Road Warrior circuit and has been playing some flavor of musical instrument for way-too-many years! He maintains the Free Sheet Music website at http://www.freesheetmusic.net where you can download free sheet music for thousands of tunes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joey_Robichaux

Labels: articles

--posted by Marc Gunn, Sunday, April 23, 2006.
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Top 10 Celtic Music Reviews and Celtic Music Articles of March 2006

Every now and then, I like to find out what people are looking for when they come to the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine website. I find that useful for catering the site to what people want. Admittedly, this Celtic music site will always focus on independent Celtic music first. But it still nice to see.

For instance, the vast majority of people visiting the site are looking for signed artists like Michael Flately, Van Morrison, The Dubliners, The Chieftains, The Clancy Brothers and Moya Brennan.

But I'd suggest you check out the other two in that top list: Ceann and Doc Grazuer. Now THAT is impressive because those two are totally independent of any Celtic music record label!

Top Celtic Music CD Reviews

The following articles were published on the website and as you can see there were a lot of people in March looking for free music downloads and anything St. Patrick related. And here you will find a bunch of great free music downloads, plus some interesting tidbits about Celtic music.

Top Celtic Music Articles

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 promoters as well as publisher of Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.

Labels: cd_charts

--posted by Marc Gunn, Tuesday, April 18, 2006.
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"McNally's Row Of Flats" by Mick Moloney

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Mick Moloney
Album: "McNally's Row Of Flats"
Year produced: 2006

Looking for something different and catchy? McNally's Row Of Flats is a flashback to another time, where America was a much younger place; in the late 1800's. This CD is centered around the work of the writer/musician combo Harrigan and Braham, who wrote vaudeville and minstrel show songs back in the day. This music was the precursor to the musical theatre of later days. The tunes don't lose the Irish feel, but definitely have the feel of something you might see performed on a stage.

This is the type of CD that you want to listen to for the well-crafted lyrics, which are both clever and simple all at the same time. You'll hear a wide variety of instruments, including button accordion, tenor banjo and piano. The arrangements are very harmonious, and the sound of the tracks are very pleasant to the ear. The vocals almost go to a barbershop quartet sound at times, adding to the show tune experience.

Being an Irish immigrant himself (as well as a scholar with a PhD in folklore) Moloney is certainly qualified to reflect on both the history and the experience. He does so with the quick wit and fun spirit that you would expect from such a well-educated Irishman. This is a terrific CD.

Buy the Album: "McNally's Row Of Flats"

--posted by Marc Gunn, Saturday, April 15, 2006.
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"Miles From Home" by Jed Marum

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Jed Marum
Album: "Miles From Home"
Year produced: 2005

This is good Celtic folk music with real bluegrass styling. The best folk music tells stories, and this album is no exception. Marum's voice is just beautiful; the kind you can listen to for hours because it is so calm and easy. This CD is terrific, because it can suit you in more than one mood. If you are looking to think and reflect a bit, it works. On the other hand, if you just want to totally relax and be soothed, Marum has just the right sound for that as well. It is no wonder he has gained recognition and popularity on the festival and concert scene. He must be something to experience with a crowd of people gathered around, and I bet he sounds just as good in person.

There is a touch of Texas flavor here and there mixed in with the Celtic, making for an interesting mix. The music was very good, although it's funny, I had to go back and really listen to it. Marum's voice is the true instrument here, with the music as background. It isn't that the musicianship is not good, you just find yourself focusing on the sound of the lyrics.

This isn't complicated stuff, and that is no insult. The simplicity of the music is its magic, which weaves around you and casts a rather lovely spell. I don't want to say any more for fear of spoiling it. This is one CD you need to experience for yourself, because it really is that good. If you enjoy folk-styled music, this is at the top of its field.

Buy the Album: "Miles From Home"

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, April 13, 2006.
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"Essential Chieftains" by The Chieftains

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: The Chieftains
Album: "Essential Chieftains"
Year produced: 2006

For those who are fairly new to Irish music or those who are already well initiated. This is a CD that is tough to trump.

The Chieftains have been around for many, many years and are most beloved in Irish music circles; and this is for good reason. They are a part of those who blazed the trail for a more mainstream appeal over the course of their lengthy recording and performing history. Many people outside of the genre would be able to call forth the Chieftain's name if pressed to come up with an Irish band's name.

This band has garnered themselves six Grammy awards and are official Irish Musical Ambassadors. They have played for the Pope and at the pub; they are truly a living legend. Two CDs long, this is a sampling of some of their best music from the 60's to around 2003. Each CD has its own flavor, with the first being a mix of traditional instruments and arrangements. Excellent musicianship with great jigs and reels to listen to, along with other great tracks are the mark of the first disc.

CD number two will be a little bit of a surprise if you are new to this band. You'll hear Van Morrison and Sinead O'Connor, in addition to Linda Ronstadt and Los Lobos among a host of other big names. A nice counterbalance to round out the set. And yes, I said Los Lobos. Why not; after all this is a disc of collaboration, and what fun it is!

A whole lot of great listening for just two CDs.

Buy the Album: "Essential Chieftains"

--posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, April 13, 2006.
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