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Every year for St. Patrick's Day, I compile a new list of St Patrick's Day MP3 downloads that are 100% free and legal. This year, I decided to present them in a new format. This year, all the files are compiled like a gigantic digital compilation CD. I ZIP the files up and you just need to download one file.
And if you were ever wondering what Song Henge is like. Well, now you have a better idea. Every month, I compile MP3 submissions into one of these ZIP files and send it out to hundreds of subscribers. Oh! And remember, at the end of the month, I'm switching to an annual fee. So you still have time to take advantage of the lifetime subscription fee for under twenty dollars.
Download "17 Celtic Music Downloads for St. Patrick's Day" (73 MB)
(p.s. these MP3s will only be up for a month, so download them soon) (no longer available)
17 Free Irish & Celtic Music Downloads for St. Patrick's Day
"Seven Drunken Nights" by Brobdingnagian Bards Scottish and Irish folk songs combined with the Lord of the Rings music and a wee bit o'Celtic fun. The Brobdingnagian Bards are The Original Celtic Renaissance music duo from Austin, Texas. Their unique brand of folk music on the autoharp, recorder, and mandolin has made them one of the most-popular Celtic music groups online where they give away thousands of free Celtic MP3 downloads daily. The Brobdingnagian Bards perform coast-to-coast, and in a given month might be at a Lord of the Rings Oscar Party, a Celtic festival, or a Science Fiction Conventions. However, they are an absolute favorite at Renaissance Faires where they add high-energy and wit to make every show a memorable experience.
"Lord of the Pounce" by Marc Gunn This was the fourth release off my Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers CD. It parodies "Lord of the Dance" and tells exciting tail of how cats were there since the beginning.
Cats. Irish music. Drinking songs. Nowhere else but from the bright imagination of Marc Gunn would those three elements be so neatly integrated. Yet Gunn, sometimes called "the hardest working man in Celtic music" around his hometown in Austin, is an accomplished musician and entrepreneur who not long ago headlined at the Oscar party for Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
"The Polka Set" by Wild Clover Band Don't let the fact that The Wild Clover Band is based in Nebraska throw you from the fact that they play amazing music. Their CD was an instant favorite of mine when I got it last year. That was one of the reasons I decided to include them as the first track on my newly released Victims of Irish Music compilation CD.
Because of this fusion of styles, The Wild Clover Band advertises themselves as "Irish Music and More." Playing in a local pub, the group began primarily as an instrumental group focusing on Irish and American fiddle tunes. They have now evolved into a group that specializes in Irish dance tunes, pub songs, and ballads and has played festivals, community concerts, pubs, and private functions throughout the state of Nebraska, as well as Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and South Dakota.
"Princess Royale" by Thomas "Doc" Grauzer "Doc" Grauzer is a harper and storyteller in the Irish tradition. He is fascinated with the traditional harp music of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. When performing live he throws in historical background, folklore or weird stories between the tunes.
I first met Doc performing at Mother's Cafe in Austin where he has played three times a week for eight years! The sad tragedy is that Mother's recently had a fire. So for the first time in eight years there is no harp music there. So please help out an amazing Irish harper. Pick up a copy of this beautiful CD.
"Rakes of Mallow" from Men of Thunda Thundaing out of Kentucky, this group takes two of the earliest instruments known to man--the drums and the bagpipes--and pays tribute to an ancient form of Celtic musical entertainment.
What makes Men of Thunda different from military pipe bands is that Men of Thunda is strictly a band of entertainers. They do not enter in competitions. What they do, however, is strive to bring fun to their audience through their music, composed of spirited renditions of traditional Highland bagpipe melodies accompanied by tribal drumbeats. It is a raucous good time for anyone who loves the pipes.
"Elevator" from Booze Brothers What emerges when you mix Irish music with punk rock? Shaken or stirred, the result is The Booze Brothers. Their sound is unlike other Celtic punk bands: more traditional than Flogging Molly and more rock than the Young Dubliners. Having heard a lot of Celtic rock groups, I always look for something exceptional and different. This band fits the bill!
"Alice's Reels " from The Tea Merchants The Tea Merchants were formed a few years ago by Chris, Charlie, and Rob as a method by which to procure grocery money and a free evening tab at the bar. They are my favorite band to watch here in Austin. And this year, they were honored as the second Celtic band in Austin (after the Brobdingnagian Bards) to win an Austin Music Award. In a town touted as the Live Music Capitol of the World, that is no easy task. A BIG congrats to these brilliant musicians and for the release of their brand new CD.
