Celtic Music Reviews: 2006/10

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"Never Frae My Mind" by Ed Miller

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Ed Miller
Album: "Never Frae My Mind"
Year produced: 2006

In listening to "Never Frae My Mind," one thing rings forth more strongly than anything else--Miller's love for song and his country. Originally hailing from Edinburgh and moving to and living in Texas may seem quite the leap for most people, but Miller's roots have traveled with him, and he has remained true. His voice is all man--yet there is a sweet and wistful quality that peeks through often.

You will hear both old and newer Scottish songs on this 13 track CD. Instruments include guitar, cittern and mandolin, bodhran and drums, pipes and whistles and fiddle and concertina--all the good stuff. Miller has been around for a while now, and you know by listening that this is far from his first album. The recording quality is very good--allowing the music and voice to hold their depth and richness.

His music would be considered "Scottish folk" (or, as some say, "Scottish folk revival") and it suits him. Miller holds a formal degree in folklore, so you know that this is no passing fancy for him, as he has truly devoted himself to it. Surrounding himself with it even further, he also hosts an NPR folk music program. You see, I believe for Miller--this is true love. An enjoyable CD with great sound, this one is a don't miss for those who love the genre.

Buy the Album: "Never Frae My Mind"

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, Thursday, October 19, 2006.
Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards.

Celtic MP3s Music Magazine Announce the 2nd Annual Celtic Music Awards

AUSTIN, TX (October 16, 2006) -- The Celtic MP3s Music Magazine, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, and the Brobdingnagian Bards are proud to announce the opening of the 2nd Annual Celtic Music Awards. The awards page began with the goal to try and determine who the most-popular independent Celtic music groups are online through popular voting.

In 2005, only the top 10 Celtic music groups, by listener votes, were counted. This year, the voting opportunities are expanded with the addition of new award categories to better recognize contributors from the individual Celtic music genres (including folk, traditional, rock, new age). Listener's can vote online from now until December 31, 2006. The results will be announced in March 2007 with a special Irish & Celtic Podcast that features music by the most popular artists in each category. You can see who the winners were in the 2005 Celtic Music Awards on the website. CDs from these select artists are also available for purchase at CDBaby.com and Amazon.com.

Complete contest rules can be found on-line at http://www.celticmp3s.com/awards/.

ABOUT Marc Gunn / Brobdingnagian Bards:
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, an internet music promoter, podcaster, poet, photographer and publisher of many, many things on and offline. Marc Gunn 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.

http://thebards.net Brobdingnagian Bards, Celtic Folk Music
http://celticmusicpodcast.com/ Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

Renaissance Festival Podcast - Music and Entertainment from Ren Faires http://www.renaissancefestivalmusic.com/

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For Further Information Contact Marc Gunn (512) 470-4866.

Labels: news

--posted by Marc Gunn, Wednesday, October 18, 2006.
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"En Passant" by Queen's Gambit

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Queen's Gambit
Album: "En Passant"
Year produced: 2006

At 19 tracks, and with this being their 4th CD, Queen's Gambit is definitely not the type of band that you would hear at an amateur night show. Rooted firmly in the Irish and Scottish tradition, you'll hear a variety of tunes here, with blended harmonies, familiar sounds and more than a good laugh or two for your listening pleasure. Greensleeves, Molly Malone and Ballad of St. Anne's Reel are all quite enjoyable tracks on this CD.

The voices of the ladies have a delicate and youthful sound to them. Blending together in songs such as track 13, "Since First I Saw Your Face" they sound so pure and sweet--almost like listening to a very talented little girls choir sing. The four-member group alternates singing, but whether it is the gentleman or the ladies singing, it is good.

"Lighthearted" is probably a very good way to describe this release from Queen's Gambit. This particular grouping of songs mix and match--some they have played live from the start but haven't released this way and a reprise or two appear from other efforts. You can almost bet that this band would be a fun listen live just from hearing the CD.

Buy the Album: "En Passant"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Wednesday, October 18, 2006.
Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards.