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. "Out of the Ordinary" by Claire Roche
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Claire Roche Album: "Out of the Ordinary" by Claire Roche Year produced: 2001 This is a very dreamy album. Ideal for those who enjoy harp music but are tired of the same old thing as the CD is done in a very different style, and the vocals whisper and call much like a fantastic, eerie combination of Sinead O'Connor and Loreena McKennitt. The songs are all original too,making the sounds both unexpected and delightful. Each track has a very intimate feel to it. One feels as though the singer is sharing her innermost feelings and emotions through song here, and it is riveting. Tracks such as "Loss" have a choir-like atmosphere, even with a solo voice. Picture music that would accompany a stylized dream sequence in a movie and you are on the right road to understanding the sound of Claire Roche. The tracks are too full to be background/relaxation music, but they are ripe for the daydreamer. Whether thoughtful yearning for the past is on your mind or wishes for the future, there is something here to set the mood for you to kick back and just think things through. Track six, "Unrequiet" is especially different--you don't listen to the lyrics as much as the sound of Roche's voice, and it is pure magic. The music itself remains fairly simple throughout the CD, which is as it should be. This is a tremendous sound Ms. Roche has developed. 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_2008
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, January 31, 2008. 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! "Silverwheel" by Darren Raleigh by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Darren Raleigh Album: "Silverwheel" Year produced: 2007 This is the simplest of CDs in one way--just a man and his harp--no frills. Yet Darren Raleigh manages to keep things interesting enough to hold your attention well for the entire 10 tracks on his album, "Silverwheel". This is squarely in the Celtic genre, and those who enjoy a good harp will feel satisfied after giving this a listen. Raleigh takes his music very seriously, and considers himself a story teller as well as a musician. He has led a very interesting life, which undoubtedly has contributed to his music, and has done things such as travel as a street harper and participate in Renaissance Fairs around the country. Raleigh studied music as a child, returning to it later in life and finding his passionate spirit best reflected in the tones of the harp. The tracks here vary from sprightly to sentimental, and the musicianship is quite good. Vocals are less frequent than the sound of the strings, which isa nice emphasis in that you just get to listen to the man play. What couldbe too much harp for some will be a welcome amount for those who love this instrument's sound--it is the centerpiece of the album and is pure as can be. 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_2008
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, January 31, 2008. 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! "Celtic Passage" by Deirdre Ni Chinneide by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Deirdre Ni Chinneide Album: "Celtic Passage" Year produced: 2007 Not many debut albums have the kind of immediate impact on the listener that Celtic Passage does. This is music from a lady (Deirdre Ni Chinneide) who has a very distinct, unusual style and knows how to weave together an interesting and artistic CD. The sounds heard here were inspired in part by the land of Inis Mor, the largest of a group of islands off the west coast of Ireland. The island is also the artist's home. Deirdre is a psychotherapist, working in the specialized field of trauma and recovery, and it is reflected strongly in the soothing feel of her music. She believes in the healing power of sound, and it shows. This CD is balm for the most stressful of days or moods. Songs like "Cry to the Mountains" and others have an almost "new age" slant to them, with a world music mood here and there as well. It is difficult to describe the tenderness of the singer's voice, but it rings out in its angelic tones and leaves one feeling relaxed--like all is right with the world. Harmonies punctuate here and there, keeping the sound from being too one-dimensional and infusing tracks such as "Mother" with energy despite their gentleness.With 13 tracks, there is plenty of time to sit with this music and let it work its magic. By the end of the CD, listeners should find they feel inspired and refreshed, for this is truly restorative sound here. Not just a copy of others who came before her, Deirdre Ni Chinneide finds her own way into the field with Celtic Passage, and stakes her claim with this ethereal effort. 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_2008
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, January 31, 2008. 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! "In Good Time" by Poor Man's Fortune by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Poor Man's Fortune Album: "In Good Time" Year produced: 2007 What do you get when you have three musicians who set out to play music from Brittany, Ireland, England, Scandinavia and Scotland and want to bring their own stamp to the mix? You have a CD by Poor Man's Fortune, titled In Good Time! The band calls their style, "old tunes for new ears" and accomplishes that by taking old, traditional songs from a variety of places and arranging them with a modern influence. The instruments remain traditional, but the band infuses their tunes with an energy and style that leaves one well aware that this is not your grandfather's trio. This band has some serious background in the music field--either by college degree or experience--or both. You'll find no amateurs here. The CD begins with the sound of a crowd and evolves into a fun jaunty piece to get things rolling. Some tracks are light and fluffy while others are a bit more dramatic--one doesn't know what exactly to expect from each new song--but it is all interesting. Those looking for music that is traditional filtered through the lens of interpretation and intellect will get excited by this CD. If you want a safe listen, you may want to look elsewhere, but if you want to expand your musical horizons and see what can happen when one doesn't play totally by the rules--check out this album. It's well worth the time. 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_2008
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, January 31, 2008. 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! "A Celtic Rock Tribute To The Cure" by Seven Nations by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Seven Nations Album: "A Celtic Rock Tribute To The Cure" Year produced: 2007 I bet this is something you never ever thought you'd see! And next, I'd bet you were wondering if this is any good... Well, let's end the suspense right now--it is fantastic! The unique idea to recap Cure songs with a Celtic flavor and different arrangements is a stroke of genius. You'll find favorites such as: Pictures of You, Love Song, Boys Don't Cry and Just Like Heaven. With ten tracks in all--this is a must listen Celtic rock CD to add to your collection. If you have trouble imagining what it sounds like to mix the two you aren't alone--I had to hear it to see what the possibilities were, but it is really a great tribute CD. Favorites include The Love Cats, which purrs over the fiddle strings, and Fascination Street, which is the perfect blend of rock, Cure and Celtic sound. The album opens one's eyes (and ears) to the possibilities in terms of what can happen when you mix and match great music. The band started out as a rock band in New York and evolved into what it is today -- a unique Celtic rock group. This isn't a new bunch either--these guys have been around a while and have put out a bunch of CDs over time. Give this one a listen and see what can happen musically with a great tribute to a great band. 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_2008
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, January 31, 2008. 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! "Loud Pipes (Save Lives)" by Prydein
by Catherine L. Tully
Artist: Prydein Album: "Loud Pipes (Save Lives)" Year produced: 2007 Rock meets Great Highland Bagpipes--or as the band enjoys--the phrase"Sham-rock." You'll find fun tunes here like "The $17 Red Head," and "Nancy Whisky" -- all with a groove that is somewhere between both styles of music; Celtic and rock. The elements that define each style are present in varying amounts, but unmistakable from track to track. The band has both reverence for each genre and a sense of humor--both great qualities to have as people and as musicians. The last track, "Stairway to Scotland" has a tremendous sound and combines Amazing Grace with Scotland the Brave for a smashing tune--perhaps the best on the CD. Track 3, "Run Run Away" will bring a knowing smile for those who recognize the tune (and an even wider grin for those who recall the video!). The fun had on this album is apparent in the energy the musicians call forth as they play and the choices they made in selecting what to mix. You don't have to have seen them play to know that these guys have a really good time blending their sound together and learning from each other while they do it. Each style remains true, yet they are blended in a realistic and enjoyable way. Good stuff! 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_2008
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, January 31, 2008. 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! "Black is the Colour" by Ciara
Ciara Considine began her musical journey as a classical pianist, but ended up returning to her cultural roots. What she created was a dream come true. An album packed with Ireland's most loved traditional tunes. These songs speak of family, famine, and emigration.
