Celtic band Poisoned Dwarf kick off Colonial Williamsburg’s Winter Concert Weekend‏

  Hi Celtic music fans. I am writing this blog amidst the blistering heat . We are having some major power outages in the area and I had to go out of the house to catch some air.

  After a week of hard work, I have finally found time for myself and of course this blog which I constantly update because of you. Isn’t it nice to broadcast one’s thoughts to the world? Isn’t it cool to realize that despite one’s mundane and unknown existence, one has the power to move emotions across cyberspace. To break down barrier’s in what music is all about. So don’t be sad if you are a geek, a lonely nerd or a lost Druid. You are never alone.

From our readers:

Hello,

I hope you are having a great day. I was hoping to connect with you regarding Colonial Williamsburg’s Winter Concert Weekend. Local favorite Poisoned Dwarf, a traditional Celtic band led by Colonial Williamsburg’s Music Program Manager Lance Pedigo, kicks off the weekend Friday night, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. with “Pints, Pairings and Poisoned Dwarf”. Poisoned Dwarf will perform its Celtic sounds in the Williamsburg Lodge Restaurant during “Pints, Pairings and Poisoned Dwarf,” a special four-course dinner from executive chef Rhys Lewis served with a selection of ales from the British Isles Friday night, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. 

Poisoned Dwarf’s traditional Celtic sounds focus primarily on Irish traditional music with acoustic instruments only. The Williamsburg-based band is made up of Colonial Williamsburg employees, including Stewart Pittman and Lance Pedigo from Fifes and Drums; Tom DeRose from military programs; balladeer Wayne Hill and Eric Hunter, from coach and livestock. The sounds of the Irish flute, whistle, guitar, Scottish small-pipes, banjo, accordion, fiddle and various percussion instruments, including bones and bodhrán, bring such lively sounds to all Poisoned Dwarf performances, it’s nearly impossible to keep from dancing. Their love for playing their music is contagious from the very first note.

“Pints, Pairings and Poisoned Dwarf” is $39.50, including tax and gratuity. For reservations, call               1-800-447-8679         1-800-447-8679. This is one of several special events during the Winter Concert Weekend featuring Grammy winner Kathy Mattea live in the Virginia Room of the Williamsburg Lodge Saturday, Feb. 27, at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. For information about all the dining and music events during the Winter Concert Weekend, visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.com. For information about Poisoned Dwarf, visit www.poisoneddwarf.com.   

I noticed you frequently update your blog with the latest in news, events and more. I thought perhaps this event could fit for your site. Let me know if you would like any further information on the Winter Concert Weekend.

Thank you again, I look forward to hearing back from you.

All the best,

Katie 

 

I sent Katie a reply about my interest in this news. She wrote back:

Wonderful news! Below I have provided additional information and a photo of group below, and a link to the bands website. Does this help? Let me know, I am happy to send additional info. Look forward to checking it out on your site this weekend.

All the best,

Katie

 

“Pints, Pairings and Poisoned Dwarf”

Combines Ales from the Isles with Dinner and Music

 

From left to right, Stewart Pittman, Tom DeRose, Lance Pedigo, Wayne Hill and Eric Hunter. Photo Courtesy of Poisoned Dwarf.

  

Williamsburg, Va. ― Enjoy the Celtic sounds of regional favorite Poisoned Dwarf in the Williamsburg Lodge Restaurant during “Pints, Pairings and Poisoned Dwarf,” a special four-course dinner from executive chef Rhys Lewis served with a selection of ales from the British Isles Friday night, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. 

Poisoned Dwarf’s traditional Celtic sounds focus primarily on Irish traditional music with acoustic instruments only. The Williamsburg-based band is made up of Colonial Williamsburg employees, including Stewart Pittman and Lance Pedigo from Fifes and Drums; Tom DeRose from military programs; balladeer Wayne Hill and Eric Hunter, from coach and livestock.

The sounds of the Irish flute, whistle, guitar, Scottish small-pipes, banjo, accordion, fiddle and various percussion instruments, including bones and bodhrán, bring such lively sounds to all Poisoned Dwarf performances, it’s nearly impossible to keep from dancing. Their love for playing their music is contagious from the very first note.

“Pints, Pairings and Poisoned Dwarf” is $39.50, including tax and gratuity. For reservations, call 1-800-447-8679. This is one of several special events during the Winter Concert Weekend featuring Kathy Mattea live in the Virginia Room of the Williamsburg Lodge Saturday, Feb. 27, at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. For information about all the dining and music events during the Winter Concert Weekend, visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.com. For information about Poisoned Dwarf, visit www.poisoneddwarf.com.   

 

Established in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a not-for-profit educational institution and cultural destination dedicated to the preservation, restoration, interpretation and presentation of the 18th-century Revolutionary capital of Virginia as the nation’s largest living history museum.  Colonial Williamsburg offers more than 1,000 guest rooms among five hotels, including the landmark Williamsburg Inn, four historic dining taverns and six restaurants, a full-service 20,000-square-foot spa, the Golden Horseshoe golf courses and 66,000 square feet of conference space centered at the restored Williamsburg Lodge.

Williamsburg is located in Virginia’s Tidewater region within an hour’s drive of Richmond and Norfolk and three hours south of Washington, D.C. For more information about Colonial Williamsburg, call 1-800-HISTORY or visit Colonial Williamsburg’s Web site at www.colonialwilliamsburg.com. Purchase of Colonial Williamsburg products and services supports the Foundation’s preservation, research and educational programs. 

 Katie

If you want to know how the band sounds like, you can hear samples on this link.

