Review: “The Bridge” by Marc Gunn
Artist: Marc Gunn
Album: The Bridge
Year produced: 2010
Mix American and Celtic, folk and blues, new and old–and you will have a peek inside Marc Gunn’s latest effort, “The Bridge”. The CD starts off with the title track, and it is heartfelt. I loved it–you can just feel the passion coming through. Next is “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea”, and it’s such a departure from Gunn’s typical fare that I was genuinely surprised!
This made me excited to see what else the album had in store, and I must say, it was a tour through many different influences. I thought of it as Gunn’s musical history–even that of his current home. I enjoyed the fact that you could hear the impact of his move to New Orleans pop through here and there. It was fascinating to see the unveiling of what formed this artist, and although I am sure there are more ingredients than there was room for, it does give the listener plenty to think about in terms of Gunn’s background.
An upbeat version of “Black Velvet Band” and a crisp rendition of my favorite, “Wild Mountain Thyme” are among the standout tracks here, but each and every one of them is crafted expertly. Simple acoustic accompaniment fills the tracks, but I have never heard the likes of how he plays on ”Healy Pass”. It is tremendous. Gave me chills.
Gunn never does anything halfway, and this CD is no exception.
Catherine L. Tully specializes in writing about the arts, lifestyle and travel. She is the Owner of 4dancers, a blog for those who love dance, and Editor for Freelance-Zone, an award-winning site for freelance writers. Catherine also reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.
Review: “The Angel’s Share” by Atlantic Wave
Artist: Atlantic Wave
Album: The Angel’s Share
Year: 2009
Nova Scotian fiddler Jerry Holland’s memory is honored with the entirety of this second album by this dual fiddle quartet. With ties to Ireland, Scotland, Cape Breton and Québéc, The Angel’s Share reflects a year well spent went upon the creation of these fifteen tracks. Original songs and what the band dubs “rediscovered classics” are included. Pianist Troy MacGillivray and accordionist Priscilla Skrade lend their talents for special guest appearances.
Four is more than enough, when it’s these four, as each plays an orchestral range of multiple instruments. Ed Paloucek and Kaitlin Hahn are a savory fiddle duo, as showcased on “Just Duet”. The complimentary styles of the two meld with a hearty chemistry that grounds the foundations for this well-paced, eclectically Celtic CD. “Black Eyed Gypsy” is where lead vocalist Barry Houlehen shines.
A live version of “Rosin the Bow”, recorded at Paddy’s Pub in Milwaukee, became an impromptu tribute with Holland’s sudden passing. Sung by percussionist John Karr, who musters bouzouki and bodhran throughout the song selection. “Rosin” is a poignant 2 moments, 10 seconds. The emotions and energy run high, equal to the range of talent this contemporary Trad four have poured into this inspiring tribute. With so much beauty and heart displayed through the entirety of this work, I have no doubt the angels are listening.
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.
Review: “Scythian Live Vol. 1″ by Scythian
Artist: Scythian
Album: Scythian Live Vol. 1
Year: 2009
It’s St. Pat’s in “New York” direct to you from the soundstage. As this album was recorded in 15 different cities, your hometown may very well be represented. The audience participation vibe is so overpowering, you may find it next to impossible to remain sedentary while listening to anything Scythian (SITH-ee-yin), but that’s the point. It is, at least, on this time-travelin’ volume. The guys have a throw-down, jump-up-and-wail vibe that comes through proud and clear and makes for a fun spin through key holidays.
Did I mention fun? Next up is blue-collar-worker-on-the-roof original “Cubicles and Tylenol” that’s a little bit Charlie Daniels, if he were performing with some tempt-the-Devil Celtic musicians from the back of a gypsy vardo. Raucous!
You may even want to listen with a friend, as you and the recorded audience are encouraged to put your hands together and “use your neighbor” in the Irish jig-jam “Wisemaid Set”. Then it’s a TRIP to New Orleans with “Hey Mama Ya”. There is a nice lag to the beat that’s perfect for getting your swing-head sway on.
