Celtic MP3s Music Magazine

MP3: "The Soup Mages" by Battlelegs

2010-02-07T15:11:00.000-06:00

The Celtic music scene has a new group on it's hands. Battlelegs brings an energetic group of childhood friends together to the Celtic music scene. Their first CD, "The Soup Mages" is in the final stages of production, but available for preorder on their MySpace page.

Hometown: Little Falls, Minnesota, USA
Website: Battlelegs
Download MP3: The Soup Mages

Similar Artists: Barleyjuice, Scythian, Peelers

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge. To download, right-click link and save MP3 to your computer.

MP3: "The Drummer" by Na'Bodach

2010-02-06T14:57:00.000-06:00

Na'Bodach has been adding their personal touch to the Celtic music scene for 10 years now. They began as a trio, dedicated to reviving and performing tunes known by Irish, Scottish and pre-1900 American soldiers. However, they expanded their music choices and begame a quintet.

Their first album, "Knickers Down, Bottoms Up," and their second, "An Intelagent Design," were both nominated for Celtic music awards. And, all the while, Na'Bodach has been searching for ways to increase their visibility to others out there who may not have heard an alternative to today's celtic music.

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Website: Na'Bodach
Download MP3: The Drummer
Buy CD: An Intelagent Design

Similar Artists: Tannahill Weavers, Battlefield Band, Planxty, Steeleye Span

MP3: "Skye Boat Song" by Two Men In Skirts

2010-02-05T14:32:00.002-06:00

Two Men in Skirts consists of baritone Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews and pianist Jim Stevenson-Mathews. The duo began collaborating in 2006 and were invited to perform in several musical projects for the Scottish games and Celtic events in the Northeast. They bring humor, joy, and their own unique style to the audiences they play for.

The duo always make each performance an experience with both their musical skills as well as their storytelling, Scottish wit, and charm.

Hometown: Glen Cove (Long Island), New York, USA
Website: Two Men in Skirts
Download MP3: Skye Boat Song
Buy CD: The Music of Scotland

Similar Artists: Matt McGinn, Harry Lauder, Alex Beaton

MP3: "Cecelia" by ENNIS

2010-02-04T11:56:00.000-06:00

ENNIS is one of those Celtic groups that make you feel good and want to keep on listening. Their style is original and their sound is beautifully unique. ENNIS is Maureen and Karen, two highly talented women who can find new ways to tell stories through their songs, lyrically and musically. In their career, they have shared the stage with the Chieftains, toured with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jann Arden and Colin Linden among too many others to mention.

Hometown: St John's, Newfoundland, Canada
Website: ENNIS
Download MP3: Cecelia
Buy CD: Lessons Learned

Similar Artists: Karan Casey, Cara Dillon, Mary Black

MP3: "Whiskey in the Jar" by Anaman

2010-02-03T12:25:00.000-06:00

Anaman prides itself on it's sound. The group mainly performs Irish and American folk music. Backing the vocals of the band are a fiddle, whistle, bodhran, guitar and mandolin. This band strives for excellence in Irish music.

Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website: Anaman
Download MP3: Whiskey in the Jar

Similar Artists: Danu, The Bothy Band, Planxty

Review: "The Music Plays Me" by Beyond the Pale

2010-02-03T10:38:00.002-06:00

Artist: Beyond the Pale
Album: The Music Plays Me
Year: 2006

Every once in a while a moving CD can transport the soul from the pressings of rolling chair, desk and strobing pc text toward a barefoot meadowed respite. "The Music Plays Me" is such a vehicle.

There is variety, but it is of the up-to-par sort that provides a musical solace of consistency with the wherewithal to simultaneously interject clever phraseology.

Gordon McLeod's original Irish style reel combo "Princess Morgan/The Skipper" is a lively testament to this man's dedication to his craft. His composition "Sligo" will 'conjure up a double rainbow' bowed on a rhythmic and lyrical journey. A fiddled blend of harmonica coupled with the beguiling vocals of Christy McLeod and Betsy Cummings bring an emerald sparkle to a country song entitled "Old Silver" composed by Radney Foster. Saxophone and vocals are provided by John Delaney in "Who Are These People," which is just the Bohemian take on popular culture that could spill from any random coffee shop conversation in the heart of the Irish Channel of New Orleans.