Spanish Celtic Music

  There is power in letting go, the power in forgiveness… and in accepting that all beautiful things come to an end. There are times when I trust my pain more than my happiness. I think the first time I read the poems of  St John of the Cross I was shaking. The intensity of his writings shocked me.  I think nothing comes close to the beauty of  The Dark Night of the Soul:

Once in the dark of night
When love ignited me, I yearned and rose
(O stroke of sheer delight!)
And went though no one knows,
Leaving behind a house in cold repose.

In darkness all went right.
By secret ladders, in clandestine clothes,
(O stroke of sheer delight!)
In darkness I arose
Leaving behind a house in cold repose.

And in the luck of night
In secret places where no other spied
I went without my sight
Without a light to guide
Except the heart that lit me from inside.

It guided me and shone
Surer than sunlight in the noonday blue
And lead me to the one,
The one I truly knew
Who waited with nobody else in view.

O guiding dark of night!
O dark of night more darling than the dawn!
O night that can unite
A lover and loved one,
A lover and loved one moved in unison.

And on my flowering breast
Which I had kept for him and him alone
He slept as I caressed
And loved him for my own,
Breathing an air from redolent cedars blown.

And from the castle wall
The wind came down to winnow through his hair
Bidding his fingers fall,
Searing my throat with air
And all my senses were suspended there.

I stayed there to forget.
There on my lover, face to face, I lay.
All ended, and I let
My cares all fall away
Forgotten in the lilies on that day.

***

 As our thoughts turn to Spain, nothing comes close to the beauty of the music of Carlos Nunez. I came across this very interesting interview article  about this legendary Spanish musician.

Introducing Radio Celt

Featured artist:Ashley McIsaac

It is not often I come across an online radio that broadcasts a wide array of styles within a particular genre of music. Celtic music is so diverse as we can hear from Radio Celt. It brings to us a lot of  ‘doorways’ where we can listen based in our preferences. If you like  male or  female artists, traditional, rock, progressive and anything under the light of the moon, they are here.

What I love about this site is the clarity of the music it delivers .The featured artists are those we’ve heard before. There are also artists new to our ears. I was surprise to  hear an operatic aria on a song composed  in a style that makes you ask ” is this still Celtic music?” And then a few listens bring me back to the Altan-meets- Clannad- meets The Corrs types.  Hey Paul Brady’s The Hawana Way is getting airplay here!

If you are curious with what I mean, just follow the link down below. I tell ya man,will bring the groovy bard within you. So  dance, dance, dance to the music.

http://www.radiocelt.com/

Enya, hitting the #1 spot of the Billboard New Age chart

“I think they find it — they find me quite confusing, because — they know the music, but they don’t know anything about me … because I keep a very private lifestyle so they end up … making up stories as such. But I don’t really concern myself too much about them”

–Enya (When asked about her opinion on the music press)

Hearing Enya news is like having the best English Breakfast tea ever. I remember I was at an acquaintance party with friends a few nights ago. we Were in this popular diner. There were few people around. The ambiance was good. The food was excellent. But the tea was fantastic! My eyes literally rolled at the taste of that hot tea(complete with dried leaves floating inside the porcelain teapot).

***

From one of our readers…..

Anne In Wisconsin emailed me with this wonderful news:

Hello!  I enjoy your blog on Celtic music.

As a matter of fact, I’ve been working with Enya’s US label to help spread the word about The Very Best of Enya CD and CD/DVD.  Since you’re up on the Eurochannel info, I thought I’d pass along two more bits to you. Perhaps you’d be kind enough to post these on your blog.

Thanks for your consideration.

Anne In Wisconsin

1.  Enya’s new CD “The Very Best of Enya” is at the top of the Billboard New Age chart.  Billboard’s New Age Chart The CD is #1 and the CD/DVD is #3.  I believe the album has gone Gold in just 6 short weeks.

2.   Have you seen the DVD?  Really high quality videos.  You can see one here, and it’s OK to post it to your sites.  http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid4020141001/?bctid=ref:A10302B0000121411Y

Thank you so much for that news Anne In Wisconsin. Though I get spammed by posting my email on the upper right corner of this blog, I do appreciate a wonderful news now and then. Thank you for your continued support and in spreading the magic of Enya’s music around.

By the way  that HQ version of Orinoco Flow is really excellent.

***

I saw our  Tony, our job trainer this afternoon. He’s also a DJ. I know he likes Enya and he likes to play Oíche Chiún [Silent Night] during the Holiday Season. While other stations are heavily into top 40 rock, he takes time to play  May it Be from LOTR or any songs from Enya’s albums. His taste is eclectic because he also listens to bands and other interesting music. He is not an intellectual or musical elitist that would dismiss you just because he doesn’t like what you listen to. I am like that too and that’s why we click. So Tony if you are also reading this blog, my kudos to you and your one of a kind way of looking at life.

P.S.

We know that Enya’s music doesn’t totally fall on the Celtic genre but there’s so much of an Irish in her…and you can say that her temperament, beauty, and past associations with Clannad(members are her siblings) , Altan , Christy Moore (she sang back up in Sweet Music Roll On and Quiet Desperation: Backing vocals – Assistant Arranger – Keyboards)  -and that she also speaks Gaelic, her first language-these are all the things that endear us to her.

Her music- simple arrangements on top of a dense multi- swathed sound is what sets her apart from the rest. No matter what people say, hundreds of years from now, when the world has moved on forgetting the divas of today, people will still be listening to Enya.

More interesting facts can be read in this link:

http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Enya

Mairead & Karl Nesbitt with The Berne Symphony Orchestra

Someone in YouTube was really cool in posting this video of siblings Mairead and Karl Nesbitt with the Berne Symphony Orchestra. I know that you are very much familiar with Mairead’s work in Celtic Woman as well as the soundtrack for the Tinkerbell movie. I guess this show is about her involvement with the soundtrack of the latter. You can spot Karl who is on the left of the stage playing different instruments (bodhran, Irish bouzouki etc…)

I am sure the audience has a really great night watching such fabulous show involving musicians of high order. Kudos to Mairead , Karl and the rest for the excellent performance!

