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. "Four Aflame" by Maidens IV by Catherine L. Tully Artist: Maidens IV Album: "Four Aflame" Year produced: 2006 Four-part harmony.....and......four sisters! Maidens IV is made up of Havilah, Heather, Abigail and Tabitha. Originally a duo of two sisters named, you guessed it, Maidens II, the sisters have all joined forces and combined their considerable talents to bring out the best in the Celtic and Folk style music that they play. An explosion of strings greets the ears with the first track on the CD which jumps right in, highlighting the considerable talent of the musicians. Next, on "Lark In The Morning" you begin to hear the pretty harmonies these ladies can form together as they hop and skip their way through a complex and lovely song. Their last CD, "Charm and Fire" (Maidens III) showed the ladies to have mastered the instruments they play, and now they are tackling even more complex arrangements--truly an amazing whirl of sounds and rhythms here, and each track has something unique to offer. The voices, although still sweet and youthful, have a new maturity to them that brings an added dimension to the sounds they bring forth. Please don't miss track 11, "Fiddlers Magic," for the obvious reason....although, in truth, you don't need to get that far into the CD to note the skill these ladies play with. The title of the album really brings to life what is going on here--"Four Aflame"--for the fire can be heard in the instruments that these lovely ladies command. If you know anything about music--this CD will blow you away. And even if you don't--it's still a darn good listen! These ladies are a favorite of mine. Buy the Album: "Four Aflame" 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/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, March 16, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "We Never Got This Far Alone" by Homeland by Catherine L. Tully Artist: Homeland Album: "We Never Got This Far Alone" Year produced: 2005 The fact that this band has shared the stage with musical giants such as Black 47, Flogging Molly, The Prodigals and Gaelic Storm gives the first clue that Homeland might be a real Celtic rock contender--and "We Never Got This Far Alone" does not disappoint that hope. Often hailed as a fusion of "new rock and old Celtic," this is a band that is not quite that easily categorized. Each band member contributes considerably to the mix here and it pays off big. Lead vocalist Scott McGillivray has the gutsy voice of a rocker, needed to lead out songs that beg for that kind of command such as track 3, "The Descent." He nails it--and the guitar screams beside his vocals, providing excitement to the song as well. Truth be told, the cry of Ric Smith's fiddle is really as much of a presence as if it were another person singing--especially on track 1, "Heros Dead," where it fits beautifully and sounds amazing. The musical arrangements here are intriguing, far from typical, and full of life--and none of it would be complete without the bass sounds of Rob Koogler or the expert drum work of Jeremy Washburn. Fans of Celtic rock that are really wanting to check out something fresh should pick this CD up. Between the talents of the band, the skilled musical arrangements and the polished sound, it is a real winner. Buy the Album: "We Never Got This Far Alone" 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/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, March 16, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Last Call" by Bruno's Boys by Catherine L. Tully Artist: Bruno's Boys Album: "Last Call" by Bruno's Boys Year produced: 2006 This is an absolutely charming collection of great Irish tunes, and Bruno's Boys do them justice, performing with flair and energy. What will you hear? Just two guys playing their hearts out and having a great time--Paul Bruno on guitar, accordion and bodhran and Derek Wade on mandolin and harmonica. And they do just fine--all on their own. The guys sing the songs together, which is great--it adds a real bit of pep to the sound. The combination of the two voices is really what makes this CD terrific, instead of just a good bunch of songs--it's as if they pick energy up from one another and continue to cycle it throughout the entire song. (Oh--and the harmonica--can't forget the harmonica, a simply wonderful addition!) The album begins with "Whiskey You're the Devil" and ends with "Whiskey is the Life of Man," a rather appropriate sandwiching of things all things considered. In-between those two songs other tunes here include some favorites such as "Drunken Sailor," "Finnegan's Wake" and "Black Velvet Band," all done quite well. This is the band's second CD, and there is a third in the making....and if this one is any indication....it will be one to look forward to! Buy the Album: "Last Call" by Bruno's Boys 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/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, March 16, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "One Lump Or Two" by The Tea Merchants by Catherine L. Tully Artist: The Tea Merchants Album: "One Lump Or Two" Year produced: 2007 Way back when, I reviewed the Tea Merchants self-titled CD and