Gordon, Betsy, Christy and John collectively play an incredible range of instruments including mandolin, hammer dulcimer, bodhran and tin whistle. The quartet artfully arranges the music, and they all sing, too! Definitely consider Beyond the Pale a must-see group if you are lucky enough to have them play at your local heritage festival.

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Dionne Charlet is a freelance writer based in Greater New Orleans. She is a contributing writer for Where Y'at Magazine and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Dionne runs the Cast Aways Open Theatre Troupe and performs with her fellow Cast Aways volunteers at Ren faires, sci-fi cons, charity venues and festivals throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond. Mrs. Charlet also works as an Outreach Coordinator for the Humane Society of Louisiana. You can contact Dionne at SHIATARA@AOL.com.

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge. To download, right-click link and save MP3 to your computer.

MP3: "Highland Farewell" by Spriggan

2010-02-02T13:13:00.005-06:00

Spriggan is as enthusiastic as they are fun. Not only is their music a lively mix of traditional and contemporary Celtic tunes, they also play immigrant songs and sance tunes. This quartet brings a lot of talent to their music with a myriad of instruments being represented. Great fun. Great music.

Hometown: Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Website: Spriggan
Download MP3: Highland Farewell
Buy CD: Mind the Gap

Similar Artists: Solas, Altan, Dervish

MP3: "Greenland Whale Fisheries" by Nine-8ths Irish

2010-02-01T12:38:00.004-06:00

Celtic, to bluegrass, to jazz, to country, Nine-8th's Irish meshes the different skills and talents of the five accomplished musicians to create something dynamic within the realm of Celtic music.

The band consists of Chris Dunlap on bodhran, cajon and voclas; Linda Relph on fiddle and vocals; Bo Bowen on whistles; Kathy Barwick on guitar, five-string banjo, acoustic bass and vocals; and Brady McKay on vocals.

Out on the Ocean is the band's second album, including standard Irish session tunes as well as modernized arrangements of traditional songs. The diverse material showcases the numerous talents of each band member. And the music is not only fun to listen to, it's outstanding.

Hometown: Sacramento, California, USA
Website: Nine-8ths Irish
Download MP3: Greenland Whale Fisheries
Buy CD: Out on the Ocean

Similar Artists: Solas, Lunasa, Bothy Band

Review: "Ships Are Sailing" by The Langer's Ball

2010-01-28T08:34:00.000-06:00

Artist: The Langer's Ball
Album: Ships Are Sailing
Year produced: 2009

The penny whistle plays out in my memory as I write this review. Hannah Rediske's mad whistlin' and accordion skills blend in perfect union with the vocals of Michael Sturm. Since their start in 2007, The Langer's Ball has been steadily gaining the attention deserved of a pub band sensation. This second offering from the duo, Ships are Sailing, is not a track list of sea shanties, but a compilation where Ireland goes a little Old Country, a little folk...and more. The work is a seamless progression of contemporary, Trad and original Celtic tunes that extends beyond Rediske's customary penny whistle, recorders and accordion and Sturm's guitar, mandolin and harmonica. Drums, bass, electric guitar make guest appearances with the guest musicians to play them.

There is an ease to the strength in Sturm's voice, so much so that his singing often evokes a spoken quality. With the presence to be deemed a patriarch of ballads, Sturm can take on the persona of IRA folk hero Fergal O'Hanlon in a modified version of "Patriot Game" or morph into a chimney sweep with questionable intentions in "Sam Hall".

The song selection is diverse. Langer's "Titanic" could liven up the gypsy vardo of any given Renaissance Faire. The music has such a Romani melodic cantor, patrons wouldn't bat an eye. The tragic story is told with that great Sturm quality of song-spake, but the star of this song is the piano accordion played masterfully by Rediske.

From the hauntingly beautiful feminine vocal echo in "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Everyday" to the ease-out-of-your-chair and tap-your-boot pickup in "The Tinker's Fiddle", Ships Are Sailing is worthy of a listen, and you may just find that you miss the music, especially that gorgeous penny whistle, once the songs play through.