Fun Facts

How are you doing fellas? What’s the craic?

As usual I am stuck here in my little padded cell enjoying the time of the month when the wind blows cold and there’s a light drizzle when you ride a bus. I haven’t done my research and assignments yet and so I am still listening to my old records. I met a guy who plays a violin a couple of days ago and I was thinking of starting a collaboration about Celtic music. But then again that is just a thought that crossed my mind. Nothing serious to that.

My friend in Dublin is celebrating his birthday today the 15th. Happy Birthday Donie. You remember we featured him as our guest painter last time. This time of the year ,a lot of good bands are on tour and I will be looking for them. For now I have this cool link to a site that offers fun facts about Ireland. Take a look at this link: http://www.ireland-fun-facts.com/ireland-facts.html

I realize there is no pic to show today. Oh well , I will catch up next time.

Happy New Year Celtic Music Fans!

How’s everyone? I am glad we’re able to make it to 2010 in good health and being surrounded by people we love. This year brings forth challenges and also suspense. I checked Amazon releases and found these bestsellers on the Celtic chart.

***

You are welcome Shauna Burns! It’s really nice when one is appreciated for what he does especially when it comes from an artist herself!

http://shaunaburns.livejournal.com/29290.html

I got tickled pink

***

So what 2010 means to me? This is the question I pondered for a few hours now while staring at the white screen of Microsoft Word. This is not an easy question to ask because it feels like presenting a college essay for Mr. Rios, my essay writing teacher.

We have to admit that 2009 was not an easy year. People lost jobs due to what’s happening to the economy. We lost friends through natural disasters or war. Most of us probably just graduated and are still looking for jobs. There are those who probably found themselves in situations where they think there is no escape. Regardless of race , religion an socio-economic status, we could not deny that we are all fragile beings and that we are striving for something. And that ‘something’ is actually knowing the purpose why we are here. I know I sound like a boring New Age enthusiast but that’s me.

If only it is possible to live both a happy and meaningful life. But there is no such thing. A person who looks for meaning will always feel the pain of realizing where he or she stands between the past and the future. But a person who strives happiness has to kick away this realization to be happy.

I think 2010 for me is about possibilities. Looking back in the year 1969, the first time humanity first took the step and landed on the moon, it forever changed everything we know about time and space. It opened the door to possibilities. I know that today we think everything is kind of mundane but this world is never the same again. And it is a great thing to have been able to live in this age where we bear witness on what’s to come.

So what do you look forward to?

Karl Nesbitt Demonstrates Bodhran Playing.

I haven’t checked You Tube for ages and I was glad to know that my friend Karl Nesbitt who recently released an album called Vista Point uploaded a new video.

For those who are not yet aware, there is a tutorial for Irish music via YouTube. Karl Nesbitt has uploaded videos for people who want to enhance their talents in playing Celtic music instruments. Please visit Karl Nesbitt’s YouTube page to check these wonderful videos out.

Karl I really like the new video about playing the Bodhran. Please tell us what’s new with you.

Hi, and Happy Christmas to you.

Glad you liked the new clip. My album Vista Point is now on iTunes which is great, people can easily access it. http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/vista-point/id345443691

What advice can you give newbies in terms of playing the bodhran?

Advice on playing the bodhran.. tough one, but maybe that it’s 50% playing..and 50% listening!

Where do you shop for instruments?

It’s a bit harder to shop for instruments of quality now unless online..But usually locally here in Cork for me.

You will join your sister Mairead and the Berne Symphony Orchestra for a performance in Berne, Switzerland, on January 2nd. What will fans expect to hear from this event?

The Berne gig is the music Mairead did for Disney, and Celtic Woman. Glad to join the event.

Have a peaceful Christmas full of content, and look forward to a good year.

Liam Clancy Passed Away

Celticmusicfan is sad to announce the passing away of one of Ireland’s bright stars, Liam Clancy last December 4. I was one of the unfortunate people who  got to hear his music only recently but there’s an understanding there. One song made the computer screen blurry. Liam and the rest of Clancy Brothers paved the way to  artists like The Corrs, Enya, Clannad, U2, Boyzone and the rest . This wonderful man will be missed.

Special Euromusic on Enya in January on Eurochannel‏

More news pouring in from both sides of the globe. I got an email  with attached pic and logo from Mandy Mokhtari Press Attache for Eurochannel.

Special Euromusic on Enya in January on Eurochannel

In January, Eurochannel, the only channel with 100% European content available on DISH Network in the US, is pleased to present Enya, the world famous Irish icon.

Come to celebrate with Eurochannel the release of her latest album, The Very Best of Enya (2009), during a special program including an interview and some of her most famous video clips!

Enya – The Very Best of will premiere on January the 10^th at 8 PM (Eastern Time) and 9 PM (Pacific).

All the details of this special program are here: http://www.eurochannel.com/web/eurochannelusa/enya

Soon, Eurochannel will organize a contest with limited editions of her latest CD Enya The very best of.  Stay tuned on www.eurochannel.com!

I think this is a fabulous event and Celticmusicfan will monitor how this  will unfold. You can also reach Mandy here:

Mandy Mokhtari
Eurochannel US PR
mandy@eurochannel.com

235 Lincoln Road, Suite 206
Miami Beach, Florida. 33 139

www.eurochannel.com

Mary Fahl, Scythian,Poitin and More News.

Scythian

Since I have been getting newsletters and messages from people associated with the artists I’ve mentioned in this site, I might as well do a shout out  from time to time.  For the news:

Mary Fahl @ The Cline Compound Sold Out!

Click the link for the upcoming December 12 concert of this singer with an astounding voice. Will you be there?