"Scottish Ballade" by Christiane Cargill I always appreciate bands who go for an "intimate" sound. When I saw that description on Christiane's site, I had to explore further. An accomplished and agile pianist with a gift for melodies and a fluid, soulful voice, she begged to take piano and organ lessons at the tender age of 3, while her legs were still too short to reach the pedals. Later, she was classically trained only to be drawn to the music of Ireland and Scotland, with a gorgeous result.
Buy CD: "Metamorphosis" (coming soon)
"The Skylark" from Culann's Hounds I'm always looking for larger than life music for my magazine and podcast. Culann's House is one of those bands. And the name is fitting to as they were named after one of the great warriors of Irish legend. They're masters of the San Francisco Celtic scene and while they describe their style as a punk-Irish-hoedown. The music goes way beyond that with a solid traditional sound that connects with the listener like most music doesn't.
"Bonnie Ship the Diamond" by Irish Stout This duo combines the Irish with piratey raucous Irish songs straight from the pub. They're taking the internet by storm with their free podcast, called Your Weekly Irish Stout, featuring free Irish songs every week. So go out and pirate their music. This entry sponsored by the letter Rrrrrr!
"The Willows/Three Ashes" from Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer Since the days when Muckle Flugga tore up the charts on MP3.com, I've been a fan of this talented Celtic duo. Currently taking the folk world by storm, Vicki is one of the best pipers in the business, able to seamlessly veer from soulful airs to driving, up-tempo tunes to set every foot tapping, and this is all aided by Jonny's brilliantly inventive, subtle yet strong guitar work.
Although best-known for their instrumental skills, the duo have also added a healthy number of songs to their act, and have rightly established themselves as one of the best young duos around on the folk scene today!
"Maid on the Shore" from Ceili Moss Ceili Moss can be best described as "acoustic folk-rock with a Celtic-Pan-European edge that is not afraid of coloring a bit outside of the lines..." But if a band's description doesn't reel you in, then perhaps a personal testimony. I've been hearing people rave about this band for years. Sadly, it's only now that I actually found time to listen. And wow! Beautiful arrangements. I'll be listening to more of them in the future.
"Madam I'm A Darlin'" by Queen's Gambit Based out of Oklahoma, Queen's Gambit not only performs in costume and in character, but also plays Celtic traditional folk music with a side of Renaissance Dance. Their style is appealing to people of all ages, and their on-site banter that flows during performances really brings their performances to life. But for me, it's a joy to see this fun band grow musically as they have done since I first met them many long years ago.
"Mrs. McGrath" by HOMELAND Since 1999, HOMELAND has been rockin' the stage with their own style of music that is a conglomeration of new rock and old Celtic style, creating some "tricked out traditional" tunes since their origination. HOMELAND is one of those bands that will keep you on your feet, and keep your toes tappping.
"Time Ticks Away" by Jigger Take a rowdy mandolin and guitar player who doesn't like sleeves on any of his shirts, combine that with a singer-songwriter obsessed with the themes of time, love, boats and drinking; slot in a wailing fiddle player who can't stay still; then add three part harmonies, a dash of larrikin humour and you get Jigger--an energetic three-piece who play spirited acoustic music. The music is lively with a hint of bluegrass and cool groove.
"Downtown Baghdad Blues" by Black 47 They are a band that is best described as an unblinkingly political and thoroughly Irish form of rock 'n roll. Their songs cover a range of topics from the Northern Ireland conflict to civil rights and unrest in contemporary New York. But what sets the band apart is that their music can be humorous, informative and always rockin'. They are by far one of my favorite Celtic bands of all time!
"Ar Sorserez (La Sorciere)/Muneira" by Rowan Rowan's music not only takes the listener through a spiritual journey through time, but also transcends genres. From the 17th Century English Faire to an 18th Century Jacobite uprising to the American Civil War to the 20th Century Belfast, their music calls forth what human beings share down through the ages and across borders. With a balanced mix of ballads and jigs, this band's music reflects their roots in the deep spiritual resonance of the Celtic lands, they acknowledge, praise, and validate all folk music from all lands in all periods. It will take you on a journey through time and leave you wanting more.
And just because I got carried away, here's one more bonus MP3...
"Lark in the Morning" by Maidens IV With the heartbeat of the bodhran, the spirit of the violin and viola, and the soft tunings of the guitar, Maidens IV is bringing a youthful vigor and class to Celtic and Folk sounds. These four sisters, Havilah, Heather, Abigail and Tabitha Justice have been performing classical and baroque music wih their nine siblings. With a new sound of their own, they formed Maidens IV, bringing a new sound and genre to the mix as they stoke the fire of the Celtic and Folk scene. I always loved this song and they execute it beautifully!
