Celtic MP3s: April 2005

Welcome to the Celtic MP3s Archive and thank you for subscribing to the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Below you will find Celtic MP3s from bands I've featured over the years. Some MP3s are time sensitive. So download them now. All of the latest MP3s are available for at least a month. As always, if you like an MP3, then please help the artist out and buy their CD.

"Lanigan's Ball" by Enter the Haggis

Enter the Haggis is best described as Celtic Fusion. Though their roots are firmly placed in the Celtic tradition, within their music are influences of rock, bluegrass, funk and Latin. ETH has developed into an International act with heavy touring not only across North America but also Europe - including Ireland, Scotland, Germany and Italy. After much success with their most recent album, "Casualties of Retail", Enter the Haggis is gearing up for a follow up recording to begin sometime in the fall of 2005.

Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Similar Artists: Ashley MacIsaac, The Elders, Martyn Bennett

Influences: Latin Music (including Cuban and Brazilian), Riff rock acts (Rage Against t he Machine for example), Newgrass (Bela Fleck, Nicklecreek, etc), Alt. Rock (Radiohead, Muse, The Killers, Smashing Pumpkins, etc)

Website: Enter the Haggis
Download MP3: "Lanigan's Ball"
Buy CD: Enter the Haggis Live!

--posted by Marc Gunn of the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine, Subscribe for Celtic Free Music Downloads, Thursday, April 28, 2005

"Claveness" by MacTalla Mo'r

MacTalla Mo'r, an exciting Celtic Band featuring Bagpipes, Piano, Vocals and Bodhran, is taking America by storm!

They've played for HBO TV, at Steinway and Carnegie Hall in NYC, along side greats like Chick Corea and the Tito Puente Big Band, at Command Performances for The Average White Band, Rolling Stone's Kieth Richards and Jose Felician and to rave reviews at major Celtic Festivals. Called "the best Celtic Fusion Band I've heard" by Irish critic Joe O'Shea, Mac-talla Mo'r is quickly becoming one of the most talked about and sought after Celtic Bands on the scene.

Hometown: New York City and New Fairfield USA
Similar Artists: Tannahill Weavers, Eileen Ivers, Gaelic Storm, Pogues, Capercaillie, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Mark Saul, Rare Air, Bob Dylan

Website: MacTalla Mo'r
Download MP3: "Claveness"
Buy CD: MacTalla Live From The Valley

--posted by Marc Gunn of the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine, Subscribe for Celtic Free Music Downloads, Thursday, April 28, 2005

"Castle of Arianrhod" by Emerald Rose

Emerald Rose is ever a favorite of mine. They play Celtic American Folk Rock, plus a bit more. Out of Atlanta, Georgia, they have deep Celtic roots and a love for the "roots music" -- but they take a somewhat rock-and-pop-influenced angle to it.

They play mostly originals with vocals, guitar, pennywhistle, Uilleann pipes, bass, and world percussion. Many of our themes draw from Celtic myth and legend. They're a favorite amon at sci-fi/fantasy cons like Dragon*Con (where they were just confirmed for this year) as well as events like the upcoming "Return of the King" Oscars party in Hollywood (sponsored by theonering.net).

"Castle of Arianrhod" was a favorite on the late MP3.com. It is a journey through Welsh mythology. Arianrhod is queen of illumination.

Bending Tradition by Emerald Rose

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Similar Artists: Jethro Tull, The Bothy Band, Tannahill Weavers, The Chieftains, Silly Wizard, Moody Blues, Led Zeppelin

Website: Emerald Rose
Download MP3: "Castle of Arianrhod"
Buy CD: Bending Tradition

--posted by Marc Gunn of the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine, Subscribe for Celtic Free Music Downloads, Wednesday, April 20, 2005

"Seventy-Four" by Quagmyre

Quagmyre combines traditional Celtic fiddle music with funk- and rock-infused themes to create a whole new style of folk music. They also feature one of the most unique vocal sounds, presenting totally original lyrics with smooth harmonies. Combine this with three world champion stepdancers and you have a band that you do not want to miss!

Look for their new CD coming in June!

Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Similar Artists: Ashley MacIsaac, Slainte Mhaith, Seven Nations, The Chieftains, The Wonderstuffs

Website: Quagmyre
Download MP3: "Seventy-Four"
Buy CD: Mouth Full of Potatoes

--posted by Marc Gunn of the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine, Subscribe for Celtic Free Music Downloads, Wednesday, April 20, 2005

"Jig Set (Haste to the Wedding/Kesh Jig/Morrison's Jig)" by Minstrosity

Minstrosity is a trio of talented troubadours that can be found performing at Renaissance Festivals, weddings, house concerts, and other events across the Midwest. The close-knit harmonies and multi-instrumental prowess of Josephine Thane, Wendy Zdrodowski, and John Wiseman combine to create a full sound that would be expected of a larger group. They perform a variety of traditional Celtic and folk music, along with original works, including "The Future Isn't What It Used To Be", which was awarded Honorable Mention in the 2003 John Lennon Songwriting Contest.

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Similar Artists: Chad Mitchell Trio, Kingston Trio, Battlefield Band, the Moody Blues, Molly & the Tinker

Website: Minstrosity
Download MP3: "Jig Set (Haste to the Wedding/Kesh Jig/Morrison's Jig)"
Buy CD: Why Am I Not Surprised?

--posted by Marc Gunn of the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine, Subscribe for Celtic Free Music Downloads, Wednesday, April 06, 2005

"Moving Cloud Fair-Haired Mary" by Cady Finlayson

Cady Finlayson plays spirited celtic fiddle with American folk and world percussion influences. The sizzling fiddle, powerful vocals and a driving rhythm section give the Cady Finlayson Band its' unique approach to Irish music. They're based in New York City, and their music includes lively jigs and reels, traditional ballads, and world music influences.

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Similar Artists: Brian Conway, Andy McGann, Youssou N'Dour, Eileen Ivers, Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac

Website: Cady Finlayson
Download MP3: "Moving Cloud Fair-Haired Mary"
Buy CD: Harp and Shamrock