Celtic Music Reviews: 2007/01

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Celtic Music CDs - Top 10 For 2006

by Catherine L. Tully

1. The Circle - Compilation CD (Bob Brinkman from Modern Bard and Marc Gunn from Renaissance Festival Podcast/Celtic MP3s Music Magazine)
A Renaissance Festival compilation CD--benefits hurricane Katrina relief and is spectacular! 22 tracks by various artists. This was such a great CD--it's a must in anyone's collection.

2. An Ancient Muse by Loreena McKennitt
Long-awaited, and worth it. McKennitt doesn't break new ground, but stands firm and sounds gorgeous.

3. The Holy Grail of Irish Drinking Songs by Brobdingnagian Bards
I'm partial to drinking. And drinking songs. And these are terrific!

4. Se by Lunasa
This is an impressive CD. I continue to enjoy Lunasa's unique musical arrangements.

5. Fair Play To You by Bow Triplets
Expert musicianship and a truly beautiful 16-track CD.

6. Bring Yer Wellies by Gaelic Storm
Their best effort to date.

7. Yours Truly by Natalie MacMaster
Um...it opens with a song called, "Volcanic Jig." Need I say more?

8. Live From Dublin 2006 by Christy Moore
Can't believe a live CD makes my top ten 2 years running. This is a nice one though, and if you like Christie Moore--there is a lot here...2 discs!

9. Paddy Keys For Mayor by The Larkin Brigade
Irreverent and just plain fun! Out of my normal comfort zone, but sometimes that is a really good thing!

10. Dealin' Craic by The Sandcarvers
Celtic rock at its best!

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 Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her photography website at http://www.moonbeamdigital.com/.

Labels: cd_charts, staff_picks

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Sunday, January 28, 2007.
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"A Pocket Full Of Lint" by Kennedy's Kitchen

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Kennedy's Kitchen
Album: "A Pocket Full Of Lint"
Year produced: 2006

Wow! From the drum-thumping that begins this CD, to the velvety-smooth harmonies to the willowy whisper and flighty dancing around of the flute, this CD is a lovely one all the way through. This Midwestern band seems to have figured out a recipe that works!

Fans of a throaty drum beat and perky flute will be thrilled to listen to this album, as they are used and highlighted quite well here. There is also some fine (if somewhat unexpected) guitar work on the title track that catches the ear by surprise. It is a really fabulous track that you could really say sums up the work this band does quite well. The only thing missing from it are vocals--but those are front and center on other tracks throughout...

One such example is track 2, "The Life Of A Country Boy" which is skilled vocal harmony at its very best--one of those songs that you can play again and again and never tire of, and probably my favorite on the album. Back again a bit later on the CD, the harmonies on "The Jug of Punch" are also top notch.

This is the band's third album, following their 2004 release, "Music in The Glen" and their self-titled debut in 2003. While this effort is well within the traditional range--there are a few pleasant surprises here and there that set it apart from being just another Celtic CD.

Buy the Album: "A Pocket Full Of Lint"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Saturday, January 27, 2007.
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"If I Should Fall From Grace With God" by The Pogues

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: The Pogues
Album: "If I Should Fall From Grace With God"
Year produced: 2006

Truly, it is hard to get yourself into more "fun" than The Pogues dish out on an album, and "If I Should Fall From Grace With God" is no exception. "Turkish Song of the Damned" is an all-time favorite of mine with its whirling, swirling middle-eastern, yet somehow still Celtic vibe. Funky, punky and yet unmistakably Irish, you'll forgive the fact that you can't understand much of the lyrics for the reason that the energy and drive of this CD will more than keep you involved.

You'll probably chuckle and want to share the songs with others--that's just what happens when you have a Pogues CD. Beware though--you can wind up tired if you aren't ready for the romp! One track that really stands out is the "Fairytale of New York" with guest vocalist Kristy McColl, which only adds to the appeal of this album.

I once heard The Pogues described as "explosive," and it really worked for me as a way to describe their music. The sound is truly one-of-a-kind, although there have been many influenced by their own peculiar stew of musical styling. If you have not yet heard this band, this CD is a terrific first listen, as every song is stellar. "Metropolis" is a crazy, whirlwind ride, "Fiesta" teases you into thinking it will be a disappointment (but then delivers!), and "Worms" will just plain crack you up with its brief appearance. A must have for Pogues fans and a great intro for the uninitiated.

Buy the Album: "If I Should Fall From Grace With God"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Saturday, January 27, 2007.
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"Weave" by Mary Knickle

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Mary Knickle
Album: "Weave"
Year produced: 2006

"Weave" starts out with a powerful jolt--and jumps right into the mix of things. Track 1, "Weave" introduces Knickle's voice, which is commanding, skilled and powerful. Her vocal range pulls and pushes you through the song with excitement and sets the bar high for the rest of this CD. The interesting thing about this album however, is that the music is incredibly strong as well, making for a very intense combination of talents.