Every year for St. Patrick's Day, I compile a new list of St Patrick's Day MP3 downloads that are 100% free and legal. That is, afterall, what the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine is all about. Though I may run out of time for publishing the magazine on a regular schedule, this is one thing I think is fun to do. So here it is once again.
The Brobdingnagian Bards are The Original Celtic Renaissance. They combine traditional Irish and Scottish drinking songs with Lord of the Rings music, original songs, and filk for an eclectic mix that is as at home in an Irish pub as it is in a gathering of Irish Americans. They were called "The Godfathers of Celtic MP3s" with good reason--over six million of their MP3s have been downloaded making them one of the most-popular Celtic groups online.
"The Holy Ground" by Marc Gunn Sure, I thought about featuring "Wild Kitty" or "Furagone's Wake" from my Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers CD, but I sooo wanted to feature the "Jedi Drinking Song" from my band and I thought at least one Irish song to start off was a good idea.
The song was recorded for my Irish Song Lyrics website. I am slowly trying to record more and more songs with The Bards and solo to have a site where people can go to learn Irish songs like I learn them, by ear.
"Foggy Dew" by Boston Blackthorne Boston Blackthorne is a group that is rooted in the Irish ballad tradition of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem with contemporary twists and original arrangements. They feature lush three-part harmonies and original songs. Blackthorn's repertoire also includes classic instrumental jigs and reels played on fiddle, bouzouki, tenor and 5 string banjo, 6 and 12 string guitars, electric bass and bodhran.
"Molly Malone" by Paddyrasta Paddyrasta are a multi-cultural celtic-reggae band fusing traditional and contemporary celtic tunes with a distinctly rootsy Jamaican reggae groove.The band have built up a huge following in their adopted home of Aberdeen, Scotland and have just released their debut album -- Listen To Your Heart.
"Amazing Grace/Scotland the Brave/Black Bear Hornpipe" by Wicked Tinkers The emotion and power of the Great Highland Bagpipe and various ethnic drums dueling with an Australian aboriginal instrument, the Digeridoo, and the Bronze-Age Irish Horn - a sound lost for over three millennium - explode into tribal sounds of the Scottish Highlands, Ireland and the many lands graced by the Gaelic people. Does this seem too good to be true? Then engage with the mesmerizing music and humorous exploits of the WICKED TINKERS and you won't stop dancing.
"Shady Grove" by Stonecircle Stonecircle is a vibrant five-piece, Celtic fusion band. The goal of the band has always been to create a musical experience that is both ethereal and beautifully uplifting. Stonecircle music is a language of haunting melodies and mystical storytelling. Of their music, Irish music critic, John O'Regan describes them in these terms, "Here are five pieces that sound like an orchestra exploring the narrative fabric of Celtic folk traditions in a way no US band has done before them." Together they create the other wordly sound that has only been described as a cinematic soundscape.
"Spancil Hill" by The Patched Hats The Patched Hats are Andreas Transo (vocals, guitar, spoons, hand drum) and Parker Otwell Roe (vocals, bodhran, guitar, bouzouki)...'nuff said. Dre and Parker have been touring and playing in various cities both in the States and Ireland. Drawing upon a healthy mixture of musical influences from early ceili band recordings up through the Chieftains, from Planxty to Flook, from Classic Rock to American Folk, and many "musics" in between, The Hats' own style directly reflects the synthesis of these rich and integral styles. As such, their repertoire is a living homage to the most ancient of Irish song traditions and sean nos style, the amazing body of ballads and traditional songs from the centuries between, and the amazing new works written by the genre's best artists today.
"Rakes Medley" by Green Tea Green Tea performs a collection of High-Energy Irish Dance Music with a strong infusion of Celtic World-Beat and contemporary improvisation. Such is the distinctiveness of Green Tea's sound (the traditional blended with the new), that Green Tea's world-beat sound can sometimes defy categorization. In any case, Green Tea will knock your socks off! And that includes socks of all ages: college students, children, and parents may be found dancing on the same eclectic dance floor when Green Tea plays. Even grandma and grandpa enjoy the traditional style from which much of their music derives. Their first album's name? ALL AGES, of course!
"All for Me Grog" by Leperkhanz The LeperKhanz are bringing a new sound to Irish music, much heavier and deeper than most new Irish bands dare to go, they have a clear rock sound, and yet have mastered traditional Irish music, both vocally and on the Violin. Like Insane pirates on steroids or Angus Young jamming with the Chieftains, they tear huge hunks of history out and throw it in your face, loud and in a fun way.
