Sinsheen - 'Lift'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Lift' by Sinsheen.
Sinsheen is a singing duo consisting of Christine Kydd and Barbara Dymock- each a fine singer in her own right, now working together. They have built a reputation among roots music lovers for originality, virtuosity, rich harmonies and the livest of live performances.
Combining power, passion and pedigree, these dynamic veterans of the Scottish music world contrast stark harmony vocals with light instrumental and percussive backing. Together they explore and innovate, gracefully twisting the tradition and colluding with the contemporary.
Connect with Sinsheen across the web at:
www.myspace.com/sinsheen
www.sinsheen.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Sinsheen
Click on link below to read more information about the album, and instructions where to purchase.
Jim McKenna - 'Humorous Observations'
Mary Macmaster and Donald Hay - 'Love And Reason'
Tattie Jam - 'Jam'
Show Of Hands - 'Arrogance, Ignorance & Greed'
Julie Fowlis - 'Uam'
John Jones - 'Rising Road'
Fiddlers' Bid - 'All Dressed in Yellow'
Tommy Sands - 'Let The Circle Be Wide'
Ken Campbell - 'Ken Campbell's Ideal Band'
Rallion - 'One For Sorrow'
Madison Violet - 'No Fool For Trying'
John Carnie - 'Far From Home'
John Hinshelwood & Sandra Gellatly - 'Shattered Pleasures'
The Baileys - 'A Song For Ireland'
Yvonne Lyon - 'Ashes & Gold'
Various Artists - 'People And Songs of the Sea'
Rhythmnreel - 'The Crossing'
The House Devils - 'Adeiu to Old Ireland'
David Ferrard - 'Across The Troubled Wave'
The Maerlock - 'Sofa'
Qristina and Quinn Bachand - 'Relative Minors'
Kinfolk - 'This Land'
Laura McGhee - 'Celticana'
Eric Bogle - 'The Dreamer'
Olov Johansson and Catriona McKay - 'Foogy'
Po' Girl - 'Deer in the Night'
Dan Milner & Guest Artists - 'Irish Pirate Ballads and Other Songs of the Sea'
Alan Reid and Rob Van Sante - 'The Rise & Fall o' Charlie'
Simply Burns - 'Simply Burns'
Andi Neate - 'Crows, Rooks and Ravens'
The Paul McKenna Band - 'Between Two Worlds'
Lauren MacColl - 'Strewn with Ribbons'
John Taylor - 'Bring The Stars Alive'
One String Loose - 'Kumquat'
Billy McIssac - 'Songs for Lochaber'
Rachel Hair - 'The Lucky Smile'
Dave Rooney - 'This Is My Home'
Juliet Turner - 'People Have Names'
Koda - 'Keepin' it Reel'
Lori Watson and Rule Of Three - 'Pleasure’s Coin'
John Malcolm - 'Sands of Time'
The Sands Family - 'Keep On Singing'
Cara Dillon - 'Hill of Thieves'
Eilidh Grant - 'Masks & Smiles'
Battlefield Band - 'Home Is Where The Van Is'
Findlay Napier and the Bar Room Mountaineers - 'Out All Night'
Craig Jeffrey - 'Don't Blow Away'
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers - 'Blast Live!'
Heelster Gowdie - 'On the level'
Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson - 'Partners In Crime'
Martyn Joseph - 'Evolved'
John Goldie - 'Open 4 Closure'
Brogue - 'Girls and Strong Whisky'
Steve O'Connor - 'Roll The Dice'
Queen Anne's Revenge - 'Just One Umbrella'
The Duplets - 'Tree of Strings'
Skyhook - 'Skyhook'
The Doghouse Roses - 'How've You Been (all this time)?'
Bill Adair & Bridgend Sessions Band - 'Along the Miners' Rows'
Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham - 'Roads Not Travelled'
Hair of the Dog - 'Donegal'
Saor Patrol - 'Full Throttle'
Bratach Bana - 'Shetland Lights'
Dervish - 'Travelling Show'
The Malkies - 'Suited and Booted'
Music in the Glen - 'Fuar'
Catriona McKay - 'Starfish'
Marc Gunn and the Dubliners' Tabby Cats - 'Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers'
Andi Neate - 'Lion Taming for Astronauts'
Churchfitters - 'Amazing'
Patrick Street - 'On the Fly'
Peter Paul Parker - 'Stepping Up'
Four Men & A Dog - 'Wallop The Spot'
Frank Carlier - 'Americana 101'
Nick Keir - 'Fishing up the Moon'
Rattle the Boards - 'The Parish Platform'
Landermason - 'The Reason'
Annie Grace - 'Take Me Out Drinking Tonight'
Bow Triplets - ‘Fair Play to You’
Ben Sands - ‘Roots & Branches’
Lorna Lavelle - ‘A Thousand Miles Behind’
David Ferrard - ‘Broken Sky’
Box Club - ‘Box Club’
The Duhks - ‘Migrations’
Karine Polwart - ‘This Earthly Spell’
Various Artists - ‘Ballads Of The Book’
Johnny Coppin & Mike Silver - ‘Breaking the Silence’
WoodworX - 'Two Short PlanX'
Ockham’s Razor - ‘Ten Thousand Miles to Bedlam’
Mary Kathleen Burke - ‘A Song In Her Heart’
Jenna Reid - 'The Laughing Girl'
Jim McKenna - 'Humorous Observations'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Humorous Observations' by Jim McKenna.
Jim McKenna lives in Blantyre, Lanarkshire and is a member of the Lanarkshire Songwriters Group. This group offers the chance for all songwriters regardless of their experience to meet and discuss the art of songwriting. The group consists of writers at all stages and gives members the opportunity to perform new works, discuss writing problems, work on projects and in some cases the chance to record their songs.
The Lanarkshire Songwriters Group meets every second Monday in The Cross keys , Queen Street, Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire.
Jim McKenna is active in Lanarkshire with concerts in all parts of the county. His next performance will be on Saturday 28 November at East Kilbride Arts Centre with a Special tribute to Woody Guthrie. This show starts at 8.00pm and is inspired by Newmains songwriter Mark McAnaw, this evening of musical entertainment celebrates the music of Woody Guthrie. The concert will be recorded by Celtic Music Radio for future transmission over the festive season.
If you wish to purchase 'Humorous Observations', please send Jim an e-mail here, and he will send you back details.
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Mary Macmaster and Donald Hay - 'Love And Reason'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Love And Reason' by Mary Macmaster and Donald Hay.
Mary Macmaster is one of the world's leading exponents and innovators of the metal-strung clarsach and the fantastic Camac electro-harp. Donald Hay is a drummer/percussionist with an exceptional ability to play with power, empathy, delicacy and drama. Together they have produced a beautiful, powerful and unique debut CD 'Love And Reason'.
Sourcing material from ancient Scotland to modern Europe the duo have created a sparkling, cinematic work in 'Love And Reason', that retains the soul of traditional music whilst allowing it to breath in a modern environment. From the intricate rhythms of Gaelic waulking song ‘Thograinn Thograinn’ to Robert Burn’s ‘Slave’s Lament’.