Celts, gypsies, and…pirates?! Oh, Scy! (SITH-ee-yin, that is.) “My Son John” is the stuff of knee-boot shenanigans on the gangplank. The self explanatory “Gypsy Fiddle” jams right into “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”, and eventually back to St. Paddy’s and the rip-roaring “Kesh Jigs” – remember the dance/spin scene from Cameron’s Titanic? You might not know the steps, but through the power of Scyth-gestion, your feet will make you dance.
Worn out yet? Alexander, Josef, Danylo and Mike aren’t! “Hava Nagila” is a Greek kegger throwdown that doesn’t quit and stays with you like good baklava. If you are hosting a multicultural green beer bash and want just the right AmeriCeltic Psychobilly tunes to get everybody moving all the way through the 4th of July, this long-running CD is sure to please!
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.
Review: “Metamorphosis” by Stonecircle
Artist: Stonecircle
Album: Metamorphosis
Year: 2009
Quality is present in soulful musicality, even when the lyrics aren’t there. Imagine the soundtrack of a woman’s soul pursed in the chords of her hair, winds blowing the silks of her skirts across a field of heather in bloom, and you’ve only begun to discover the secrets to Metamorphosis. When left to the exploration of the treasures of this compact disc, the listener is met with the Traditional “Maid on the Shore” beautifully animated through the vocals of Mary Johnston-Coursey. Her signature lilt resonates as an a capella intro to “Factory Girl”, where there is eventual communion of instruments with such exquisite deliberateness. Guitar accompaniment eventually leads to flute, and later, violin, ever enriching the melody.
George Schoemaker, founder, band lead, 6 and 12 string guitarist, lends his vocals to a fable about the Mexican-American War in “Santy Anna”. “Moped in the Sky” plays as the theme of some great legend, unspoken through the lore of the ages, where violin and guitar lead an ensembled chorus of melodic reflection tempered through uplifting paces. An inspiring flute solo is just one of the many outstanding elements of the ending “Lamentations” which include “Gaeta’s Lament”, a tribute to the Battlestar Galactica series.
Listen for excellence in musicianship, including the fiddle of Bronwen Beecher, Irish flute, bodhran, low and hi whistles of Tiffany Draper, flute and percussion of Nina Cooley. Celtic fusion is truly art in sound on this sixth offering from Stonecircle.
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.
$1 Irish Drinking Songs Never Sounded So Good
by Marc Gunn
Back in the late 90s, my step-dad gave me a CD by an Italian musician named Angelo Branduardi. It was a fantastic album. It had one of the cutest sounding Italian folk songs I ever heard, called “La Pulce D’acqua”. I loved it so much I decided to translate this upbeat gem… It was about the Black Plague! Or so I thought…
Years later, I realized I mistranslated the song, but not before I came up with the idea to write a bright, upbeat song about death. In a conversation with my Brobdingnagian Bards‘ music partner, Andrew McKee, it developed into a whole CD concept. In 2009, I recorded the CD, Happy Songs of Death.
The album was a huge hit once people realized that many of the great Irish songs out there are also about death. So I guess you could say it’s really a CD of Irish drinking songs with a death theme. In fact, it’s a joyful juxtaposition of the morbid and the comic that celebrates murder ballads, the Black Death and starving to death. It’s a fresh look at all things mortal.
I want you to own the album!
So from now until March 17, 2010, the album is insanely on sale…
It is yours for ONE DOLLAR!
That’s right. I will send you a link to download the entire album when you make a $1 donation. Of course, if you want to make it $5, $10, $20, $100 donation, I won’t complain. If you would like to hear the album or buy a CD, you can head over to CDBaby and pick up your copy today.
Upon payment, you will be redirected to a webpage where you can download a ZIP file filled with high-quality MP3s (192kbps).