Celtic Rock Band Scythian on Tour.They are wild, interesting and totally funny! Check the reverbnation.com site and MySpace for more details.

and next, Poitin : The band from County Fargo.

Mary Fahl

Here’s the official site for more info. You can also visit the official MySpace page of the band.

Members are: Jim Haney – Vocals, Mandolin, Octave Mando, Guitar; Bonnie Haney – Vocals, Bodhran, Percussion; Don Rice – Guitar, Vocals, Banjo; Pat Crary - Percussion; Jason Thorstad - Bass; Alex Rydell - Fiddle; Bettina Villamil - Fiddle, Vocals, Mandolin; Bob Schieffer - Sound, Recording, Webmaster; Teresa Brenden – Flute..

For those who haven’t heard of Scottish band Tannahill Weavers, then this is your chance not to miss out on how wonderful the music is. The band is currently on tour. Band members: Roy Gullane – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Phil Smillie – Vocals, Flute, Bodhran

Tannahill Weavers

Leslie Wilson – Vocals, Bouzouki
John Martin – Fiddles, Vocals
Colin Melville – Bagpipes, Vocals

Visit  www.tannahillweavers.com and www.myspace.com/tannahillweavers for more….

If you are living somewhere in Alabama then you can check The Alabama Celtic Association. Be part of the clan and get updates by joining the mailing list…

It looks like Robbi and the gang did a nice makeover to Northern Skyline the Clannad, Moya Brennan and Enya news site. I love the new look and the amazing contents . Please check it out …

Your favorite artists need your vote. Please visit the Irish Music Awards site to take part in this annual event. The voting will end in 1/8/10.

Irish Music Award Nominations for 2009:

Top Solo Performer in Concert (US, IRE, EU, UK)

Van Morrison
Luka Bloom
Christy Moore
Orla Fallon

Top Solo Performer in a Pub Venue (US, IRE, EU, UK)

Luka Bloom
Harry O’Donoghue
Seamus Kennedy

Top Duo in Pub, Festival, and Concert (US, IRE, EU, UK)

Ellis Island
Wild Colonial Bhoys (Adam & Geno)
Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill
Stephens Green

Top Group (US, IRE & EU)

Gaelic Storm
The Chieftains
The Wolfe Tones
Celtic Woman

Best New Irish Music Artist(s) (US, IRE, EU, UK)

Cara
Connachttown
The Rum Brothers

Top Celtic Rock Band (US, IRE, EU, UK)

Bad Haggis
The Indulgers
Seven Nations
The Screaming Orphans

Best Irish Tenor (individual)

John McDermott
Anthony Kearns

Best Female Vocalist (individual/trad.) 

Mary Black
Deirde Shannon
Orla Fallon
Maria Doyle Kennedy

Best Sean-nos Singer 

Iarla O Lionaird
Brian O’hAirt
Brid Ní Mhaoilchiaráin

Top Traditional Performance Show 

Dublin City Ramblers
High Kings
Switchback
Slide

Top Traditonal Group – In Festival, Pub & Concert

High Kings
Bua
Cherish the Ladies
The BeerMats

Tommy Makem Award

John Doyle
Orla Fallon
Jimmy Crowley and Mairtin de Cogain
Top Harpist (US, IRE & EU, UK) 

Patrick Harvey
Darren Raleigh
Orla Fallon

Top Uilleann Piper (US, IRE, EU) 

Tim Britton
John McSherry
Eric Rigler

Top Fiddle (US,IRE, EU, UK)

Liz Carroll
Natalie MacMasters
Mairead Nesbitt
Martin Hayes

Top Button Accordian (US, IRE, EU, UK) 

John Whelan
Liam O’Connor

Lifetime Achievement Award 

Van Morrison
The Wolfe Tones
Donal Lunny
Bill Whelan

Nominations for 2010 will open 3/18/10

An Irish Christmas

Hello readers and fellow bloggers. I apologize for being late again. Things have been hectic lately. The new job training has been taking so much of my time. Anyway I am still alive and kicking here to bring you all the stuff with the big C.

Let me present Moya Brennan’s “An Irish Christmas’ .I think this is the best album to greet the Yuletide season. From the first track up to the last, you will be swept away by heavenly vocals and superb instrumental arrangements.

Celtic Season Vol I, II and III

  Great introduction to bands and artists you probably haven’t heard of yet.  I was amazed by Windham Hill’s choice of materials and I really like the packaging . You will hear artists like Loreena McKennitt,Nightnoise, Capercaillie, Carlos Nunez and a lot more.

 

…And Winter Came by Enya

I have listened to this album on and off-season. My personal favorites are Trains and Winter Rains, Last Time by Moonlight and My! MY! Time Flies! With that adorable blues guitar solo and Beatlesque beat. Don’t miss the newest greatest hits compilation “The Very Best of Enya out now.

The Angel and the Soldier Boy

Clannad made this soundtrack for the animated film of the same title. Beautiful haunting sounds fit for the season.

To Drive the Cold Winter Away

  Loreena McKennitt has the voice that is both ancient and contemporary. Her approach is more bare but vibrant with her harp playing and choice of materials.

I do have a lot in mind but we have limited time. I hope you can add your own seasonal albums here.

Alf Kelty on Joy Is…( Interview)

The creative process in music is something that proves to be fascinating for me. I like being in the studio and knowing what musicians use in making songs.  It is a treat to know what inspires them and what their influences are in creating that distinctive style.

In this Interview, we are going to meet Alf Kelty . Let’s get to know the man behind the The album Joy Is… His music is dreamlike, vivacious and spiritual. There is sweet optimism and a sense of control in his compositions. And you can bet he is at home in  a live recording environment. As he mentions in this interview:”  I ‘m a hardcore recording artist that believes in spontaneous musical combustion.”