Her album will be released in February 2008. Ciara arranged all of the songs on the album, giving them an intimate, mystical appeal. Not only does she provide the vocals, but also plays all eight instruments that are featured. Hometown: Kent, United Kingdom Website: Ciara Download MP3: Black is the Colour or Ciara on MySpace Similar Artists: Christy Moore, Ciara, Niamh Parsons, Peter Murphy Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Monday, January 28, 2008. 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! "Silk Road" by Sirens' Song This quartet of girls offers up one of the most intriguing and destinctive sounds in Celtic music, combining their complex harmonies with acoustic instruments. These ladies offer up an introspective look at the life that was, though never lingers in tones of depression. These four ladies are the epitome of the "renaissance" woman. While their sound is hard to place, they have very sing-able melodies and poetic lyrics that will leave you yearning for more of their music. Absolutely amazing!Recently, Sirens' Song partnered with "Last Chance Forever Bird Conservancy" and wrote a song as a tribute to falcons and the art of falconry. The band received a national grant benefiting a conservancy that helps to rehabilitate injured birds of pray. These ladies truly do it all. They write their own music, play their own instruments, and write their own vocal arrangements. If that doesn't amaze you...trust me...their music will! Hometown: Abilene, Texas, USA Website: Sirens' Song Download MP3: Silk Road Buy CD: Starlight and Shadow Similar Artists: Byron and Keats, Connemara, Enya, Lorenna McKennet, Sirens' Song, Sting Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Monday, January 28, 2008. 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! "Tell Me Dancing Beggerman Medley" by Trinity River Whalers Trinity River Whalers are a Texas-based group that offer not only traditional, but also contemporary tales with their own twists and turns. Based out of Texas, this band weaves tales from horse races and the lottery to whaling and sailing to love and lust. They'll make you laugh. They'll make you want to sing along. And they'll take your breath away with their originality and their fun.Hometown: Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, USA Website: Trinity River Whalers Download MP3: Tell Me Dancin' Beggerman Medley Buy CD: Knotty Tales Similar Artists: Clancy Brothers, Great Big Sea, Kingston Trio, Pogues, Red Clay Ramblers, Trinity River Whalers Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Monday, January 28, 2008. 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! "Love Among the Barley" by Vadim Krakovsky
Vadim Krakovsky brings the appeal of pop music to the traditional Scottish folk sounds of Celtic music. His inspirations are the great musicians and poets: Robert Burns, Thomas Moore and Alexander Boswell. Now at the start of his music career, he has taken his love of the Celtic heritage and turned it into beautiful music.
Hometown: San Francisco, California, USA Website: Vadim Krakovsky Download MP3: Love Among the Barley Similar Artists: Silly Wizard, Vadim Krakovsky Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Monday, January 28, 2008. 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 Newry Highwayman" by The Beggermen Each of the five members of The Beggermen came to traditional music from very different directions. But it is this variety that incorporates their unique sound into their music. Their sound has a more 'Stateside approach' -- reflecting back toward the shores of Ireland and reinterpreting the musical heritage of the Isle. The Beggermen strive to remain unique in their sound among the various bands and voices coming to Celtic music.Between the five members, there are nine instruments represented. It's no doubt, The Beggermen are out to change the way people listen to Celtic music. And they're doing it right. Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa, USA Website: The Beggermen Download MP3: The Newry Highwayman Buy CD: I Shall Similar Artists: Arty McGlynn, Dervish, John Williams, Liz Carroll, Paul Brady, Seamus Egan, Solas, The Beggermen Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Monday, January 28, 2008. 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! "Next Market Day" by Aisling Aisling, a contemporary Celtic folk band from central Ohio, is making waves in the Celtic music scene. They got their start in 1997 and made their first live debut at the heavily attended Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio. A variety of instruments go into their music, including hammer dulcimer, fiddle, flute, tin whistle, mandolin, bouzouki, guitar, banjo, uillean pipes and bodhran. Their music ranges from songs that will make you want to dance, to slow ballads to their own compositions. Their style is an interesting fusion of Celtic jazz and chamber music. Beautiful and unique.Hometown: Columbus, Ohio, USA Website: Aisling Download MP3: Next Market Day Buy CD: The Pilgrim's Road Similar Artists: Aisling, Altan, Bothy Band, John Doyle, Karen Ashbrook, Solas Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Saturday, January 19, 2008. 