tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75181152008-07-14T19:35:20.837-07:00Marc Gunnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259760600015369364noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-75905494832902101842008-07-14T16:54:00.000-07:002008-07-14T19:35:20.877-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: Thomas Patrick Kenny Album: The Music Of Turlough O'Carolan And Other Irish Treasures Year produced: 2008 The title of this CD piqued my interest and I really wasn't quite sure what to expect when I pressed play. For the uninitiated, Turlough O'Carolan was an Irish Bard who was blinded by smallpox and lived from 1620 to 1738. He was known for his harp music, but in

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-61292688621825741322008-07-14T12:27:00.000-07:002008-07-14T19:26:06.225-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: The High Kings Album: The High Kings Year produced: 2008 This is superterrific--and then some! The High Kings deliver right out of the box with their first track, "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore," which has fantastic harmonies and a big, yet gentle sound. The delivery on the tunes here is so heartfelt that it feels like you are watching them sing these songs live in

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-78409897578497881052008-07-14T10:22:00.000-07:002008-07-14T19:19:05.044-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: Sligo Rags Album: The Whiskey Never Lies Year produced: 2007 Starting off with a "barbershop quartet-like" intro to their title track, "The Whiskey Never Lies," Sligo Rags then launches in to an energetic (and fantastic) song; the perfect attention grabber for this CD. I wasn't sure what to expect next. And this album is like that...by track 3 I was intrigued and

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-80652262714346662982008-07-13T13:48:00.000-07:002008-07-14T19:17:58.720-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: Aisling Album: "The Pilgrims Road" Year produced: 2007 This CD is quite enjoyable and features contemporary Celtic folk music from a band that has been around since 1997. The group sounds like they have worked at refining a really cohesive and pleasing sound over the years. You'll hear familiar instruments such as the flute, tin whistle and bodhran here, and the

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-66224394907743768292008-06-17T14:24:00.000-07:002008-06-29T09:44:38.552-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer Album: "Slip Tease" Year produced: 2007 Mmmmm. I like Vicki Swa & Jonny Dyer. This newer CD, "Slip Tease," is a little different than the last, "Scatter Pipes," but that isn't a bad thing. The same ease slips through the songs and the calming effect of the music remains. Lovely vocal sounds and gentle harmonies, simple arrangements and

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-63140676499913418102008-06-17T13:58:00.000-07:002008-06-29T09:41:50.485-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: The Gentlemen Album: "Greatest Hits" Year produced: 2007 This is some of the best Celtic punk I have ever heard. Ever. These West Virginia boys mix Irish folk and punk in a stew that is a delicious, delectable cocktail or of punk madness. Pumping energy pulses every which way right out of the box on the first track here. Yet...there is enough Irish sound that I

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-5821142138988984672008-06-17T11:24:00.000-07:002008-06-29T09:37:16.033-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: The Duncan McFarlane Band Album: "All Rogues And Villians" Year produced: 2007 Just so you know--this is the "electric" version of The Duncan McFarlane Band. There is also an acoustic version. This side of the band's dual nature delivers folk-rock with a bite. The rock is present and accounted for on these tracks, with strong guitar and a heavy sound that is

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-1528976817253592322008-06-13T08:43:00.000-07:002008-06-29T09:35:05.552-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: The McDades Album: "Bloom" Year produced: 2007 This hot CD is Celtic and so much more. You can feel the energy pouring out as you listen to the tracks on "Bloom". Trying to pin the style down is tough though. There are distinct Celtic sounds and instruments, but the band itself is Canadian and the sounds they produce on the instruments represent a very wide range

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-11684201236269618122008-06-10T18:06:00.000-07:002008-06-29T09:31:39.843-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: NightinGael Album: "First Flight" Year produced: 2007 This unique group delivers quite a lovely CD with "First Flight." The hammered dulcimer is at the heart of the sound here and it is quite pretty. At 19 tracks, there is plenty to listen to, and all of it is good. Fans of the instrument will no doubt adore this offering as it is the centerpiece for the entire CD.