You can hear traces of Classical, Celtic and Folk influences in his instrumental pieces. To hear his songs, simply visit his page at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/alfatlastree

Tell us a little bit more about the place where you live in South Africa.

I live in Hartenbos a suburb of a picturesque coastal town called Mossel Bay (Bay of Mussels). It forms part of the Garden Route, which is one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in South Africa. I love it here. If there is one South African town where one should live it is Mossel Bay. It is a tranquil place with lots of sunshine, beautiful beaches and mountain views. It does not get any better than this.

You are a self-taught pianist. What is it about the piano that spoke to you as a child?

I grew up in a nature reserve called the Kruger National Park. The community was very small and my mom happened to be the local piano teacher. As a child many a morning I woke to the sound of my mom playing the piano, and in the afternoons the children came for piano lessons. My life from the start was filled with the sound of piano. Before I could read I started fiddling with the piano. One day I started playing a song I have heard many times before. It came out of the blue and ever since that day the piano made sense. It happened without any rhyme or reason. I think certain people are born with a musical intuition. And in the right circumstances it comes to the fore. It can’t be explained. I feel very blessed that I was raised in such a milieu. I think it is easy for people to miss their callings in life. On the other hand my mother tried to teach me to read music and play from the book many times since then.  It never worked out. I always loved playing by ear and making my own melodies. I was a bit hard headed and here I am today still doing my own thing. I must say – sometimes I wish I listened to my mother. It would have been wise to get some proper classic training. It must be very fulfilling to sit and play an intricate piece of classic music from the book. I look up to those musicians.

What’s the creative process in writing a song?

First of all I never start a song with a specific image or theme in mind. I try to keep it as spontaneous as possible. Usually it starts with a few lucky notes, which leads to the right emotions or imagery. I want my music to be without pretension. Spontaneity takes center stage in my music. I let the notes run their course. Afterwards I will select the best parts of the recording and weave them together. Usually I leave a recording for a few days and come back to it. If it makes sense and awaken the right emotions I will work on it more and refine it. Rarely will I add anything to it. Just clean it up a little and play around with the material. In reality the final product you are listening to is the core of an elaborate jam session. That is also why my tracks are so short. It stops where the emotions and imagery stopped. Rarely will I perform a piece twice. It is once-off musical snapshots that you are listening to. I ‘m a hardcore recording artist that believes in spontaneous musical combustion.

What are the musician you listened to as a child and then growing up

My earliest memories of music were ABBA and Boney M. Later on I listened to Kylie Minogue, Suzanne Vega, Sandra, Madonna, Cindy Lauper. The usual 80’s play list. Most importantly I discovered Enya and Andreas Vollenweider in the late 80’s.

Tell us about your album Joy Is..

My album “Joy is…” was released September 2008. It consists of 21 instrumental tracks. It is available at CDBABY.COM in mp3 format or CD.  It is also available in mp3 format through ITUNES and various other portals.

What’s the timeline in creating this album?

“Joy is”… was made over the course of many years. When I came to the point where I decided, “Now it is time” I had to go and select from a bunch of compositions old and new. The tracks that made it onto the album were the ones that held the fondest memories and moments of joy. Some compositions were more than 9 years old. I see “Joy is…” with its many imperfections as a scrapbook documenting the core of my musical self-discovery. I am glad today that I recorded and kept those joyful musical moments. Not only for posterity’s sake but also for the joy it brings me to share it with those willing to listen.

Did you work alone in the studio?

Yes I work alone in my home studio. I wasted some money on fancy studio time in the past. But I have discovered that working on my own, with my own unconventional ways works best.

Tell us about the instruments and gear you used in this recording…the mixing…simply the whole process.

My home studio consists of a very basic electronic music setup. I find that it works well with my spontaneous ways. It consists of a music keyboard, Midi Interface, Soundcard and Midi Sequencing Software. All my music is done electronically. So I do not work with live audio recordings. All the sounds are electronic in nature, triggered by me playing the keyboard. I tend to work with ethnic instrumental sounds. I love Celtic harp and Oriental instruments. I find it challenging working with these sounds electronically. I always aim to keep the sound as acoustic as possible. I think it is a key factor in keeping my tracks sounding as spontaneous, unedited and live as possible.

You credit Enya, Andreas Vollenweider, Vangelis, Yanni and Deep Forest as part of the mix in your music. What an interesting mix. Tell us more about them and why you love their music.

I think Enya and Andreas Vollenweider’s music had the greatest impact on me musically and psychologically. Their music opened the doors to a whole new world of emotions. Their music has a magical quality to them. As a child their music took me on the most amazing journeys imaginable. Their music took me to new emotional heights and today it still does. I think Enya and Andreas Vollenweider were unique. They were musical pioneers in their own right. The world of music would have been a much poorer place without them. They are my Idols. Other artists like Vangelis, Yanni and Deep Forest should be credited because I feel many artists like me composing music within the new age/world genre should be thankful for the influence they had on the music industry. These artists gave something fresh and extra ordinary to the music industry and opened the minds of many people to a different kind of music. I think each and every New Age/ World Musician is attempting in some way to follow in their footsteps. Aiming to gain as much success and respect as these pioneers did. We should be forever grateful for their works.

I love your take on melodies. I think melodies are your strong point in song writing. Where did you get this gift of magical melodies?