my one complaint was that there weren't enough tracks. Well, with their latest 12-track effort, "One Lump Or Two," I am proud to say that the fine gentlemen from Austin have remedied that. And--these guys have succeeded in putting out another great album as well. Don't miss track 4--"Led Zeppelin Polkas." Yes, you heard it right--if you didn't know that you could do Zeppelin Celtic-style, you do now! These guys really seem to enjoy throwing the unexpected at their listeners--which definitely is a good thing, not a bad one--and polkas are quickly becoming their chosen method of delivery for the unusual! There is plenty of the traditional fare to enjoy here too, and you'll find reels and a hornpipe are also present to satisfy the appetite. The light-heartedness of the band's approach may have you thinking that they can't play, but if that is an assumption you have made, you are quite mistaken. This CD, just released (March '07) by the recent World Music winners of the Austin Music Awards, is sounding quite professional and was cut in a recording studio, which really shows. As on their debut CD, the 3 members of this band crank out great sound. Nary a complaint from me this time around--just good music--and plenty of it! Buy the Album: "One Lump Or Two" 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/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, March 15, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Tales Through Time" by Rowan
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Rowan Album: "Tales Through Time" Year produced: 2007 Singer Marianne Payette Carter's gorgeous voice opens this CD, and it as though you can hear through her singing that she is well traveled--which she is--having been to Morocco, Ireland, Bali, North Africa and India, among other countries. The deepness of her vocals lend an air of authority to the lyrics she sings without being pushy or overbearing about it. She is one of the things that stands out the most about this CD, although fellow musicians Doug Harvey and Lance Zed certainly can--and do--hold their own. You can hear a definite "World Music" flavor in many of the musical tracks that are presented here, although it stays well within its Celtic roots overall. Here and there you'll hear a whisper of European folk--which is welcomed into the song without apology and, most often, goes as quickly as it came. It adds a different and surprising touch to the tracks where it appears. Something interesting about this band is that their personality shows through the music and holds your attention as much as the music itself. You feel as though you are hearing a little bit of their inner selves here somehow--and it's that personal touch that sets their music apart as much as the peppering of other influences that arrive from time to time. Part of it is the subject matter they have chosen to sing about, as they have picked songs with lyrics that speak to the heart and highlight the human experience in all its complexity. With a layering of emotions throughout, this CD is a thoughtful compilation. Buy the Album: "Tales Through Time" 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/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, March 15, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Honk Toot Suite" by Eamonn Coyne and Kris Drever
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Eamonn Coyne and Kris Drever Album: "Honk Toot Suite" by Eamonn Coyne and Kris Drever Year produced: 2007 Banjo and guitar are combined here to form the backbone of an 11-track whirling tour through the variety of acoustic Celtic sounds produced by these instruments. The perky mood of the banjo gives a truly toe-tappin, head bobbin feel to the music. When you get two individuals together that play well on their own the result is often good, but the fact that both these instruments are strings makes for a wonderfully harmonious blending of skills and a complimentary feel to the musical arrangements. The CD mixes in acoustic tracks with some that have vocals for variety. In addition, the lineup of music features one instrument, then the other and sometimes blends the two--great--since it seems as though you get a good taste of the backgrounds and influences of each musician. It's a sort of combo-style with influences throughout that include Irish and Scottish, making for even more of an eclectic blend. The song that points out that "combo style" of the two instruments and players the best is probably the last one, and the CDs namesake, "Honk Toot Suite." Back and forth the musicians go, building momentum and collecting energy all the while to a climactic and terrific finish. Buy the Album: "Honk Toot Suite" by Eamonn Coyne and Kris Drever 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/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, March 15, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. 17 St. Patrick's Day Music Downloads 2007
Every year for St. Patrick's Day, I compile a new list of St Patrick's Day MP3 downloads that are 100% free and legal. This year, I decided to present them in a new format. This year, all the files are compiled like a gigantic digital compilation CD. I ZIP the files up and you just need to download one file.