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Dionne Charlet is a freelance writer based in Greater New Orleans. She is a contributing writer for Where Y'at Magazine and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Dionne runs the Cast Aways Open Theatre Troupe and performs with her fellow Cast Aways volunteers at Ren faires, sci-fi cons, charity venues and festivals throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond. Mrs. Charlet also works as an Outreach Coordinator for the Humane Society of Louisiana. You can contact Dionne at SHIATARA@AOL.com.

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge. To download, right-click link and save MP3 to your computer.

Review: "Wild And Wicked Youth" by Tullamore

2010-01-27T14:32:00.000-06:00

Artist: Tullamore
Album: Wild And Wicked Youth
Year produced: 2009

This is an enjoyable album by a band that highlights the music of both Ireland and Scotland. The arrangements here are what makes the CD a standout. Well, that coupled with the musicians and singers obvious skill. It's everything you could want in a Celtic CD. "Will Ye Go Lassie" is a calm, sweet rendition, reminiscent of a lullaby in tone. "Wedding Jigs" provides some lively pep to the mix, and the title track, "Wild And Wicked Youth" is as entertaining as one would expect from the words.

With just three members, Tullamore manages to create a very full sound. Part of it is probably due to the fact that they have been playing together for a long time and have learned how to capitalize on their skills as a group. Mary Hanover is the voice behind the band, and what a sweet one it is. She also plays the hammered dulcimer and tinwhistles on the CD. Also on vocals is Rachel Gaither, and she adds music in the form of the guitar and fiddle. Mark Clavey is the person behind the scenes in terms of arranging the music, and he contributes to the vocals as well as playing guitar for the band. It all works really well together.

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.

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs.

Review: "Party In A Box" by Trinity River Whalers

2010-01-26T13:55:00.002-06:00

Artist: Trinity River Whalers

Album: Party In A Box
Year produced: 2009

I can't help it. This CD takes me back to days as a child where I played my parent's Kingston Trio records over and over again and sang along. The Trinity River Whalers have that same easy sound with a Celtic touch. Harmony, good arrangements and a jovial feel to the tracks on this album make it a joy to listen to. Funny, the lyrics aren't all peppy and uplifting, but you still find yourself tapping your foot as you hear them when set to music.

I loved "My Blood" and "Mr. Valentine's Dead," and there are plenty of tracks here that you can sift through to find your own faves. There is a mix of traditional fare and other tunes here, so the tracks have a broad appeal. A nice, wide range of instruments parade around in the songs here. You'll hear banjo, guitar, harmonica, accordion, mandolin and pennywhistle among other sounds peppering the melody. This isn't the band's first effort either, they have released music together for some time now. Some groups have the magic, and some don't. The Trinity River Whalers can enjoy the sparkle that they create--and it's contagious.

MP3: "Lily of the West" by Locklin Road

2010-01-25T10:57:00.002-06:00

A Celtic-based folk trio, Locklin Road provides a compelling arrangement of traditional and original music containing three-part harmony, guitars, mandolin, and bodhran...to name a few instruments. Musical storytelling is their specalty, from traditional Irish ballads to original compositions. In addition, instrumental solos are part of their sound as well. In addition to Celtic folk, Locklin Road also provides music related to American folk, country and bluegrass. They are an experience and provide a remarkable sound.

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Website: Locklin Road
Download MP3: Lily of the West
Buy CD: Waken the Echoes

Similar Artists: Mary Black, Arcanadh, Maura O'Connel, Karan Casey

Review: "Seize the Moment" by Derek Byrne

2010-01-24T15:02:00.001-06:00

Artist: Derek Byrne

Album: Seize The Moment
Year produced: 2008

Derek Byrne has three great loves, his family, music and Ireland. After spending six years touring with Riverdance, and several more with his band, Eider, Byrne has settled down into a solo career. Byrne released two solo albums in 2008. We were lucky enough to receive Seize The Moment for review. Seize The Moment is a rare album that builds into something more than just recorded muse; It’s an experience. Derek Byrne sings and plays as If these songs run in his life’s blood. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin (originally Kildare, Ireland) based singer/songwriter gives his all on the twelve songs presented here. Whether it’s outstanding instrumental work (Eidirian, Blue Eyed Canyon, Running On Fumes Theme) or amazing vocals, Byrne is on top of his game.

