Celtic Music ReviewsCeltic MP3s Music Magazine is a free weekly Celtic music & mp3 magazine featuring free music downloads of Celtic, Scottish, Irish music from around the world. Subscribe for a chance to win free Celtic CDs. Don't just download. "Starlight and Shadow" by Siren's Song
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Siren's Song Album: "Starlight and Shadow" Year produced: 2004 Just four ladies make up this band, but they can put forth a lot of music! The group plays over 20 instruments, which means you'll hear a lot of variety, although guitar is a clear favorite. Not neatly fitting in any genre, they tip-toe through pop, folk and Celtic stylings. This isn't an issue, however, it's nice! Those who long for the sea will dream away with Siren's Song, as they prefer this type of subject matter. The soft harmonies float through the songs like a gentle wind and leave you feeling the emotion; you don't even need to hear the words. Songs such as "Tears Of The Moon" and "Song Of The Siren" really leave one transformed by the end as you relax and get into the sounds offered up by these ladies. The band was established in 1996 and each of the women that are involved has quite a resume when it comes to music. You'll hear the decades of experience reflected in the musical abilities, and certainly in the vocal quality of each of them. Rich, varied and just plain pretty, this CD is sure to find a place in your heart. Buy the Album: Album: "Starlight and Shadow" 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 http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Sunday, March 16, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Harper's Bizarre" by Sarah Marie Mullen
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Sarah Marie Mullen Album: "Harper's Bizarre" Year produced: 2007 Well it is somewhat unusual to use the words "harp music" and "great fun" in the same sentence, but this CD makes it so easy! Sarah Marie Mullen is a master at her craft and brings a bit of whimsy to the typically serious instrument. Performing professionally since the age of 15, Mullen has more than a little experience with her style and delivery and there is not a doubt in my mind that she is every bit as good in person as she is on this album. While I remember enjoying her CD, "The Wild Woods," I think she has outdone herself on this latest effort. The songs represented here have a twist to them that shows she is continuing to grow and develop as a musician. The arrangements are extraordinarily intricate and very interesting to listen to. It takes a true talent to deliver all of this so easily. Don't miss the last track, "Perfectly Spherical Duck" which is smooth and sleek. This CD is really a joy, and will appeal to those who love the harp, but will not alienate other listeners either--there is plenty here to savor. Check it out to see what the harp is capable of in the hands of an expert player who isn't afraid to have a little fun with it. Buy the Album: "Harper's Bizarre" 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 http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Sunday, March 16, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "I Know You're Out There" by Mimi Burns Band
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Mimi Burns Band Album: "I Know You're Out There" Year produced: 2007 Celtic rock with a difference best describes this original album by the Mimi Burns Band. All about ghosts, lost love and memories it is sentimental, sweet and yet fresh and alluring all at the same time. Classic subjects mixed with a new perspective, these tunes will please the listener with their honesty. Mimi Burns herself pens lyrics and they reach deep and ring true. The musicians are all top-notch and the songs are arranged well. All the elements are present for a great CD and that is exactly what is delivered. The Celtic vibe is there, but the songs don't limit themselves to the genre either. The title track is moody and interesting, starting off with the feel of a foggy day which leads to sheer clarity as it calls forth for love. Each song is something special and you definitely get the feeling that they are crafted rather than just recorded. Care is taken that the right feel for each turn of the phrase is delivered and it makes the difference between a good effort and a really great one. This is a delicately balanced CD with super results. Buy the Album: "I Know You're Out There" 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 http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Sunday, March 16, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Dancin' Beggarman" by The Trinity River Whalers