To me the main purpose of music is to create positive emotion and well-being. One of the main means of achieving that is through stirring and striking melodies. Personally I do not like mindless music with a lack of melody. Nor do I like aggressive or negative music. I think it is evident in my taste of music that melody is important. Enya is a great example of what can be achieved with simplistic melody. I have found that composing striking melodies are in the luck of the draw. The longer you play around and scramble through the notes with a fine tuned ear the sooner you will strike a piece with potential. The trick is recognizing the beautiful parts and rejecting the bad parts. That is why I leave a recording for a few days and come back to it again. If it stirs good emotions like before, it will get attention. If not it will be scrapped. But there is always a little bit of magic included in the whole process. I think every musician ever so often stops and ask him or herself  “How did I come up with this? Where did it come from? It must have been my muse?” Who can say why or how it happens? But it remains one of my driving forces to make music. The unknown of what will be next in this endless universe of sound.  Constantly striving to discover the most beautiful and divine melody of all time. That challenge keeps me going. Like Natasha Bedding field sings in her song – These Words – “tryin to find the magic, tryin to write a classic ” That’s what it’s all about really.

What’s your ideal time of the day to compose music?

Mostly I compose at nighttime. I am more relaxed and less distracted. But the creative urge can hit at any time. So one needs to follow the natural flow of things and it will lead to useful material. No use in pushing it. Weeks or months may pass between compositions. So the trick is to let it fly at the perfect time.

Do you get inspired by places or landscapes when you write music? What are the places you’ve been to?

Yes. Nature is one of my main sources of inspiration. I tend to zoom in on the little things in life. Be it a bird in flight or a flower growing in the back yard. I draw inspiration from those mundane things knowing at the right time they will aid me in making music. I also believe that many a new age musician has a special fantasia from where they create. A place where every thing is at peace. Where everything is possible. A mental utopia that needs to be unlocked each time they compose. I have found it to be one of the major keys to my creativity. Entering a special place where the world disappears and where I can reach new emotional heights. It is a combination of these experiences that inspires me to make the kind of music I do. It has been like this since the start.

I have traveled to Egypt, Israel and Mozambique. I would like to encourage everyone to go and visit these countries. Each and every one of these countries is amazing.

Any touring plans in mind?

Music wise. Not soon. They way my music is constructed makes it nearly impossible to perform live. Unless I totally redo them more simplistically which in my mind will kill them and me all together (laughing out loud). Like I said most of my tracks are spontaneous snapshots. And I think it is better we keep it that way. But with future projects I might just (small might) end up on stage doing a little tour. Traveling wise there are so many places I would love to go and see. Just sitting here thinking about it makes me HIGLY depressed so lets not elaborate on that any further.

What’s your message to our readers?

It may sound like a cliché. But people get disheartened too easily. I think a lot of talent goes to waste because people stop dreaming. I am nowhere near where I see myself. But I have dared to keep to this dream of making and sharing my music. And each tiny step has brought me a deep sense of satisfaction. Today I am much further than I ever thought I would musically be. In a nutshell, I would like to say… never stop dreaming. And if you did, it is time you start again. You will be amazed what you can achieve when you stick to your dreams. God Bless and Thank You!

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Notable Celtic releases III

While the world hangs on a balance, let’s take a break , have tea and listen to these greats.

Clannad-Macalla. The album means ‘echo’ in Irish. 10 beautiful tracks that will truly bring the magic around . Moya Brennan’s haunting vocals is wrapped finely in silken instrumental arrangements. Tracks like Caislean Oir, Buachaill On Eirne, Northern Skyline and In a Lifetime which is a duet with U2’s Bono will really haunt you.

Loreena McKennitt-Elemental. A debut album  of lush, introspective and simple arrangements from this Canadian singer-composer. It’s just her voice backed by the harp and few instruments. You can’t help but be moved by her rendition of She Moved through the Fair and Blacksmith. Stolen Child will bring out the airy fairy in you.

Dagda-Underword. Trans, ambient and New Age. You have these styles fused into this truly captivating album by the Irish duo. The tracks progress seamlessly with washes of uillean pipes, Gregorian choral singing, female vocals and keyboards. If you have the itch to go on clubbing in an elves suit, then this is the album you must bring with you.

Denez Prigent- Me Zalc h Ennon Ur Fulenn Aour. This is pure Breton music as the title suggests. If you want your tune mournful, haunting but at times punctuated with festive vibes then this one is for you.  You will expect the showcase of hurdy-gurdy, Breton pipes-the beniou and bombarde, techno beats and yes the Bagad .

Patrick Street : Live. Vigorous playing, tight arrangements and traditional materials. Patrick Street brings Dublin and the rest of Ireland into your living room. The tunes are catchy and upbeat and I could really sing to them. Yes the voice  of Andy Irvine  is something not to be missed.

Nightnoise-At the End of the Evening. The soul of the late Michael Ni Dhomhnaill will live on in this timeless collection of haunting melodies, lush harmonies and beautiful instrumental arrangements. Snow on a High Ground is a classic!

Celtic Music Festivals for November 2009

Wherever you are in the world welcome! November has a lot in store for us. I am posting the links to useful sites if you are planning to embark on a vacation and wants to check out spots where you can listen to good ol’ Celtic music:

Beechworth’s Annual Celtic Festival

http://www.beechworthcelticfestival.com.au/

Scottish Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival on the Mississipi Golf Coast:

http://www.highlandsandislands.org/

Molly’s Revenge (tours)

http://www.mollysrevenge.com/performances.shtml

Austin Celtic Festival(Texas)

http://www.austincelts.org/

The Arts Council of Kern (California)

http://www.kernarts.org/stories/storyReader$803

Celtic Music Festival in The Netherlands

http://www.last.fm/event/1264617+Celtic+Music+Festival

And Marc Gunn has all in the list. I am awed as to how this guy does it but he’s an encyclopedia!

http://www.celticmp3s.com/things_celtic_music/Festivals_and_Pubs/

Mary Fahl House Concert..at Last!

Got this message from Chris Cline :

I noticed that you posted about Mary Fahl’s touring back in June.  I thought you might be interested in publicizing her first-ever House Concert.

I’ll be hosting her at my place in Media, PA (just outside Philly) on 12/12.

Full details here: http://bit.ly/1ghMtc

Facebook Event page here: http://bit.ly/4qI5T

Thanks.

