Another April Day And No Fool’s Music!

Sleek and nostalgic  debut album by Marie-Therese McCartin from Co. Leitrim Ireland.

Occasionally, an instrumental album arrives and gets nods from fans of country, pop piano music, Classical  and traditional Irish music. The Frank McNamara produced album showcases 11 tracks . Rose of Tralee, sets the mood of the entire album. Mellifluous piano playing, tender drums and occasional sweeps of traditional instruments make this  a rewarding listening experience. I know fans of Phil Coulter and Richard Clayderman will gravitate to this album. There is this rhythmic pop feel in each track that will make it ‘accessible’ to even those who don’t like Celtic influenced music.

The album cover(in the promo copy I have) shows the classically trained miss McCartin in this dark green gown embroidered with Celtic patterns  beside a piano. The one out in the market is different( as can be seen in this post). I made a research about this artist and  found interesting facts. It took her 6 months  to assemble this album. The reason for the lush sounds in the entire album: The 60 piece National Symphony Orchestra of Moldova.

“Marie- Thérèse began playing piano at the age of six and in her teenage years she transferred to the Royal Irish Academy of Music where she continued her studies finally graduating from Trinity College, Dublin, with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. An accomplished harpist and singer Marie-Thérèse was a member of Anùna and toured with them throughout Europe as a soloist.

In 2003 she realized a life-long dream when she set up the Cavan Academy of Music. The school has 300 students studying a range of instruments including piano/keyboard, violin, viola, cello, drum, and guitar as well as traditional Irish instruments – fiddle, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, low whistle, button accordion and the Irish harp. The Academy offers something for everybody from 3 to 93!”-from the official website:http://marietheresemccartin.com/

Another April Day Track Listing:

1. The Rose of Tralee

2. Black is the Colour

3. Oró sé de bheath abhaile

4. Rose of Mooncoin

5. Another April Day

6. Buachaill an Éireann

7. Carrickfergus

8. Clare to here

9. Homes of Donegal

10. Love thee deerest

11. Oft in the stilly night

12. Galway Bay

13. You raise me up

14. Old bog road

15. Port Lairge

16. Another April Day (vocal arrangement)

Another April Day is available on cdbaby.com. iTunes and http://www.marietheresemccartin.com

***

Anton Emery’s Acoustic Blend..

Hear your favorite traditional tunes in a n album that highlights simplicity of solo instrumental music. This time the acoustic guitar takes center stage!

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/AntonEmery

http://www.celticfingerstyleguitar.com/

***

This is from a newsletter I got. I am glad this duo is binging out a beautiful album soon.

The New Single Release by Shishonnah!

Shishonnah release their long awaited new single “Dance with the River” on
I-tunes this Saturday, April 2nd!

Formed only eight months ago by the energetic and exciting duo of Liz Madden and Jenne Lennon, their new single features the combination of their incredible voices and a mix of Native American, Irish, Classical and World influences.
This stunning track is taken from their upcoming debut album
“Elysian Dreams,” due for release in June 2011.

Every once in a while a musician or group comes along that truly touches the souls of their listeners. An act that creates a sound that’s unexpected and new. The time has come again for a new sound and it has been found in the eclectic vocal/multi-instrumentalist duo, Shishonnah.

Shishonnah fuse their incredible vocal arrangements into elements of World music with Classical and Contemporary influences. Their original songs will take you to a place that defines the human experience and uplifts the soul.

Their sound reflects a canvas as diverse as the lands of their upbringing. They blend their Irish and American musical heritage with their Celtic and Native American traditions. Using their mutual experience in various styles of music such as South African, Appalachian, Celtic, Electronic and Folk-Rock, they have created their own distinctive and innovative sound.

Two performers and songwriters in their own right, Liz Madden and Jenne Lennon have a wealth of experience behind them both on stage and in studio. Between them, the ladies play piano, harp, bodhran, whistle, Native American flute, keyboards and drums. They have headlined events and international festivals worldwide wowing audiences with their incredible individual vocal sounds.

The texture of their sound and rhythmic undertones create a mood and spirit-lifting experience that will take the listeners on a journey to a new place that is fresh and memorable. Welcome to the sound of Shishonnah.

www.facebook.com/shishonnah, www.myspace.com/shishonnah, www.shishonnah.com

***

Interesting video:

***

An April Fool’s Day tribute: