The Celtic MP3s Music Magazine is a free monthly Celtic music magazine featuring free music downloads of Celtic, Scottish, Irish music from around the world. Here, you will find free music downloads from independent Celtic artists. Some MP3s are time sensitive. So download them now. All of the latest MP3s are available for at least a month. As always, if enjoy the music, please help the artist out and buy their CD. Serving Celtic music fans since 2000!
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MP3: "Raglan Road" by Luke Daniels
Who knows Celtic music better than musicians from Ireland. In his latest group, Luke Daniels combines his talents with two other great musicians from Ireland, Theresa Kavanagh on fiddle, and Mike Galvin on guitar. What they create is a beautiful musical ensemble that reflects a new standard for Celtic music.
MaterDea is a Celtic band that was born out of a collaboration between Simon Papa and Marco Strega. Despite their different artistic backgrounds, they both share a deep passion for music, all of which is evident in the tone and atmosphere of their sound, which is all blended with powerful rock beats holding it down.
Colleen Raney has been singing Irish music for over 20 years in the Northwest and beyond. Her stunning voice captivates the audience and really makes her stand out in the Celtic music world. She's an amazing talent worth being recognized.
Hometown: Seattle, Washington, USA, now living in Portland, Oregon, USA Website:Colleen Raney Download MP3:Galway Shawl Buy CD:Linnet
Similar Artists: Mary Black, Kate Rusby, Maura O'Connell
Based out of Norman, Oklahoma, John McGaha brings his multip genre and musical talent to the Celtic scene. He began playing fiddle with his father's bluegrass band at the age of four. Throughout the years, his interest in music and instruments expanded. His true love, however, is Celtic music in all of its various genres.
MP3: "The Reel Riot Session" by In Search of a Rose
In Search of a Rose formed in 1992 in Lemgo, Germany and was started by a group of friends. This band created a unique twist on traditional tunes. Their sound defines their style - fun. If you want good music that makes you feel good, this band is it!
Icewagon Flu is one of the most fun and most orginal bands to hit the music scene. They've toured since 2001 with bands like Black 47, Flogging Molly, Scythian, and Carbon Leaf. Today, their music is considred to be some of the best independent music out there. They are beyond amazing. This group put the rock in Indy Celtic rock.
Dark Patrick brings a new combination of sounds to Celtic music. Performing a combination of Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and Ukrainian dances, rare ancient melodies, little known songs, and a few more famous ones (in Ukrainian, Irish and English languages) on traditional Ukrainian and Irish instruments.
Their music is dynamic, touching mostly on old Irish songs by expanding into an emotional Ukrainian Cossack. You never know what you're going to hear, and that's one of the main draws of this group. Drawing on their wide musical tastes and experiences, their unique style is evident in their songs and music.
Burning Bridget Cleary formed on St. Patrick's Day in 2006 when Genevieve Gillespie joined forces with a father-daughter duo, Lou and Rose Baldino. The union brought was a lively, beautiful Celtic flair that had youthful intensity and exuberance on even traditional tunes. Each song builds in intensity and energy, the same energy that has captivated audiences everywhere. Their CD, Everything is Alright, was released in November 2008.
Brad Reid has been working on a music career since 2002. Although he first studied saxophone, his interests and the demands placed on him as a working musician led him to other woodwind instruments - the flute and clarinet. In addition, he also plays the fiddle, guitar, and bagpipes. Reid has had the opportunity to tour with Joel Mason and his Elton John tribute show, as well as Johnny Thunder (formerly of The Drifters), Eddie Holman, and more.
Brad’s versatility of styles and instruments continues to open many doors for him, and led to the recent release of his first traditional Cape Breton fiddle album, “The Conundrum”, on which he recorded both the fiddle and guitar.
Jenna Greene, also known as The Green Lady, shows off her amazing voice and songwriting talents, weaving tales of myth and magic into her songs. Inspired by anciet lore, Greene takes the listener on a quest, encouraging them to follow their dreams and view life with a child-like wonder. An amazing talent, she has traveled all over New England bringing her songs to various audiences. Her sound, her voice, her songs...are so easy to fall in love with.
MP3: "The Day After The Night Before" by Dust Rhinos
They are big men with a monster sound. There is no better way to describe the Dust Rhinos. The band consists of two violins, a mandolin, and a bodhran and they use those instruments to bludgeon their wild audience with a Celtic sonic assault, leaving them wanting more. Playing traditional airs, reels, and jigs, the Dust Rhinos give each tune a new twist of hard-core Celtic rock! It's a beautiful thing!
MP3: "The Hanging of Jamie Macpherson" by Grey Aengus
Grey Aengus presents traditional instruments on traditional Celtic music. Playing the tunes on Hammer Dulcimer and Hurdy Gurdy, the sound that Grey Aengus creates takes you back to the past...and you lose yourself there.
The Killdares are not just a band. Far from it really. This group is an experience! The band formed back in 1996 and, since then, have grown to become one of the hottest, cutting edge bands in music today - Celtic or otherwise.
Comprised of world-class musicans fro all over the US, the Killdares have been creating their hard-driving, alternative Celtic rock music by blending their skills in the Celtic realm with power-pop sounds and straight up rock n' roll hooks.
It's a fresh new sound that is sure to get you hooked at first listen.
Queen's Gambit value the traditions of Irish and Scottish music. That's why this band keeps steadfast to these traditions. Playing traditional insturments like violin, viola, tinwhistle, guitar and bodhran, Queen's Gambit brings back the tradition in traditional-style Celtic music. And how sweet it is!
Greta, Willow, and Solana, three young musicians who make up The Gothard Sisters, have been playing fiddle since they were five years old. Originally classically trained on violin, they made the switch to fiddle and began to mesh that sound with their classical training. What emerged was a unique sound that is all their own. Their songs are deep, amazing stories that take the listener on journeys to America, and through struggles and trials. They encapture the audience with their sound.
Their latest CD, "Celtic Rainbow" features the intricuate sound of fiddle harmonies, the sweet, uplifting voice of Solana, and unique arrangements of popular songs. They have a never-ending supply of new ideas and they aren't affraid to take risks. This is what makes these sisters the great musicians that they are.
In the South of Italy, at the very end of 2007, Deep Green Light formed. Since then, they have performed acoustic anthems of Irish-pub tradition as well as mystic Celtic tunes that sweep the listener away to the rolling green hills of Ireland. Not only do they perform classical songs of traditional music, but they have created their own songs as well, pulling together numerous influences that have shaped their music over the years. Together, their instruments and songs put together a magical and evocative performance.
The Sheridan Band is a band so full of energy, it's catching. Even in their music. The band, made up of four family members, quickly discovered their skill and knack for music during impromptu sessions at family and community events. They have performed live at various venues from Northern Ontario down into Michigan. They are worth checking out.
Hailing from Croatia, The Skelligs emerges with an energizing and traditional acoustic sound. Their sound is predominantely Irish, but varies every now and again to somethin gmore fused. It all depends on the occasion and the venue in which they play. Their goal is to find harmony between tradition and innovation. They do it well.
Describing themselves as "The Pogues on speed," The Booze Brothers are pumped and primed and ready to take the Celtic world by storm. This band is not just Irish traditional, but they have a bit of punk thrown in there too. The result...magic.
MP3: "Up The Main Topsail" by Trinity River Whalers
The Trinity River Whalers (also known as "The Whalers") are high-energy and really put out music that keeps a party beat, and makes people want to get up and dance. Their high-energy Celtic/folk style is catchy and full of fast tempos and rhythms, accompanied by dynamic vocals. Always fun. Always a party. This Celtic band is a treat...in a box.
If you like Celtic music that offers a variety to the norm...then you need not look further than The Langer's Ball. The Langer's Ball is a 2-piece Celtic group, featuring Michael Sturm on guitar, mandolin and vocals, and Hannah Rediske on accordian and penny whistle.
Whether it's traditional tunes, contemporary, or original, this duo has the sound and the chops to put out enjoyable music for everyone. Having just formed 2 years ago, they have already played over 200 shows in various locations and acquired quite a following of their own.
Anois is the Gaelic word for "now," and nothing better sums up the poetic Celtic music that this group gives its listeners. This Dutch band offers up a tapestry of Celtic music, inspired by Enya, Loreena McKennitt, Clannad, as well as the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien of "Lord of the Rings" fame. Anois' first CD was just released. Give a listen and be transported to a different time.
Her voice is mystical and beautiful, described as organic and soulful with a touch of whimsy. Sora takes Celtic music to the next level with her stylized melody lines and narrative vocals. her powerful and rich voice stirs old stories to life and makes each song an adventure.
"Auld Dublin Town" by Jim Clarke and Granny's Apples
Jim Clarke and Granny's Apples is an Irish themed cross-over band. Their songs are all original tunes, written by Jim Clarke. These songs range from up-tempo Irish pub songs to beautiful Irish ballads. They definitely have something for everyone.
Stanley & Grimm celebrates traditional music by encompassing new and old interpretations of jigs, reels and songs. They not only play traditional tunes of old, but modern songs and those of their own creation. Stanely & Grimm capture the very essence of what Celtic music is about. Their energy explodes in their sound and brings a joy and love for traditional music back to the audience.
Children of the Gael are classified as anciently acoustic and experimentally traditional. The reason has to do with their instrumental line-up: mandolin, mandola, bouzouki, 4 course tenor guitar, Irish low string guitar, tenor banjo, feadog, bodhran, and vocals in both English and Irish. This band is quite proud of their heritage and pour all of this pride into the music they create, paying homage to their ancestors.
If you're looking for a high-energy, Celtic rock band that isn't afraid to take on traditional Celtic and folk tunes by reinventing them and adding a bit of rock n' roll to the tunes, then Bill Grogan's Goat is the band you've been seeking. The diversity of the musicians that make up this band is what makes this new spin on Irish music so do-able. And the best part is...it's done well!
Bill Grogan's goat is a combination of bass, drums, guitars as well as traditional Irish bouzouki, tin whistle, mandolin, and five-string banjo. This is an exciting alternative to the average rock band as well as the growing legion of Celtic rock bands that are around today.
Gerard Smith is a songwriter/musician that hails from Detroit. One of his gifts is his ability to have his listener explore his workd of music by implementing various styles and creating a travelogue of sound that contains hints of Celtic, jazz, folk, and rock influences. Smith is a proficient mutli-intrumentalist, playing electric and acoustic guitar, as well as mandolin, bouzouki, bodhran, tin whistle and concertina.
Smith began building his repertoire on traditional Irish ballads and tunes. Since then, in addition to playing solo, he has also played with groups such as The Bowzies and Bill Grogan's Goat. His latest album, "Idylls of the King of the Road" shows of his traditional Irish folk routes as well as highlights the other genres that he has honed in on. He's an amazing talent and one that shouldn't be missed.
Corrigan Brothers are an Irish Band who play everything from folk to light rock. They pride themselves on their ability to provide good songs and good humour. Their favorite part of being a band is their live performances, and their fans would agree. Over the past six months, the Corrigan Brothers have signed a recording contract with Universal as well as played at president Obama's inauguration. Their popularity is growing by leaps and bounds!
Their music is best described as bag pipes as the "lead guitar." Interesting as that is, 1916, a Celtic rock band, contribute a variety of instruments to bring us their amazing sound. Audiences everywhere find their unique sound to be catchy and enough to bring them to their feet. Their live performances are not to be missed!
Hometown: Bakersfield, California, USA Website:1916 Download MP3:Naturally Please
Adam Alexander and Joe Travers are quite a team. Their combination of powerful vocals and memorable renderings of both traditional and original Celtic music brings them to the forefront of this genre. They bring a fresh look at some of the most beloved Celtic songs, as well as provide amazing original tunes in their line-up.
Terry Griffith is a contemporary and traditional Celtic artist who specializes in Irish and Celtic ballads. His interpretations of favorite and much-loved ballads are always unique! His performances of these songs are always an enjoyable experience, whether you hear it on an album or live. Experience Terry Griffith.
Beer Belly are a five piece band that brew up a mix of uplifting songs, sing-along ballads, and bawdy tales. They liven up each song with the sounds of Irish reels and jigs, Scottish bagpipes, and traditional Celtic music. All of the members come from a variety of musical backgrounds which only serves to enrich their music further. Their style will have you calling for another round.