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-77988146703260546582008-06-10T17:47:00.000-07:002008-06-29T09:27:28.007-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: Ken O'Malley Album: "OMaille" Year produced: 2007 "OMaille" starts out strong with a song titled "City Of Chicago" and then leads one through a varied bunch of tunes. This Dublin-born singer's voice is very commanding, but can also be tender and gentle when the tune calls for it. The sound of his singing is a little different than most Celtic artists and it makes

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-70198648500733821112008-06-10T14:42:00.000-07:002008-06-29T09:23:13.472-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: Hair of the Dog Album: "Donegal" Year produced: 2007 Hair of the Dog has been together since 1993, and this New York-based group plays and tours a good deal. The brand of Celtic rock they showcase isn't the heavy-duty variety, but rather a good, old-fashioned rock blend of Celtic, rock and folk. The group has had quite a bit of recognition over the years, including

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-73229578101780951302008-06-10T14:18:00.000-07:002008-06-29T09:24:26.104-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: The Beggarmen Album: "Newry Town" Year produced: 2007 With roots firmly placed in the genre of traditional Celtic music, the Beggarmen are excellent ambassadors for their style. This Iowa City-based quartet are experts with their craft and wield their instruments with the confidence that comes only with ability. "Newry Town" is only the band's second effort in

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-88784896007135062132008-04-23T21:29:00.000-07:002008-05-20T19:42:44.460-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: Jeannie Robertson Album: "The Queen Among The Heather" Year produced: 1998 If you want to know what it would be like to grow up in a Scottish home with a mom that could sing the pants off of anything, get this recording. If you know your Scottish folk music, you'll recognize the name Jeannie Robertson, who is the voice on this album. You'll get some terrific

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-89574608286591892802008-04-23T18:59:00.000-07:002008-05-20T19:40:27.388-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: Hugh Morrison Album: "Under A Texas Skye" Year produced: 2007 Fun and more fun! Hugh Morrison and his three-row button accordion are back for more good times and this happy CD is sure to please fans of accordion music everywhere. Hugh began playing at a very young age and it shows in his smooth ability and mastery of this instrument. Sometimes the accordion is the

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-84690720822189795832008-04-23T18:26:00.000-07:002008-05-20T19:38:23.809-07:00

by Catherine L. Tully Artist: Albannach Album: "Eye Of The Storm" Year produced: 2007 I was intrigued right of the bat with this CD and loved it all the way through. If you are a fan of Scottish music this is an investment you'll want to make--unless you are a die-hard traditionalist. You'll not get that here. The music has great energy, but isn't your typical fare either. The pipes are top

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-17995842774405595022008-03-16T18:26:00.000-07:002008-03-21T12:13:14.318-07:00

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

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-12066571419053667462008-03-16T18:15:00.000-07:002008-03-21T12:07:37.644-07:00

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

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-77468908006684734092008-03-16T17:54:00.000-07:002008-03-21T12:03:26.040-07:00

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

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-23531288563209793762008-03-15T17:32:00.000-07:002008-03-15T17:44:27.633-07:00

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'

Bonnie & Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-25284124417268621982008-03-15T06:43:00.000-07:002008-03-15T12:55:32.354-07:00

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

Bonnie & Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-4670850554563592012008-03-11T16:49:00.000-07:002008-03-11T18:31:57.626-07:00

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

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-78769420522728807422008-03-11T16:22:00.000-07:002008-03-11T17:15:34.115-07:00

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

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-51748181730765573622008-03-11T16:03:00.000-07:002008-03-11T17:11:21.418-07:00

by 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

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-75216439023806449142008-03-05T20:28:00.000-08:002008-03-05T20:31:07.071-08:00

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

Marc Gunnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09259760600015369364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518115.post-75953019020085802442008-01-31T21:25:00.000-08:002008-02-09T19:36:05.756-08:00

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,

Catherine L. Tullynoreply@blogger.com