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. Review: "Welcome Here Again" by Martin Hayes and Dennis CahillQuite simply, this duo produces wonderful music. Sometimes you come across an album that warrants the word, "crafted," and this is such an effort. You can immediately tell that each track was selected carefully and played with a full attention that is palpable in the music. The collaboration of these two artists, Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill , is what brings the magic of these songs to life. Hays is obviously an accomplished musician, and the sounds that he can call forth from the strings are heavy with feeling. By the same token, Cahill is the perfect foil for the sound, as the guitar is always "just right". He has played with other fiddlers, and you can see that shine through as he knows just when and how to bring up the sound--or let it fade into the background. Both of these musicians bring their considerable talents to this CD, and it works beautifully. They bring a depth to the understanding of Celtic music here, and with it comes a marvelous sound that is all their own. Delightful. 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. Labels: cd_review_2009
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Tuesday, July 28, 2009. 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: "Lau Live" by LauYear produced: 2008 Lau is a three-person band from the UK that puts out experimental music with a Celtic flair. Kris Drever is on guitar and does the vocals, Martin Green plays the accordion and Aidan O'Rourke is on the fiddle. This album sings with the first listen--track one is as moving as anything I've heard. The pacing of the CD is perfect and the emotion is palpable in each track. Something that is very difficult to do well. They do it seamlessly. One hears the word "experimental" and it immediately conjures up images of dissonance and crazy tempos that cry out just to be different. You won't hear that on this album. I love when musicians have crafted a sound and can pull off this type of effort without resorting to showmanship and odd, crazy antics. I was excited for each new track here and was pleased with what it revealed. Absolutely worth several listens if you like new sounds and directions in the Celtic style. Some tracks are on the long side--but I'm thankful rather than complaining about it. 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. Labels: cd_review_2009
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Saturday, July 25, 2009. 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 Talking Rake" by Ron CodyNimble, able and intriguing is how I would describe the instruments on this CD. They are obviously played by skilled hands, but it isn't just the expertise here that makes the album interesting...it is the arrangement of the music as well. This is Celtic music at its best, although you may just hear a touch of bluegrass through the banjo that shows up here. It doesn't diminish the music--actually it adds a nice dimension to the sound. You can hear the richness of the music, which is the focus of this album. Vocals are noticeably absent here, and it has the effect of making you concentrate on the sounds each instrument produces. You'll hear glorious fiddle, mandolin, banjo, cello, bass, guitar and bouzouki here--all of it is good. I keep coming back to "nimble" as the defining characteristic of this effort. It is as if everyone who was playing got a great night's sleep, had a solid breakfast, and was just rearin' to go with their heart. A lovely, lovely CD that is sure to please Celtic music lovers. 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. Labels: cd_review_2009
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, July 23, 2009. 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! MP3: "The Wanderer" by Anois Anois is the Gaelic word for "now," and nothing better sums up the poetic Celtic music that this group gives its listeners. This Dutch band offers up a tapestry of Celtic music, inspired by Enya, Loreena McKennitt, Clannad, as well as the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien of "Lord of the Rings" fame. Anois' first CD was just released. Give a listen and be transported to a different time.Hometown: Utrecht the Netherlands Website: Anois Download MP3: The Wanderer Buy CD: Emily Bronte Similar Artists: Deanta, Loreena McKennitt, Clannad 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_2009
Posted by Karen J. Brady, Monday, July 20, 2009. 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: "Don't Count Me Out" by Kevin Flynn & The Avondale Ramblers
Year produced: 2008
A "north-side, Chicago Irish band," Kevin Flynn and The Avondale Ramblers have the energy and spirit that makes up a great group, and this CD, Don't Count Me Out is a showcase for their talents. The band is definitely Celtic, but refuses to limit itself the that genre of music alone. You can hear bits and pieces of other styles, such as folk, rock and even country music here and there. Still, it doesn't take away from the sound. It enhances it, since it is used well, and the Celtic "stamp" is ever present. The CD has the energy of Celtic punk without being overly thrashy. There is still melody to the tunes, but they are full of spunk and energy. This is not your grandmother's Celtic music, but rather something more updated and packaged for modern-day, working class life. Relatable, fun and energetic, this band is sure to please if you like songs that offer a good pace and a lot of style. It's music to raise a pint to, and then kick back and 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. Labels: cd_review_2009
