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. "The Road to Drumleman" by Crepuscule
Crepuscule brings traditional instruments, such as the bagpipes, fiddle, and celtic harp and combines them with guitar, cittern, and percussions in their songs. The band is known for their Scottish Celtic music, often playing tunes from the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland. This band certainly knows how to get a party going!
Hometown: Quebec City, Canada Website: Crepuscule Download MP3: The Road to Drumleman Similar Artists: Old Blind Dogs, Horseplay, Ossian, Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Wednesday, August 27, 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! "This Land" by Linda Connell Studley If you want a versatile performer with an amazing voice and incredible song writing skills, look no further than Linda Connell Studley. Her original tunes echo with the bardic heritage of traditional folk/celtic music. Love, magic, revenge, longing, courage, hope - all these emotions swell in her memorable lyrics.Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Studley now resides in northern British Columbia with her partner and musical collaborator, Bill Studley. Her new CD, New Traditions, was just released. Hometown: Farmington, British Columbia, Canada Website: Linda Connell Studley Download MP3: This Land Buy CD: New Traditions Similar Artists: Lorena McKennitt, Niamh Parsons, Natalie Merchant Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Wednesday, August 27, 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! Review: "Shores Of America" by Celtic Cross by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Celtic Cross Album: "Shores Of America" Year produced: 2007 Irish pop has to have a good vibe to grab me, and this CD qualifies. Lead vocalist, Kathleen Fee, has a tremendous, clear voice that rings out as if she has been singing since birth. Beautiful. There is an almost country-western feel to her vocals. She also wrote some of the songs on the album, and shows definite promise as a writer as the lyrics hit well. Let there be no mistake though; if Fee is the heart of the band, it can't do without the other parts...the band that backs her is tight and ready to go, go, go. There are some championship-rated players here and it shows. Most tracks have a good, punchy rhythm to them. One thing I enjoyed about this CD is that the songs are about something. Without getting too heady or deep, the lyrics on many of the tracks smack of real life and real truths that we can all relate to. I absolutely love it when this works well on an album--it doesn't try too hard, but it does affect you. The rock/pop feel is not too overly done either; the Celtic comes through and the songs are immensely listenable. Oh--and great fiddle work and energy on track 6, "Chapel Bells". 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 CatherineLTully.com. Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge. Labels: cd_review_2008
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Monday, August 25, 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! Review: "A Light In The Forest" by Anne Roos by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Anne Roos Album: "A Light In The Forest" Year produced: 2007 Anne Roos is an amazing harpist and this CD showcases her talents beautifully. A small musical group joins her on this effort, which highlights songs about woodland creatures such as fairies, nymphs and trolls. A 31 page hardcover book comes with the CD and it talks about various folk history and legends--a nice touch to a well thought out musical effort. The group provides a lovely sound. CDs that are put forth only showcasing harp music can be nice, but it is equally wonderful to have some additional accompaniment; and it expands the amount of people that it will appeal to as well. Roos' harp music is effortless. Gliding and sliding over notes, she shows her skill time and again, but this isn't "gaudy" music. It's simple, pretty fare. At 18 tracks, there are quite a few songs to enjoy here, each offering its own mood and feel. The gentleness of the harp is underscored in some pieces, the yearning almost palpable. If you love the instrument, you have to listen to this and see what can be done with the various arrangements. If you aren't a huge fan of the harp, there are still plenty of tracks here that you can enjoy. 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 CatherineLTully.com. Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge. Labels: cd_review_2008
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Sunday, August 24, 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! Review: "Keltoi Anam" by Kilrush by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Kilrush Album: "Keltoi Anam" Year produced: 2008 This CD is features a "good bunch 'o guys" doing their thing and letting you in on the fun while they are playing. Kilrush is a group of gentlemen who enjoy what they do when they get together and make music; it shows. Something about them has the fun vibe of the Kingston Trio--for those of you who have heard of that group before. A camaraderie like that isn't easy to come by, but it is here on the CD in each and every track. This is the band's second CD, and they dedicated it to their fathers. The album has a traditional feel to it and it is a good, solid length at ten tracks--just enough to get a feel for the band's style and enjoy their music. The star of the show has to be track 9, "She Moves Through The Fair/Wind That Shakes The Barley". This is a song that the band has been playing and refining since they first came together, and it shows. There is a pulse and energy to the song that makes it a standout track here. Everything is capped off nicely by the last track as well, a mazurka--"Sonny's Mazurka," to be more specific. The mazurka was supposed to have been on CD number one, but makes its debut on this one instead. 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 CatherineLTully.com. Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge. Labels: cd_review_2008