By: Mike @ Celtophilia
Artist: Trinity River Whalers Album: Dancin' Beggarman I'm not sure where this Trinity River is, but apparently their whale problem has been solved. All the whalers have put down their harpoons and become Dancin' Beggarmen. This CD offers a fine mix of traditional and contemporary celtic, with some completely off-the-wall stuff thrown in for spice. Some high-fallutin' folk might even call it eclectic. My favorite song on the disc is Fighting Tigers, a tune about Irishmen fighting for Louisiana during the American Civil War. Like many (okay, probably most) Southerners, I grew up on Civil War history, and am drawn to Civil War/Irish connections like an unfortunate and soon to be deceased moth, proverbially speaking. Tracks like Down Yonder/Redwing/Spanish Grass Medley and Rusty Old American Dream may not satisfy the trad purists of the world, but there are plenty of others that will. Besides, who really cares what a bunch of trad nazis want, anyway? Dancin' beggarmen can't be choosy beggarmen, can they? Buy the Album: Dancin' Beggarman Mike is a long-time celtophiliac from Northeast Georgia, a full-time graphic designer with some news writing experience, and a reluctant web designer. Mike is a regular contributor at the Celtic Music blog Celtophilia
--posted by Bonnie & Mike, Saturday, March 15, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Con Suite" by Emerald Rose
By: Bonnie @ Celtophilia
Artist: Emerald Rose CD: Con Suite Con Suite is a whimsically random assortment of sci-fi and fantasy inspired offerings along with a couple of songs that lean towards slightly more traditional Celtic fare. Harry Potter freaks (raises hand!) are almost sure to appreciate Chocolate Frog, a happy little tune with fun lyrics and correspondingly bouncy music. I really enjoy Fairies Stole My Keys, it's the perfect combination of Celtic folk music sound with a modern twist in the verses. All For Me Grog is a rendition of the classic that turned out about as you would expect it to, with maybe a bit too much gratuitous clinking of glasses in the background. The gorgeous harmony will probably cause you to forgive the sound of the barmaid doing the washing up in the recording studio. I'm sorry to say I just didn't get Bronya Vadavoshtnoshtk. It's not Celtic, and it doesn't appear to be sci-fi, or fantasy ... unless it is, but in Russian. Undoubtedly someone knows exactly what it's all about but that person isn't me. I must have been absent from geek school that day. Never Split The Party is the stand out by far. I have listened to it, ahem, a lot, and it just gets better and better. I start grinning as soon as I hear the words dungeon master. As a D and D enthusiast, I have to say the line "Never let that damn thief out of sight" is pure gold. This is the song you'll get stuck in your head and walk around singing to yourself all day. The best part is, by the time you go to bed you still won't be sick of it. Words really can't express the depth of my adoration for this hilarious ditty, made poignant by the death of Gary Gygax on the fourth of March, 2008. Rest in peace Gary. Big Damn Heroes wasn't as good as I wanted it to be, but Browncoats like myself can be tough to please when it comes to our Firefly fan media. The CD is a bit off and on, but when Emerald Rose is on, they will rock you harder than the Weird Sisters in the holodeck on the U.S.S. Enterprise at the simulated Yule Ball. Buy The Album: Con Suite Bonnie loves celtic music, filk, and guys that wear kilts. She also harbors an unhealthy fetish for bagpipes. Bonnie is a regular contributor at the Celtic Music blog Celtophilia.