Visit Mary Macmaster and Donald Hay's Myspace page at: www.myspace.com/macmasterhay
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Tattie Jam - 'Jam'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Jam' by Tattie Jam.
Tattie Jam (Ruaridh Pringle & Seylan Baxter), offer a distinctive brew of songs, from dark ballads and protest songs to off-the wall humour, and tunes ranging from slow airs to kinetic jigs and reels. Much of their material's given a playful or funky contemporary twist, with the odd starker a-capella song or unaccompanied tune tossed in the pot for contrast.
Ruaridh's distinctive and versatile guitar picking and clear voice compliment Seylan's expressive vocals and fluid cello in exciting arrangements of humorous and pithy new songs, funky dance tunes, keening slow airs and haunting old ballads, all on their new debut album 'Jam'.
Visit Tattie Jam's official website at: www.tattiejam.com
and their Myspace page at: www.myspace.com/tattiejam
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Show Of Hands - 'Arrogance, Ignorance & Greed'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Arrogance, Ignorance & Greed' by Show Of Hands.
'Arrogance, Ignorance & Greed' was produced by Stu Hanna, featuring eight new Steve Knightley songs, plus two covers and two traditional songs.
While rightly known as one of the finest and most consistent live acts on the British folk scene, their new studio album 'Arrogance, Ignorance & Greed' really managed to reflect and capture the quality of their excellent live shows, of all their studio albums, it capture the drama and pace that is evident at a Show of Hands concert.
Visit the Show Of Hands official website at: www.showofhands.co.uk
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Julie Fowlis - 'Uam'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Uam' by Julie Fowlis.
The much-anticipated third album from Julie, 'Uam' means 'from me' in Scottish Gaelic. The album features songs and tunes, old and new, from across the Highlands, Islands and Ireland.
Highlights include duets with Scottish songstress Eddi Reader and renowned Gaelic singer Mary Smith. Featuring Julie's husband and album co-producer Éamon Doorley on bouzouki, plus the regular first class band lineup of Duncan Chisholm, Tony Byrne and Martin O'Neill.
Guest musicians playing on 'Uam' also include Phil Cunningham, Tom Doorley, Ewen Vernal, Allan MacDonald, Sharon Shannon, Jerry Douglas and Michelle Fowlis.
Visit Julie Fowlis' official website at: www.juliefowlis.com
and visit Julie's Myspace page at: www.myspace.com/juliefowlis
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John Jones - 'Rising Road'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Rising Road' by John Jones.
Oysterband's John Jones is going back to his roots with his debut solo CD, 'Rising Road'. After 30 years with Oysterband, John has teamed up with friends old and new to explore and re-invent some of the classic traditional songs he loved in his youth, which stand alongside several beautiful, self-written tracks.
The idea for the album came about when, on a short break from Oysterband a few years ago, John toured alongside his friends Benji Kirkpatrick (Bellowhead, Faustus) and Seth Lakeman. The collaboration worked so well that a seed was planted. Four years later, 'Rising Road' was born.
Visit John Jones' Myspace page at: www.myspace.com/johnjones
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Fiddlers' Bid - 'All Dressed in Yellow'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'All Dressed in Yellow' by Fiddlers' Bid.
Fiddlers' Bid are internationally respected as leading exponents of their rich fiddle tradition and are global ambassadors for Shetland. Since forming in 1991, they have established an identity as a unique band with a harmonious and almost symphonic sound developed though many years of playing together. "The musical tornado known as Fiddlers Bid" have connected with audiences worldwide.
'All Dressed in Yellow' is the latest album from Fiddlers' Bid. The CD had a launch at the Shetland Fiddle Frenzy.
"The result is an album rich in tradition and yet belonging emphatically in the here and now: a magnificent, joyous achievement."
Sunday Herald, 4 October 2009.
Visit Fiddlers' Bid official website at: www.fiddlersbid.com
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Tommy Sands - 'Let The Circle Be Wide'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Let The Circle Be Wide' by Tommy Sands.
One of Ireland’s most popular musical exports, Tommy Sands (also a member of The Sands Family) and his son and daughter present 15 Celtic-flavored songs that encompass traditional Irish and contemporary folk.
On 'Let The Circle Be Wide', his seventh solo album, Tommy Sands continues to write and perform wise, moving songs infused with his deep but clear-eyed love of his imperfect homeland.
The CD reflects some of the changes resulting from the historic 1998 power-sharing Belfast Agreement; Sands’ spontaneous performance of his songs with a group of Catholic and Protestant school children outside those agreement negotiations was called "a defining moment in the peace process".
Visit Tommy Sands official website at: www.tommysands.com
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'Ken Campbell's Ideal Band'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Ken Campbell's Ideal Band'.
The re-formed Ideal Band brings together three of Scotland's most respected and experienced musicians, touring professionally, with a new album on the Fellside Recordings.
In the 1980's The Ideal Band was one of Scotland's most highly-respected Celtic folk bands, performing in festivals, concerts and clubs throughout the UK and beyond, following in the footsteps of Glasgow's "Bob Smith's Ideal Band" of the 1930's.
The new line up creates a unique blend of Ken Campbell's essentially Scottish songs together with the very best of musicianship.
Visit the Ken Campbell's Ideal Band official website at: www.kencampbellscotland.co.uk
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Rallion - 'One For Sorrow'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'One For Sorrow' by Rallion.
Rallion are a four piece contemporary folk group, hailing from Central Scotland. They bring a wide range of musical influences together to create their powerful persuasive music. Their unique sound is based around the double fiddle powerhouse of Fiona Cuthill and Andrew Lyons, the voice of Marieke McBean and the virtuoso playing of Steve Lawrence.
In 2006 they released their first album "For No-one and Everyone" to very favourable reviews. They have recently released their second album 'One For Sorrow' on the Big Sky label.
Visit Rallion's official website at: www.rallion.co.uk
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Madison Violet - 'No Fool For Trying'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'No Fool For Trying' by Madison Violet.
Canadians Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac, the duo that is Madison Violet, took the influences from parents’ record collections, the likes of Neil Young and Dolly Parton, and distilled them down into an authentic-seeming and deftly-delivered modern variant on bluegrass.
'No Fool For Trying' proves to be an exciting collection of catchy, heart-melting, gut-wrenching songs produced in Toronto by Les Cooper and is already receiving rave reviews in Europe, plays on national radio in Denmark, Germany & Britain.
Visit Madison Violet's official website at: www.madisonviolet.com
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John Carnie - ‘Far From Home’
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is ‘Far From Home’ by John Carnie.
John Carnie is a singer & guitarist specialising in blues and folk music. His latest CD ‘Far From Home’ features 12 tracks and 29 individual tunes that come from the treasure trove of reels, jigs, pipe and harp tunes that form the backbone of the Scottish musical heritage.
‘Far From Home’ features the jazzy double bass playing of Brian Shiels and some bluesy twists of long time cohorts, Dave Moir & Spider Mackenzie. It is the first album of its type ever to feature an entirely Scottish selection of tunes flatpicked on the acoustic guitar.
Visit John Carnie's official website at: www.johncarnie.com
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John Hinshelwood & Sandra Gellatly - 'Shattered Pleasures'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is ‘Shattered Pleasures’, by John Hinshelwood & Sandra Gellatly.