–

Cline

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Well , well, well! This has been long anticipated and at last the ‘Aurora Borealis’ voice is once again in full form and doing concerts all around. For those of you new to her, Mary Fahl did the lead vocals for October Project. The band made a huge impression globally and was even featured several times in local song magazines here in the Philippines (my friend even remarked: How can you play these songs with all these complicated chords!). But apart for the lush orchestration and wonderful melodies, the center was her voice! The commanding presence of that rich ethereal contralto has never failed to raise curiosity among music lovers. I thought I’d never hear any news after ‘The Other Side of Time” but wow she is back. She is really back!!!!

Pictures courtesy of http://maryfahl.com

Sue Aston Plays the Windswept Landscapes of Cornwall through Her Violin(Interview).

Cornwall , with its beautiful landscapes and myths is a home to one of the world’s finest violinist. Sue Aston has carved a name for herself as one of the influential musicians of this generation as she tackles Classical, traditional and original materials.

This lady is very busy these days and it took a while before she got back to me with my questions . It’s always fun to exchange ideas with someone so down to earth … a real person apart from the image you see in your CD cover!

Cornwall has always tickled my fancy with its rich history and myths. I admit my introduction it it was through National Geographic as a kid. I didn’t know I would end up talking to someone from that region. Wow, there are things in this universe that is indeed stronger than our will. Surprise, surprise!

And so on with our interview:

Hello Sue. Welcome to The Celtic Music Fan site. How are  you doing today?

Great thanks! I’m having a cup of tea and looking out to a gorgeous view of the sea, so the day has started well!

-You are currently recording. Can you tell us about this new album of yours?

This new album is called ‘Between Worlds’, and gets its title from the idea that the point where the sea meets the land is said to be between worlds.  It’s taking much longer to record than expected, as I’m arranging parts for lots of musicians to play and record for me. I have a cellist, flautist, concert pianist, mezzo soprano, and my son on classical guitar all performing with me. Oh, and a marvelous folk band too!!

-A New single is out this  October , 2009. Can you tell us more about this single?

The single is a double A side: ‘Mazey Dazey’ is a folk track inspired by the Golowan festival here in Penzance. The other track ‘Forbidden City’ is a different style, and is a gentle melodic track for violin, piano and percussion.  It was originally composed for a youth theatre production, but I have since expanded it, and it is inspired by the music from Anime films.

-What made you choose the violin as your primary  instrument? I know you also play the piano.

My Dad and Grandfather both played the violin, so there was always a violin in the house, which

I would have a go on from a young age.  It feels natural for me to express myself musically on the violin.  The piano feels more detached, but I do enjoy playing it and writing music on it.

-Please tell us a brief insight into your use of folklore and  legends and aspects of you own life to trigger each  composition.

Cornwall is rich in folklore, particularly the area in the far west where I live.  You can’t go past a stone circle or rock or cove without a legend being attached to it!  This is very inspiring, and seems to bring old stories to life in the present day.

-You have appeared in The BBC1 ‘Heaven and Earth Show’ .Your music has been played over and over in on the Sky TV  classical music channel ‘O Music’.You must be delighted  with the exposure you gained.

It has certainly helped to bring my music to a much wider audience, which is fantastic.  I’m also going to be filming for mycornwall.tv very soon, which is an internet based TV channel.  I will be doing a video diary for them, as well as interviewing other composers.

- The music video for The Home Coming is one of your most popular pieces, and has been viewed over half a million  note:533,500 times on You Tube.What’s your reaction to this?

I think it’s totally amazing!  I guess there must be some aspect of the music which people identify with.  The idea of returning to a place where you feel in your heart that you belong to.

-Your music has been has been described as ‘Celtic music for the classically appreciative’ by Cornish World Editor  Nigel Pengelly. How do you feel about this?

I think it sums up my music perfectly!  It’s always hard to categorize music, but I’m a classically trained musician writing music which hopefully appeals to a wide audience.  This music is inspired by the Celtic landscape.

-Can tell us more about your musical upbringing. Your family  must be very much into music.

I had a huge amount of support from my family, and luckily I still do.  As a child, my parents and grandparents played the violin, my mom has a great singing voice.  My husband and two sons all enjoy playing the guitar.

-What kind of music was heavily played in your household?

My dad and I listened to violin concertos by Elgar, Brahms, Mendelssohn and Britten.  That fired me up to play, then I would go and listen to some punk or rock music!  Quite a mixture!

-Cornwall has remained strong to have its own distinctive Celtic voice. Do you speak Cornish?

If I could, I would have answered this question in Cornish, so unfortunately, I don’t!

-You have touched people in all levels through your music.What do you think is it about Celtic music that  causes such response from people?

I think Celtic music has a timeless quality to it.  It is the people’s music, in a sense that it has been around for such a long time.  It comes from the heart, and resonates with people on a deep level without being high brow.

Writing for the new album

- You are a classical violinist first , and then an interpreter of traditional as well as folk greats. What is it about your classical training that is a positive aspect of your performance?

I think that having studied the technical aspects of playing the violin to such a degree, then this gives me more options to create different and hopefully more exciting aspects in the performance of the music, such as fancy bowing and the like!

-The Cornish landscape remains a constant source of  inspiration for you. What is it about the landscape that  gives you the this inspiration on your works?

It’s the sense of the power of nature and beauty of the natural world.  The spirit of this and the enormity of it is very inspiring.

-Tori Amos resides in Cornwall. The TV movie Mists of  Avalon, a different take on the Arthurian myth was also shot in location over there. What is it about Cornwall  that dazzles people from around the world?

The Cornish landscape is just so varied and dramatic.  The coastline is stunning – you have the contrast between the rougher north coast, and the gentler, almost Mediterranean south coast. The countryside is beautiful, and the ancient sites are awesome.  Then you have the beaches!

