Tag Archives: Jan Jacob Mekes

Review: “Hot Days” by Poitín

When I started listening to this album, I got the impression that this was a decent selection of Celtic songs. Well played music, with just the right amount of gusto. At the same time, the songs played by Czech band Poitín sound fresh, and the name ‘Hot Days’ seems appropriately chosen, for this would be good summer material. And then I got to song number five, ‘Crazy Man Michael’. That clinched it for me. It’s a very bold choice to … Continue reading →

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Review: “Hell-Bent 4 Victory by Amadan

Of all the spin-off genres of Celtic music, perhaps rock and punk are the best. If those early Irish and Scottish musicians had electric guitars, I’m sure they would have used them. It’s just something about the attitude in Celtic music that’s very rock ‘n’ roll – and there’s plenty of attitude on this album by Amadan. With ‘Hell-Bent 4 Victory’, Amadan have created a potent mixture of energetic rock songs with Celtic undertones, that will have you rocking along … Continue reading →

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Review: “Rant” by Wicked Tinkers

Now here’s an album you won’t fall asleep to. This music is just teeming with energy, thanks in no small part to the excellent drumming, which more than just providing a rhythm for the music, actually defines it. Together with the bagpipes and other traditional Celtic instruments, there’s yet another ingredient to spice up this dish, and it’s one you may not expect: the didgeridoo. I can almost see the surprise on your face, but when you actually hear it, … 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 Branch Line” by Jack and Charlie Coen

It’s funny how we sometimes think of music as “old” when it was recorded several decades ago. If that’s your definition of old music, then this album is certainly old. But all that becomes relative when you realize that the Celtic music these Coen brothers (not the film makers) recorded can be traced back centuries. That said, the age of the recording does show. Originally released in the 1970s, The Branch Line contains nothing but instrumental tracks, featuring Jack and … 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 Journey That Lies Before” by Brothers 3

With the jazzy ‘Toss de Feddahs’, this album starts with a bang, and it’s clear you’re in for a swinging ride right off the bat. While it then moves into more traditional and slightly more solemn territory with ‘Erin’s Lovely Lee’, the rhythms are still decidedly catchy, giving this melancholy song a positive edge, without mutilating or disrespecting it in any way. The clever way in which this album mixes vocal and instrumental songs gives it a nice flow. The … 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: “Fainne Gael an Lae” by Dark Patrick

If I had to compare British-Ukrainian duo Dark Patrick to another musical act, I think I’d have to go with Dead Can Dance. That’s certainly the aesthetic they’re going for on their website, especially if you look at their photographs – Eva Purpurovsky, Dark Patrick’s Ukrainian half, even looks a bit like Lisa Gerrard. But never mind about the visual aesthetics, you want to know about the music. That too approaches Dead Can Dance at times, especially on the haunting … 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: “American Highlander” by The Rogues

The Rogues barely need introduction. Their trademark sound, heavily infused with bagpipes, have made them one of the top Celtic music acts today. And that sound is exactly what you’re going to get on American Highlander. The album gently eases you into that typical Rogues atmosphere with ‘Steam Train’ and ‘Aidan’s Hornpipe’, and then really picks up with the titular track. Then, the album makes a rather unexpected turn with ‘153 (The Simpleton’s Lament)’, which is a rather poppy track, … 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: “Rubai” by Flook

Artist: Flook Album: Rubai Flook really has a unique sound. The band was – Flook is on hiatus – comprised of four talented musicians who play distinctly traditional Celtic instruments like the flute, guitar, and bodhrán. The instrumental music they build from those elements is not at all traditional though. It’s still very much Celtic, but with a decidedly modern flavour to it. A big reason for that is probably that this music is composed by modern-day composers. It’s very … 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: “Elvis Murphy’s Green Suede Shoes” by Black 47

Artist: Black 47 Album: Elvis Murphy’s Green Suede Shoes With a title like that, you’re probably expecting rock ‘n’ roll music. In a sense, that’s exactly what you get, but on the other hand, it isn’t. Black 47 deliver a great Irish rock album here, with catchy songs that wouldn’t feel out of place on a mainstream radio station. But their music is about more than just catchy rock tunes – the subject matter of their lyrics adds an extra … 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: “Live & Well” by Ockham’s Razor

Artist: Ockham’s Razor Album: Live & Well Do you wish you were at a Celtic rock concert right now? Well, here you have the next best thing. ‘Live & Well’ is, as you’ve probably guessed, a live album, recorded at the Galway Bay Irish Music Festival, and it’s one big chunk of energy that lasts for about an hour. One thing I always like about live albums is the crowd reactions, otherwise you might as well be listening to a … 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.