John Hinshelwood is a well established name on the Scottish Americana circuit, having appeared over the past three decades at events such as The Highland Festival, Mayfest, Big Big Country, Celtic Connections & Edinburgh Fringe.
In 2006 Hinshelwood formed the City Sinners and recruited vocalist Sandra Gellatly, who had worked as a singer and actor in her native Canada before moving to Scotland in 2001. Gellatly and Hinshelwood formed an immediate musical bond, and made the decision to perform and record together as a duo, as well as continuing their work with the Sinners. The result of this collaboration is ‘Shattered Pleasures’ which is scheduled for release in August 2009.
Nine original compositions are featured on ‘Shattered Pleasures’, plus covers of songs by Julie Miller, ex Byrd Gene Clark, and David Scott of the Pearlfishers.
Visit John Hinshelwood & Sandra Gellatly's record label biography at: www.littleroots.com, and John Hinshellwood's myspace page at: www.myspace.com/johnhinshelwood.
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The Baileys - 'A Song For Ireland'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'A Song For Ireland', by The Baileys.
From the heart of Ireland comes a new collection of Irish folk songs, performed by two pre-eminent artists in the genre, Michael Banahan and Anthony McDermott. The two friends comprise The Baileys, and 'A Song For Ireland' is their vital 20-track collection that illustrates the history and beauty of their beloved country.
As soon as they were old enough to acquire a dubious-looking brown van, Michael and Anthony began touring the country, passing on great ballads in the time honoured folk tradition. By now, there’s hardly a village hall or pub in any hamlet of Ireland that hasn’t yet played host to their electrically-charged performances.
Visit The Baileys official website at: www.thebaileys.ie
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Yvonne Lyon - 'Ashes & Gold'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Ashes & Gold', by Yvonne Lyon.
'Ashes & Gold' CD Album is Yvonne's brand new collection of ten original songs, once more produced by Graeme Duffin and Sandy Jones. Official released in October 2009.
Says Yvonne: “I'm pleased to let you know that my new album Ashes & Gold is now here! Ten brand new songs all wrapped up with some beautiful artwork ready to make their way in the world. Recorded at the Foundry Music Lab with Graeme Duffin, Sandy Jones and a lovely bunch of friends. The thoughts and ideas for some of these songs have been gathered and stored, captured and hoarded with the hope that that would grow into something resembling songs.
Some grew very quickly, others however came to life in the studio, the results of collaboration with DL. Working with Sandy and Graeme once again was such a privilege and has reminded me that I have many important people around me on this journey without whom my songs would have only half the life I give them.”
Visit Yvonne Lyon's official website at: www.yvonnelyonmusic.com
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Various Artists - 'People And Songs of the Sea'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'People And Songs of the Sea', a compilation CD featuring various artists on the Greentrax label and featuring Shona McMillan.
Shona McMillan, of the Thorburn fishing family from Fisherrow, set up the People And Songs Of The Sea exhibition to celebrate this heritage from a Firth of Forth perspective. The exhibitions run from May to December during the Year Of Homecoming 2009 in libraries and other venues from Edinburgh to Eyemouth and beyond, and this album 'People And Songs of the Sea' was produced in association with the shows.
The album was compiled from the rich Greentrax back-catalogue, plus items licensed from Broken Fiddle Records, Corries Music Ltd, Drinkers' Drouth, Kettle Music, Red House Records and Harbour Lights (choir).
Three tracks were specially recorded, including two songs by Shona, an instrumental track from Gerry and Donal O'Connor (reflecting the Irish fishing connection), and the Fisher Folk Choir, which consisted of a large number of singers brought together by Shona. Singers include Cilla Fisher, Isla St Clair, Cathy-Ann MacPhee, Shona McMillan, the late Davy Steele, Archie Fisher, The Cast, The McCalmans, The Harbour Lights Choir (Cockenzie), Blackeyed Biddy and The Fisher Folk Choir.
Visit Shona McMillan's myspace page to find out more about the Album and exhibitions at: myspace.com/shona_m_mcmillan
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Rhythmnreel - 'The Crossing'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'The Crossing' by Rhythmnreel.
Rhythmnreel are a six piece celtic/rock band, and have been based in the Highlands of Scotland for over a decade. They are in high demand for gigs both throughout Scotland and overseas, particularly Holland & Germany.
The band recorded a new 11 track album 'The Crossing' over the winter of 2008/2009 which was released in June 2009. The 11 tracks include a broad mix of celtic rock, original tunes, traditional Scottish as well as a few of their favourite covers for good measure. The CD was engineered by Eric Cloughley from Skye and mixed at Chris Harley's Vital Spark Music, Broadford, Isle of Skye.
Visit Rhythmnreel's myspace page myspace.com/rhythmnreel
and their official website at rhythmnreel.co.uk
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The House Devils - 'Adeiu to Old Ireland'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Adeiu to Old Ireland' by The House Devils.
The House Devils who are based in Manchester are - Mat Walklate: flute, harmonica, vocal, whistle, uilleann pipes. Andrew Dinan: fiddle, banjo. Matt Fahey: vocal, guitar. Anthony Haller: double bass. They play Irish and American traditional music.
'Adeiu to Old Ireland' is an hour of foot-stomping and infectious Irish songs and instrumental sets, played with guitar, fiddle, cittern, flute, harmonica, whistle, mandolin, uilleann pipes, double bass and bodhrán. Sons include - By the Hush, The Month of January, Naomi Wise, The Flower of Finea, The Charladies' Ball, Handsome Molly and more.
Visit The House Devils' Myspace page at the following link: myspace.com/thehousedevils.
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David Ferrard - 'Across The Troubled Wave'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Across The Troubled Wave' by David Ferrard.
Born to a Scottish father and an American mother, David Ferrard is a veritable 'one-man transatlantic session'. He broke onto the British folk scene in 2006 with his rootsy folk songs which, whilst contemporary, evoke the 60s folk revival when singer-songwriters original output blended with traditional material. His strong, catchy melodies and commitment to social issues make his music both accessible and meaningful.
'Across The Troubled Wave' is a collection of 13 contemporary and original songs from both sides of the Atlantic, including compositions by Robert Burns and Stephen Foster. David recorded the album with multi-instrumentalist Josh Goforth in a small studio in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina.
Visit David Ferrard's official website at www.davidferrard.com.
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The Maerlock - 'Sofa'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Sofa' by The Maerlock.
The Maerlock's debut release is the ultimate cocktail of five very different musical personalities. The concept is simple: 'Sofa' invites you on a global expedition through sound. Along the way, a flying visit to Scotland via Macedonia lands an English ballad in a jazz café, an anguished string quartet runs into some hearty harmony singing, and a stomping reel from Cape Breton alters course through a Latin-jazz flute solo.
Finally, 'Sofa' concludes with a pyrotechnic blast from The Maerlock Big Band, a dazzling concoction of The Maerlock and eight of the North-West's top young jazz musicians - and all in the comfort of your own armchair.
Visit The Maerlock's official website at www.themaerlock.co.uk.