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Saturday, August 23, 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! Review: "The Rhythm Chapter" by Fiddlers 3 by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Fiddlers 3 Album: "The Rhythm Chapter" Year produced: 2007 Man--I was hoping this was going to be as good as it is! Fiddlers 3 is the equivalent of an energy drink; musical-style. I have to say, I was blown away by this CD. Listened to it twice in a row. This album is a great example of why people love Celtic music. You can't sit still; you want to tap, clap and stomp your feet while listening. Motivational. Spectacular. It is impossible to listen to this and be in a bad mood. Don't let the fiddlers take all the credit either--the percussion and accordion have their position solidly carved out as well. You need everyone working together to get this kind of sound; and they do. Most of the tunes are extremely upbeat fare, but the easier tracks are still mesmerizing and well placed. Bagpipes and fiddle are the two instruments that are in my blood as an Irish girl. You feel them. So it is with this band--you feel them. The pacing is just right. I won't be able to describe the music as well as it should be described. You should just give them a listen and see for yourself. I said it before and it bears repeating: this album is a great example of why people love Celtic music. I have to point out track 9, "Jerusalem Ridge," which was my favorite--the sounds were a bit unexpected which made it really interesting! 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 CatherineLTully.com. Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge. Labels: cd_review_2008
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, August 22, 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! "Blow Ye Winds" by Henry Martin
Henry Martin, as played by Christopher Leidenfrost, first picked up a guitar in December 2006. From there, he began to travel with his band, The Roving Blades, sharing his passion for Celtic, folk and maritime music. In addition to the guitar, he also plays anglo concertina, mandolin, bodhran, djembe and numerous other percussion. Does he sound familiar? Perhaps you've seen him at the New York Renaissance Faire or other Renaissance Faires throughout the northeast.
Hometown: Baldwin, New York, USA Website: Henry Martin Download MP3: Blow Ye Winds Similar Artists: The Crimson Pirates, Rick Nestler, Rusty Cutlass, Stan Rogers, Bounding Main Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Friday, August 15, 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! Review: "Whiskers In The Jar" by Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats by Catherine L. TullyArtist: Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats Album: Whiskers in the Jar: Irish Songs for Cat Lovers Year produced: 2008 Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats are at it again with "Whiskers In The Jar"! A CD full of Irish and Scottish songs that are changed around to be about cats, this is a fun listen that will have you rolling with laughter. Gunn's wit is sharp and he takes every opportunity to make the songs interesting as well as amusing. The music is great; energetic when it should be and mellow when needed. Personally, I am a big fan of Gunn's singing voice--there is an energy behind it that just makes you feel good. There is never a doubt that he loves what he is doing; it shines through. Some people have charisma even just in sound. So what have we here on this compilation of songs? I won't give it all away but I'll hit some highlights. The CD starts off with a bang with "What Shall We Do With A Catnipped Kitty" - a parody of "Drunken Sailor". I can practically guarantee that you will be singing this song all day it is so catchy! Another favorite is the title track, which is a parody of "Whiskey In The Jar". By far my favorite though is the lament sung through "Danny Boy" where Gunn good-naturedly complains about how his cat just won't let him get enough sleep--hilarious! The CD reports in on many "truisms" that cat lovers everywhere can relate to, and its a well-produced, well executed piece of work. A nice follow up to his previous effort, "Irish Drinking Songs For Cat Lovers". 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 CatherineLTully.com. Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge. Labels: cd_review_2008
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Tuesday, August 12, 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! "Run To Her" by Roger Dawdry and the Firestarters Roger Dawdry and The Firestarters are a band that perform a mix of traditional and original music with a very distinctive sound. Their intense sound has been accented through their use of lyrics, haunting melodies, and thunderous live performances. The band formed in 2000 and hav played throughout the United States.Hometown: Covington, Kentucky, USA Website: Roger Dawdry and the Firestarters Download MP3: Run To Her Buy CD: Open Seas, Empty Skies Similar Artists: Great Big Sea, The Saw Doctors, Mike Scott & the Waterboys, Jethro Tull Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Monday, August 11, 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 Road to Lisdoonvarna" by The Almost Irish Band
Enthusiasm, fun-loving, and unique. The Almost Irish Band fits this description perfectly. This small group of musicians enthusiastically play and sing Irish music, as well as a few other types, particularly Scottish tunes and bluegrass.
