Celtic MP3s Music Magazine: 12/2007

The 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!

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"Upon A Winter's Eve" by The Black House Ceilidh

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: The Black House Ceilidh
Album: "Upon A Winter's Eve"
Year produced: 2006

This debut album provides the listener with a variety of yuletide carols that have an "old time music" flavor to them, giving a nostalgic--and yet timeless feel to the entire CD. Instrumentation such as the viol de gamba, violin and the lute are on hand to lend a good tug to the heartstrings with the emotion they evoke on the holiday selections here.

Rather than relying on flashy arrangements, the selections by The Black House Ceilidh instead favors simple, earnest sounds; relying on the purity of the music rather than the complexity to give it style. This, in fact, can take as much skill as virtuoso play, as it must be clean, sincere and nearly perfect to have the effect of inspiring the listener. This band succeeds on all three counts, delivering a 19 track album that anyone would be delighted to have on their music lineup for the holidays--and beyond.

This is music to enjoy by the fire with a warm mug of something tasty in hand. There is a feeling of the "traditional" woven throughout this CD, so it makes a terrific selection for those looking to add to their collection a bit of the olde holiday spirit; delivered with expertise and simplicity for the enjoyment of the listener.

Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her website at www.catherineltully.com.

Labels: cd_review_2007

Posted by Marc Gunn, Sunday, December 30, 2007.
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"Athas" by Athas

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Athas
Album: "Athas"
Year produced: 2007

This traditional Irish music trio hails from Milwaukee Wisconsin and this album is truly music to dance by. The CD includes five tracks that are designed for set dancers--so that they can "dance along to the Borlin set."

The band offers up a mix of both traditional and original tunes here, and they are all wonderful! There is just enough of a modern feel to the music to keep it fresh and interesting, but fans of the "bread and butter Celtic sound" will not walk away disappointed.

Between the three you'll hear the fiddle, viola, guitar, djembe, bodhran, wooden flute and spoons as they skip, hop and slide through each track with ease. Band mates Heather Lewin-Tiarks and Amy Richter both have championship wins under their belt for their playing and it won't surprise listeners one bit when they hear the songs here. The third member, Jeff Ksiazek rounds the trio out nicely with his expert play on the guitar and flute. Each of the band members contributes to the sound and it really has a live, polished feel to it--like you are sitting in on one heck of a good session.

The band's name "Athas" means joy and gladness, and the musicians share those sentiments with the people who listen to this CD through their songs. The energy is contagious.

Labels: cd_review_2007

Posted by Marc Gunn, Sunday, December 30, 2007.
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"Four On The Floor" by Old Blind Dogs

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Old Blind Dogs
Album: "Four On The Floor"
Year produced: 2007

All I can say is I'm in love. It is obvious why this band won the "Folk Band of the Year" award for 2007 at the Scots Trad Music Awards. "Four On The Floor" is a masterpiece of sound that is an absolute joy to listen to. I loved it right from the first track, "Terror Time," which is so captivating that I'm drawn to it over and over.

There is something about this group that sets it far apart from its contemporaries. Something special and nameless that could be dubbed as a kind of charisma of a musical nature that I hear only occasionally. (If there is such a thing, the Old Blind Dogs really do have it!)

Although the music and expertise of the players is top-notch, it is really the sound of the vocals that makes this band connect so well. The purity of the sound in these voices is spectacular--and exceptional. Tracks like "Gaelic Song" really show that off well. The charisma rises to the surface like bubbles in a band like this, and you don't see it all the time, even though there are many wonderful musicians out there in the world today.

The pipes are fantastic, the ballad-like tracks are easy on the ears and the vocals are so pleasant it just makes one want to hit repeat and listen again and again....This is a band to fall in love with.

