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. "Irish Coffee" by Cady Finlayson by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Cady Finlayson Album: "Irish Coffee" Year produced: 2007 Always a pleasure to listen to, expert fiddle-player Cady Finlayson is at her best on her latest CD, "Irish Coffee." Packed full with 19 tracks, there is a tasty plateful of music for the ears here to devour. Finlayson offers a variety of tunes, ranging from the sprightly--to the longing sounds that can only be called forth from the strings. Although squarely within the Irish music genre, there is always a bit of blending going on with this talented musician. Like a good cook, she adds flavor--from American folk influences to worldbeat rhythms, simmering through traditional sounds like good spices. Finlayson never overdoes it, but manages to seamlessly marry the sounds with a natural flair. It is in this way that she continues to, with the help of her very skilled band, create for the listener her particular tradition of sound and mood. It's too hard to pick favorites out of this mixture of songs, each has something to offer and all are expertly played. Finlayson wrote some of these tunes herself, based on her time at jury duty, her brother's cooking and the neighborhood she lives in, so you can explore life with her a bit through the songs written from her experiences. "Irish Coffee" shows that even a musician who is already adept can learn and grow, and you see that here in this display of her latest ideas and her polished skill on the fiddle. Buy the Album: "Irish Coffee" 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, Monday, May 21, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Spirit Of Albion" by Damh the Bard by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Damh the Bard Album: "Spirit Of Albion" Year produced: 2006 A modern-day Bard with depth and a way around a story, every track on this CD has layers and an interesting complexity woven throughout the lyrics. The music here is a simple but steady accompaniment to the tales told, and the sound of the vocals lend themselves to the emotion the words call forth. Sometimes wistful, sometimes authoritative, this CD is definitely for the thinkers out there. The lyrics are carefully crafted and whir and spin, curling themselves around the music, encouraging the listener to enjoy, learn and feel. Whether talking about a Goddess, reflecting a traditional Folk song or sharing a myth of old, the songs all have the feel that the mood was set carefully and deliberately by the Bard. The album is a celebration of the island of Albion and a way to honor the ancient Spirit of Britain. Songs such as "Domeanna," a traditional Folk tune from Sussex, have such a lovely flow to them and the vocals are such that the voice becomes instrument. The gentleness of the music in most tracks helps to underscore the intensity of the lyrics without fading away into the background entirely. A well-done arrangement on each and every track. Those who love a good story in a song will truly enjoy this CD. Buy the Album: "Spirit Of Albion" 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, Saturday, May 19, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Rant, Rave, Lose Pants" by Ceann by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Ceann Album: "Rant, Rave, Lose Pants" Year produced: 2007 (If the title of the CD doesn't give you an idea of what is in store...read on...) Rant, Rave, Lose Pants is an Irish rock CD with a sense of humor and it has all the fun and charm of "Almost Irish," the bands last release. Think Irish music in a great, easy rock style with much more than a pinch of clever lyrics. The pacing and feel are reminiscent of the band "They Might Be Giants," but with an Irish feel and more style and energy. Songs like "Pretty On The Inside" or "Last One Standing" will bring a chuckle as well as a catchy musical arrangement--a super combination! Even the names of some of the tracks will make you smirk--such as "Pittsburg Makes Me Drunk." You should know that these guys aren't worried about making everybody happy, but they are about having a good time--so if you are a conservative type--you might want to check out another CD. The musicianship is first rate, and the band is fond of a good, strong rhythm--paramount in any well-done Irish rock compilation. The momentum is there for your listening pleasure. This is a snappy, peppy album and will lighten your load on a rough day. Unlike some bands who are content to amuse, Ceann also delivers on the music end of things, making them all the more appealing. Oh, and are they Irish-American or American-Irish? They have solved the dispute by labeling themselves, and it suits them--just call them "Yankee-Irish" please. Check this CD out--its sure to make your day. Buy the Album: "Rant, Rave, Lose Pants" 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, Saturday, May 19, 2007. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. |
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