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. "Nothin'" by Lenahan
Since starting his first Celtic Rock band, The Clan, in 1985, Tom Lenahan has been strongly interested in blending musical styles. He was the first in the States to use bagpipes in a rock band and, from the beginning, he enjoyed finding material in unusal places. When he formed Lenahan in 1994, he started drawing on his Chicago roots to produce music he called "Rhythm 'n' Greens", using blues, jazz, and even ska and reggae elements in his original songs, but never straying far from the blistering sets of tunes that got him started in the first place.
 Hometown: New York City, NYSimilar Artists: Fairport Convention, Tannahill Weavers, Alan Stivell, Los Lobos, J. Geils Band Website: Lenahan - Celtic Rock Download MP3: "Nothin'" Buy CD: "Brand New Bag"
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, July 28, 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! "Drunk Tonight" by The Bloody Irish Boys
"The Bloody Irish Boys are a fast driven punk band inspired by traditional Irish... or as I would put it... if the Pogues were taken over by Rancid." Description by Paddy Rock Radio.
 Hometown: Lancaster, OHSimilar Artists: The Pogues, Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, Shane MacGowan, Social Distortion, Great Big Sea Website: The Bloody Irish Boys Download MP3: "Drunk Tonight" Buy CD: "Drunk Rock"
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, July 28, 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! "The High Road" by Cluan
by Joe Wallace
Artist: Cluan Album: The High Road Year produced: 2004 Cluan mix up reels, jigs and songs to good effect on The High Road. The Texas sextet's fifty-minute studio album lives up to its name with plenty of high quality sounds from Ireland and beyond. Singer Erin Bobruk adds just the right touch of emotion on the opening jilted-lover song The Blacksmith. More impressively, Bobruk handles the tongue-twisting Bímse Féin ag lascaireacht with considerable skill and grace.  Cluan stick with what some call the all-natural sound; they don't try to spruce up the mix with electrified sounds, heavy echo or other studio tricks. The acoustic guitar, bouzouki, and two fiddles are expertly recorded; The High Road has a spontaneous quality difficult to capture on a studio album.It's obvious the band put much thought into the flow of this release as a long-play experience. With plenty of variety from track to track, the music ebbs and flows from the mellow Green Grows The Laurel to the spirited jigs of The Butlers of Glen Avenue. The finale, Aly's Waltz, rounds out the album well, its easygoing tempo a nice contrast to the energetic Skidoo, Johnny Allen's, and Farewell To Whisky. For a group only in existence for a few years, the group already has an impressive selection of quality work. Cluan have three releases under their belts now, the six-song The Buck Stops Here, and the longer-playing Night Out. After getting a taste of The High Road, the other two titles are very tempting. Sadly, The Buck Stops Here is unavailable, but Night Out is still in print, featuring the same skilled guitar and good fiddle playing that's found on The High Road. 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, Tuesday, July 26, 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! "The Haughs of Cromdale/Johnny Cope" by StoneRing
StoneRing is a group that combines three part vocals with a
variety of instrumental music. Our singers have a large repertoire of Irish and Scottish ballads, rebel songs, war songs and drinking songs. Instruments include guitar, mandolin, banjo, percussion, harp, concertina, violin, flute, recorders, whistles and smallpipes. The band has performed at Milwaukee's Irish Fest, Highland Games, Dubuque's Irish Fest, Midlothian Highland Games and in concert halls and summer outdoor concerts all over the upper Midwest.  Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin Similar Artists: Clancy Brothers, Silly Wizard, Old Blind Dogs, Leahy's Luck Website: StoneRing Download MP3: "The Haughs of Cromdale/Johnny Cope" Buy CD: A Toast to the Company
Posted by Marc Gunn, Friday, July 22, 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! "Donegal Lass/Maids od Mt. Cisco/Siobhan O'Donnell's" by The Slip
The Slip band was founded in September 2004 in Zagreb, Croatia. The band plays Traditional Irish Instrumental Music. Besides that, the band likes to accept modern innovations in Irish music but also tends to retain the traditional sound. They were named after the traditional Irish slip jig rhythm. Nikola Ceran is on fiddle, Tina Miskovic on bodhran, Hrvoje Sudar on guitar, and Ivo Turk fills in on whistles, bodhran.
