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. "In Good Time" by Poor Man's Fortune by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Poor Man's Fortune Album: "In Good Time" Year produced: 2007 What do you get when you have three musicians who set out to play music from Brittany, Ireland, England, Scandinavia and Scotland and want to bring theirown stamp to the mix? You have a CD by Poor Man's Fortune, titled In Good Time! The band calls their style, "old tunes for new ears" and accomplishes that by taking old, traditional songs from a variety of places and arranging them with a modern influence. The instruments remain traditional, but the band infuses their tunes with an energy and style that leaves one well aware that this is not your grandfather's trio. This band has some serious background in the music field--either by college degree or experience--or both. You'll find no amateurs here. The CD begins with the sound of a crowd and evolves into a fun jaunty piece to get things rolling. Some tracks are light and fluffy while others are a bit more dramatic--one doesn't know what exactly to expect from each new song--but it is all interesting. Those looking for music that is traditional filtered through the lens of interpretation and intellect will get excited by this CD. If you want a safe listen, you may want to look elsewhere, but if you want to expand your musical horizons and see what can happen when one doesn't play totally by the rules--check out this album. It's well worth the time. Buy the Album: "In Good 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 other magazines, and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her website at http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, January 31, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Celtic Passage" by Deirdre Ni Chinneide by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Deirdre Ni Chinneide Album: "Celtic Passage" Year produced: 2007 Not many debut albums have the kind of immediate impact on the listener that Celtic Passage does. This is music from a lady (Deirdre Ni Chinneide) who has a very distinct, unusual style and knows how to weave together an interesting and artistic CD. The sounds heard here were inspired in part by the land of Inis Mor, the largest of a group of islands off the west coast of Ireland. The island is also the artist's home. Deirdre is a psychotherapist, working in the specialized field of trauma and recovery, and it is reflected strongly in the soothing feel of her music. She believes in the healing power of sound, and it shows. This CD is balm for the most stressful of days or moods. Songs like "Cry to the Mountains" and others have an almost "new age" slant to them, with a world music mood here and there as well. It is difficult to describe the tenderness of the singer's voice, but it rings out in its angelic tones and leaves one feeling relaxed--like all is right with the world. Harmonies punctuate here and there, keeping the sound from being too one-dimensional and infusing tracks such as "Mother" with energy despite their gentleness.With 13 tracks, there is plenty of time to sit with this music and let it work its magic. By the end of the CD, listeners should find they feel inspired and refreshed, for this is truly restorative sound here. Not just a copy of others who came before her, Deirdre Ni Chinneide finds her own way into the field with Celtic Passage, and stakes her claim with this ethereal effort. Buy the Album: "Celtic Passage" Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her website at http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, January 31, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Silverwheel" by Darren Raleigh by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Darren Raleigh Album: "Silverwheel" Year produced: 2007 This is the simplest of CDs in one way--just a man and his harp--no frills. Yet Darren Raleigh manages to keep things interesting enough to hold your attention well for the entire 10 tracks on his album, "Silverwheel". This is squarely in the Celtic genre, and those who enjoy a good harp will feel satisfied after giving this a listen. Raleigh takes his music very seriously, and considers himself a story teller as well as a musician. He has led a very interesting life, which undoubtedly has contributed to his music, and has done things such as travel as a street harper and participate in Renaissance Fairs around the country. Raleigh studied music as a child, returning to it later in life and finding his passionate spirit best reflected in the tones of the harp. The tracks here vary from sprightly to sentimental, and the musicianship is quite good. Vocals are less frequent than the sound of the strings, which isa nice emphasis in that you just get to listen to the man play. What couldbe too much harp for some will be a welcome amount for those who love this instrument's sound--it is the centerpiece of the album and is pure as can be. Buy the Album: "Silverwheel" Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her website at http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, January 31, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Out of the Ordinary" by Claire Roche