"Rocky Road to Dublin/Tam Lin" by Irish Experience Driving Celtic and Appalachian music played by electrifying fiddler, rock guitarist, downright doghouse bassist, and master drummer. A "Blarney Phoenix", that rises up on Saint Patrick's Eve to bring bountiful cheer to all the little people at heart?
"Drowsy Maggie" by Out of Alba Out of Alba is a five piece Celtic band comprising of two Scots, an Irishman, a Canadian, and a Welsh American. Based in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, the band has played together for 11 years. Their music is punctuated by driving rhythm and harmony. Their endeavors include Ceilidh's, and concerts, as well as a concerts with B.C. singer, songwriter Art Napoleon and the Bard of Scottish Folk, Dick Gaughan ,Clive Gregson and others too few to mention .They have been the opening act for "Spirit of the West", and the "Mahones". The band also completed a successful tour with the Watt School of Irish Dancing in a performance called Celtic Myth and continues to combine with The PG Cantata Singers in their "Reeling Together" concerts. They have also played several Folk festivals including the PG Folk Fest whose headliners were Bruce Cockburn, Janis Ian and Sonny Rhodes.
"Plinky Plonky" by Kilnaboy Kilnaboy was hatched in the cold dank Feb of 2004. Comprising of drunken boys on heat with a mission to spread their own peculiar brand of dirty, filthy folkery pokery to the world. Bringing traditional folk into line with the aid of punk and roots undertones. The eclectic brand of upbeat magic and madness will have you jumping from table to table and flailing the dance floor wildly.
"Almost Irish" by Ceann With the release of their new album "Almost Irish", the Irish rock group Ceann have finally captured the spirit of their unique brand of Irish music they call "Yankee-Irish Drinking Music." Early on as an acoustic trio, the members of Ceann (formerly Ceann na Caca) realized the inherent humor in Americans playing Irish music for Americans. There was no shortage of Irish nationals around to assure the band members they were not Irish or Irish-American but just plain American. The idea resonated and became the theme of their most popular song - "Almost Irish", which also became the title of their new album. Instead of feigning Irish nationality and writing songs longing for Ireland, Ceann began writing songs that reflected their second- and third-generation Irish-American experience, and they did it the only way they knew how, through humor. Their new album "Almost Irish" is 12 original songs crafted to capture the energy and fun of a live Ceann show. Besides the title track "Almost Irish", songs like "Whiskey Hurts My Tummy", "31", and "Green Beer" have already earned the band the second-hand ire of other Irish musicians tired of getting requests to play Ceann originals.
"The Moonshiner" by StoneRing StoneRing is a group that combines three part vocals with a variety of instrumental music. Our singers have a large repertoire of Irish and Scottish ballads, rebel songs, war songs and drinking songs. Instruments include guitar, mandolin, banjo, percussion, harp, concertina, violin, flute, recorders, whistles and smallpipes. The band has performed at Milwaukee's Irish Fest, Highland Games, Dubuque's Irish Fest, Midlothian Highland Games and in concert halls and summer outdoor concerts all over the upper Midwest.
"Humors Of Tulla/The Merry Blacksmith/Rare Old Mountain Dew" by Seamus Stout Seamus Stout began as a tradfitional Celtic music pub band but the boys have established themselves in the North Texas area playing many various venues and festivals. Seamus Stout has released two CDs, "A Pint On Us" and "On Tap" and will release their third CD, "Another Round" in March 2006.
"Back to the Faire" by The Rogues Smokin' bagpipes and driving percussion only begins to describe a Rogues performance. Heart stirring music, performed like only The Rogues can, will make your experience unforgettable. Everyone becomes a Scot during a Rogues' show, and watch out, you might be moved to jump up and dance before it's over. Through their high-spirited and moving music, humour, and the best set of knees this side of the Tweed, The Rogues create a Celtic joyride with their blend of Scottish bagpipes and drums.
"Whiskey You're The Devil" by Michael Murphy and The River Shannon Band Michael Murphy and the Shannon River Band offers a high-energy display of their Celtic roots, blended with leading-edge elements of bluegrass and jam-rock styles. The band's original and traditional music blends sounds from the Dubliners, Wolfetones, Bill Monroe, Ricky Scaggs, Phish and Dave Mathews. Both old and young, traditional and modern can't resist this rhythm and improvisation-infused approach to traditional Celtic music.
Well, I hope you have a brilliant St. Patrick's Day. Drink responsibly and Slainte!
Oh! And don't forget some of these MP3s are time sensitive. They are exclusive to this magazine for ONE MONTH ONLY!
I know, I know. There's still over a month before St. Patrick's Day arrives, but now's the time to start thinking about it. Here are a few great St. Patrick's Day resources.