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Qristina and Quinn Bachand - 'Relative Minors'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Relative Minors' by Qristina and Quinn Bachand.
This young brother and sister duo are quickly carving out a name for themselves in the world of Celtic music. Born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Qristina and Quinn Bachand come from a musical family with deep roots in France and Northern Spain.
Together, Qristina & Quinn Bachand create music that is challenging yet energetic, refreshing and fun. For their debut CD, 'Relative Minors', released in July 2008, they chose to focus on Celtic styles – Irish, Scottish, French, Canadian and Cape Breton. 'Relative Minors' is a nod to the rich canon of music that has influenced their young careers” (Penguin Eggs - Canada's Folk, Roots & World Music Magazine) with tunes chosen from the repertoires of Glenn Graham & Andrea Beaton (Cape Breton), Frank Ferrell & Liz Carroll (USA), Tony Sullivan & Donald Shaw (UK), Jean Blanchard & Gilles Chabenat (France) and more.
The CD is rounded out by traditional fiddle tunes and several originals written by Qristina and Quinn. 'Relative Minors' is traditional music for the 21st century, always mindful of its origins but fresh and exciting in its ambition and delivery. The album was recorded in their home studio (built by their father), with Aaron Scoones engineering, Adrian Dolan mixing & mastering and guests dropping in to add Uillean pipes, flute, whistles, bass and percussion on several tracks.
Visit Qristina and Quinn Bachand's official website qbachand.com.
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Kinfolk - 'This Land'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'This Land' by Kinfolk.
Kinfolk are Brian Mcdaid and Gerry Power. Brian and Gerry met in south of England in 2000. Both were working in different bands, and involved in different musical collaborations. Gerry was busy on the London singer songwriter circuit playing suppot spots to established artistes such as Nils Lofgren, Colin Blunstone, Geno Washington, Bert Jansch. Brian was poised to go to America having just been offered a deal. Since that meeting they have worked together with a number of other musicians, mainly playing live venues throughout the UK. Since late 2004 they have been drawing on their shared musical heritage to create Kinfolk and their debut album: 'This Land'.
This meeting of musical experience has produced a song writing duo that has flourished and developed together. They have produced songs of quality diversity, appealing accross a wide range of folk music tastes.
Visit Kinfolk's Myspace page at myspace.com/kinfolksongs.
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Laura McGhee - 'Celticana'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Celticana' by Laura McGhee.
Twenty seven year old Laura was brought up with Celtic roots background winning many traditional awards from age of 12. She graduated in classical violin from RSAMD. Laura then graduated to writing and developing her own unique folk roots sound. Along the way she arranged strings for artists such as Ian McCulloch (Echo And The Bunnymen), who recommended her for the Broadway production of Matt McGinn Tribute starring folk legend Pete Seeger.
Laura then provided fiddle for Shane MacGowan (The Pogues) on his 2005 UK hit "Road To Paradise" and joined Shane on stage at the Glasgow Barrowlands for a rendition of his classic "Fairytale of New York Laura released her debut album 'Green Eyes' in March 2006.
'Celticana' is also available at Borders Bookshop, Fopp and HMV.
Visit Laura McGhee's Myspace page at myspace.com/lauramcghee and her official website at www.lauramcghee.com
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Eric Bogle - 'The Dreamer'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'The Dreamer' by Eric Bogle.
'The Dreamer' is Eric Bogle's 15th album and is released as Eric prepares to hang up his 'touring boots' and embark on a final UK tour. As always, Eric will be accompanied by his long-time buddy John Munro, who has produced this and other Eric Bogle albums.
A compulsive, almost obsessive songwriter for most of his adult life, Eric has written some songs that have pretty much become Australian (if not world) classics of their particular genre. Possibly his best known song is The Band Played Waltzing Matilda, which confirmed its status by appearing as a question in the Australian version of Trivial Pursuit!
Together with his touring partner John Munro, Eric has literally taken his music to the world. He has toured extensively over the last 25 years or so, and this includes 8 tours of North America, 10 tours of Europe and many tours of Australia. He has appeared at every major folk and Country music festival in Australia and around the world.
He has won many awards along the way, including the Order Of Australia medal for services to the entertainment industry and a Peace Medal from the United Nations for his efforts, through music, to promote peace and racial harmony. In Scotland he was recognised by the Scots Trad Music Awards and has been placed in their Hall Of Fame.
'The Dreamer' is yet another fine clutch of songs from Eric, plus one by John Munro. The songs are thought- provoking as always and bound to move the listener.
Visit Eric Bogle's official website here.
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Olov Johansson and Catriona McKay - 'Foogy'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Foogy' by Olov Johansson and Catriona McKay.
Olov Johansson and Catriona McKay have teamed up to create an album that is big, bold and bursting with amazing sound. Johansson’s nyckelharpa and McKay’s harp complement each other perfectly on this thirteen-track collection of primarily original compositions. Fresh, inventive arrangements give both artists the opportunity to show the full character of their instruments.
The opening track “1st Class to Glasgow” is delightfully upbeat and gives a good taste of the overall feel of Foogy. Both artists excel on rapid-fire runs and there are plenty found throughout, especially on “Rain/Ekoln,” “In The Castle,” and “The Foogy Set.” Equally capable at the other end of the spectrum, McKay and Johansson deliver an achingly beautiful performance on “The Harper’s Dismissal.”
'Foogy' is exciting, contemporary and a definite breath of fresh air. I sincerely hope Johansson and McKay continue to collaborate on future projects.
Visit Olov Johansson and Catriona McKay's Myspace page by clicking here.
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Po' Girl - 'Deer in the Night'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Deer in the Night' by Po' Girl.
The beauty and mystery of Po Girl's music – a sound that has beguiled fans the world over - springs from the dynamic, improbable, mesmerizing bond shared by its two principal singers and writers – Allison Russell and Awna Teixeira. Hailing from Montreal and Toronto respectively, both women left untenable home situations at fourteen, found music instead of bad ends, and lived to sing the tales.
The interplay between these two stunning performers is truly something to behold – and after honing it relentlessly in 13 countries in the last 12 months, the ladies are set to release a true testament to their bond and to their tremendous growth as writers in the last years. Casual Po' Girl fans may not be ready for what they will hear…
After adding the impossibly talented tickler/maker of all stringed things - Benny Sidelinger - to their number last year, Po' Girl holed up in Austin, Texas this June past making the record that will almost certainly change forever the way the band is perceived. 'Deer in the Night' is set to be released in North America in April 2009, and in the UK/Europe May 2009. Many of the trappings of the trademark Po' Girl sound are still there – the echoes of speakeasy jazz, the western lament, the accordion-strapped ghosts of European folk --- but it's all delivered with a soulful clarity and depth only hinted at on previous records.
Visit Po Girl's official website www.pogirl.net/
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Dan Milner & Guest Artists - 'Irish Pirate Ballads and Other Songs of the Sea'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Irish Pirate Ballads and Other Songs of the Sea' by Dan Milner & Guest Artists.