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! "Real Deal Irish" by The Mighty Regis They're from County Sligo. But now they've made their way to the U.S., finding themselves swept up in the pinnacle of Irish punk rock. The Mighty Regis Irish Show Band is as much a part of that circle as bands as big as Flogging Molly, who also found their start at Molly Malone's in Los Angeles. And this is only the band's first year together. Wow! Talk about accomplishment.Hometown: Los Angeles, California, USA Website: The Mighty Regis Download MP3: Real Deal Irish Buy CD: Co. Sligo Similar Artists: Beastie Boys, Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, The Clancy Brothers, The Mighty Regis, The Pogues Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Sunday, January 13, 2008. 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! "MTA" by Hair of the Dog Hair of the Dog is no new and aspiring band. They've been together since 1993 and have entertained thousands of fans of all ages in the United States and Ireland with their unique, high energy sound, smooth four part harmonies and tight instrumental attack on the Celtic folk/rock scene. They are definitely one of the top Irish acts in the world.Not only has this group shared the stage with other well known Celtic groups, but each member boasts impressive resumes all their own, having performed with stars in their own rights. Give them a listen. You're bound to like it. Hometown: Delmar, New York, USA Website: Hair of the Dog Download MP3: MTA Buy CD: Release the Hounds Similar Artists: Christy Moore, Crosby Stills and Nash, Glengarry Bhoys, Hair of the Dog, The Beatles, The Clancy Brothers, The Wolfe Tones Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Sunday, January 13, 2008. 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! "Lament of the Wolf" by Jacie McConnell Jacie McConnell has quite a unique sound when it comes to playing and writing her music. In fact, her style has quite a Celtic Gypsy flair. This shouldn't be surprising, given her rather diverse musical background and her own natural skill. She's worth the listen, indeed!Hometown: Loveland, Colorado, USA Website: Jacie McConnell Download MP3: Lament of the Wolf Buy CD: Mystical Moments A Sign of Things to Come Similar Artists: Eileen Ivers, Jacie McConnell, Leahy, Natalie McMaster, Wolfstone Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Sunday, January 13, 2008. 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! "Púirt a' Beul" by Robbi McMillen At 16 years old, Robbi McMillen is a Celtic music prodigy. He released his debut album at the age of 14. His sophomore album followed just last year. The new album has a similar style to the late works of Moya Brennan and Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill. While his acapella tracks remind listeners of Altan. McMillen is currently residing in Dublin.Hometown: Dublin, Ireland Website: Robbi McMillen Download MP3: Puirt a' Beul Buy CD: Facade Similar Artists: Clannad, Iona, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Moya Brennan, Robbi McMillen, Roise na n-Amhran Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Sunday, January 06, 2008. 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! "For We Are Many" by Ceallach She's a singer, a composer, an arranger, a performer and a producer. Walking in the footsteps of the women who inspired her, Ceallach likens her talents to those of Enya and Loreena McKennitt. Her Celtic New Age music also tends to lean on World and Classical music as well. Ceallach has released two singles: "She Walks In Beauty," based off of the poem by Lord Byrons, as well as "For We are Many," a song that would be well-suited for a soundtrack for a feature film. Her talent is amazing. Great things are coming for this Australian singer/composer.Hometown: Gold Coast, Australia Website: Ceallach Download MP3: For We Are Many Buy CD: For We Are Many Similar Artists: Adiemus, Ceallach, Clannad, Enya, Loreena McKennitt, Riverdance Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Sunday, January 06, 2008. 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 Northwoods" by Atlantic Wave Do you like traditional music? Atlantic Wave is your band if you do. They play their music in the traditional styles of Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.The band is composed of two fiddlers, a singer/guitarist and a bodhran/bouzouki player. Their music varies from reels to slow airs and everything in between. What you are guaranteed is a great time listening to their music and enjoying traditional music as it was meant to be played. Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA Website: Atantic Wave Download MP3: The Northwoods Buy CD: Craic'd Similar Artists: Altan, Atlantic Wave, Danu, Gaelic Storm, John Doyle, Liz Carroll, Natalie McMaster Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Sunday, January 06, 2008. 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! Donelle's Top 10 Celtic CDs of 2007