Circled By Hounds is the next big thing to hit Celtic Music. Not only is this band wicked talented, but they continue to push the boundaries of traditional music to create a sound that ruly is their own. The band seamlessly integrates a healthy respect for traditional songs and instruments with original music that never strays far from its roots...all the while, avoiding cliche.
The band originally formed because of a mutual respect the musicians had for traditional music and their love of creatiing music together. This band is extraordinary. No doubt about it!
Victoria Trestrail is not just a singer, but also a songwriter and guitarist. Blending the sounds of Celtic, flamenco, blues, ballads, folk and reggae, she creates a unique sound that definitely accents her natural gift for music.
In January 2008, Bote officially began to play as a band. However, in November, they hit the restart button, taking on a more 'rock' based ensemble. Their debut album came out in March 2009. With it's mix of acoustic and electric songs, Bote offers up a variety of music that a variety of people will love.
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina, USA Website:Bote Download MP3:All Day Long
Similar Artists: Great Big Sea, Oysterband, Dubliners, Enter the Haggis, Irish Descendants
Madd Paddy is redefining the feel for traditional culture and the timeless sound of Celtic music. These talented musicans form a band that provide bold entertainment and keeps the listener entertained throughout it's set. Many loyal followers have found this band. They wear their collective music-loving hearts on their sleeves and are better for it.
Hailing from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, Jesse Ferguson brings his love of Scottish and Irish traditional music to his own style. Not only does this talented musican sing, but he plays guitar, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, bodhran and pennywhistle. His album, "New Old Songs," was released in 2009.
Kiss the Mistress brings its Euro/Celtic folk sound to the music scene, driven by voice, cello, accordion and bodhran. Not only does this band dabble in different tempos and rhythms, but they play with such emotion and energy that it's sure to carry the listener through each song and leave them wanting more. Playing traditional songs and new material, this band takes a journey from the Highlands of Scotland to Brittany with stops in between and strange occurances that happen. It's a lively sound...and one that is catchy!
Scott Boswell started his music ccareer and his interest in music at a Ren Faire. He was at Scarborough Faire when he heard Gibbon the Troubador perform. He was captivated and soon found himself working at Ren Faires throughout the country. He met the Bedlam Bards and after a few words of confidence from his friends Hawke and Cedrick, he took his first steps into the Celtic Music world.
Already proficient at the guitar, he was a quick study on the whistle. Once he heard an Irish flute on a recording, he was hooked. Boswell found himself learning the complex instrument and recording Jug of Punch. His music inspires. His sound is fantastic. Everyone should give him a listen.
"Pigeon on the Gate" by Annie B. Jamieson Elementary School Grade 7 Irish Orchestra
Under the guidance of Mr. James Colpitts, Annie B. Jamieson Elementary School offers something that most schools don't have - the largest school string orchestra program in Canada. The 2008-2009 Grade 7 Orchestra is composed of 16 violins, 2 cellos and 1 bass. Every week, the students rehearse twice during their lunch hour. These students are amazing in their study and mastery of Irish and Celtic music.
Doug Folkins sound brings listeners back to the old traditions of raucious Maritime kitchen parties. Infusing a bit of Canadian integrity, his sound is a bit like Great Big Sea meets Blue Rodeo. Unique and fun.
"The Butterfly/Miss McLeod's/Pigeon on the Gate" by Sweetfire
Shannon Miller and Laurel Thomsen are the dynamic duo that came together to form Sweetfire. These two both shared a love of Celtic music and decided that they would create music in that genre. With the addition of Jana Heller, guitarist, and Andy Gilhooley, bodhran, doumbek, "laptop," the band has created a strong sense of rhythm and meoldy, adding a lot of flavor to their songs. This passion for music is what drives Sweetfire to create and to perform to perfection.
"Toss the Feathers/Cooly's Reel" by Leprechaun Water
Family, music and beer. That was how Leprechaun Water was conceived in the beginning. Since then, the band has been working hard to learn instruments and create a set of songs that audiences everywhere would enjoy. They succeeded. In the world of Celtic music...these traditional songs are top-notch and played to perfection. The music of Leprechaun Water sweeps you away to the green, rolling hills of Ireland.
The Blarnacles not only play traditional Celtic music, but they also sing their songs in English and Irish. Their new CD, The Road to Blarney, depicts their unique style and sound. Not only do they hit on slow tunes and the old-fashioned dance numbers, but they've incorporated a few funny songs as well. It's a CD that is made for everyone to enjoy!