Pirates, shanghaiers, slavers, and smugglers are just some of the central characters in this album of lusty, authentic maritime songs; others are ardent patriots, hard-pressed immigrants, and weathered sailors sheltering in the taverns of the seven seas. All are midway between some dicey spot in life and an uncertain future. Their compelling stories of bold adventure are excitingly re-told here by an all-star crew of Irish singers and musicians led by vocalist/author Dan Milner.
Featuring an impressive array of guest musicians and singers, including Joanie Madden of Cherish the Ladies, John Doyle of Solas, Tim Collins of the renowned Kilfenora Ceili Band, All-Ireland champion fiddler Brian Conway, Robbie O'Connell and Susan McKeown, Irish Pirate Ballads captures centuries of tradition and the revelry, mischief, tales of love and caution that characterize nautical life.
Milner "really gets inside a song and brings it alive," writes New York University professor Mick Moloney, who also appears on the album. "It's impossible not to be drawn in by the imagery of these songs and the absorbing stories they tell of memorable rakes, adventurers and scoundrels."
Visit Dan Milner's Myspace page www.myspace.com/geomusicology
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Alan Reid and Rob Van Sante - 'The Rise & Fall o' Charlie'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'The Rise & Fall o' Charlie' by Alan Reid and Rob Van Sante.
This CD charts in song the rise & fall of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie) from his arrival as a 21 year old in the North West of Scotland to raise an army and wrest the throne of Britain back to the Stuarts through to the crushing defeat of Culloden, his ultimate failure and death in exile.
Keyboard player and singer Alan Reid and singer-guitarist Rob van Sante are best known for their involvement with Battlefield Band, but they make up a fine duo. Alan and Rob have put together an excellent CD 'The Rise & Fall o' Charlie' with some great traditonal songs and excellent ensemble of singers and musicians.
The CD starts off with the rousing rallying call of 'Sound the Pibroch'. There a couple of Gaelic songs featuring Maeve Mackinnon including the lovely 'Oran Do Phriunnsa Tearlach' (Song for Prince Charles) and the powerful 'Mile Marbhphaisg Air An T-Saoghal' (A 1000 Curses on the World). The album finishes with the poignant Lady Nairne song "Will Ye No Come Back Again'.
Visit Alan Reid and Rob Van Sante's official website www.reidvansante.com
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Simply Burns - 'Simply Burns'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Simply Burns' by Simply Burns.
In January 2008, four talented individuals came together to create an evening of song, poetry and readings in celebration of Scotland's best-loved bard, Robert Burns. Their aim was to offer an eclectic collection of material written by and inspired by Robert Burns - some of it familiar, and some less so - designed both to entertain, and to simplify the man and his works for those who find it all a bit daunting.
The show, called 'Simply Burns', was presented to a packed house at the Watermill bookshop in Aberfeldy, Highland Perthshire. It was intended to be a one-time-only event, but as time went by requests were regularly received for it to be repeated. Eventually, the artists decided to revive the show and take it on the road throughout Scotland and beyond. The artists who perform the show are Douglas Craik (vocals and guitar), Linda Dewar (vocals, guitar), Anna Hepburn (spoken word) and Claire Hewitt (vocals, clarsach).
Celtic Music Radio is delighted to support the ‘Simply Burns’ CD. Purchase it here: www.simplyburns.com/CDs.htm
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Andi Neate - 'Crows, Rooks and Ravens'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Crows, Rooks and Ravens' by Andi Neate.
"Crows, Rooks and Ravens" have long been associated with myths, fables and folk tales. They are symbols of dark goddesses including the Valkyries of Norse legends and the Irish Morrigan. They are contradictory – symbols of death but also of hope – and enigmatic – they are travellers and keepers of secrets.
The 13 songs (and 2 bonus tracks) on Scottish singer/songwriter Andi Neate’s fifth album - "Crows, Rooks and Ravens" - tell a traveller’s tales of endings and beginnings, journeys and homecomings. There are songs about circuses and rocketships, night driving and fairy tales, peopled with colourful characters – the lion tamer, the astronaut, Mr Romeo and Storybookman – sharply observed and lightly drawn, with an emotional honesty which makes them easy to connect with.
Andi is an expressive performer, with a gift for melody, memorable hooks and delightfully offbeat lyrics. Her voice ranges from powerhouse to wistful sweetness; her music draws from folk, rock and jazz... and a touch of gospel.
Visit Andi Neate's official website http://www.andineate.co.uk/
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The Paul McKenna Band - 'Between Two Worlds'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Between Two Worlds' by The Paul McKenna Band.
Combining their love for traditional and folk music as well as original songs and tunes the Paul McKenna Band have been playing to audiences throughout the UK since 2006.
With a contemporary approach to songs, although not straying too far from their roots, their arrangements are both fresh and innovative. Their exciting sound is created through outstanding vocals, driving Guitar and Bouzouki, intense Fiddle playing, a warm pairing of Flute and Whistles and dynamic Bodhrán and percussion.
Visit The Paul McKenna Band's Myspace page myspace.com/paulmckennamusic.
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Lauren MacColl - 'Strewn with Ribbons'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Strewn with Ribbons' by Lauren MacColl.
Fiddler Lauren MacColl's self-issued debut album, When Leaves Fall, was very well received on its release two years ago, and was granted a perhaps slightly premature status in one of the concerts in the Classic Album series at this year's Celtic Connections festival. Her second release 'Strewn with Ribbons' builds on the considerable strengths of that debut, and combines a selection of MacColl's own attractive tunes with a fruitful trawl through some gems from her home patch in the east Highlands, unearthed in the Highland Collections series published by Highland Music Trust.
She handles the slow airs and laments in moving fashion alongside the effervescent dance tunes. Her refined and expressive fiddling is supported by regular collaborators Barry Reid on guitar and Mhairi Hall on piano, with guests Chris Stout, Donald Shaw and cellist Su-a Lee lending a hand on selected tunes.
Visit Lauren MacColl's Myspace page www.myspace.com/laurenmaccoll.
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John Taylor - 'Bring The Stars Alive'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Bring The Stars Alive' by John Taylor.
John Taylor has been playing in band's and writing songs since he can remember. He has toured europe a couple of times and released albums with a few different bands, but never found major success, He has now decided to venture out solo. Acoustic music was always a passion of His and listening to Neil Young when he was 15 years old changed his life and he's never looked back.
Visit John Taylor's Myspace page at www.myspace.com/taylorfolk.
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One String Loose - 'Kumquat'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Kumquat' by One String Loose.
Since 2003, Welsh Folk-fusion band One String Loose have been exciting audiences around the UK and Europe with their complex, dynamic arrangements of traditional and self penned tunes, performed with jawdropping virtuosity and infectious joie de vivre. Their innovative style of folk – fusion has been captivating all manner of people: fellow musicians, casual listeners, purists, grandmothers, teenagers and gyrating hippies.
In the past few years, One String Loose have played over 60 shows to audiences around England and Wales as well as in Europe. The year 2008 has been exceptional for One String Loose, seeing them reach the finals of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards, followed with a polished performance at the highly prestigious Glastonbury Festival on the Avalon Stage, in addition to international performances in Poland and France. More recently the band have been recording their second studio album 'Kumquat' ready for release in 2009, a year set to be their biggest and most active yet.
Visit the official One String Loose website at www.onestringloose.com.