-What music are you currently listening to?

I have Julian Cope playing at the moment – a favourite of mine!  I’m also enjoying Steve Vai’s technical guitar brilliance, and also I’m into Celtic metal.

-Any future projects you might want to tell us about?

I’m looking forward to giving some exposure to hidden Cornish composers in a series for mycornwall.tv.  It will be called ‘Sessions with Sue’! There is so much talent out there that needs to be recognized!

-Where can people buy your albums?

From Amazon, CD baby and ITunes.

-Apart from listening to music to relieve stress, what  are the other things on your list that can help our  readers?

I would recommend long windswept walks followed by a cream tea as a good starting point!

-How do you deal with negativity, be it from critics or  just everyday situation?

Luckily, I don’t get much negativity.  If I do then I just focus on all the wonderful positive feedback that I get!

-Any musical advice to aspiring violists out there?

Practice like mad, then chill out afterwards!

-What brand of violin are you playing?

I’m about to embark upon a search for a new instrument, but at the moment my violin is a modern instrument by Francois Bignon.

-Any preparation you do before a performance?

Lots of practice then lots of food and sleep!

-A message to our readers?

Please buy my music, so that I can write even more music!  Then visit Cornwall, and see what inspires me and countless others!

Taken at Roche Rock during the BBCs Heaven and Earth Show

Pictures courtesy of her official website and MySpace.

A Little Bit Behind.

I  apologize for being a little bit behind but I promise more interviews coming up from new artists as well as more articles. Anyway, while on the wait, I want you to browse some interesting sites of my friends. They write original materials and they are lovely people top talk to.Here they are in random order.

Sami- Hats off. Wonderful musician. His music is not Celtic but it is something I would love to listen to all day. There is positivity in every melody, wonderful vibes all throughout and he’s really a cool fella to talk to.

Christi- Someone I could talk to about Celtic music all day. This interesting writer loves journaling her life away. If you want a laid back kind of prose and relaxing scenes of everyday life then she is certainly the one for you.

Timethief-When I am troubled and I want healing, then I just drop by timethief’s page. She writes about personal development, growth and relationship.

Tony- He is funny, witty and full of soul. I am not joking when I say that trottersville is one os the most smile inducing sites in cyberspace.

Ryhen-Fellow pinoy and author of Virtual Synapses.

Dorothy- You can talk to grandma about anything. Here’s one person I have fun chatting and reading about. Wisdom and humor. Those are the things I love about Grammology.  There’s more and I will mention them next time .

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I also got a surprise when I discovered that the enya.com has a new look. Julie Fowlis has a new album out and what a great way to discover her music is through her official myspace channel: http://www.myspace.com/juliefowlis  I heard she’s gonna be a mom too.

Lastly, I will be showcasing  Alf Kelty  and Sue Aston in  interviews soon. You can listen to Alf’s music :http://www.myspace.com/alfatlastree and Sue’s http://www.myspace.com/sueaston.

Notable Celtic Releases List II

Halloween is near and what better way to greet the Celtic New Year? Here are some notable releases from where we last left off..

Clannad-Fuaim

This sixth album by Clannad if a transition between their older sound which they are known for in the 70s into a more layered synth flavoured work. Moya Brennan’s vocals are beautifully recorded  here. Nicky Ryan who now is with Enya produced this wonderful album. It also features the young Enya as Eithne Ní Bhronáin  in percussion, keyboards and vocals. 11 tracks of acoustic folk, rock and jazz bliss. The listening is further spiced with instruments such as the saxophone, electric guitar and clarinet among other instruments. Check it out here.

Cara Dillon-After the Morning

As a lark in the air, Cara Dillon’s voice has the vulnerability of a true balladeer. Her covers of traditional materials as well as original works are truly worth hearing. Born in Londonderry Northern Ireland, the area is steeped in traditional Irish music which sparked her interest at an early age. Listen to Never in a Million Years and This Time. More info here. You can also check out her Myspace page.

Capercaillie-Cascade

Cascade is the debut album by this Scottish folk/rock band  released in 1984. This features Karen Matheson’s young heavenly voice. Highly energetic and unmistakably haunting. Cascade marks Scottish landscapes and history embellished by traditional instruments .Check out the samples here.

Ceredwen-O’r Mabinogi: Legends of the Celts

Layered female vocals washed in drum loops and electronic beats, O’r Mabinogi is the first album by dou Renee Gray, Andrew Fryer. Based in Wales all the tracks are sung in Welsh and used Celtic myths as a source of material in research. Sound samples here. Special thanks to my friend Bray from South Carolina for giving me the album which I have been looking for since the early part of this decade.

Planxty-Planxty(Also known as the black album)

This album is a must for the so-called Celtic music collectors. Original members Christy Moore and Donal Lunny  pursued successful solo careers. The album is released in 1973 and has an excellent audio quality. The track The Blacksmith has also been covered by Loreena Mckennitt in her album Elemental. More of Planxty here.

Inside I’m Singing by Secret Garden

In the video: Secret Garden & Steinar Albrigtsen(vocals) Composer: Rolf Lovland & Brendan Graham Song For a Stormy Night taken from the new album Inside I’m Singing.

If you haven’t gotten the copy yet of the great duo Secret Garden, the new album will not disappoint. Inside I’m Singing is a collection of original materials reinterpreted by singers including Barbra Streisand, Brian Kennedy and Elaine Paige. This is a great lullaby to listen to on a stormy night. Secret Garden is composed of Rolf Lovland from Norway and Fionnuala Sherry from Ireland. learn more by visiting the official website  : http://www.secretgarden.no/

Been a fan since the first album was released.  If you are a fan of Neo-Classical music with a Celtic/Scandinavian twist then this will do wonders for you.