by Donnelle McKaskle
Celtic Storm airs every Monday morning on KOOP 91.7FM produced and hosted by Donnelle McKaskle. Playing the Best in Traditional and Not so Traditional Celtic Music. Labels: cd_review_2008
Posted by Marc Gunn, Friday, January 04, 2008. 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! Catherine's Top Ten Celtic CDs of 2007
by Catherine L. Tully
1. Victims Of Irish Music ~ Compilation (Irish & Celtic Music Podcast) Compilations tend to highlight some of the best, and Marc Gunn has done so in this wonderful grouping of independent Celtic musicians. At 17 tracks, this CD gives the listener a wide range of tunes, and serves as a great introduction to the variety that is available out there. You just might find yourself a new favorite band here.. 2. "The New Colossus" by MacTalla Mor I love this band, and if you like the highland bagpipes--so will you. With a unique "fusion" style and hints of unusual musical influences, this is the real deal. From a bagpipe duet to more unusual fare, look for sounds outside the typical range here--but blended in so well that they will add to the overall sound. Smashing! 3. "Four On The Floor" by Old Blind Dogs This popular Scottish band is well-known for a reason, and this CD is the perfect example of why. Songs like "Terror Time" have an amazing depth and the musicianship is stellar. This album is not to be missed! 4. "Tales from Windsor's Tavern" by The Merry Wives of Windsor Although not technically square in the middle of the "Celtic" genre, this CD makes the list because it is just too good not to be here. The Merry Wives of Windsor consist of eleven singers that present an amazing sound which is a combination of renaissance and folk music with English influences. The reason it sits here is because the harmonies are so tremendous--three and four part--and done so well. 5. "Athas" by Athas Those who love set dancing will want this in their collection. Besides delivering up a great CD, the band has included five tracks that can be used to dance to for the Borlin set. A mixture of traditional and original music, this album provides a great listen in its fifteen tracks. 6. "Far From The Hills of Donegal" by Oisín McAuley This is McAuley's solo debut and it showcases him well. Once the lead fiddler of the traditional group Danú, this fiddler has been playing since he was nine years old--and it is obvious by his skill! This CD is marked by range, with McAuley calling forth both fire and yearning from his instrument on this 13 track effort. No doubt there will be more where this came from. 7. "Zephyr in the Confetti Factory" by Jamie Laval and Ashley Broder Another album that is centered around the fiddle, this is a very innovative CD that combines Irish, Scottish and other Celtic fiddle music--quite successfully! Championship fiddle playing reigns on this album, but it is done with a bit of a stretch from the traditional--without being crazy experimental. 8. "Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion" by Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats You just have to hear it! Marc Gunn has released this CD full of the original songs that were featured on his "Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers" album. Check out the first versions of those songs such as "Finnegan's Wake" and "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" and compare! Gunn is his usual, fun self here and the 13 tracks are sure to please! 9. "One Lump or Two?" by The Tea Merchants A great CD that gives the listener the unexpected--with a whole lot of energy! Take track 4 for example--"Led Zeppelin Polkas." Need I say more? Lighthearted but skilled describes this group well, and this album has them at their most interesting yet. 10. "Tales Through Time" by Rowan A combination of World Music and Celtic sound, Rowan has earned its place in both genres. This CD is a perfect example of their layered style. If you are looking to expand your horizons and experience something different--try this! 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_2008
Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, January 03, 2008. 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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