—–
Marc Gunn is an acoustic Celtic folk musician, called “The Godfather of Celtic music online” for his steadfast support of indie Celtic music, free Celtic music downloads, and his award-winning Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, one of the most-popular music podcasts on iTunes. He has helped 1000s of musicians save and make money with their musical groups through The Bards Crier Music Marketing Ezine. Now you can get FREE “how-to” music marketing and promotion advice, plus tips on how to sell more CDs when you subscribe today. Subscribe at www.bardscrier.com!
Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don’t just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.
Review: Marc Gunn’s Celtic Music App for Google Android
by Jimmy Rimmer
“Marc Gunn Celtic Music” is an Android app that helps you keep up to date with Marc Gunn’s gigs, music and podcasts, download music, and even purchase CD’s wherever you happen to have your Android phone. With this app, the Godfather of modern Celtic folk music is never further away than your sporran or girdle.
The app is completely free, so feel free to download it and keep in touch! You can find the app in the Google Android Market or by visiting the creator of the app, EC Software Consulting, Inc.
List of Irish Drinking Songs
by Marc Gunn
Celts around the world love a good song with which they can sing along. Irish drinking songs are of that variety. They are fun songs, usually about drinking, that bring out the excited folksinger in all of us.
When I sent a question out to my Twitter fans asking them what were their favorite Irish drinking songs. I was swamped with replies. I compiled the list of favorite drinking songs that you see below.
It turns out, not all of the favorite songs are traditional. Some aren’t even Irish. But all are are perfect for a full night of good song and great craic!
A List of Irish Drinking Songs:
- Lily the Pink
- 7 Drunken Nights
- Waxie’s Dargle
- Wild Rover (No Nay Never)
- Sally MacLennane
- Health to the Company
- Old Hogshead Pub
- The Parting Glass
- Roll Out the Barrel
- The Old Black Rum
- The Yellow Bittern
- Johnny Jump Up
- Old Dun Cow
- The Night Paddy Murphy Died
- Barley Mow
- Whiskey in the Jar
- Finnegan’s Wake
- The Salt Song
- Patriot Game
- Nancy Whiskey
- The Scotsman
- Wild Colonial Boy
- Dirty Old Town
- Gypsy Rover
- The Men Behind The Wire
- Roll Your Leg Over
- All For Me Grog
- Come Out Ye Black and Tans
- Three Drunken Maidens
- Rising of the Moon
- The Moonshiner
- Mary Mack
- A Drop of Nelson’s Blood
- What’s the Rumpus by Gaelic Storm
- Darcy’s Ass by Gaelic Storm
- Pair of Brown Eyes by The Pogues
- Do Virgins Taste Better by Brobdingnagian Bards
- Have a Drink by O’hAnleigh
- Monahan’s Mudder’s Milk by Marc Gunn
- Another Irish Drinking Song by the Foremen
- The Rogue Of Dundee by Leza Mesiah
- Don’t Go Drinking With Hobbits by Marc Gunn
- I’ll Drink from Dusk Til Dawn by Marc Gunn
- Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers by Marc Gunn
- Traditional Irish Folk Song by Denis Leary
- Home for a Rest by Spirit of the West
- Almost Irish by Ceann
- 40 Shades of Blue by Black47
- Weekend Irish by Barleyjuice
What are YOUR favorite Irish drinking songs?
—–
Marc Gunn is an acoustic Celtic folk musician, called “The Godfather of Celtic music online” for his steadfast support of indie Celtic music, free Celtic music downloads, and his award-winning Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, one of the most-popular music podcasts on iTunes. He has helped 1000s of musicians save and make money with their musical groups through The Bards Crier Music Marketing Ezine. Now you can get FREE “how-to” music marketing and promotion advice, plus tips on how to sell more CDs when you subscribe today. Subscribe at www.bardscrier.com!
Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don’t just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.
A Brief History of St Patrick’s Day
by Michelle Osborne
The story of St. Patrick’s Day begins around 385 AD with a man named Maewyn. At age 16, the Pagan Maewyn was sold into slavery, which brought him closer to God. He finally managed to escape slavery six years later and headed to a monastery in Gaul to study, where he adopted the Christian name “Patrick.” Upon ending his studies, he moved to Ireland, where he felt his calling in life was to convert Pagans to Christianity. For the next 30 years, he traveled throughout the country, setting up monasteries and converting the natives. After his death in 461 (on March 17th, when else did you expect?), he was declared a saint.