Passionate is a good way to describe these songs, and her voice, for that current runs throughout.While the slower tunes are enjoyable, Knickle also has a talent is for bringing out the energy of the music in a way that is uncommon and palpable. The slower music hints sometimes at a Kate Bush-like sound, but Knickle's voice is much more direct. Harmony, such as in track 6, "Tarry," soften it nicely, adding another dimension to the sound quality. When her voice is by itself, as in "Like The Heather," it can have an almost birdlike quality to it--very different.

Knickle reveals her love of story throughout this effort, as she loops and threads you through each track. Starting with "Weave" makes one hopeful for another high-energy song on the CD like it. In order to get that, however, you must wait until the end, where "Wild Irish Man" does so with a combination of vocals and racing music, capping off the album in an ultimately satisfying manner.

Buy the Album: "Weave"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Saturday, January 27, 2007.
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"Waddles from the Sea" by NeidFyre

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: NeidFyre
Album: "Waddles from the Sea"
Year produced: 2006

If you love the sounds that can be called forth from the fiddle, then this CD is a good choice. Mel Ginsberg-Stevens is NeidFyre, and the name is taken from the Old English--a word for ceremonial fire that is generated by the friction produced from two pieces of wood. She states, "I read that and the first image I saw was a bow furiously running across the strings of a violin in a jig or reel..."

Mel is no novice, having played the violin since she was 4 years old--and you can tell--she makes it dance. This CD is a collection of not only traditional Celtic, but also Russian folk music, making for a rich tapestry of sound throughout. The Russian songs actually fit nicely with the Celtic, and although it is perhaps an unconventional choice, it is interesting to note the similarities and differences as one listens to the songs.

Some tracks use vocals, but many are instrumental here as well, allowing for full concentration on the music. Her voice is interesting, full and almost commanding, very different than the stereotypical Celtic female singer, but in a good way. She isn't shy about serving up a nice helping of music either; the album runs 17 full tracks long. There is a nice mixture of music; some soft, some energetic and some, well, just good ol' fun!

Mel chooses to end on a fun note with "What Do You Do With A Drunken Duc," guaranteed to make you grin with the visuals you'll get as she delivers the lyrics. This is really an enjoyable grouping of tunes, especially for fans of the fiddle.

Buy the Album: "Waddles from the Sea"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Saturday, January 20, 2007.
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"Ockham's Razor" by Ockham's Razor

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Ockham's Razor
Album: "Ockham's Razor"
Year produced: 2006

This group is brand new, forming only in 2006, and has wasted no time in honing a sound that works. They have also branded themselves with a name that is both clever, and unlikely to be forgotten. For those who aren't familiar, a Franciscan living at the turn of the fourteenth century, William of Ockham, is associated with this idea that states, "entities are not to be multiplied beyond necessity," -- an admonition to remember to keep things simple. With 8, well done tracks, this band attempts to--and succeeds--in doing just that. Track 3's title is a perfect example, "I Drink," which is, you guessed it, a drinking song!

Don't make the mistake of thinking that simplicity means that this effort is pedestrian and basic, however. Track 4, "My Lagan Love" is sung with more heart than the most complex of songs out there and is quite different in its arrangement with a quick undercurrent of music paired with slower, melodic vocals for an interesting--and arresting contrast. Sometimes simple is a good thing.

Track 6, "A Face, An Echo" was commissioned for an independent film, which seems to come as no surprise whatsoever upon hearing it--it has that feeling to it. The simplest track, an a cappella version of the Irish classic, "Danny Boy" is an interesting ending to this album. Although the vocalist strains somewhat to hit the challenging notes of this song--he rises to the occasion with emotion--which is how it simply must be sung.

Although the songs on this CD are all different from each other, rather than being disjointed, you get the feeling instead that you are getting a sampling of the band. It will be interesting to see the direction that they take with their next effort and where that leads them from here.

Buy the Album: "Ockham's Razor"

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, Friday, January 19, 2007.
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"This Land" by Kinfolk

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Kinfolk
Album: "This Land"
Year produced: 2006

This duo (Brian McDaid and Gerry Power) has joined together for their debut album, "This Land" and have managed to merge their musical experiences into a pleasant and fun CD. Both musicians have dabbled and experimented in different genres of music, and now have come back to the things that have remained there all along: folk and acoustic music.

Strongly influenced by their backgrounds in Irish, Scottish and English folk music, they have brought these markings to this CD. Most tracks have a light feel to them and although there is definitely the mark of traditional music on some tunes, you'll also find a contemporary influence has crept in sideways and made a place for itself. This keeps the album from settling into a predictable pattern,making each track a discovery.