Labels: cd_review_2007

Posted by Marc Gunn, Sunday, December 30, 2007.
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"An Nollaig - An Irish Christmas" by Eileen Ivers

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Eileen Ivers
Album: "An Nollaig - An Irish Christmas"
Year produced: 2007

This is a lovely compilation of Christmas music--with some highly recognizable tunes, such as traditional favorites like "Hark The Herald Angels Sing," and other, more unusual holiday fare. Ivers is an Irish-American fiddle champion, and the ease with which she yields her instrument reflects her both her skill and comfort-level with her chosen method of artistic expression.

You can hear Ivers play and experiment with rhythms, which directly impacts the mood of every track she plays on here. Whether sprightly, as on some of the more upbeat tracks here, or haunting--like the last track, "O Holy Night," which is tremendous, Ivers infuses her music with feeling and energy. Especially interesting is the interpretation of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" which is arranged in a very unusual way.

Not only nice for the holidays, this is a CD that can be enjoyed year-round as the music is so appealing. The Celtic overtones make it a fun compilation and the album will have appeal for a wide range of listeners because of the combination of familiar holiday classics and their interpretations. "Do You Hear What I Hear" is a particularly different take on a holiday favorite that is positively loaded with the influence of Irish music, as well as an almost Caribbean flavor. Very cool--and very different.

Labels: cd_review_2007

Posted by Marc Gunn, Friday, December 28, 2007.
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"Homes of Donegal" by Ken O'Malley

Ken O'Malley has gone beyond demonstrating his masterful skills as a talented musician in his album, OMaille. Not only does it bring to life the heart and soul of Ireland, but showcases a treasured collection of old and new favorites.

O'Malley's music has the ability to sweep the listeners away, to the time of immigrants who were dreaming of distant shores, participating in wars, and living their lives in Ireland and away from their homes on the isle. His work is stellar and easy to enjoy.

Hometown: Dublin, Ireland
Website: Ken O'Malley
Download MP3: Homes of Donegal
Buy CD: OMaille

Similar Artists: Christy Moore, Luke Kelly, Paul Brady

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs.

Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2007

Posted by Karen J. Brady, Wednesday, December 26, 2007.
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 Winds of Capri" by Plaidgrass

They are an acoustic band. And they play traditional Irish instrumentals and bluegrass improvisational music. They are...Plaidgrass. Typically billed as an instrumental band, this group is a refreshing mix of multilple instruments and musicians that draw inspiration from various backgrounds and creative sources. They are talented and diverse and can function as a band with three to six members depending on the size of the venue or festival.

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Website: Plaidgrass
Download MP3: The Winds of Capri
Buy CD: Gretchen Priest and Plaidgrass

Similar Artists: bluegrass, country, Irish, old-time, Plaidgrass

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs.

Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2007

"Bobby's Own" by Cynthia Bennett

Cynthia Bennett had quite a different start when it came to singing and performing. It all began as a child, singing traditional Irish ballads in her grandmother's kitchen. However, she didn't emerge as a professional musician until friends dragged her onto a stage in Ireland.

In the years that followed, she began adding her own compositions to the traditional songs she already performed. Her songs tell stories of her own adventures, often including a humorous twist at the end.

Bennett's songs often center on strong women, historical events and current Irish situations. Her traditional style is part of what makes her so enjoyable. Her songs are beautiful and make a point, which makes them all that more enjoyable.

Hometown: Valley View, Texas, USA
Website: Cynthia Bennett
Download MP3: Bobby's Own
Buy CD: Cauldron of Life

Similar Artists: Cynthia Bennett, Dolores Keane, Frances Malone, Mary Malone, Niamh Parsons

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs.

Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2007

"Carolan's Quarrel with the Landlady" by Darren Raleigh

Darren Raleigh is a bard of every sort. He plays a homemade harp. He sings songs. He tells stories. He recites poetry. Raleigh is a master of bringing the magic of the ancient Celtic bard to modern audiences. His music will bright tears to your eyes and laughter to your heart. Live in his stories. Live in his music. Live in the legends and myths that he brings to life.

Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Website: Darren Raleigh
Download MP3: Carolan's Quarrel with the Landlady
Buy CD: Silverwheel

Similar Artists: Darren Raleigh, Dennis Doyle, John Crowley, John Myers Myers, Patrick Ball

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs.

Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2007

"Lilly the Pink" by The Sheridan Band

The Sheridan Band is a group that literally grew up together. In fact, they were often asked to play their music at various family and community events. But their high-energy traditional Celtic music soon caught the attention of others.

Performing live is their specialty and they have been invited to perform from Northern Ontario right down to Michigan. While traditional Celitc folk songs tend to dominate their music, they definitely keep your foot-stomping and the music playing throughout the night. A great band.

Hometown: St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
Website: The Sheridan Band
Download MP3: Lilly the Pink
Buy CD: Live at Terrence Hall

Similar Artists: Great Big Sea, Irish Descendants, Irish Rovers, Johnny Cash, The Leprechauns, The Sheridan Band

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs.

Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2007

Posted by Karen J. Brady, Monday, December 10, 2007.
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!

"I Saw Three Ships" by The Gryphon Carolers

You haven't heard a holiday season choir until you've given The Gryphon Carolers a listen. Based off of the musical stylings of Irish and Brazilian music, they create an interesting, eclectic mix of holiday tunes. Give them a listen. And have a happy holidays!

Hometown: Palo Alto, California, USA
Website: The Gryphon Carolers
Download MP3: I Saw Three Ships
Buy CD: One December Night

Similar Artists: Anuna, Canadian Celtic Choir, Mary McLaughlin's Cor Aingli, The Gryphon Carolers

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs.

Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2007

"Hushabye" by Soul Path

It was a shared love of music making and writing with local bands that brought Mike Stone and Steve Mitchell together in the 1980s. Stone's lyrics were the perfect match for Mitchell's unique music, and together they formed Buzz'n'Bee Music to underscore a Granada TV series in the style of Clannad. They put together a CD and called it Soul Path. Thus...their sound was born.

Their style is a bit different from the norm. The music comes straight from the soul, reflecting the universe as well. Stone and Mitchell brought in two vocalists for the CD, Samantah MacLaren and James Berriman. The band is looking forward to touring and taking their music around the world to share it with others.

Hometown: Stoke on Trent
Website: Soul Path
Download MP3: Hushabye
Buy CD: The Journey On

Similar Artists: Clannad, Classical, Enigma, Enya, Folk, Moira Brennan, Soul Path

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs.

Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2007

Posted by Karen J. Brady, Thursday, December 06, 2007.
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!

"Bitter Sweet" by Austin Coll

Austin Coll has been on a journey all his life. Born in Omagh, raised in Dublin, lost himself in England, and now he finds himself in The Netherlands. And that's just his physical journey. On the musical end, he's built mixing desks for Abba, mixing f.o.h. for U2, engineering for AVS Broadcast...

Coll records & performs with a gather of local Dutch musicians, experimenting with format & genre ranging from Celtic, Irish, Rock, Classical, Jazz to Siberian Yak-chanting. How much more diverse can you get?

Hometown: Zwolle, Nederland
Website: Austin Coll
Download MP3: Bitter Sweet

Similar Artists: Austin Coll, Christy Moore, Donal Lunny, Justin Currie, Luke Kelly, Sean O'Riada

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs.

Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2007

"Loud Pipes (Save Lives)" by Prydein

If you take AC/DC and load them up on Guinness and whisky...you'd get Prydein. They are a high-energy band that draws a crowd of all ages to their shows. The simple fact is, they love to perform and often play to a mix of high school students and elementary aged children, teenagers and elderly couples. Their appeal is universal. Their sound...celtic rock on the next level. Call it what you will, but fans call it fun. Their music will definitely keep you entertained and on your feet.

Hometown: St. Albans, Vermont, USA
Website: Prydein
Download MP3: Loud Pipes (Save Lives)
Buy CD: Unfinished Business at CDBaby or Unfinished Business

Similar Artists: AC/DC, Ashley MacIsaac, Dropkick Murphys, Enter The Haggis, Prydein, Seven Nations

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs.

Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2007