Their style and the era that they focus on allows them to do entire shows of period music, particularly during the Civil War era. They are booked often for Civil War reenactments and period dances. Their shows are filled with exciting fiddle tunes, unique and haunting sounds of the hammered dulcimer, solid rhythm from the guitar or bango, and wonderful vocals. Hometown: Mount Airy, North Carolina, USA Website: The Almost Irish Band Download MP3: The Road to Lisdoonvarna Similar Artists: Celtibillies, Naomis Fancy Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge. Labels: free_celtic_mp3_2008
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Monday, August 11, 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! Review: NEMOFOTMAD Chord Book
by Marc Gunn
Artist: Sarah McUmber-House Book: Nemofotmad Chord Book, Vol. 1: Chords for More than 200 Tunes in the Celtic & Old-Time Traditions Year produced: 2008 A couple months ago, I received an email from Sarah McUmber-House asking if I would like to review her new book "Nemofotmad Chord Book, Vol. 1: Chords for More than 200 Tunes in the Celtic & Old-Time Traditions". Seeing as how I play the autoharp, a primarily chordal instrument, I was mesmerized by concept and highly skeptical, but my fascination was such that I had to see it. Let's jump right to it. The book is exactly as it is says. It is a chord book. There are no dots on lines like in sheet music. Instead, you have square blocks with a letter, representing the chord, in it. It looks kinda weird. It looks exceedingly simple. Almost boringly simple. At the top is the tune names in alphabetical order and a chord and the style of tune: Reel, Jig, Rag, Polka, Set Dance, Hornpipe, etc.. After receiving it, I lost interest and looked for someone else to review the book. Then the day of reckoning came. I had a show and brought in a fiddler to play with. We needed a tune at the end of a song. He picked "Soldier's Joy". On a whim, I thought, "I wonder if it's in the book." I opened it up. There was the song. There were the chords. I had no trouble playing along to the tune. It was exactly as the the title named it, and it turns out it was PERFECT for what I needed, a quick easy reference for playing chords to Irish tunes. Included in the book is an easy Key/Chord Transposition Chart for those instrumentalists who want to play in different keys, a nice description of the different types of tunes and how to recognize them, and some blank pages at the end to annotate your own tunes. All in all, if you are a chord player and need a quick and easy guide, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to play Irish tunes, and I can't wait Volume 2 to appear. What a great idea! Thanks Sarah! Marc Gunn is a musician and podcaster specializing in the Celtic culture of music. He has helped hundreds of tens of 1000s of people around the world connect with their Celtic heritage through his Celtic MP3s Music Magazine, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Song Henge, and his unique style of Celtic and folk music on the autoharp. Now you can download "FREE Celtic MP3s" and podcasts when you visit his website and subscribe to his free newsletter at www.marcgunn.com. Labels: cd_review_2008
Posted by Marc Gunn, Sunday, August 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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