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Billy McIssac - 'Songs for Lochaber'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Songs for Lochaber' by Billy McIssac.
'Songs for Lochaber' was released on 20 March 2009, with all profits going once again to Lochaber Hydrotherapy. This has been a six-year project for Billy, having written ten tracks on the CD and recorded them with some of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians including Gary Innes, Skerryvore, Ingrid Henderson and the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band.
Billy has had a wide and varied musical career, from playing with Midge Ure in band Slik to his current band, which is Scotland's premier wedding band.
Visit Billy McIssac's Myspace page at myspace.com/billymcisaac.
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Rachel Hair - 'The Lucky Smile'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'The Lucky Smile' by Rachel Hair.
With an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary material, tinged with influences ranging from jazz and funk, to classical and bluegrass and her Scots-Irish heritage,
'The Lucky Smile' confirms Rachel Hair’s ability as a prolific composer, as well as an incredibly talented harpist. The album features Rachel’s newly formed trio of harp with acoustic guitarist Paul Tracey and double bassist Andy Sharkey.
Featuring guest appearances from award winning Gaelic singer Joy Dunlop, drummer Scott Mackay, cajon player Paul Jennings and jazz violinist Graham McGeoch, 'The Lucky Smile' showcases the harp as a lead band instrument allowing its vibrance and vitality to shine through with sparkle and poise.
Visit Rachel Hair's official website www.rachelhair.com.
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Dave Rooney - 'This Is My Home'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'This Is My Home' by Dave Rooney.
Dave rooney is a multi instrumentalist, talented singer /songwriter hailing from Dublin. a very passionate musician,who has been gigging and touring the length and breath of Europe for nearly 15 years.
A singer with an exceptional vocal capability and range that would leave you with the hair standing on your neck, he has a very unique sounding voice, carrying buckets of melodic tone for heart felt ballads ,he delivers a song, and he certainly rises to the occasion.
Dave has graced such stages as the Point Depot, the Cork Opera House, The Marquis, The Tripod,and various other top venues in Ireland where he supported acts such as Madness, The Furey’s, The Saw Doctors, Picture House, Luka Bloom, Johnny Logan, the Revs.
Visit Dave Rooney's Myspace page at www.myspace.com/daverooney.
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Juliet Turner - 'People Have Names'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'People Have Names' by Juliet Turner.
Juliet Turner stumbled into making music. She was given a guitar for her fifteenth birthday and met a poet who told her to start writing her own songs. In 1996 whilst at university in Glasgow, she was offered the chance to record those songs in a little studio called “Heaven” with small independent label “Sticky Music”.
In 2000 Juliet set up her own label “Hear This! Records” with her manager Derek Nally. She released her second album “Burn the Black Suit” on the label and it went double platinum in Ireland.
Described by the Irish Times as ‘one of the most intriguing of Irish female song writers, arriving several years ago with a guitar and a batch of brittle, poignant songs; her broad accent and even broader outlook; her bitter-sweet tastes all marking her as one to watch’, Turner is still an artist marbled with tiny streaks of maverick.
The new batch of songs on 'People Have Names' are thoughtful and less acerbic than some of her previous writing and the narrative lines running through the album are sympathetic and full of warmth. On stage with long time guitarist Brian Grace, Juliet Turner has a wry charm, a beautiful voice and fine lyrics, making her a compelling live performer. Listen for “Elder of the Tribe” and “Luisa” in particular. The release of new material seems to fall in a four year cycle and this new album, released in June 2008, was eagerly anticipated. It did not seem to disappoint, being her most critically acclaimed album to date.
Visit Juliet Turner's official website at www.julietturner.com.
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Koda - 'Keepin' it Reel'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Keepin' It Reel' by Koda.
Based in Biggar, Lanarkshire, this young band is made up of Fiddle, Pipes/Whistles and Eight Accordions supported by a lively Rhythm section (Drums, Bass/Keyboards, Piano and Percusssion) with seventeen year old Stacey providing Vocals.
The band has continually developed since its early years as the Keith Dickson Accordion Orchestra and now offers a varied programme of traditional instrumental compositions as well as up to the minute arrangements of “Scottish” songs. They have performed at T in the Park and recently undertook a tour of Germany.
KODA, or the Keith Dickson Accordion Orchestra as it was originally known, was formed in 1987 to provide an opportunity for young accordionists to meet regularly and play music together. The band can boast of such luminaries as accordionist and singer Emily Smith (Scots Trad music Awards "Scots Singer of the Year" ) as a former member. Expanded to include bagpipes, fiddle, and vocals the band, now on their 4th CD with 'Keepin' It Reel'.
Visit Koda's official website at www.kodamusic.com.
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Lori Watson and Rule Of Three - 'Pleasure’s Coin'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Pleasure’s Coin' by Lori Watson and Rule Of Three.
'Pleasure’s Coin', is the follow-up album issued in January 2009 and is the work of the new line-up "Lori Watson and Rule of Three". Lori on fiddle and vocals, Innes Watson on guitars and John Somerville on accordion. The band is augmented by Duncan Lyall on acoustic and electric bass and Donald Hay on percussion. Providing support on the album are Aidan O'Rourke on fiddle and Kris Drever and Karine Polwart on vocals. Fiona Young, former member of Rule of Three plays on her own composition "Valkyrie"
Visit Lori Watson's official website at www.loriwatson.co.uk.
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John Malcolm - 'Sands of Time'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Sands of Time' by John Malcolm.
Originally from Dundee now living in Lanarkshire John has been performing for a number of years both as a solo artist and as a member of the folk group "Cruachan".
'Sands of Time' is a mixture of original songs by John Malcolm, two traditional songs and musical settings of words from four poems by Angus poet Marion Angus and an arrangement of a song by Gavin Stevenson. Featuring John Malcolm guitar, vocals and Harmonica Bethany Reid violin, Sally Russell cello, Nigel Munro, mandolin, Kevin Patrick, dobro, Jim Shearer whistle.
Visit Johm Malcolm's official website at www.john-malcolm.com.
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The Sands Family - 'Keep On Singing'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Keep On Singing' by The Sands Family.
A unique blend of traditional and original acoustic folk songs and music. The Sands Family - brothers Tommy, Ben, Colum and sister Anne from County Down, Ireland, have deservedly earned the title “legendary” among a host of folk friends and fans world-wide.
Well known and respected as solo performers and songwriters, their collaborations are always worth waiting for and this new collection 'Keep On Singing' is probably their finest to date.
The seven new songs and five adaptations go a long way in capturing what The Sands Family have been doing so successfully for close on forty years, without the slightest signs of slowing down! Recorded “live” in their home studio without effects, overdubs or guest musicians, this is the real deal - a multi-talented Family enjoying themselves!
Visit The Sands Family website at www.sandsfamilyfolk.com.
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Cara Dillon - 'Hill of Thieves'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Hill of Thieves' by Cara Dillon.
Cara Dillon was born in 1975 in Dungiven in County Derry, Northern Ireland. She grew up in a close musical family in an area steeped in Irish traditional music. She demonstrated a striking vocal ability from an early age winning the All Ireland Singing Trophy when only 14.