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Saturday, July 18, 2009. 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 Story So Far" by LunasaThis CD is a retrospective collection of songs from Lunasa that brings with it a new flavor. Drawing from six albums, the songs will be familiar to fans, such as 'Aibreann' and 'Morning Nightcap'. That said, this would also make a great introductory CD for those who are new to the group. The older material has been revitalized by new recordings, new arrangements or through being re-mixed. All of this adds depth to the tunes and updates them with the band's latest viewpoints and style. It's fresh. This is a band that is beloved in the Celtic music genre and much of that is due to their inventiveness when it comes to musical arrangements. They are not typical fare in that there are always some unusual things pulling and influencing the band; jazz underpinnings and other influences as well. The focus here is always on the rhythm, the pulse, the beat. This gives them their energy and has enabled them to rise to the top of the heap in terms of Celtic bands. The fact that they have a loyal (and large) following is no accident. Again, this is a perfect album to have regardless of whether you are a fan or simply want to become one. It's all here for the listening, and is some of their best work to date. 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. Labels: cd_review_2009
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, July 17, 2009. 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: "Anchor Management" by The Poxy BoggardsNow if you happen to be looking for a CD that is jam-packed with fun and frolic, I would highly recommend The Poxy Boggards. Anchor Management is a hilariously amusing, yet very well-done album that quite resembles a drunken party set to music. The quick-witted band has been known for their smart, if somewhat irreverent style. Even so, I don't want to give the impression that they are in any way amateurish--these guys know their stuff when it comes to music. Tight harmonies are center stage here and you'll not only be laughing, but loving the music as well. It's a nice combination. Typically bands can do one but not the other. That isn't the case at all here--you get both. The members refer to themselves as "the drinking group with a singing problem," if that gives you a window into what is in store for your ears on the eighteen tracks that grace this CD. There are almost too many members to count in the band (13), which makes things sound interesting and unique as they all have a bit of influence. This is their sixth album, so you'll find that there are no beginner mishaps or lacking arrangements. Treat yourself to a little amusement and give these guys a listen! 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. Labels: cd_review_2009
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, July 16, 2009. 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: "Fog & Fire" by Brigands' FolieThis is a very unique CD. Brigands' Folie is an acoustic duo that plays traditional Irish, Scottish and English music. Despite the fact that this band does traditional music, they manage to bring a different style to the tunes here that makes them come across fresh and unexpected. The music they have chosen is that of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, so there is a decidedly older feel to the tracks that gives them character. This, combined with the sound of the vocals gives the album a particularly original flavor. The music itself is not overly complex, but that is part of the charm. Done well, simple music can be moving and pure, and it is both here at various times. The title track is a good one, and is a perfect example of the energy the two musicians bring to each track. Other favorites here include Johnny Cope and The River Pirate. The guitar lends a steady pulse throughout the CD which keeps the flow going, and it is a nice departure from the typical fare. This album is a joy for those who favor the older songs and who enjoy the sound of acoustic music. 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. Labels: cd_review_2009
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, July 16, 2009. 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: "One More Day" by Rising GaelThis band is tough to pin down and describe definitively, as they have such variety going. On "One More Day" you might hear the sound of Scottish pipes one moment, and then African drums the next. The somewhat unusual combination of instruments gives the band a "world music" vibe, but it is distinctly stamped with Celtic as well. Yidaki, harmonica, bass and piano are other instruments you can expect to hear from time to time as well. The lead vocalist, Erin Ellison, has a unique voice that adds another dimension to the sound of each track. Here she does a rendition of "Stretched on Your Grave" that is all her own, and very different. Other notable tracks include "Toirneach," for its wild bagpipes, and "Journey Man," for its simplicity and gentle harmonies. All the instruments are well-played, and the arrangements are good without being overly complex. A good, solid album. 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. Labels: cd_review_2009