There are two songs on this album that are other-worldly, they’re so good. Seize The Moment is a beautiful song about keeping love alive in light of all the responsibilities and pressures that day to day life places on our shoulders. It’s a message we would all do well to stop and listen to from time to time, and the song itself is timeless. Expect this to be picked up and covered again and again by other artists. Likewise The Beautiful Truth; a paean written from father to daughter, filled with all of the love and emotion that relationship classically encompasses. A stone would failed to be unmoved by The Beautiful Truth. Both of these songs are special in that they represent a feeling or relationship in a fashion that is iconic and archetypical while remaining incredibly personal and touching. The musical arrangement for each is amazing.

Of course the rest of the album isn’t so bad either. Byrne is an amazing instrumentalist, and that runs through all of his songs, but Eidirian is a particularly representative piece. Rhythm Of Falling is a starkly honest song that is all heart and very memorable. Save Tara is a gorgeous a Capella piece that you’ll have to hear to believe. Red Is The Rose marches to a martial beat in a classic performance. Other highlights include My Land, Hawaiian Pigeon Breakdown and Marie’s Wedding.

I’ve never heard of Derek Byrne before this, and I am utterly amazed that a singer/songwriter this talented could stay effectively hidden from the world for this long. A gifted lyricist as well, Byrne represents the human heart in his music like no other songwriter I’ve heard, all done up in classic Celtic/folk arrangements. Perfect is, of course, unattainable, but for the 12 songs on Seize The Moment, Derek Byrne comes as closes as it’s possible to come. Seize The Moment is, of course, a Wildy’s World Certified Desert Island Disc. Make this CD part of your collection.

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

MP3: "Waves of the Wind" by Maidens IV

2010-01-24T09:51:00.002-06:00

No one provides more fun, more full of life tunes than Maidens IV, who deliver a high-action Celtic and Roots music, intermixed with hints of pop, world, and gypsy jazz. This group is composed of four sisters who dance, play, sing and compose their own music. Their pure-action pulse-peddling Celtic fusion spans the borders of today and tradition. It's an alluring call to Celtic music lovers everywhere. And we will answer.

Hometown: Loudonville, Ohio USA
Website: Maidens IV
Download MP3: Waves of the Wind
Buy CD: Celtic Fire

Similar Artists: Celtic Women, Leahy's, Galic Storm, Natalie, Mac Master

Review: "Invite The Light" by Banshee In The Kitchen

2010-01-23T11:54:00.001-06:00

Artist: Banshee In The Kitchen

Album: Invite The Light
Year produced: 2006

The idea behind this CD (or at least one of them) was to create a compilation of music for winter. It seems to me that something about the hammered dulcimer brings forth visions of ice castles and snowflakes, so it works extremely well. This is the fourth album for this band, and it is very well put together, starting off with a bright rendition of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and finishing up with Aveenu Malkenu, which is a bit more melancholy. The mix of tracks is interesting, with a waltz, and things such as the Cook in the Kitchen Set.

This is a band that has exceptionally skilled players, and it always shines through in their work together. The tracks take turns showcasing different skills, but not at the expense of the listener. Everything is arranged well and the flow from one track to the next seems logical and natural. There are no hard shifts or distracting solos. It seems that the sounds were carefully chosen to reinforce the "wintry" theme of the CD, and it works well. If you want something that you can have on in the background to help you daydream as you gaze out the window, this would be a great choice, but if you simply like to listen to skilled musicians, you'd do well here also.

MP3: "Trad Set" by Green Tea

2010-01-23T08:55:00.002-06:00

Celtic music that doesn't sound like anything else. That's Green Tea, a band that prides itself on mixing Celtic roots with rock, pop, folk, jazz, and funk. With the eclectic mix of players hailing from across the United States, Green Tea has really made a name for itself in the Midwest. In fact, the group recently supported Rusted Root at the Rave/Eagles Club - Milwaukee, performed at the Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour in 2008, as well as played and headlined at various Irish festivals.

They really are making a name for themselves, while having fun doing it. And that is evident in their music.

Hometown: Stevens Point, Wisconsin, USA
Website: http://www.greenteaworldmusic.com/
Download MP3: http://www.celticmp3s.com/listen/January_Songs/GreenTea-TradSet.mp3
Buy CD: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/greentea3/from/celtic/

Similar Artists: Flogging Molly, Gaelic Storm, Leahy, Pogey

MP3: "Factory Girl" by Stonecircle

2010-01-22T09:32:00.000-06:00

A vibrant, five-piece ensemble, Stonecircle is a quintessential Celtic fusion band. Their main goal is simple - create an exhilerating, ethereal, and uplifting musical experience for the listener. They do just that, in brilliant form.

