Author Archives: Stephen McSweeney

Review: “Frightening All the Dogs” by Sgian Dubh

If you like traditional music played in a nontraditional manner than you need to take a look at Sgian Dubh, a rocking band based out of Georgia.  With a wide range of musical backgrounds stretching from rock, country, bluegrass, Celtic, punk and folk, Sgian Dubh delivers a unique interpretation of some of the traditional songs we’ve come to know and love.  On their latest album, “Frightening All the Dogs,” they focus on many pub favorites as well as capturing some … Continue reading →

You are invited to use any or all of these articles on the Celtic Music Magazine in your publication or website. The only requirement is that you include the by-line of the author including the name, website, and an active link to the Celtic Music Magazine at www.celticmp3s.com.

Review: “The Parting Glass” by Jesse Ferguson

Multi-instrumentalist and singer, Jesse Ferguson, known as The Bard of Cornwall, certainly defies the sophomore slump with his second cd “The Parting Glass,” first released in November 2011.  This album is a wonderful collection of ballads, sea shanties and drinking songs, mostly of Irish, Scottish, Canadian, and American origin.  As the title suggests, each song deals with some type of parting which gives the album a nice sense of unity. The album begins with Farewell to Nova Scotia followed up … Continue reading →

You are invited to use any or all of these articles on the Celtic Music Magazine in your publication or website. The only requirement is that you include the by-line of the author including the name, website, and an active link to the Celtic Music Magazine at www.celticmp3s.com.

Review: “Celtic Pink Floyd” by Celtic Pink Floyd

s If you are the diehard Pink Floyd fan who cannot see the music being changed one iota then this album is not for you.  That being said, for everyone else, Celtic Pink Floyd, the brainchild of Damon Stout and Brian Stout, is an amazing feast.  It not only is a worthy tribute to a seminal rock band that was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but also shows the versatility of Celtic musicians and Celtic music.  … Continue reading →

You are invited to use any or all of these articles on the Celtic Music Magazine in your publication or website. The only requirement is that you include the by-line of the author including the name, website, and an active link to the Celtic Music Magazine at www.celticmp3s.com.

Review: “Off the Wagon – Volume 2″ by Icewagon FLU

The grit and grime of Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly with the traditional chops of The Young Dubliners and a bit of funk and a bit of Jazz thrown in for good measure, that is Icewagon FLU.  Coming on the scene in 2001, Icewagon FLU quickly made a name for themselves by being that band that is hard to peg into any one genre.  Now, 11 years and 7 albums later they still hold true to the simple goal of … Continue reading →

You are invited to use any or all of these articles on the Celtic Music Magazine in your publication or website. The only requirement is that you include the by-line of the author including the name, website, and an active link to the Celtic Music Magazine at www.celticmp3s.com.

Review: “Beyond the Waves” by Ciara Considine

Beyond the Waves, Ciara Considine’s sophomore album, is as powerful and ethereal as the myths and stories of Ireland itself.  Listening to the album, one is easily transported to another world of hills, sea and mist.  Having come from a musical family, trained at the Royal Northern College of Music (with Helen Krizos) and having performed for years, the immense skill, talent, and experience Ciara possesses is more than obvious in her arrangements, musical versatility and the emotional depth conveyed … Continue reading →

You are invited to use any or all of these articles on the Celtic Music Magazine in your publication or website. The only requirement is that you include the by-line of the author including the name, website, and an active link to the Celtic Music Magazine at www.celticmp3s.com.

Review: “Wanderin’ Life and Times” by The Elders

Over a decade of performing.  8 studio albums.  Wonderful musical chemistry.  There is no question The Elders is one of the premier Celtic-Rock bands today.  Having seen them several times live, the energy and intensity that this band performs with truly is amazing.   Each concert is a rollercoaster of emotions filled with rocking music, thoughtful stories, and wonderful poetry. And this energy and versatility is clearly shown on their eighth studio album Wanderin’ Life & Times. To start, the first … Continue reading →

You are invited to use any or all of these articles on the Celtic Music Magazine in your publication or website. The only requirement is that you include the by-line of the author including the name, website, and an active link to the Celtic Music Magazine at www.celticmp3s.com.

Review: “My Ireland” by Ian Gallagher

Visualize yourself sitting back in a good, warm pub on a cool overcast day tipping back a pint of Guinness with laughter around you.  This is the image that is typically conjured when people speak of Irish music.  However, this is not the case in Ian Gallagher’s 2002 album entitled My Ireland.  This wonderful crooner unabashedly takes the title, My Ireland, and completely owns it as he smoothly and honestly sings his way through this album in a very jazzy … Continue reading →

You are invited to use any or all of these articles on the Celtic Music Magazine in your publication or website. The only requirement is that you include the by-line of the author including the name, website, and an active link to the Celtic Music Magazine at www.celticmp3s.com.

Review: “Drop o’ the Pure” by Appalachian Celtic Consort

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia one will find more than just gorgeous peaks, lush valleys, and trickling streams.  One will also find gorgeous music played by the Appalachian Celtic Consort.  Whether it is a fun, rollicking song, a lively dance tune or a slow waltz, any lover of Celtic music will feel at home listening to their 2002 album Drop o’ the Pure. Drop o’ the Pure is a wonderful, mostly instrumental album that … Continue reading →

You are invited to use any or all of these articles on the Celtic Music Magazine in your publication or website. The only requirement is that you include the by-line of the author including the name, website, and an active link to the Celtic Music Magazine at www.celticmp3s.com.

Review: “Last Ones Standing” by Ceann

Ceann is a band that is as infectious as they come.  Sounding like a Celtic version of They Might Be Giants or Barenaked Ladies with driving rhythms, catchy melodies and wonderful lyrics, one can’t help but smile as they listen to track after track.  Their debut album was released in 2006.  Ceann has made huge headway not only in the Celtic Rock genre, but gaining airtime on commercial radio stations as well, a place many Celtic Rock bands have found … Continue reading →

You are invited to use any or all of these articles on the Celtic Music Magazine in your publication or website. The only requirement is that you include the by-line of the author including the name, website, and an active link to the Celtic Music Magazine at www.celticmp3s.com.

Review: “Sons of Erin” by Derek Warfield

For close to 50 years Derek Warfield has been engaging crowds, most of which were as the front man to the world renowned Wolfe Tones.  As a singer, songwriter and historian, Derek Warfield has helped to shape the world of Celtic music into what it has become today.  Sons of Erin, the first album in a three disc series, was released in 1999 to showcase the influence of Irish music in America during the Civil War.  It is a wonderful … Continue reading →

You are invited to use any or all of these articles on the Celtic Music Magazine in your publication or website. The only requirement is that you include the by-line of the author including the name, website, and an active link to the Celtic Music Magazine at www.celticmp3s.com.