--posted by Bonnie & Mike, Saturday, March 15, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Two Gentlemen Of The Road" by Jimmy MacBeath & Davie Stewart
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Jimmy MacBeath & Davie Stewart Album: "Two Gentlemen Of The Road" Year produced: 2003 This is one of the more interesting things I have run across in a long time. "Two Gentlemen Of The Road" is part story, part music and part history. Many of you may already recognize the name Jimmy MacBeath, one of Scotland's beloved traditional singers. Well, here you get to know him in intimate detail. This CD doesn't just deliver song--although it does that as well--but rather seeks to capture a slice of what life was like back when. The musical portions of the CD feature MacBeath and Stewart working together with voice and accordion, singing simple songs. Sometimes there is no accompaniment, just the voice calling out. There is something really neat going on here and it is very real, very touching. The other part of the CD has tracks that are filled with stories and the recounting of personal history--spoken word. The listener almost feels as if they are present during the taping of a family history session. It is intimate and fascinating to listen to the stories and hear what has transpired through time here. It's a two-disc set, with the first detailing life on the road in all its gore and glory. Disc two discusses work and family, as well as a couple "tales." I've never experienced anything like this before. Buy the Album: "Two Gentlemen Of The Road" 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 http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Tuesday, March 11, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Gretchen Priest and Plaidgrass" by Gretchen Priest and Plaidgrass
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Gretchen Priest and Plaidgrass Album: "Gretchen Priest and Plaidgrass" Year produced: 2008 Stew is a great meal because ingredients are mixed together and simmered to create a delicious blend of foods that satisfy. The combination of improvisational bluegrass and traditional Irish sounds on this CD makes for a stew of music that can stand alone as a main dish. You don't even need bread. You'll primarily be hearing a blend of instruments when these musicians get together and I can say that it's really easy on the ears. There is that relaxed groove that the bluegrass brings which makes everything in the world suddenly become ok. Think that convivial square dance atmosphere with definite Irish undertones. The blend of genres starts with Gretchen Priest and Tim May, husband and wife. Irish music and bluegrass. Gretchen brings the Irish stylings while Tim comes from solid country underpinnings and bluegrass sounds. So what will you hear musically? The mix is a tough one to pin down, but you'll be listening to the blended sounds of 8-string banjo, resonator guitar, mandolin, fiddle and bass. It's all good. Yum. Buy the Album: "Gretchen Priest and Plaidgrass" 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 http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Tuesday, March 11, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Mother Ireland's Daughters" by Cynthia Bennettby Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Cynthia Bennett Album: "Mother Ireland's Daughters" Year produced: 2007 This CD is about post-1798 Ireland. It gives a solid nod to the women and talks about change. Cynthia Bennett has an unusual voice and it is captivating as she weaves through the familiar opening track, "Wearing Of The Green." It helps give the song a new dimension. I enjoy the depth of her voice, even if it does tend to take one by surprise a bit. Bennett leaves me feeling like I've just spent time with an Irish lad's mother who told me some family history through song. Maternal is definitely a quality that comes through in her voice; caring and knowledgeable all at the same time. The style of the CD is very much traditional, with a simple acoustic sound and feel to it. The focus here is on the stories that the songs tell about the life and times of those from Ireland who live on in song. There isn't exactly a dearth of material to choose from, but it can be done well, or it can be done poorly. Bennett puts the effort forth to make sure it connects; and indeed it does. Buy the Album: Album: "Mother Ireland's Daughters" 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 http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Tuesday, March 11, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. Hallmark Chooses Seattle Band for Saint Patrick's Day Music Card
Perennial iTunes Favorite The Irish Experience Plays Morrison's Jig