Performing acoustic Celtic fusion music in the United States for over 16 years, Stonecircle has brought about unique and original arrangements of traditional tunes from England, Scotland, Ireland and Brittany.

Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Website: Stonecircle
Download MP3: Factory Girl
Buy CD: Metamorphosis

Similar Artists: Solas, Steeleye Span, Iona

Review: "The Green Knight" by Heather Dale

2010-01-21T20:10:00.001-06:00

Artist: Heather Dale
Album: The Green Knight
Year produced: 2010

From the first track I loved the sound of this woman's bright, crisp voice. She just comes across as so happy. Angelic, even. Thankfully the music and arrangements here were also lovely. The songs on the CD range from wistful to silly, and they were inspired by the Middle Ages and Renaissance--a fact that is easy to hear in the music. Each song is something different, and there are over 20 instruments played throughout the album, lending yet more variety to the tunes played here. You'll hear familiar Celtic instruments, such as the harp, flute and bodhran.

I loved For Guinevere, which is the perfect vehicle for Dale's sweet voice. Rose and Lion had a nice rhythm to it and a bit of fun, and Come and Be Welcome served as both a great intro to the album and a sort of invitation to the listener. I liked the placement whether it was intentional or not. The last track, Hunting the Wren gives Dale a chance to really show off her vocal skills and she does so with a sprightly energy. If I had to sum this CD up in just one word, I'd call it entertaining, but if I could have two, the other would surely be pretty because of her voice.

Review: "Ghosts Of Our Past" by The BibleCode Sundays

2010-01-21T14:14:00.001-06:00

Artist: The BibleCode Sundays
Album: Ghosts Of Our Past
Year produced: 2008

Well! Consider me charmed by this unusual band of men from the UK. With just one listen to the song "The Boys Of Queens," I knew this group had some serious heart. The song is a tribute to the FDNY Firefighters, and the lyrics are touching--the performance heartfelt. I wanted to hear more and see if this was a lucky accident on their part, and to my pleasant surprise--it wasn't. This band is just that good.

Not everything is depth and emotion here however. The band does a good job of handling humour too, as is shown on songs such as "Northolt Rd". Here is a snippet of the lyrics from the song, which describes what a "few too many" can do to one's judgement:

"She tasted of cigarettes and stout,

I didn't start the fire, but I couldn't put it out

Skin as white as chewing gum and teeth of purest gold

How I loved my Mary of the Northolt Rd"

The band's tagline reads, "Bottle Slammin London Irish Rock," which is certainly appropriate, but it doesn't capture the full depth of what this band is about. With the righteousness of U2 and the energy of the Pogues, they mix and match styles and come up with something that is altogether unique. And I really, really like it. I'd be willing to bet that no matter what style of Celtic you like, you'll enjoy this CD too. Worth the investment.

Review: "Ampersand" by FiddleSticks

2010-01-21T09:30:00.002-06:00

Artist: FiddleSticks
Album: Ampersand
Year produced: 2006

If you are a fan of the strings, this CD will call your name. Ampersand is filled with top-notch play and heartfelt rhythms, and the music that comes from these two young ladies could fill a large hall and captivate everyone in it. The women have taken advantage of what is possible in the studio and put down multiple tracks, so that you hear full sound rather than simple strings. There are others on the CD as well, but the ladies are at the heart of the music here this time around.

I'm not sure if it's the combination of the cello and the fiddle or the verve with which the sisters play them, but this is an album that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. Katie and Liz Davis are the women behind the sounds here, and since all the tracks are original, you will be continually surprised by each new song. While the music is definitely Celtic, you'll also hear a strong Bluegrass thread, and some Jazz sounds as well. It makes for an interesting combination. Don't miss tracks include "Aftermath of the Pumpkin Wars" and "Xanny Boy". The truth is that you really can't go wrong here, so just kick back and enjoy. There isn't a boring tune among the offerings here, that's for sure.

How to Get Your Free Celtic MP3s Through the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine

2010-01-20T12:01:00.001-06:00

I had an email the other day from a guy asking how to download the free MP3s I offer in this magazine. It is excellent question that I thought I would address here.