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Wednesday, July 15, 2009. 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: "Any Time At All" by Brian Hebert & FriendsDo you like Beatles music? In the mood for something different? This CD is your dream come true! Eleanor Rigby, She Loves You and even I Wanna Hold Your Hand are played here--but with Celtic flavor. Bet you never thought you would hear And I Love Her done as a reel, or Help as a slip jig! I have to say--I'm not a big Beatles fan, but I really did enjoy them here. I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that the songs were done with Celtic overtones. The CD manages to be inventive without being too over the top. Some of the tunes are more recognizable than others, but they are all arranged well and played expertly. It is amusing to identify the song and then see what they did with it! The album is 26 songs strong and it is really different. Brian Hebert is a session player so he knows how to bring the energy to the music, and the "friends" include an octave mandolin champion, a wonderful bodhran player and a guest performance by Irish piper Pelham Norville. The music is good, the arrangements are interesting--but true to form--and the result is a fun album that is a pleasure to listen to. 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. Labels: cd_review_2009
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. 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: "Jug Of Punch" by Scott BoswellYear produced: 2007 A lively, melodic version of "Jug of Punch" is just one of 13 lovely tracks on this CD by Scott Boswell. The mood is very much folk/traditional with a pinch of gentle harmony thrown in for good measure. The flute is lively on this album and adds a light feel to many of the tracks. There is a sweet version of "Wild Mountain Thyme" and a rendition of Scarborough Faire that I enjoyed very much as well. There are some elements of "world music" throughout the album that lend a bit of depth here, but the CD is unmistakeably Celtic at heart. The instruments were played well on every track and the vocals are sincere. Much of the CD is typical Celtic music as interpreted through Boswell's eyes (or should I say ears), and it is always interesting to see what people hear in the traditional songs. Each rendition speaks to the listener differently, and the versions I heard here were all good. The guitar play goes a bit off traditional, lending a spice to some tracks, and the flute is dreamy at times and sprightly at others. Enjoyable. 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. Labels: cd_review_2009
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. 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: "Maple & Wire" by Paddy's PigThose who enjoy traditional pub music will love "Maple & Wire" by Paddy's Pig. This is a great collection of 16 songs that are sung well and played with heart. Even though there is a traditional feel to the album, it isn't boring, and the tone is typically lighthearted and fun. My personal favorites include "Ring on a Chain" and "Henry Me Son," although I dare say there really isn't a bad track among this selection of tunes. Most tracks are on the shorter side, which actually left me wanting a bit more...but better that than too much. I thought the band played well together--there was a good sense of camaraderie that came through with the music--it sounded fun! If you are in the mood to kick back, close your eyes and imagine you are in a pub with a good band on the stage, look no farther for a CD that will more than fit the bill. The easy nature of this album will leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. 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. Labels: cd_review_2009
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Monday, July 13, 2009. 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: "Leod 'N' Proud" by Hunting McLeod
Artist: Hunting McLeod
Album: Leod 'N' Proud Year produced: 2009 This band bills themselves as "the most energetic Celtic band around" and the music supports the bold statement. Fans of the pipes and the fiddle won't be disappointed, they are top notch here and used well. Traditional music with a bit of an alternative flair would be a good way to describe this CD. Fans of "old school" music will find enough to wrap their arms around, but those who want something fresh will find that here as well. There is a rock vibe to many of the tracks, and they really do have a pulsing energy that is infectious. Very enjoyable. Songs such as "The Congress" really bring out the talents of the band as they roll along in true Celtic form. Other tracks put forth that Celtic rock vibe, such as "Pressed for Time". Many bands try out Celtic rock by merely adding a guitar, bass and drums to Irish or Scottish music, but not this one. The rock instruments hum and put out Celtic sound. It seems that their addition was not an afterthought, but rather a carefully chosen decision. And it works. 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. Labels: cd_review_2009
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Monday, July 13, 2009. 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: "Emerald Fire" by Maidens IVI love seeing the Maidens IV on my listening docket! Every album of theirs is a joy to listen to, and "Emerald Fire" is no exception. The harmonies as always, are magical and the songs are wonderful. Described as a sort of Celtic folk blend, these ladies know how to play and how to add authenticity to their music. Songs such as "Rocks of Bawn" almost give one a chill with the sweet voices and able talents of these women. Time and again the arrangements surprise and delight the ear. The Maidens bring an energy to their music that is seldom heard, as it is both delicate and powerful at the same time. Complex harmonies and difficult musical passages are tossed off as though they are commonplace. These women truly have talent and verve and tracks such as "Whistling Gypsy" and "Midnight Stone" show that off to the utmost. I'd stack this group up against anyone and feel confident that they could capture their interest. Talent speaks for itself. 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. Labels: cd_review_2009
Posted by Catherine L. Tully, Sunday, July 12, 2009. 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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