And if you were ever wondering what Song Henge is like. Well, now you have a better idea. Every month, I compile MP3 submissions into one of these ZIP files and send it out to hundreds of subscribers. Oh! And remember, at the end of the month, I'm switching to an annual fee. So you still have time to take advantage of the lifetime subscription fee for under twenty dollars. Download "17 Celtic Music Downloads for St. Patrick's Day" (73 MB) (p.s. these MP3s will only be up for a month, so download them soon) (no longer available) 17 Free Irish & Celtic Music Downloads for St. Patrick's Day
Oh! And don't forget some of these MP3s are time sensitive. They are exclusive to this magazine for ONE MONTH ONLY! 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: st_patrick's_day_mp3s
--posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, March 15, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Live At The Grange" by MojoKelt
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: MojoKelt Album: "Live At The Grange" Year produced: 2006 A pretty dang new band, only formed in January of 2006, MojoKelt is off to a good start with "Live At The Grange." It's funny--when you look at Celtic bands that are new--it isn't anything like looking at new bands in other styles of music; and this one is no exception. Many Celtic musicians are former session players, such as MojoKelt's Tom Watson, or have been playing traditional music for many, many years, such as the band's champion Uilleann pipe player, Paul McKernan. While there may be amateur musicians out there in the field, you aren't going to find them here. Not in this band. Branded "Rock n' Folk n' Roll," their sound fits the description, but in a typically traditional Irish way. The pipes really are a signature sound here, and the entire CD has a "small venue" feel that is refreshingly not over-processed. Close your eyes and you can believe you're at the pub listening to them. Don't miss track 3's, "The Kesh Set" here, an absolute jam. Not one bad track in the bunch on this CD. The band favors an upbeat tempo, which is especially "sprightly" in many of the songs. There are a few notable exceptions, such as track 6, "She Wore Black" which almost starts with the feel of a slower pop rock song--different and rather attention-grabbing considering the flavor of the other pieces here. Also in the same vein is the last track on the CD, "The Walker," an easy tune with simple lyrics that work well in tandem with the subtle accompaniment. A little slice of life piece to wrap things up. Buy the Album: "Live At The Grange" 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/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Wednesday, March 14, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Everybody" by Rathkeltair
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Rathkeltair Album: "Everybody" Year produced: 2006 This popular band debuted in 2003 and has been engaging audiences ever since. From the Celtic lead in on the first track on "Everybody" to the mix of instruments, this band is one that truly fuses rock with Celtic sound for something that is altogether their own. Sometimes their style is referred to as "Celtic Rock Jam Fusion," but it is truly the rhythm that captures you and stands out strong in the songs included here on this CD. A perfect example are the staccato sounds that pump and punctuate throughout track 2, "Night Visit/Brenda Stubbert's Reel. Full of Celtic sound, it transforms in the middle of the song and morphs into a true stew of musical styles. One fades and in another comes to take its place, but it is never forced. Somehow this band makes it seem like whatever is going on musically is the most natural thing on earth, even though this is something many long-time bands in the genre never manage to achieve. The pipes are expertly played in the hands of Neil Anderson; former member of the band "Seven Nations" along with fellow Rathkeltair band member Nick Watson, who plays drums and the tin whistle. If you are a Celtic rock lover--this is not the CD to pass on--it's just the right mixture of songs and sounds. Truly groundbreaking--this award-winning band is really something to hear. Have a listen. Make yourself happy. Buy the Album: "Everybody" 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/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Wednesday, March 14, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Celtic Blessings" by Celeste Howard
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Celeste Howard Album: "Celtic Blessings" Year produced: 2006 Starting out in music early--at the age of six in Los Angeles--Celeste Howard Ray's love for her chosen art shows through on her latest effort, Celtic Blessings. In this 12-track CD, her voice changes and shifts throughout. At times it sounds like something you would hear in a Broadway production, while at others it is soft and delicate, invoking emotion and having a "dream-like" quality. Some well-done harmonies round out the mix here as well. Celeste has a degree in performance and plenty of practical experience in music, including a 6-month tour of Australia and a performance at the famed Carnegie Hall. Currently a resident of New York, she also teaches when she isn't on the road. She has released several other CDs, with Celtic Blessings being her most recent. This CD features both traditional and original songs, and was inspired by Celtic poems. While this is not a classical or jazz album, Celeste's background and training in both have no doubt influenced the arrangements on this CD. Particularly refreshing is the use of the ancient-styled Bowed Psaltery, which is played here and adds a nice touch. The piano on track five, "Blessing For A Long Journey Home" was gentle and the music on that track was especially "other worldly" and enjoyable. Followed with the Loreena McKennitt-like next track, it truly transports. And just when you thought you had heard one too many versions and interpretations of "Greensleeves," here comes one worth listening to... Buy the Album: "Celtic Blessings" 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/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Wednesday, March 14, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. Top Celtic CDs Sold in February 2007
The following Celtic Music Chart is a list of the Top 20 Celtic CDs sold at CD Baby through the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine, Celtic Music CD Store, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, and our affiliates.
Labels: cd_charts
--posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, March 01, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. |
Previous PostsArchives
Celtic Music Magazine Site Feed
|