You will note that this email newsletter does not offer direct links to any MP3s. To access those, you must visit the website, either subscribe to the feed or head down to "Celtic CD Reviews and MP3 Downloads" and click the link. The blog that you will find there offers a mix of Celtic CD reviews and MP3 downloads. Pretty simple. However, the posts have not always been.

To help you distinguish which is which, the reviews are all listed as "Review:" followed by the album and artist name.

So for example, the lastest review posted reads:

Review: "Don't Count Me Out" by Kevin Flynn & The Avondale Ramblers

Now the MP3s were not so clear in the past. So for now on, I'm doing the same to them so that the latest MP3 download now reads:

MP3: "The Wanderer" by Anois

Below the subject is a wee bit of information about the artist along with a bolded link to the artist website, CD from which the song comes, and the song title preceded by "Download MP3:". Just right-click and save the MP3 to your hard drive and you are ready to go.

Now the goal of the magazine is to update you with the latest news and updates from the magazine, podcast, occasional Celtic music news, plus some of the stuff I am busy with at the moment.

I hope that helps you better access the great information at your fingertips, because we are changing the way you hear Celtic music.

- Subscribe to the Celtic Feed

MP3: "The Warlock" by Atlantic Wave

2010-01-11T09:09:00.002-06:00

Atlantic Wave was founded in 2004 and formed out of the sessions and pubs of southeast Wisconsin. Not surprising given that the area hosts the Milwaukee Irish Festival, the world's largest Irish music festival.

Atlantic Wave is a conteporary traditional band, deeply rooted in the styles of Ireland, Scotland and Cape Beton. Yet, the style they developed is all their own, and their shows are lively, rocking affairs.

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA
Website: Atlantic Wave
Download MP3: The Warlock
Buy CD: The Angel's Share

Similar Artists: Natalie McMaster, Altan, Liz Carroll, John Doyle, Danu

MP3: "Barley Bree" by Roscoe Vacant

2010-01-10T08:48:00.003-06:00

Roscoe Vacant hails from Comnock in Ayrshire, Scotland. He's a writer and a performer, bringing his mix of political punk, folk and blues to the Celtic music scene. He strives for something unique and different with each song, and what he achieves is nothing short of that. He's not afraid of tackling controversial subjects, and writes songs dealing with sexism, homophobia, religion and nationalism, as well as discussions of love, longing and friendship. His style is different and lyrics are firm. He's got a gift. It's that simple.

Hometown: Cumnock, Ayrshire, Scotland
Website: Roscoe Vacant
Download MP3: Barley Bree
Buy CD: Nothing's Going to Change

Similar Artists: Nyah Fearties, Dick Gaughan, We Free Kings

MP3: "The Cobble Road" by The Scottish Rebel: Harold Watts

2010-01-09T08:35:00.005-06:00

Harold Watts first discovered Celtic music when he was young. The rest, as they say...is history. His love of the music grew and he drew inspiration from many of the great artists in the field. Currently, Watts is working on his album, Celtic Fire.

Watts began writing music in 2005 while he was deployed as a soldier in Iraq. His appreciation and love for his heritage runs deep in his tunes.

Hometown: Long Lake, Michigan, USA
Website: The Scottish Rebel: Harold Watts
Download MP3: The Cobble Road

Similar Artists: Melanie Gruben, Dougie Maclean, The Elders

MP3: "Farewell to Carlingford" by Hank Cramer

2010-01-08T08:18:00.004-06:00

Hank Cramer hails from eastern Washington. His musical success is evident in his own personal collection, including 19 CDs, four music videos and three movie soundtracks. In addition to this, he is a popular solo performer at festivals and venues across the United States and Canda.

Although he performs many folk songs, the ballads of Ireland and Scotland are the ceterpiece to Cramer's music. His music has received critical acclaim, including nationwide airplay on National Public Radio. In 2006, Cramer won first place in the music competition as vocalist at the Tuscon Celtic Festival.

He's definitely worth the listen.

Hometown: Winthrop, Washington, USA
Website: Hank Cramer
Download MP3: Farewell to Carlingford
Buy CD: Loosely Celtic

Similar Artists: Tiller's Folly, Tom Lewis, Stan Hugill