MP3: “Shores of Moray” by Doug Folkins
Celtic music is about the story. Every song has one. Every performer has the chance to tell one. Doug Folkins does just that. His style of music is an exceptional blend of Celtic, country, and pop, which creates a rather unique sound, different from other Celtic musicians out there.
Folkins is at home performing in a local pub or up on the festival stage. His recent release, “Another Last Call” earned critical acclaim and gained international airplay. Folkins takes his music serious and it’s evident in his songs.
Hometown: Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada
Website: Doug Folkins
Download MP3: Shores of Moray
Buy CD: Another Last Call
Similar Artists: Great Big Sea, The Waterboys, The Pogues
MP3: “1000 Feet Closer to Hell” by Jasper Coal
Formed in 2004 on St. Patrick’s Day, Jasper Coal was bound to become one of Birmingham, Alabama’s finest Celtic acts. Since their formation, the band has rapidly gained fans and recognition in the Celtic music market. They are known for their energy, their tunes, and their method of playing – traditional tunes on acoustic instruments. Yet, Jasper Coal is one of the rowdiest pub bands in Birmingham. It’s no wonder these guys such an expansive following. They play the hell out of their music.
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Website: Jasper Coal
Download MP3: 1000 Feet Closer to Hell
Buy CD: 1000 Feet Closer to Hell
Similar Artists: The Pogues, Planxty, Old Blind Dogs, Drop Kick Murphy’s, The Clancy’s
MP3: “Irish All The Way” by Jerry McLean & Blackthorne Aire
Jerry McLean is one of those musicians who raises the bar for the revivial of Irish and Celtic music. In fact, McLean and Blackthorne Aire tread at the forefront of this rebirth of Celtic Music. McLean’s baritone voice reflects authenticity in each of his songs. This is a group that is not to be missed. You’ll love what you hear.
Hometown: Ballycastle, County Mayo, Ireland
Website: Jerry McLean & Blackthorne Aire
Download MP3: Irish All the Way
Buy CD: Jerry McLean
Similar Artists: Christy Moore, Noel Murphy, The Dubliners
MP3: “My Love Is But A Lassie Yet/Trippin’ Over Her Shoe” by Don Grieve Tribute to Robert Burns
With over 35 years in the folk music industry, Don Grieve is back and this time drawing his inspiration from Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns. Grieve has been performing around festivals and universities throughout Europe for years. He has always had a passion for the work of Robert Burns, who has connections to Grieve’s hometown of Selkirk. His recent album is a collaboration with Angela Preiss, his long-time partner. The music is inspiring, informative, and explores history through song, recitation and story. All of his songs are accompanied by guitar, bazouki, harp, flutes, whistle and bodhran. Any fan of Robert Burns would appreciate this collection.
Hometown: Camperdown, Victoria, Australia
Website: Don Grieve Tribute to Robert Burns
Download MP3: My Love is But a Lassie Yet/Trippin’ Over Her Shoe
Similar Artists: The Corries, Rob Hall & Jimmy McGregor, The Hoogies
MP3: “Just One Drink” by Songs For Ceilidh
Songs for Ceilidh (pronounced Káy-Lee) formed in 2006, combining the sounds of Irish, Scottish, and Canadian Maritime Celtic influences with the sounds of America’s roots in pop/rock. What emerged was music that traditionally was Celtic, but mixed in high energy and upbeat rhythms. What emerged was this highly talented four-member band, each contributing something different to the music.
Songs for Ceilidh is not a cover band. They interpret traditional tunes in their own way, while respecting the original tunes. It’s not an easy balance to find, but this group does it best.
Hometown: Medway, Maine, USA
Website: Songs for Ceilidh
Download MP3: Just One Drink
Buy CD: Beneath the Waves
Similar Artists: Great Big Sea, Town Pants, Greenwich Meantime
MP3: “White Rabbit” by Black Rose Roisin Dubh
Black rose Roisin Dubh is a five-piece band that plays traditional folk and folk/rock centered around Irish and Scottish themes. Yet, their music explores this realm further by further exploring into the Americanized Appalachian and other such variations that developed in the New World. For something a little different, Black Rose Roisin Dubh is not to be missed.
Hometown: Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota, USA
Website: Black Rose Roisin Dubh
Download MP3: White Rabbit
Similar Artists: Cordelia’s Dad, Horse Lips, Planxty, Steel Eye Span
MP3: “Hardy” by Southern Tenant Folk Union
Southern Tenant Folk Union are the highest acclaimed folk/bluegrass band in the UK today. Their musical journey began in 2006, and since then, they have toured all over the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany. Their music provides the soundtrack to an already exciting live show. Their unique sound sets them apart from other Celtic bands out there, and their diversity provides them with the opportunity to play different venues across the country. This seven-piece acoustic band is really making a name for itself through their amazing musicianship and signature sound.
Hometown: Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Website: Southern Tenant Folk Union
Download MP3: Hardy
MP3: “Broken Mist” by Birch Creek
Birch Creek formed in the summer of 2009, after the members met at an outdoor Farm Aid concert. They discovered that their musical styles meshed well, and since then, the band has produced an eclectic repertoire of instrumental pieces. Their signature sound comes from the beautiful blend of dulcimer, bouzouki, mandolin, guitar, and flutes. Their love of music is evident in each of their tunes. And the beauty of where they are from is reflected in their striking sound.
Hometown: North Granby, Connecticut, USA
Website: Birch Creek
Download MP3: Broken Mist
Similar Artists: Al Petteway, William Coulter, The Corrs
MP3: “Cloonagroe Reel” by Anton Emery
Anton Emery is a master of guitar. But what makes his music such a delightful treat is that his solo guitar works features Celtic music prominently. By taking tunes normally heard on fiddle, flutes and pipes, Emery transposes them onto the guitar, giving them a new voice and a new dimension.
Emery began playing guitar at the age of 15, where he sampled different varieties of rock and blues styles, before settling on classical guitar. He began arranging traditional Celtic tunes on his own, and studying the musicianship at local Irish sessions.
These songs, as played on guitar, are captivating.
Hometown: Portland, Oregon, USA
Website: Anton Emery
Download MP3: Cloonagroe Reel
Buy CD: Noone Lasses
Similar Artists: Tony Mcmanus, Steve Baughman, Robin Bullock
MP3: “Burn Your Suicide Notes” by Whiskey of the Damned
Whiskey of the Damned isn’t your usual Celtic band. They are a little bit rock and a little bit punk. But their talent lies in how they play their music. By incorporating Irish music with the sounds of America’s rock scene, Whiskey of the Damned provides the Celtic music world with rompin’ stompin’ music that will get you on your feet and keep you there!
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Website: Whiskey of the Damned
Download MP3: Burn Your Suicide Notes
Similar Artists: Flogging Molly, The Tossers, The Killigans, Dropkick Murphys, Scythian