St Patrick's Day Poetry: A St Patrick's Day Poem Thoughts and inspiration that comes from St. Paddy's Day.
The Leprechaun, a St Patrick's Day Song This is a fun little song I wrote for St. Patrick's Day about those fantastical creatures of Ireland, the leprechauns.
Happy Birthday from Ireland St. Patrick's Day is also my birthday. I wrote this poem as a happy birthday song for me St Patrick's Day children all around the world.
St Patrick's Day Music: Songs of Ireland for St Patrick's Day The ultimate collection of Irish drinking songs that are perfect for St. Patrick's Day.
St Patrick's Day Music 2003 17 Celtic music downloads for St Patrick's Day 2003. I don't think all of these sites still offer free St. Patrick's Day music downloads, but many of them do.
Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers This is an upcoming CD of Irish drinking songs rewritten with lyrics about cats. As of Feb 2005, this CD is not done yet. But there is a free music download of "Furagone's Wake" (parody of "Finnegan's Wake"). Check it out!
Those are all my favorite resources for now, but subscribe to the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine to find out what are the picks St. Patrick's Day 2004 free music downloads.
Eight Great Irish Drinking Songs, St Patrick's Day 2004
1. " The Parting Glass " by Marc Gunn At the end of October, I went to a Celtic Reels, and event sponsored by the Gaelic League of Austin. They showed The Quiet Man and Waking Ned Divine. After the later, I couldn't help, but sing this song. And when I got home, I recorded it and decided it'd make an excellent addition to Soul of a Harper.
2. "The Unicorn Song " by Brobdingnagian Bards The Brobdingnagian Bards are the number one Celtic music group online offering free Celtic music downloads. You can download an album of Celtic MP3s and then scan a list of ten albums to choose from featuring The Bards music. Also, download "Whiskey in the Jar" and "Danny Boy".
3. " Fire In The Head " by Emerald Rose Emerald Rose is a high energy Celtic folk rock band that blends harmony vocals, pennywhistle, world percussion and driving guitars and bass. Their music ranges from traditional jigs and reels to original folk rock and pop songs. Emerald Rose successfully draws from Celtic myth and legend to create a unique and accessible sound.
4. "Whiskey Island" by Toraigh Toraigh (pronounced Tore'-ee) is a Gaelic word meaning "search" or "seek" and represents the search for great foot-stomping, toe-tapping, heart warming music in the traditions and culture of Ireland. The band consists of Mary Dennis, Bob Midden, and Tom DelGreco from Bowling Green, Jack McMahon from Toledo and Mick Gilliam from Findlay, Ohio. Other musicians from the region who have played with the group on occasion include Dave Hawkins from Cincinnati, Peg O'Callan from Columbus, Rick Nelson from Westerville, Ohio, Dave Reddick from Jenera, Ohio, Bill Reeder from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Cole Latimer from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dancers from the Heinzman School in Toledo often perform with this group and those in the audience who can't resist the call are invited to clap and sing along.
5. " How Are Things in Glocca Mora " by Ian Gallagher Ian Gallagher is a performer equally at home singing traditional Irish folk tunes and contemporary music including blues, rock, jazz, country and soul. Though his music is firmly based in Irish tradition, Gallagher is interested in performing all kinds of music. Ian Gallagher has heart and soul deeply rooted in Irish tradition and talent as eclectic and bright as tomorrow.
6. " Annochie Gordon " by David Kilpatrick David Kilpatrick has been writing and playing songs for around 30 years in folk clubs and pubs. David runs the weekly club in Kelso, Scotland, and visits Edinburgh and regional clubs when time and $5 a gallon petrol permit.
7. " Botany Bay " by King Laoghaire KING LAOGHAIRE is a group of six people who share a mutual interest in traditional Irish/Scottish ballads and dance music. Based in Vänersborg, Sweden, the band first started in 1991 as an acoustic experiment in a rock bands (the Ex-Junkies) regular repertoire. In early 1992 the acoustic side of the band had taken over.
8. " Back Home in Derry " by Jonathan Ramsey Choirboy looks betrayed by gritty, over-the-top musical play. The music is Irish. The genealogy is Irish. The outcome is a definite party - with lots of happy songs about death, mutilation, lost love, and betrayal. Called upbeat, animated, and often just crazed, Jonathan Ramsey is always in motion onstage. Still, in spite of his highly energetic and playful performances, his musical style remains true to the nature of Irish folk songs.
Not one to weep into a beer, he builds up from warm ballads to rebel songs, then on to pint-banging pub songs. Soon, everyone is grabbing an empty glass and joining the percussion.