March 5, 2008 -- SEATTLE – The creative minds at Hallmark made a sound choice to use a Seattle band for one of their music cards. The Irish Experience plays a traditional Irish song on the whimsical St. Patrick's Day card which is out in stores now. Hallmark claims that Americans exchange about 9-million Saint Patrick's Day cards annually which could bode quite well for the local group. The selection of Joe Bowbeer's band was a complete surprise. "Pretty much out of the blue, someone from Corbis contacted me about using the song, Morrison's Jig," says Bowbeer. Turns out one of the creatives from Hallmark heard the song on iTunes. Corbis handles licensing for Hallmark and one of their representatives found Bowbeer's information on the band's MySpace page. The band was paid a usage fee for an initial printing of the card and could earn more should more cards be sold. "This is certainly not something we expected," says fiddle player Bowbeer, "but it sure is an excellent way to get the music out there." The band is rounded out by guitarist Tom May and bass player Tom Hotchkin. The song, Morrison's Jig, was recorded on the band's self-titled album which came out in 2003. The band is a perennial favorite on iTunes, reaching the top ten in the "World" genre in both the album and song categories. The band formed in 1996 to entertain Seattle pub crowds on Saint Patrick's Day. They perform Celtic and Appalachian music on traditional and electric instruments. Labels: news
--posted by Marc Gunn, Wednesday, March 05, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Loud Pipes (Save Lives)" by Prydein
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Prydein Album: "Loud Pipes (Save Lives)" Year produced: 2007 Rock meets Great Highland Bagpipes--or as the band enjoys--the phrase"Sham-rock." You'll find fun tunes here like "The $17 Red Head," and "NancyWhisky" -- all with a groove that is somewhere between both styles of music; Celtic and rock. The elements that define each style are present in varying amounts, but unmistakable from track to track. The band has both reverence for each genre and a sense of humor--both great qualities to have as people and as musicians. The last track, "Stairway to Scotland" has a tremendous sound and combines Amazing Grace with Scotland the Brave for a smashing tune--perhaps the best on the CD. Track 3, "Run Run Away" will bring a knowing smile for those who recognize the tune (and an even wider grin for those who recall the video!). The fun had on this album is apparent in the energy the musicians call forth as they play and the choices they made in selecting what to mix. You don't have to have seen them play to know that these guys have a really good time blending their sound together and learning from each other while they do it. Each style remains true, yet they are blended in a realistic and enjoyable way. Good stuff! Buy the Album: "Loud Pipes (Save Lives)" 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 http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, January 31, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "A Celtic Rock Tribute To The Cure" by Seven Nations by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Seven Nations Album: "A Celtic Rock Tribute To The Cure" Year produced: 2007 I bet this is something you never ever thought you'd see! And next, I'd bet you were wondering if this is any good... Well, let's end the suspense right now--it is fantastic! The unique idea to recap Cure songs with a Celtic flavor and different arrangements is a stroke of genius. You'll find favorites such as: Pictures of You, Love Song, Boys Don't Cry and Just Like Heaven. With ten tracks in all--this is a must listen Celtic rock CD to add to your collection. If you have trouble imagining what it sounds like to mix the two you aren't alone--I had to hear it to see what the possibilities were, but it is really a great tribute CD. Favorites include The Love Cats, which purrs over the fiddle strings, and Fascination Street, which is the perfect blend of rock, Cure and Celtic sound. The album opens one's eyes (and ears) to the possibilities in terms of what can happen when you mix and match great music. The band started out as a rock band in New York and evolved into what it is today -- a unique Celtic rock group. This isn't a new bunch either--these guys have been around a while and have put out a bunch of CDs over time. Give this one a listen and see what can happen musically with a great tribute to a great band. Buy the Album: "A Celtic Rock Tribute To The Cure" 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 http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, January 31, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "In Good Time" by Poor Man's Fortune by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Poor Man's Fortune Album: "In Good Time" Year produced: 2007 What do you get when you have three musicians who set out to play music from Brittany, Ireland, England, Scandinavia and Scotland and want to bring theirown stamp to the mix? You have a CD by Poor Man's Fortune, titled In Good Time! The band calls their style, "old tunes for new ears" and accomplishes that by taking old, traditional songs from a variety of places and arranging them with a modern influence. The instruments remain traditional, but the band infuses their tunes with an energy and style that leaves one well aware that this is not your grandfather's trio. This band has some serious background in the music field--either by college degree or experience--or both. You'll find no amateurs here. The CD begins with the sound of a crowd and evolves into a fun jaunty piece to get things rolling. Some tracks are light and fluffy while others are a bit more dramatic--one doesn't know what exactly to expect from each new song--but it is all interesting. Those looking for music that is traditional filtered through the lens of interpretation and intellect will get excited by this CD. If you want a safe listen, you may want to look elsewhere, but if you want to expand your musical horizons and see what can happen when one doesn't