So what happened from there? How did a man who spent his entire life converting Pagans to Christianity result in a day devoted to rowdy songs, parades, and drinking green beer, a day when everyone is just a wee bit Irish? The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was in America, not Ireland. It took place in New York City in 1762, and consisted of Irish soldiers in the English military marching through the city. This was a chance for the soldiers to reconnect with their heritage. Eventually, as more Irish immigrants came to America, the parades were a show of strength for Irish-Americans and political candidates had to make an appearance at them. Now a regular annual event, people of all backgrounds celebrate this day.
Ireland, on the other hand, does not have such a long history of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Prior to the 1970s, it was a religious occasion and, indeed, Irish law mandated that pubs be closed on March 17! Apparently, there was no green beer for those in Ireland. This changed around 1995, when the government made a push to use St. Patrick’s Day as a way to drive tourism and to showcase Ireland to the rest of the world. Parades and celebrations are now common in Ireland around this day (in fact, their celebrations last several days) and some one million people took part in last year’s festivities in Dublin.
When people nowadays think of this day, they get an image of the shamrock in their head. You see it on the sides of buildings, on hats and clothing, on balloons and decorations. Why? Its origins are rooted in Patrick himself. He used the shamrock as a way to show how the trinity works: three separate elements of the same entity.
So wherever you are, whether you’re Irish or not, get out there and enjoy the day!
If you would like more information on the holiday, the History Channel will be showing The History of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 and 7pm/6 central.
Celtic MP3s Music Magazine writer, Michelle Osborne (Irish Music Reviews), a native to the central New York region, plays both high and low whistles regularly with the Syracuse Irish session. Besides being heavily involved in Irish traditional music, she is also a classical clarinetist and composer.
More St Patrick’s Day Music Links:
- St Patrick’s Day Music in Austin
- Marc Gunn’s latest CD of Irish music for St. Patrick’s Day, Happy Songs of Death
- Free Irish Music Downloads
- Irish Song Lyrics
- St Patrick’s Day Music & Poetry
How NOT to Wear a Great Kilt
by Julian Jensen
Since we are on the topic of removing pants: My first encounter with the kilt phenomenon this Pennsic.
Anyone who has ever worn a real kilt knows instantly that there is no dignity to be salvaged from kilts. I am not talking about those wimpy little kilts that you simply buy and strap on. Bah! I am talking the real deal here. Why do we wear them? Because the women want us to. Actually, a pretty good reason. So after much consideration and soul-searching (and a few friendly polls) I decided to join the ranks of kilt wearers.
What were the Scots thinking? Were they even thinking at all? No wonder they got the shit kicked out of them on a regular basis. They were probably late for all their battles. I think it is all a huge cosmic misunderstanding. Someone on the armour archive has this tagline that I think explains the kilt admirably: Kilt is a verb, as in ‘I done kilt him’.
Somehow women got us all fooled into believing it is actually a skirt and supposedly soooo sexy. Oh, and that guys wearing a skirt are extra cool.
First, there is the shocking purchase of the kilt itself. See, there is no such thing as a period kilt. It is actually not a garment but rather 10 yards or more of very itchy wool. I know the sheep were glad to get rid of it. Once the price shock has faded and a normal color has returned to you face you break down and buy the darn thing under the watchful and appreciative eye of your lady on account of whom this whole escapade came to be in the first place.
Lugging the mass of fabric back to your pavilion you are now faced with an even greater affront to you highly esteemed dignity. The kilt application.
A kilt requires some serious preparation to put on. First, you put down a belt. On top of this belt you then lay the evil fabric itself. It must then be carefully pleated. Yeah, pleated. Makes you feel really warrior-like and battle ready. “Don’t start without me, guys, I am pleating my kilt!” The proper length of fabric must be left at the ends and folded properly.