Whilst she was still a teenager she went on to sing with Oige, De Dannan and from there, joined the highly lauded folk supergroup Equation in 1995. However, in 1996 Dillon left with original band member Sam Lakeman because of musical differences before the release of the band's Blanco Y Negro (WEA) debut album and together they immediately signed a separate deal with the same label.
During the course of their careers they've performed to appreciative audiences the world over and have featured in some of the most exciting projects and events around. 2008 has seen the release of Cara's first live DVD called " The Redcastle Sessions" and the highly anticipated release of her 4th album
'Hill of Thieves' released on January 26th 2009.
Visit Cara's official website at www.caradillon.com.
Visit Cara's official MySpace page at www.myspace.com/caradillon
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Eilidh Grant - 'Masks & Smiles'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Masks & Smiles' by Eilidh Grant. Eilidh is having a launch party for her album at Dow's Bar in Glasgow on Saturday 24 January from 2-5pm.
Born in 1982 to north-east and West of Scotland parents. Eilidh’s family has for generations been musically active and she has inherited her parents and grandparents love of music. She started singing from an early age and it was at school that she began to perform on stage and in competitions.
Her dad took Eilidh and her brothers to many performance events, particularly folk festivals and with her family’s north-east roots and passion for traditional music it was not long before Eilidh fell in love with traditional Scottish songs.
When she was 17 Eilidh started to develop her own style and in the summer of 2003 Eilidh joined Angus Lyon, Ruaridh Campbell and Stevie Lawrence. At the beginning of 2004 Eilidh won a Danny Kyle Award at the Celtic Connections festival in Scotland and since then has had the honour of performing at many different fesitvals and clubs across the UK and Ireland.
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Battlefield Band - 'Home Is Where The Van Is'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Home Is Where The Van Is' by Battlefield Band.
Battlefield Band have been at the forefront of the resurgence of Scottish music and song. Since the 1970s they have pioneered a great diversity of instruments, ancient and modern as an integral part of the sound. Breaking down barriers with an inventiveness and instrumental prowess that defies categories and make this music exciting, creative and accessible to all.
Named after the Glasgow suburb of Battlefield, where the group was formed by four student friends, Battlefield Band have been on the world''s roads for just on 30 years now, distilling their own unique form of the Scottish spirit and bottling it in concert and onto disc.
They have broken down barriers and pioneered many new directions which others have followed. Angry, joyful, raucous, contemplative, their music is most importantly - accessible to all.
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Findlay Napier and the Bar Room Mountaineers - 'Out All Night'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Out All Night' by Findlay Napier and the Bar Room Mountaineers.
While Findlay Napier is well known on the live Scottish folk music scene, this fantastic band project looks likely to bring to him to much wider attention both in the UK and much further a field.
The musicians playing on 'Out All Night' all come from a folk background, and elements of folk are easy to identify in the instrumentation and in the 3 tracks with traditional roots, but that only tells half the story of an album that is dominated by songs of everyday people and urban lives full of character, personality and effortless charm.
While identifiably Scottish, especially in Napier’s vocal delivery, the album is dripping in influences from outside of the UK, in amongst the folk you can spot bluegrass, country and elements of more contemporary music.
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Craig Jeffrey - 'Don't Blow Away'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Don't Blow Away' by Craig Jeffrey.
Scottish singer and songwriter, Craig Jeffrey, launched his first single 'Hard to Say' on the 14th September. Craig wrote the single in memory of his two grandparents who he lost due to cancer. The proceeds of the single were directed to Macmillan Cancer Support to help other people who have been affected by cancer.
Craig's debut album 'Don't Blow Away' was released last month - “For the last year-and-a-half we have been working on this first album and it’s been a pretty tough experience,” said Craig. “Recording isn’t really a natural process for me, I’m more at home on stage where I can drift off to my own wee world - everything else just disappears up there.”
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The Red Hot Chilli Pipers - 'Blast Live!'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Blast Live!' by The Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
The band features Stuart Cassells the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2005, a twice world champion snare drummer and with three of the band members being recent graduates from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the musicianship is first class.
Stuart's piping has featured on The Darkness album 'One Way Ticket to Hell and Back' and on the soundtrack to the film 'Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire'. The group is in much demand performing all over the world from the USA to China at the biggest of events and festivals!
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Heelster Gowdie - 'On the level'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'On the level' by Heelster Gowdie. A four-piece band whose name means 'Head over Heels', Heelster Gowdie are a group based around the Dumbarton area specialising in well-known and well-loved folk songs.
The band are Russell Wheeler (guitar, harmony vocal), Vincent Mellon (guitar, percussion), David Thornaby (bodhran), James Thumath(strings, whistle vocals).
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Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson - 'Partners In Crime'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Partners In Crime' by Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson.
Ross Ainslie (Scottish bagpipes, whistles) and Jarlath Henderson (uilleann pipes, whistles) first started playing together in 2003 at Armagh's William Kennedy Piping Festival, and have since joined forces to create a pipe sound that pushes the boundaries of what both Irish and Scottish instruments can achieve together.
Partners In Crime features many new compositions, along with traditional tunes as never heard before. Guests include Paul Meehan, Caomhin Vallely, Donald Shaw, James Mackintosh, Ali Hutton and Rick Standley.
Click here to find out more about Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson.
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Martyn Joseph - 'Evolved'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Evolved' by Martyn Joseph.
'Evolved' released 27th October this year, is probably Martyn`s most arresting and articulate album to date - a big, bold statement of where he is now, revisiting 15 of his most significant songs and performing and recording them in their evolved, finely honed forms.
This is a strong and stripped back "no hiding place" album that stops you in your tracks - acoustic one-takes with crystal clear vocals and skilful guitar and harmonica playing.
Some songs shift along from their originals with added riffs and the most subtle of nuances; others twist off at thumping tangents, barely recognisable from the way they started life. This album mirrors, perhaps more than any other of Martyn`s studio albums, the hammer blow "once seen, never forgotten" power of his current live performances.
Presented in a sophisticated package designed by Canadian Juno-award winning Michael Wrycraft, this album will blow away those who have never heard him and for those who have, it underlines in the most emphatic way yet, Martyn`s pure professionalism and honesty.
Find out more about Martyn Joseph from his official website at www.martynjoseph.com.
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John Goldie - 'Open 4 Closure'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Open 4 Closure' by John Goldie.
In his latest recording, John is joined by fellow Scottish luminaries Angus Lyon on accordion, Duncan Lyall on upright bass and Jim Drummond on drums.
Together the band fuse traditional music with a Jazz tinge to create a dynamic band sound that ranges from the violently dancey ‘Back Door Creeper’ to the eloquently phrased ‘An Honorary Scot’. Find out more about John Goldie at his official website at www.johngoldie.co.uk.
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Brogue - 'Girls and Strong Whisky'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Girls and Strong Whisky' by Brogue.
Brogue was formed in 2001 and is a musical partnership between Brigitte Rodrigues and David Scobie. David was born in Dundee, Scotland where he was exposed to traditional Scottish Folk music from a young age. When David was six, his parents took him to his first live concert, the popular folk Duo "The Corries" blew David away; his dream to sing was born. In 1973 the Scobie family then moved to Rhodesia.