Hometown: Zagreb, Croatia Similar Artists: Lunasa, Solas, Cran, Altan Website: The Slip Download MP3: "Donegal Lass/Maids od Mt. Cisco/Siobhan O'Donnell's" Buy CD: n/a
Posted by Marc Gunn, Friday, July 22, 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! "Storming Heaven" by Avalon Rising
by J. Wallace
Artist: Avalon Rising Album: "Storming Heaven" Year produced: 2004 Avalon Rising has quite a track record. Twelve years in the Bay Area and on stages throughout the Pacific Northwest has honed the skills of this Celtic/Medieval rock group to a high degree. Fans of the Avalon Rising's blend of traditional, slightly psychedelic and Mid-Eastern influences will be quite pleased with Storming Heaven. It gets off to a rousing start with The Hexamshire Lass, and Hunt The Blarney Cat. There are good old-fashioned sounds on The Lark In The Morning, but this is far from a traditionalist release. The song Jack Daw is a progressive rock ballad some are comparing to Jethro Tull, and the band shows off their a capella talent on Health To The Company, which closes out the CD.  It's not an easy feat to pull off such a wide range of diverse sounds and influences while keeping a heavy Celtic flavor, but Avalon Rising is up to the job. The band scores points with 'old school' Irish music lovers with the pagan overtones their music, and makes the grade with fans of skilled guitar playing. Some will pick up this album out of sheer curiosity-how can a band manage hints of the Middle East, psychadelia and, on Musical Pesto Set, a hint of the Red Hot Chili Peppers while still uncompromisingly Celt? Avalon Rising is a group giving big headaches to music store employees who can’t quite find a category for this progressive/traditional band.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, July 21, 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! "Far From Home" by Hugh Morrison & Friends
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Hugh Morrison Album: "Far From Home" Year produced: 2005 Fans of the three-row button accordion are in for a treat with Hugh Morrison's newest release, Far From Home. The expert playing on the album is coupled with his love for old favorites such as the Siege of Ennis. For those that don't like to sit back and listen there is more dance music as well. Morrison stretches out a bit though--including a reel and a jig but expanding the range with a march and a waltz. Plenty of stuff to get those so inclined on the dance floor.  Most of the album is instrumental and it is all well-played. There are however, a couple of tracks that feature his smooth, mellow voice and some subtle harmonies. Track two, my favorite of the whole CD, Wild Mountain Thyme is one of these.This is bright, happy music and it is impossible to feel badly with it humming away for you. You can see that Morrison is influenced by a variety of Celtic sources, and the ear detects hints of both Scottish and Irish sounds throughout the album. A nice mix of music, Hugh Morrison's CD will make a good addition to any traditional enthusiast's collection. And listening to it will always make you feel good. 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 www.freelance-zone.com. Labels: cd_review_2005
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, July 21, 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! "Lily the Pink" by Brobdingnagian Bards
Scottish and Irish folk songs combined with the Lord of the Rings music and a wee bit o'Celtic fun. The Brobdingnagian Bards (pron. brAHb'ding-näg-EE-en) are The Original Celtic Renaissance music duo from Austin, Texas. Their unique brand of folk music on the autoharp, recorder, and mandolin has made them one of the most-popular Celtic music groups online where they give away thousands of free Celtic MP3 downloads daily.
 The Brobdingnagian Bards perform coast-to-coast, and in a given month might be at a Lord of the Rings Oscar Party, a Celtic festival, or a Science Fiction Convention. However, they are an absolute favorite at Renaissance Faires where they add high-energy and wit to make every show a memorable experience. Hometown: Austin, Texas Similar Artists: The Dubliners, The Clancy Brothers, The Irish Rovers, The Wolfe Tones, The Corries, Altan, Clannad, Enya, Martin Carthy, Bryan Bowers, Roger McGuinn, Ewan MacColl, Kingston Trio, Christy Moore, Dick Gaughan, Fairport Convention, Dervish, Phil Coulter, The Fureys, Steeleye Span Website: Brobdingnagian Bards Download MP3: "Lily the Pink" Buy CD: Brobdingnagian Fairy Tales
Posted by Marc Gunn, Tuesday, July 19, 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! "Roguetrip" by The Rogues
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: The Rogues Album: Roguetrip Year produced: 2005 Track 1 on the latest effort from Celtic band The Rogues lit me up right off the bat, a powerful sound that is at once traditional and progressive and one that gets you excited to hear more. The second track, The Warrior's Salute, has the proper amount of ceremony in the music to carry the title. The meaning in that is personal, and the pipes are played in tribute to the band's friend Jeff "Mayhem" Thompson who they lost in 2004.  Ronds is traditional dance music, with the slow beginning designed to give the dancers time to get into position. The Binou Braz (Highland Pipes) and Bombarde (feral oboe) lend a sound to the song which is different than the ones before it.The sound changes yet again in track 4, When Diana Fell, the only track with lyrics on this CD. This song has almost a pop music feel to it, with vocal harmonies and easy melody--far simpler than the complex playing on the tracks before and after it. Back to the Faire, track 5 gets back to the traditional feel, which continues pleasantly through more dance music on track 6, An Dro (The Turn). Get set for some more expert pipe playing on track 7, Bagpipes on Bourbon Street, which plays with different rhythms and succeeds in keeping interest with the addition of the drums halfway through the song which keeps the momentum going. Track 8, Conception is completely different, and has an almost funky feel to it. A modern style of playing which is fun and groovy all at the same time, totally different than anything else on the CD. Then off to track 9 which is a free wheeling ride through different rhythms and time signatures. From one to the next, again it keeps things moving and interesting for the listener. With track 10, Marren's Jig, it's back to the basics, simple jig music written to practice hard shoe dancing to--and you'll hear it in the music too. More dance music follows with a hornpipe named after famous Highland dancer, Bobby Cuthbertson, which starts off with the slow whine and picks up to the poppy, energetic pace that switches to a lively jig to finish. The final track on this CD is a gorgeous end to it all. A deep, soulful flute coos out quietly, finishing off the album. Sometimes the fun is in knowing what is coming next, and sometimes it is in the surprise. With the Rogues, you'll not know what you are going to get, but you know it will be fine, fine music indeed. 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 www.freelance-zone.com. Labels: cd_review_2005
Posted by Marc Gunn, Monday, July 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! "Bird In the Bush Reels" by Caladh
Formed in March 2004, after a brief trip to Cyprus, Caladh is a mixture of 4 musical personalities who have come together to form an original blend of traditional Irish music not seen before on the Irish gig circuit.
