Celtic MP3s Music MagazineThe Celtic MP3s Music Magazine is a free monthly Celtic music magazine featuring free music downloads of Celtic, Scottish, Irish music from around the world. Here, you will find free music downloads from independent Celtic artists. Some MP3s are time sensitive. So download them now. All of the latest MP3s are available for at least a month. As always, if enjoy the music, please help the artist out and buy their CD. Serving Celtic music fans since 2000! Don't just download. "Gort na Salean (Salley Gardens)" by Susan Hamlin
Fiery folkie Susan Hamlin (singer, guitarist, and composer) is regarded as one of today's finest performers of Celtic and American roots music. Her voice is hauntingly clear, ferocious and effortlessly versatile, more mediumistic than diva, totally unpretentious. Ditto for her "exquisite" guitar work.
Hamlin appears solo or with a variety of artists, moving easily and intuitively through traditional Irish, Scottish and Appalachian music to the high country of American folk and her own fine originals, with a mischievous wit, power and grace that leave her loyal fans all the better for listening. Hamlin's self produced CDs (Younger Than The Sun 2002 and Magic, 1999) were released to critical acclaim and folk radio airplay on all the continents except the one with penguins. And permanent residence in some CD changers. What's next for the artist who released an Afro-Celtic remake of Talking Heads classic "Once In A Lifetime" alongside a Gaelic translation of WB Yeats' "Salley Gardens?" Hey, you never know.  Hometown: Saratoga Springs, NYSimilar Artists: Sandy Denney, Dolores Keane, Tim O'Brien, Dick Gaughan, Loreena McKennit, Bothy Band, Dougie Maclean, Alasdair Fraser, Nic Jones, Karan Casey, Altan, Aaron Copeland, Keola Beamer Website: Susan Hamlin Download MP3: "Gort na Salean (Salley Gardens)" Buy CD: "Younger Than the Sun" by Susan Hamlin
Posted by Marc Gunn, Saturday, June 25, 2005. New to Celtic MP3s Music Magazine? Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates. Find free Celtic music downloads from Marc Gunn! "Take My Hand" by Paul McKenna
Paul McKenna is an 18 year old singer from Glasgow. He is a regular at folk festivals throughout Scotland and northern England. Paul is highly regarded for his vocal talents by some key players on the folk music circuit. Artists that have recorded with Paul include Scottish piping star Finlay MacDonald and former member of the JSD Band, Chuck Fleming.
 Hometown: Glasgow, Scotland Similar Artists: Donal Lunny, Waterboys, Paul Brady, Christy Moore Website: Paul McKenna Download MP3: "Take My Hand" Buy CD: "Take My Hand" by Paul McKenna
Posted by Marc Gunn, Saturday, June 25, 2005. New to Celtic MP3s Music Magazine? Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates. Find free Celtic music downloads from Marc Gunn! "Two Magicians" by Three Quarter Ale
Three Quarter Ale is a Ren-rock band based in Atlanta, GA. Comprised of players Ariana Pellayle (Becky Cormier), Rosemary Quench (Rivka Levin), and Wicked Pete Speakeasy (Dolph Amick), Three Quarter Ale combines the lilting charm of 17th-century madrigals and traditional favorites with the high-energy impact of modern folk-rock for a truly arresting sound. The toast of the Georgia Renaissance Festival pub crowd, Three Quarter Ale's tempting blend of lively harp, flute, guitar, and ethnic percussion with delicious three-part vocal harmonies in turn uplifts, enchants, and makes listeners want to dance in their seats.
 Hometown: Georgia Similar Artists: The Lost Boys, Three Ravens, Joni Minstrel, Mickle-A-Do, Karma Lingo Website: Three Quarter Ale Download MP3: Two Magicians Buy CD: Three Quarter Ale
Posted by Marc Gunn, Saturday, June 18, 2005. New to Celtic MP3s Music Magazine? Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates. Find free Celtic music downloads from Marc Gunn! "Captain's Wench" by Tara's Fire
The Hottest Irish Band this side of the pond! Combining traditional and modern Irish and celtic music to create a sound for today with acoustic instruments for a sound seldom heard. 12 string guitar, bodhran, whistle, 6 string guitar, fiddle, mandolin, didgeree-do, and the list goes on and on. Many originals and even more standard favorites.