Now comes the real humiliation. In order to actually get the infernal garment to stay on your body you are now required to lay down, take of your pants, and underwear if worn, and then roll around lifting up the ends of the kilt. This procedure is invariably observed and judged by your lady’s smug eyes and smirking face. She can’t believe she got you to do this. All she had to do was mention Liam Neeson and Mel Gibson and off you went to the store. And now, here you are, 20 minutes later with you dangly bits flopping around crazily while trying to get the thing to not look like you are wearing hotpants.
Now the fun really starts. Having properly festooned yourself with yet another belt, a dagger and a huge claymore hanging on your back from a baldric you feel ready to face the world of Pennsic head on hoping that you won’t meet any really short people. Walking around you think of all the advice people gave you regarding your thighs rubbing together. Somehow you couldn’t get yourself to smear olive oil on the inside of your thighs and walk around Pennsic leaving a trail like a slug. This is when you realize that it is not the thighs you have to worry about. It is the fact that in a matter of minutes you will find yourself in possession of a hairless scrotum. As much as this may intrigue your lady you really don’t want the other Scots to get the wrong idea. Not to mention upsetting the sheep. Since you are already tired from walking back up from the bog you decide to take a quick rest on the slope in front of the Spotted Pony and consider this new disturbing turn of events.
This is the moment when you realize a few other facts regarding the kilts. You sit and realize how wonderfully cool it is. So cool… You lean your head back and relax for a moment. You look at the people passing by. They are all looking at your kilt. Maybe this thing isn’t so bad after all. You look down and realize that you are at this point completely and fully expose to the environment. Not just a little exposed. Not the kind of exposure that could be explained away as a trick of light. Part of your anatomy is severely and irrevocably protruding into the hot Pennsic day.
You suddenly remember that somebody once explained to you why the Scots have those pouches hanging down in front of the kilt. You lean forwards and scramble to once again enclose the offending member. At this point you also realize that sitting down with a heavy claymore on your back has solidly staked you to the ground. Your embarrassment now closely matches the entire getting-dressed event.
You hastily retreat back to your pavilion hoping no one saw your face. Which is probably a good assumption in this case. You take off the kilt while shaking your head. You vow to never wear dreadful thing again. You then look up at your lady and notices how she looks at you removing the kilt and realize one thing: Yeah, you’ll probably wear it again.
Story by Julian Jensen, a patron of Pennsic, the big SCA war that takes place every year in Pennsylvania. Used by permission of the author.
If you like Scottish music, check out the Brobdingnagian Bards CD, Real Men Wear Kilts, and Marc Gunn’s solo CD The Bridge, and find lots of great Celtic music with The Secret World of Celtic Rock.
Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don’t just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.
Review: “Ali MacGregor’s Music Collection” by Hugh Morrison
Artist: Hugh Morrison
Album: Ali MacGregor’s Music Collection
Year Produced: 2009
Hugh Morrison is back again with a new CD full of fun accordion music that you just can’t help tap your foot to. Morrison has been around for a long time now, and there is a lot to be said for this type of upbeat CD that makes it truly impossible to be in a bad mood when it’s on. His music is always uplifting!
Here traditionalists can relish in the sound of jigs and reels, but there is a deeper reason for the album as well, hinted at by the title of the CD. You see, Ali MacGregor was Hugh Morrison’s mentor in Scotland, so this is a tribute to the person who gave him his start. A book goes along with the CD (actually it is really the other way around, but who’s splitting hairs) that is a resting place for all the tunes composed by MacGregor. A lovely idea.
Scottish Fiddle Champion, Judi Nicolson plays on this CD with Morrison, as does Kendall Rogers on the piano. And if being in a good mood after you listen to these songs isn’t enough motivation to get the CD, know that all the proceeds go to a good cause–MacMillan Cancer Nurses in Inverness, Scotland.
Catherine L. Tully specializes in writing about the arts, lifestyle and travel. She is also the Owner of 4dancers, a blog for those who love dance, and Editor for Freelance-Zone, an award-winning site for freelance writers.
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