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Claire Roche Album: "Out of the Ordinary" by Claire Roche Year produced: 2001 This is a very dreamy album. Ideal for those who enjoy harp music but are tired of the same old thing as the CD is done in a very different style, and the vocals whisper and call much like a fantastic, eerie combination of Sinead O'Connor and Loreena McKennitt. The songs are all original too,making the sounds both unexpected and delightful. Each track has a very intimate feel to it. One feels as though the singer is sharing her innermost feelings and emotions through song here, and it is riveting. Tracks such as "Loss" have a choir-like atmosphere, even with a solo voice. Picture music that would accompany a stylized dream sequence in a movie and you are on the right road to understanding the sound of Claire Roche. The tracks are too full to be background/relaxation music, but they are ripe for the daydreamer. Whether thoughtful yearning for the past is on your mind or wishes for the future, there is something here to set the mood for you to kick back and just think things through. Track six, "Unrequiet" is especially different--you don't listen to the lyrics as much as the sound of Roche's voice, and it is pure magic. The music itself remains fairly simple throughout the CD, which is as it should be. This is a tremendous sound Ms. Roche has developed. Buy the Album: "Out of the Ordinary" by Claire Roche Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her website at http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, January 31, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. Catherine's Top Ten Celtic CDs of 2007
by Catherine L. Tully
1. Victims Of Irish Music ~ Compilation (Irish & Celtic Music Podcast) Compilations tend to highlight some of the best, and Marc Gunn has done so in this wonderful grouping of independent Celtic musicians. At 17 tracks, this CD gives the listener a wide range of tunes, and serves as a great introduction to the variety that is available out there. You just might find yourself a new favorite band here.. 2. "The New Colossus" by MacTalla Mor I love this band, and if you like the highland bagpipes--so will you. With a unique "fusion" style and hints of unusual musical influences, this is the real deal. From a bagpipe duet to more unusual fare, look for sounds outside the typical range here--but blended in so well that they will add to the overall sound. Smashing! 3. "Four On The Floor" by Old Blind Dogs This popular Scottish band is well-known for a reason, and this CD is the perfect example of why. Songs like "Terror Time" have an amazing depth and the musicianship is stellar. This album is not to be missed! 4. "Tales from Windsor's Tavern" by The Merry Wives of Windsor Although not technically square in the middle of the "Celtic" genre, this CD makes the list because it is just too good not to be here. The Merry Wives of Windsor consist of eleven singers that present an amazing sound which is a combination of renaissance and folk music with English influences. The reason it sits here is because the harmonies are so tremendous--three and four part--and done so well. 5. "Athas" by Athas Those who love set dancing will want this in their collection. Besides delivering up a great CD, the band has included five tracks that can be used to dance to for the Borlin set. A mixture of traditional and original music, this album provides a great listen in its fifteen tracks. 6. "Far From The Hills of Donegal" by Oisín McAuley This is McAuley's solo debut and it showcases him well. Once the lead fiddler of the traditional group Danú, this fiddler has been playing since he was nine years old--and it is obvious by his skill! This CD is marked by range, with McAuley calling forth both fire and yearning from his instrument on this 13 track effort. No doubt there will be more where this came from. 7. "Zephyr in the Confetti Factory" by Jamie Laval and Ashley Broder Another album that is centered around the fiddle, this is a very innovative CD that combines Irish, Scottish and other Celtic fiddle music--quite successfully! Championship fiddle playing reigns on this album, but it is done with a bit of a stretch from the traditional--without being crazy experimental. 8. "Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion" by Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats You just have to hear it! Marc Gunn has released this CD full of the original songs that were featured on his "Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers" album. Check out the first versions of those songs such as "Finnegan's Wake" and "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" and compare! Gunn is his usual, fun self here and the 13 tracks are sure to please! 9. "One Lump or Two?" by The Tea Merchants A great CD that gives the listener the unexpected--with a whole lot of energy! Take track 4 for example--"Led Zeppelin Polkas." Need I say more? Lighthearted but skilled describes this group well, and this album has them at their most interesting yet. 10. "Tales Through Time" by Rowan A combination of World Music and Celtic sound, Rowan has earned its place in both genres. This CD is a perfect example of their layered style. If you are looking to expand your horizons and experience something different--try this! Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her website at www.catherineltully.com. Labels: staff_picks
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, January 03, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. Donelle's Top 10 Celtic CDs of 2007
by Donnelle McKaskle
Celtic Storm airs every Monday morning on KOOP 91.7FM produced and hosted by Donnelle McKaskle. Playing the Best in Traditional and Not so Traditional Celtic Music. Labels: staff_picks
--posted by Marc Gunn, Wednesday, January 02, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. |
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