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. "The Music Of Turlough O'Carolan And Other Irish Treasures" by Thomas Patrick Kenny by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Thomas Patrick Kenny Album: The Music Of Turlough O'Carolan And Other Irish Treasures Year produced: 2008 The title of this CD piqued my interest and I really wasn't quite sure what to expect when I pressed play. For the uninitiated, Turlough O'Carolan was an Irish Bard who was blinded by smallpox and lived from 1620 to 1738. He was known for his harp music, but in truth, became well known for his composition more than his ability to play. This is what has been highlighted here on this CD, although it by no means limits iteslf to the harp. Thomas Patrick Kenny chooses instead to use a variety of instruments to tip his hat in tribute to the great artist, and does so with style. When giving a tribute, there is always the concern that the musical artist's agenda will either overpower or overshadow the person (or people) that are being honored. This is not the case on this album, and one can tell that Kenny is truly trying to represent O'Carolan here. It is a bit unusual that Kenny has decided to give an instrumental tribute, as O'Carolan was also known for his lyrics and poetry. It would be interesting to know what that selection was made. That said, it does not diminish the quality of the CD in any way. In fact, it may even enhance it a bit, since one gets to concentrate on the music 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 other magazines, and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her website at CatherineLTully.com.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Monday, July 14, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "The High Kings" by The High Kings
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: The High Kings Album: The High Kings Year produced: 2008 This is superterrific--and then some! The High Kings deliver right out of the box with their first track, "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore," which has fantastic harmonies and a big, yet gentle sound. The delivery on the tunes here is so heartfelt that it feels like you are watching them sing these songs live in your living room along with many friends. This is traditional music at its best--interpreted sweetly and with individual flair that stays true to the ideas and ideals that make it traditional. The vocals really make this CD shine--every single voice is clear and expertly used. Harmonies abound. Galway To Graceland, track 3, is an interesting song with only vocals to communicate the mood. It works wonderfully and is a true masterpiece of sound and feeling mixed together the way they should be. Track 5, The Rocky Road To Dublin, is a tongue twister of a tune that makes you want to listen again and again until you hear it all--or memorize it yourself--what a ride! These guys can't contain their energy; and that's a good thing. A live track caps off the album--a great choice and tasty finish to this delicious offering. It's rare I get super excited about a CD like I did with this one. It's one that merits several listens in a row, really. It gets better every 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 CatherineLTully.com.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Monday, July 14, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "The Whiskey Never Lies" by Sligo Rags by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Sligo Rags Album: The Whiskey Never Lies Year produced: 2007 Starting off with a "barbershop quartet-like" intro to their title track, "The Whiskey Never Lies," Sligo Rags then launches in to an energetic (and fantastic) song; the perfect attention grabber for this CD. I wasn't sure what to expect next. And this album is like that...by track 3 I was intrigued and looking forward to each new sound/song to see what fresh offering was coming down the pipe... There is an ease to the musicianship here that is refreshing. It takes expert players to make things sound so fluid. Blending Celtic, folk, bluegrass and a tiny bit of rock/funk stylings, this band has a unique sound to contribute to listeners. The mixture of humour and traditional sounds with fresh arrangements and musical virtuosity means a feast for the ears. The folk/bluegrass influence assures that the tunes are never too jarring, but the Celtic pull means that they are also energetic or infused with feeling. The dedication to their craft shines through, and you can tell that they put a lot of effort into this CD. They have truly put their best out there for all to see; and it is pretty dang great. Have a listen and enjoy... 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 CatherineLTully.com.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Monday, July 14, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "The Pilgrims Road" by Aisling by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Aisling Album: "The Pilgrims Road" Year produced: 2007 This CD is quite enjoyable and features contemporary Celtic folk music from a band that has been around since 1997. The group sounds like they have worked at refining a really cohesive and pleasing sound over the years. You'll hear familiar instruments such as the flute, tin whistle and bodhran here, and the arrangements are well thought out. The real magic of this CD is that the band understands that sometimes the instruments can sing as well--and they make some room to let that happen. The addition of non-traditional instruments alongside the Celtic sounds make for an interesting diversion as well. When the hammered dulcimer makes an appearance in an otherwise highly traditional song it makes one stand up and take notice. The Ohio band is generous with thirteen tracks on the CD and each offers something a little bit different to the listener. The sheer amount of instruments that are played by band members mean that you never quite know which ones will be popping up on a particular track; which keeps things from getting dull. My personal fave is track 12, "A Walk In The Park," which manages to have a pretty even mix of Celtic and folk stylings and a nice, full sound with an unexpected vignette featuring the instruments in all their finery. 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 CatherineLTully.com.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Sunday, July 13, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. |
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