Together since 2004, both McDaid and Power have played in a variety of bands before coming together to form Kinfolk. There is an ease in this duo that is most often present with those who have played together for a long time. Their voices blend seamlessly and the mood of most tracks is upbeat and peppy. Listen for the harmony done especially well--yet not overdone--on track 8, "Lady of the Isle."

Buy the Album: "This Land"

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, January 11, 2007.
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"After The Morning" by Cara Dillon

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Cara Dillon
Album: "After The Morning"
Year produced: 2006

A Celtic folk album with a sweet side and a wide appeal aptly describes Cara Dillon's newest release, "After The Morning." Every track is immensely listenable here.

Even if you are not a big "folk" music fan, don't shy away from this CD--it isn't heavy duty, and at times might even have a more commercial range than devoted folk fans might like. This actually widens the appeal and the audience for Dillon's music. A bit different than her self-titled effort and that of her last CD, "Sweet Liberty," this album will find some Dillon fans disappointed at her going out of her typical style, but will please others for not limiting her talents.

Cara Dillon's voice is crystal clear and angelic--but not in an Enya way--it isn't "dreamy" but it IS pretty. There is a freshness and innocence about it that is refreshing. She's pretty, her voice is pretty, the songs are pretty...and the music is pretty. It's a win any way you look at it!

Particularly enjoyable was her version of "Health To The Company" and also "The Streets of Derry" where the male vocals contrast to make Dillon's all the more gentle and pure. It is a beautiful track--music providing the perfect backdrop for both singers to share.

This Irish-born singer has her homeland and her music woven through the very fabric of her being, singing in her first band at the age of 15. Such a long career reflects in the sureness with which Dillon sings; and she never wavers. Anyone who just adores listening to a beautiful voice should enjoy "After The Morning." After all, her lovely vocals are the very centerpiece of this CD.

Buy the Album: "After The Morning"

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, January 11, 2007.
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"To Find the Missing Part" by Cele De

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Cele De
Album: "To Find the Missing Part"
Year produced: 2006

This young soft rock/Celtic band has an different and fresh sound. The band is made up of five people aged 17 through 20 and the youthful energy and outlook is reflected in their music. Their name choice is particularly interesting, for Cele De hails from Celtic roots--the name of a monastic order, meaning literally "Servants of God."

This is Cele De's third CD, following their 2003 release "Mist on the Mountain" and "Fresh" which was out in 2005. The band describes their style as being a mixture of pop, soft rock, jazz and a touch of bluegrass--all flavored with their Celtic roots. It makes for an interesting mixture. The 10-track CD has a good deal of variety, but not in an "experimental" way, just stylistically. The Celtic definitely does pop through, but isn't the overriding feel to the whole album.

For such a young group, they are surprisingly polished. The music is tight, well-played and interesting. The voices sound young, but are strong and sure of themselves. The addition of the cello on this album gives such richness to the sound, especially on track 6,"Introspectrum," which is an original--and beautiful song.

Buy the Album: "To Find the Missing Part"

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, Wednesday, January 10, 2007.
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"An Ancient Muse" by Loreena McKennitt

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Loreena McKennitt
Album: "An Ancient Muse"
Year produced: 2006

Loreena McKennitt's voice gives you chills on this CD from its sheer beauty. She continues to stand out and show music fans why she has earned a reputation in the industry as an artist, for there is really nothing quite like her out there. Her last studio album was "The Book of Secrets," and after a ten-year wait, fans of McKennitt will not be disappointed.

An Ancient Muse has the "world music" feel that McKennitt is known for--branching out and exploring Middle Eastern themes, but retaining enough of her trademark sound and Celtic feel--you'll have no doubt that it is her. The arrangement of the CD keeps you from feeling too much of a lull, but this is music to listen to with your eyes closed--it takes you out of yourself. It makes you feel good.

Favorites include "Penelope's Song," the perfect vehicle for all of the strengths and nuances of McKennitt's voice, and you can't miss with lyrics from Sir Walter Scott on "The English Ladye and the Knight" which is also lovely. Unusual instruments make an appearance from time to time throughout the CD, such as the oud, duduk and nyckleharpe (a Swedish-keyed fiddle) to name a few, which make for interesting accents to the flow of her work--without interrupting it.

McKennitt doesn't seek to reinvent the wheel on this CD, instead she stays fairly square within the mood and style that she has become famous for--and that she does so very well. Her voice is still full of emotion and power, despite its lovely softness. For fans of her style or of her work, this CD will be welcomed and appreciated--especially after this long, long wait.

Buy the Album: "An Ancient Muse"

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, Wednesday, January 10, 2007.
Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards.