Review: “Irish Music For Singin’, Dancin’, Drinkin’, & Clappin’” by Dublin Public

I’m always happy to listen to a well-rounded collection of Irish drinking songs, and this album did not disappoint! Twelve great songs to tip your glass to, including favorites such as “Beer, Beer, Beer” and “Finnegan’s Wake”. This five-person band comes from an eclectic background and together they make this group shine. Don’t miss “Mari Mac” – which even though not played at a blistering pace can serve as a test for the tongue if you deign to sing along. … Continue reading

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“IV” by Rising Gael

Rising Gael’s fourth effort, IV, is one of those fun Sunday afternoon albums.  You know the kind, where you just pop it in and listen with while cleaning or relaxing in the sun. The group hails from Madison, WI, and musicians Katie Dionne, Erin Ellison, Jeff Olson, and Peter Tissot are a powerhouse. Each one has fantastic credits to their name, and together they have won several awards in the Midwest and played Wisconsin’s Milwaukee Irish Fest.  Katie Dionne’s fiddle has … Continue reading

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“Unshackled” by SloanWolfe

OH WOW!! You know that feeling when you hear something great, something that touches your soul. For me, it’s  the pipes! These guys are great. It’s just the thing that my wicked, weary and over-taxed soul needs.

Lars Sloan (pipes), Bryan Blaylock (other great noises), Jimmy Michell (pipes), Mark Sullivan, Matthew Williams (percussion), Robin Sloan and WooDee Gallegos (guitar and bass) create unique and recreate traditional sounds that inspire and move. And there is the one, “Fireside,” where they slow their playful sides.

This is the cure for the youngster in the car next to you playing that thumping rap song far too loud. Turn these guys on and crank them up. Show that youngster what great music is. I do this with several songs that I love.

For as short as it is, “Howler on the Bodhran” is great. They could have gone on for thirty minutes and it would be fine with me. I guess it’s the goose bumps I get, and the feeling of being taken back to a time when there were more things to be happy about than there were sad and depressing things. Then there’s the shadow pipes SloanWolfe does that gets you just in the right spot, and the goose bumps start all over again. I love it! But I have to say that my favorite is “Desert Storm.” I love how they seamlessly folded in several bars of America the Beautiful to push their point through to a valiant conclusion.

You will find, as I did, that these musicians can weave a tale of woe, happiness and triumph without even saying a word. When you buy this CD, and you should right now, you’ll see what I talking about. Enjoy, and thanks Sloan Wolfe. Wait ‘till the guys at work here it… I’ll only give them a taste, so they’ll go buy the CD.

Artist: SloanWolfe
Buy Album: Unshackled

Hometown: Houston, Texas
Similar Artists: The Clancy Brothers, The Corries, Celtic Thunder, The Rogues, Albannach, Tartanic, Jiggernaut

Written by Don Dyer, for the Celtic Music Magazine. Don Dyer is a professional watercolor artist, author, and book cover designer who lives and works in New Mexico. See some of my work at www.dyerinks.com. Find me on facebook.

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.

“Rejoice! A Christmas Album” by Jed Marum

Jed Marum gives all of these old and beloved Christmas tunes a gentle new and refreshing twist that is sure to please even the most cynical of music critics. The young and the young at heart will revel in the new twist, and sing along as they do every Christmas season. When I first plugged the songs into my iPod, I instantly knew the tunes and started singing along. But I don’t know what to say about these beloved songs, … Continue reading

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Review: “Still In One Piece” by George Murphy

George Murphy is a storyteller, and you know how much I love storytellers! George has a unique gift that gets you in just the right spot with his soft voice. In some of his songs, you can hear him smiling because of the content, like “Paddy And The Barrow”. It’s great! Then there’s the “The Home Place” and “No Use For Him”, it nearly breaks your heart with his tears. Listen to “An Irishman’s Door” first. You’ll find it, as … 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.

“In My Life” by Kathy Barwick

Kathy Barwick is an accomplished musician that plays the guitar, banjo, bass, mandolin and dobro.  She has more than 30 years’ experience in playing folk, bluegrass, blues and Irish music in various bands and in a variety of studio settings.  Drawing on her extensive experience she has splendidly blended these music styles to create a fantastic first solo album, “In My Life.” This collection of traditional tunes has a little bit of the Beatles thrown in just to keep you … 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.

“Up the Stairs” by the Makem & Spain Brothers

Wow! I find the harmonies in this album heartwarming. The stories they tell in their songs are wonderful, and the stories make me want to travel. I’ve said before, something about their harmonies, but these men belong singing together. I have an adopted Ma, her name is Nancy, I call her NanoMa. When she heard “Nancy O”, she cried. I asked about her tears, she said the song reminded her of Bill, her first husband, who has passed. He called … 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: “Lark” by Colleen Raney

When I started listening to the first song, I fell in love! The lively sound, the soft and sultry voice transfixed me and I had to hear more. Colleen Raney is soulful and sings with a heartfelt passion that I’ve only heard in a few other singers. There is magical mix of traditional verse and fresh new sounds that make you feel special to be listening to the music. The traditional poetic storytelling is done justice to with Colleen Raney’s … Continue reading

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Irish Music Comes Alive During New Show "CELTIC CRUSH" on Sirius Satellite Radio

Black 47′s Larry Kirwan hosts mix of traditional and contemporary Celtic music NEW YORK, NY (April 13, 2005) – Irish expatriate and singer/songwriter Larry Kirwan will host a new program of Irish music exclusively on SIRIUS Satellite Radio starting Saturday, April 16. The new weekly three-hour program, Celtic Crush, will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary music from the Celtic countries and England. It will be broadcast every Saturday from 12pm to 3 pm ET on SIRIUS, commercial-free 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.