 Home: Youngstown OhioSimilar Artists: Great Big Sea, Gaelic Storm, Chieftains, Dubliners, Flogging Molly Website: Tara's Fire Download MP3: n/a Buy CD: Kindling the Flame: Songs of Death, Destruction and Drinking Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2005
Posted by Marc Gunn, Saturday, June 18, 2005. New to Celtic MP3s Music Magazine? Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates. Find free Celtic music downloads from Marc Gunn! "Posing As Human" by RISE
by Joe Wallace
Artist: Rise Album: Posing As Human Year produced: 2004 Many bands pass themselves off as eclectic; few truly pull it off well. Rise is one of those rare groups that show talent in a diverse array of musical idioms. The Scottish foursome's second album, "Posing As Human," begins with a strong cocktail of Dylan and The Sundays-influenced sounds. Singer Debbie Dawson's voice has a vulnerable quality perfect on songs like "Don't Stop the World" and "I Will Love You Always". The multi-talented Gerry Geoghegan's twelve-string guitar playing is both free-wheeling and precise; "The Gallows" highlights his skill with perfect timing with complex start-and-stop playing.  Slide guitar fans will appreciate the bluesy "Welcome To The Real World", and Debbie Dawson's voice works particularly well, especially when the song changes from the minimal blues riff to a fuller rock sound. Geoghegan takes a turn on the mic on some tracks. "I Will See My Love Again" and "Green Grow the Rashes-o" find him in good voice, especially on the harmonies. Geoghegan sounds very much like a peer of Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham; he is every bit as diverse and skilled with his song arrangements as the ‘Mac guitarist.There is a traditional influence on this CD, but ‘eclectic' is the word of the day. Celtic purists may be a bit disappointed, but those who like a combination of blues, folk and rock should spend some time with this new release. On the technical side it's a well-produced effort with the singing and guitars expertly mixed-every note is clear and strong. There's some beautifully restrained keyboard work going on in the background, giving some songs an ethereal quality while others get a slight gospel flavor. Second albums are often difficult for any band, but Rise doesn't show any signs of what music biz people call the "sophomore slump". The group does well in capturing its essence on CD, but after an extended listen to "Posing" you'll find yourself wanting a live performance to catch Rise at its full power. A live CD would be most welcome; in the meantime, "Posing As Human" is one to put in the changer on ‘repeat'. Celtic MP3 Music Magazine writer Joe Wallace reviews music for many publications and writes both nonfiction as well as short stories. His nonfiction work includes articles for Korean Quarterly, Indie-Music.com, the Alternative Culture Guide, and Factsheet Five. Contact him through his website at www.freelance-zone.com. Labels: cd_review_2005
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, June 16, 2005. New to Celtic MP3s Music Magazine? Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates. Find free Celtic music downloads from Marc Gunn! "Take Two" by Sean McCabe and Cady Finlayson
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Sean McCabe and Cady Finlayson Album: Take Two Year produced: 2000 With the pairing of Cady Finlayson on the fiddle and Sean McCabe's smooth voice--how can you go wrong? This 16-track CD is packed with expert playing, traditional sounding tracks and a little experimentation here and there to boot. In other words, there is a little something for everyone.  If you are a traditionalist, waste no time--go for track four--"Rising of the Moon." It gives you that good, familiar feeling, like relatives are in the living room singing old songs. For those who get their toes tapping with Irish Step Dance music, there is a jig, a reel and a hornpipe in store as well.If you are in need of a pick-me-up, try track nine--"Nobody Wants to Know You When You're Broke." It will pretty much guarantee a smile on a rough day. Most of the songs have the upbeat style of Irish music--even when they speak of sadness. The first track, "Northerners" which talks about the difficulties in Ireland and leaving the country is still a terrific listen and doesn't leave you feeling glum. Cady Finlayson's skill is obvious, and the CD does highlight it. The fiddle playing in track 12 struck that lovely yearning that only truly skilled players can make you feel. It will leave you with a lump in your throat. At times she is in a supporting role to McCabe's voice, but many of the tracks let her shine as well. Track 15, "Take These Blues Away" is the prayer of a widow, and does a nice job of marrying the two artists together in sound. It is also McCabe's strongest "storytelling" style-song. The entire CD does a good job of mixing it up so that you are never sure what to expect next, although you are assured an interesting ride, regardless. All in all this mixture of contemporary Celtic folk and traditional-style music works. Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in the arts. She has written for Dance Teacher Magazine, Classical Singer and Dance Spirit among others, and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her at ctully@freelance-zone.com. Labels: cd_review_2005
Posted by Marc Gunn, Wednesday, June 15, 2005. New to Celtic MP3s Music Magazine? Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates. Find free Celtic music downloads from Marc Gunn! "New York Girls (live)" by Dust Rhinos
The Dust Rhinos are a butt kickin' Celtic Rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba, the heart of Canada. Their show is pure unrestrained pandemonium designed to make you kick up your feet and party. From the juiced up traditional favorites of Ireland, Scotland and Canada’s East Coast to Celtified rock tunes to the Rhino's own originals, an evening with the Dust Rhinos is something to remember.
 A combination of skilled musicianship, a playful sense of humour and dynamic stage show set the Dust Rhinos apart from other entertainers. Their ability to bond with the audience makes them fan favorites where ever they go. For eleven years the Dust Rhinos have been entertaining crowds across the prairies and in the last four years they have expanded their reach from the prairies to the rest of Canada and the United States. Supporting acts such as Alabama, Moxy Fruvous, Leahy, Kenny Rogers, the Commitments and other top international recording acts, the Dust Rhinos have won over crowds and built a legion of loyal fans.Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Similar Artists: Great Big Sea, Oysterband, Spirit of the West, Dropkick Murphys, Pogues Website: Dust Rhinos Download MP3: "New York Girls (live)" Buy CD: "Sociable - live" by Dust Rhinos
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, June 09, 2005. New to Celtic MP3s Music Magazine? Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates. Find free Celtic music downloads from Marc Gunn! "Three Drunken Maidens" by The BorderCollies
The BorderCollies are a contemporary Celtic band, featuring a unique blend of traditional Celtic and folk influences in their music. Their signature sound incorporates tight instrumentation with three and four part vocal harmonies. Their recent CD, "The Road from Swannanoa", showcases the band's original compositions and their ability to interpret and arrange traditional material. Based out of Duluth, Georgia, the band performs regionally around the southeast at concerts, festivals, pubs and clubs.
 Hometown: Duluth, GeorgiaSimilar Artists: Buddy O'Reilly Band, Moira Nelligan Trio, Dougie MacLean, Susan McKeown, Jimmy McCarthy, David Gray, Fairport Convention Website: The BorderCollies Download MP3: "Three Drunken Maidens" Buy CD: "The Road From Swannanoa" by The Bordercollies
Posted by Marc Gunn, Tuesday, June 07, 2005. New to Celtic MP3s Music Magazine? Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates. Find free Celtic music downloads from Marc Gunn! |
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