Marc Gunn is an accomplished professional performer, songwriter, and producer who brings a powerful and expressive voice to Celtic music. He is accomplished on an unusual instrument - the autoharp – and has expanded his traditional work in Irish and Scottish music to fuse the roots of Celtic with blues, jazz and folk music. Marc Gunn delivers exciting live shows as well as compelling and original recordings. Gunn has 14 solo albums to his credit to date.
How do you describe Doug Folkins? A little bit of Great Big Sea mixed in with a little bit of Blue Rodeo. He's energetic, playful, fun...and that's only the beginning. Folkins can go from traditional Maritime reels, to driving sing along tunes, to songs with emoiton and poise. He's simply...amazing.
Slan, hailing from Holland, was founded in 2004. This folk band, composed of five enthusiastic musicans, has gained a repertoire of Irish and Scottish tunes. They also play Northumbrian and Breton music.
Slan combines their own work with those of traditional Celtic music. The result? A mystical journey through the Celtic landscape.
The Irish Experience is just what it sounds like. The band, formed in 1996 to entertain Seattle pub crowds on St. Patrick's Day, quickly grew to attract fans of all ages with their upbeat tunes. They rock out with guitar, fiddle and drums, creating an explosive Irish sound that will leaving you dancing and wanting more.
Ryan M. Barnes' specialty is Irish/Canadian folk, as well as moody piano. What he does well is mesh the two of them to create his sound. His music is perfectly at home in a storm-covered night, drinking ale and contemplating life's irony while the cat on your lap blanket becomes drenched with tears.
It's all about emotions. And no one does it better than Ryan M. Barnes.
FiddleSticks is a family band that consists of two sisters, Katie and Liz Davis. They have traditional roots in the Celtic music industry, but they branch out into contemporary music of their own, which makes them span a wide range of Irish, Scottish, and American folk music. All fused into their own style. They're great!
Claire Tchaikowski was born in Switzerland to three Irish grandparents and one Polish one. She spent serveral months a year in Ireland with her family before moving to London in the late 90s to study music. That was when she began to write songs and realized just how powerful her Celtic heritage was.
Her debut album, Those Thousand Seas, was released in 2008 and has been getting rave reviews. There's good reason too. Her sound is unique and polished. Give her a listen...and you'll be hooked too.
Holly Mathias is a singer/guitarist who has been performing for most of her life. She began in coffee houses, playing her traditional (and not-so-traditional) Celtic music. She is also a songwriter, known to write songs with a gaelic-folk flavor. Her greatest joy is audience participation, so if you found yourself at one of Mathias' shows...be prepared to sing along.
aBuck63 is a traditional Irish folk duet consisting of Matt and Heather Murphy, a husband and wife duo. Their sound is built largely on Heather's tin whistle. In fact, their music takes listeners on a journey through the Celtic landscape, as well as introducing the pioneer spirit of their forefathers who actually settled the valley they call home.
Influenced by bluegrass and country western artists, their songs often take on a more progressive "pub style" with the pounding tempos, as well as reels, jigs, and haunting harmonies.
Heidi Jane has been referred to as "Susan Vega and Peter Gabriel set sea on a sea of fiddles." Nothing could be further from the truth for this independent musician living in San Francisco.
The violin is her principle instrument and she enjoys creating music that is not solely driven by the typical electric guitar foundation which sets the tone of most rock music. Nor does she take the solo acoustic approach of many folk bands. By placing violin at the forefront, she is creating a sound all her own that is a rich blend of the beautiful string instruments.
Her playing is a unique hibrid of fiddle-playing, which infuses lilting Irish accents with African and Latin Rhythms, all melting with the warm classical tone of the violin.
BardicRose is Central Florida's premier Celtic-Folk-Renaissance-Medieval-Rock-Acoustic Band. Their songs and their sound have such a flavor and diversity that they truly fall into every one of those categories.
Originally formed as a Recorder group, this band has been around for almost 15 years. That's an amazing accomplishment for any band these days. Since their formation, the band has evolved into a multi-dimensional pool of talent, offering arrangements of intricate instrumentals and beautiful, harmonic vocals.