County Carlow in the south east of Ireland is probably not really known as a hotbed for traditional Irish music, but. here's a band that puts it on the traditional and folk music map. Caladh is Gaelic and translates as "quay", and the band's music is no disastrous gale force but gently pushing against the shore.  Hometown: Carlow, Ireland Similar Artists: Altan, Dervish, Clannad, Gerry O Conner Website: Caladh Download MP3: "Bird In the Bush Reels" Buy CD: "Live in Kyteler's Inn"
Posted by Marc Gunn, Monday, July 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! "From the Ashes" by Sarah Dinan
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Sarah Dinan Album: From the Ashes Year produced: 2004 There is nothing like a deep woman's voice--especially when they are singing Celtic music. Sarah Dinan's purrs through many of the selections on From the Ashes, sometimes soothing, sometimes haunting, but always beautiful. The first track on the album, however, has Dinan singing in a chirpy, birdlike way. She can do this too, but you would never believe that she is an alto. She reveals this in the second track, which is accompanied by her band members. Track three, May Morning Dew finds Dinan going solo, sans music, which I always love and this time is no exception. She holds her own, and held my attention as well. I relished it, not knowing that there was more of this to come.  Track four is playful, and she uses her voice almost as if it were an instrument itself. It is followed by Black is the Colour, which is a soft, dreamy tune which highlights Dinan's range and vocal skill. She shows that she can demonstrate her talent without beating you over the head with it. It whispers to you.The next track, When You and I Were True, perks up a bit and has a nice, smooth feel to it, just as track eight, An Paistin Fionn. But the real star of the album is sandwiched in-between these two songs. The Hero's Return (The Belfast Song) has only voice, although this time it is in harmony, and its tone is serious, not dreamy. It takes a lot to bring a tear to my eye musically, but this song did just that. Track nine, She Moved Through the Fair was just plain fun and it was one of those tunes that you keep with you for a while. Starts out slow and builds up momentum as it goes--leaving you waiting for what is next. The album closes with Flower of Magherally 'O (Radio Edit) which finishes things off nicely. I must say, it is a compilation of songs that is well worth a listen. If you are a fan of a strong, deep, Celtic voice, this album is for you. 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 www.freelance-zone.com. Labels: cd_review_2005
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, July 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! "The Rigs of Rye" by Niamh Parsons
Niamh (pron. Neeve) Parsons has come to be known as one of the most distinctive voices in Irish music. Her voice has drawn comparisons to such venerated singers as Dolores Keane, June Tabor and Sandy Denny. The great Scottish balladeer Archie Fisher said of Niamh, "a songstress like her comes along once or twice in a generation."
Never has this been more clear than on her new album, Heart's Desire (Green Linnet, 2002) featuring Graham Dunne. True to the direction of the two solo albums that preceded it, In My Prime and Blackbirds and Thrushes, Niamh's latest album furthers the tradition of Irish song with unadorned settings and heartfelt delivery. She has gathered together a collection of songs drawn from both traditional sources and modern writers including Mark Knopfler and Andy Irvine. The talented musicians who play on the album include in addition to her main accompanist, guitarist Graham Dunne, accordionist Josephine Marsh and Dennis Cahill, who produced the CD, and calls it "her best work yet."  Hometown: IrelandSimilar Artists: Dolores Keane, June Tabor, Sandy Denny Website: Niamh Parsons Download MP3: "The Rigs of Rye" Buy CD: "Heart's Desire"
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, July 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! "Baj's Reel" by NeidFyre
A Long Island transplant to Upstate New York, Mel Ginsberg-Stevens has certainly made a name for herself. Playing violin and singing for over 24 years, Mel was classically trained but has since been playing Celtic music for the past 5 years. She recently re-released her solo project "Duck Feet Waddling" and her joint project "Tapestry of Dreams" with harper Trudy Moon.
She can also be found at numerous Renaisance festivals in the Northeast and anywhere that someone wants to hear some great fiddle music and vocals.  Hometown: Mecklenburg, New YorkSimilar Artists: Aly Bain, Loreena Mckennitt, Empty Hats, Silly Wizard, Eileen Ivers, Cherish the Ladies Website: NeidFyre Download MP3: "Baj's Reel" Buy CD: "Duck Feet Waddling" by NeidFyre (see the website)
Posted by Marc Gunn, Wednesday, July 06, 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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