play totally by the rules--check out this album. It's well worth the time. Buy the Album: "In Good Time" 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 http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, January 31, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Celtic Passage" by Deirdre Ni Chinneide by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Deirdre Ni Chinneide Album: "Celtic Passage" Year produced: 2007 Not many debut albums have the kind of immediate impact on the listener that Celtic Passage does. This is music from a lady (Deirdre Ni Chinneide) who has a very distinct, unusual style and knows how to weave together an interesting and artistic CD. The sounds heard here were inspired in part by the land of Inis Mor, the largest of a group of islands off the west coast of Ireland. The island is also the artist's home. Deirdre is a psychotherapist, working in the specialized field of trauma and recovery, and it is reflected strongly in the soothing feel of her music. She believes in the healing power of sound, and it shows. This CD is balm for the most stressful of days or moods. Songs like "Cry to the Mountains" and others have an almost "new age" slant to them, with a world music mood here and there as well. It is difficult to describe the tenderness of the singer's voice, but it rings out in its angelic tones and leaves one feeling relaxed--like all is right with the world. Harmonies punctuate here and there, keeping the sound from being too one-dimensional and infusing tracks such as "Mother" with energy despite their gentleness.With 13 tracks, there is plenty of time to sit with this music and let it work its magic. By the end of the CD, listeners should find they feel inspired and refreshed, for this is truly restorative sound here. Not just a copy of others who came before her, Deirdre Ni Chinneide finds her own way into the field with Celtic Passage, and stakes her claim with this ethereal effort. Buy the Album: "Celtic Passage" 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 http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, January 31, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Silverwheel" by Darren Raleigh by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Darren Raleigh Album: "Silverwheel" Year produced: 2007 This is the simplest of CDs in one way--just a man and his harp--no frills. Yet Darren Raleigh manages to keep things interesting enough to hold your attention well for the entire 10 tracks on his album, "Silverwheel". This is squarely in the Celtic genre, and those who enjoy a good harp will feel satisfied after giving this a listen. Raleigh takes his music very seriously, and considers himself a story teller as well as a musician. He has led a very interesting life, which undoubtedly has contributed to his music, and has done things such as travel as a street harper and participate in Renaissance Fairs around the country. Raleigh studied music as a child, returning to it later in life and finding his passionate spirit best reflected in the tones of the harp. The tracks here vary from sprightly to sentimental, and the musicianship is quite good. Vocals are less frequent than the sound of the strings, which isa nice emphasis in that you just get to listen to the man play. What couldbe too much harp for some will be a welcome amount for those who love this instrument's sound--it is the centerpiece of the album and is pure as can be. Buy the Album: "Silverwheel" 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 http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, January 31, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards. "Out of the Ordinary" by Claire Roche
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Claire Roche Album: "Out of the Ordinary" by Claire Roche Year produced: 2001 This is a very dreamy album. Ideal for those who enjoy harp music but are tired of the same old thing as the CD is done in a very different style, and the vocals whisper and call much like a fantastic, eerie combination of Sinead O'Connor and Loreena McKennitt. The songs are all original too,making the sounds both unexpected and delightful. Each track has a very intimate feel to it. One feels as though the singer is sharing her innermost feelings and emotions through song here, and it is riveting. Tracks such as "Loss" have a choir-like atmosphere, even with a solo voice. Picture music that would accompany a stylized dream sequence in a movie and you are on the right road to understanding the sound of Claire Roche. The tracks are too full to be background/relaxation music, but they are ripe for the daydreamer. Whether thoughtful yearning for the past is on your mind or wishes for the future, there is something here to set the mood for you to kick back and just think things through. Track six, "Unrequiet" is especially different--you don't listen to the lyrics as much as the sound of Roche's voice, and it is pure magic. The music itself remains fairly simple throughout the CD, which is as it should be. This is a tremendous sound Ms. Roche has developed. Buy the Album: "Out of the Ordinary" by Claire Roche 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 http://www.catherineltully.com/.
--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, January 31, 2008. Find Celtic Free Music Downloads from the Brobdingnagian Bards.
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