Brigitte was born in Salisbury, Rhodesia. Initially born deaf, she received surgery at the age of three through which her hearing was restored and as a result received a gift of a piano from her grandparents - thus her love of music began.
One of their first joint projects was to tour Zimbabwe singing and playing music to all the farmers who had either lost their farms, or were in the process of losing their farms to the Government.
Their music is aimed at helping to refresh public interest in traditional Scottish melodies and poems by reinterpreting, rearranging and updating them.
Visit their myspace page here.
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Steve O'Connor - 'Roll The Dice'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Roll The Dice' by Steve O'Connor.
Steve O'Connor was born and raised in Liverpool, a cultural, charismatic city with a rich and famed musical heritage.
Steve has travelled extensively in his life, which has helped him to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures and traditions of the world. With musical influences such as Dan Fogelberg, Jackson Browne, the Eagles and, of course, The Beatles - to name but a few - this held him in good stead for the musical journey that lay ahead.
It wasn't until he moved to the highlands of Scotland, however, that his natural gift for song-writing began to manifest. While Steve takes his musical influences from both sides of the Atlantic, he remains a contemporary singer-songwriter with his own style.
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Queen Anne's Revenge - 'Just One Umbrella'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Just One Umbrella' by Queen Anne's Revenge.
Released on May 24th 2008, 'Just One Umbrella' is the second CD from Queen Anne's Revenge and features 17 new songs from the song-writing partnership of Findlay Napier and Nick Turner.
Nick Turner is best known as the owner and operator of Watercolour Studios in Ardgour. He has been involved in recording some of the finest Scottish music in the last ten years. Findlay Napier is best known as the singer/guitarist with award winning Scottish Traditional band Back of the Moon.
Queen Annes Revenge was started as an outlet for the songs that Nick and Findlay were writing but were unable to perform or record in their current situations. It began as a simple co-writing sesssion which turned into an EP, then an album, then a band and has now released it's second album. Visit Queen Anne's Revenge official webite at www.queenannesrevenge.co.uk
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The Duplets - 'Tree of Strings'
Celtic Music Radio's CD album of the week is 'Tree of Strings' by The Duplets.
The Duplets are two of Scotland's finest young players of the Scottish harp the clarsachs. 'Tree of Strings' is a very nice debut album from Fraya Thomsen and Gillian Fleetwood (The Duplets).
Tree of Strings has a good tune selection and some traditional songs from Gillian including Burns classic Ca' the Yowes and Rigs o Rye learned from the singing of Gordeanna McCulloch.
Fraya Thomsen and Gillian Fleetwood first met at the Balnain House Harp Group in Inverness. Fraya graduated in 2004 from the RSAMD in Glasgow with BA in Scottish Music and Gillian graduated in 2005 from The University Of Strathclyde with BA in Applied Music. They were invited to perform together at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival in 2005 and following that they formed The Duplets.
Visit The Duplets official webite at www.theduplets.com
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Skyhook - 'Skyhook'
Skyhook have released their debut CD album 'Skyhook' and is the Celtic Music Radio featured CD Album of the Week.
Skyhook are an exciting collaboration of three of the finest acoustic musicians in Sheffield, England. Martin Harwood, Cath James and Eoin Teather play traditional tunes and songs from Scotland, Ireland, Cape Breton Island, plus some brand new self-penned compositions.
Skyhook are characterised by breathtaking twin fiddles combined with sublime guitar, bouzouki and voice. They shift seamlessly between driving dance music and spine-tingling songs, and play with a joy and precision that's hard to match. visit Skyhook's website at skyhookmusic.
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The Doghouse Roses - 'How've You Been (all this time)?'
This week’s Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is from a Glasgow duo called The Doghouse Roses with their recently released How've You Been (all this time)?
This is their debut CD and features the singing of Iona Macdonald and the guitar playing of Paul Tasker. The Doghouse Roses will be playing on Tuesday 21 October as part of the Sounds of the Suburbs at the Woodend Bowling Club, 10 Chamberlain Road, Jordanhill, Glasgow G13 1QE.
visit The Doghouse Roses myspace page at myspace.com/ukdoghouseroses.
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Bill Adair & Bridgend Sessions Band - 'Along the Miners' Rows'
Next year, 2009, marks the 50th anniversary of the worst mining accident in Scotland in the 20th century, when on 18 September 1959, smoke and fumes from an underground fire at Auchengeich Colliery in the small Lanarkshire mining community of Bridgend caused 47 miners to lose their lives. It was estimated that of the 100 or so miners’ homes in Bridgend, 80% lost a relative in the disaster.
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week for this week is a special CD of original songs and music, specially commissioned in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Auchengeich Colliery mining disaster on 18 September 1959.
Written by Bill Adair from Cumbernauld and recorded by the Bridgend Sessions Band, the CD is titled 'Along the Miners’ Rows' and is due for release at the end of September.
All money raised from the sale of the CD will go into the newly formed Auchengeich Colliery Schools Trust which will finance an annual prize for the two primary schools in the area, Glenmanor Primary School and St. Michael’s Primary School, Moodiesburn, near Glasgow, although the schools are within the education authority of North Lanarkshire Council.
The CD Album costs £8 plus £2 postage. Cheques made payable to ‘Auchengeich Colliery Schools Trust’ should be sent to: Bill Adair, Sad Jeb Music, PO Box 29968 Glasgow G67 9DJ. Email enquiries address: mail@billadair.net
visit Bill Adair's myspace page at myspace.com/billadairsblues.
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Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham - 'Roads Not Travelled'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'Roads Not Travelled', from Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham.
The CD features Aly Bain on fiddle and Phil Cunningham on accordions, whistles, mandolin, piano, cittern, keyboards with guest musicians Anna Massie on acoustic guitars and Martin O’Neil on bodhran.
This ties-in with Aly and Phil's current Scotland tour and their central belt gigs on Saturday 13 September at the ABC Glasgow, 300 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2; Sunday 14 September at the Regal Theatre, North Bridge Street, Bathgate, West Lothian; Thursday 25 September at the Cumbernauld Theatre, Cumbernauld and Friday 26 September at the Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street, Edinburgh.
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Hair of the Dog - 'Donegal'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'Donegal', the recent album by Hair of the Dog.
Together since 1993, Hair of the Dog has entertained thousands of fans of all ages with their unique blend of Celtic folk/rock. Their high energy sound, smooth four-part harmonies and tight instrumental attack has made them one of the top Irish acts in the world.
Based in Upstate New York, Hair of the Dog is Rick Bedrosian on bass and vocals, Mike DeAngelis on acoustic guitar and vocals, John Haggerty on banjo, acoustic guitar and vocals, Larry Packer on fiddle, Eric Finn on electric guitar, mandolin and vocals and Scott Apicelli on drums.
Hair Of The Dog has shared the stage with many other well known Celtic groups such as The Clancy Brothers, The Wolfe Tones, Cherish The Ladies, Donal Lunny's Coolfin, Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul, Black 47, Gaelic Storm, Solas, Seven Nations, The Prodigals, Off Kilter and Glengarry Bhoys. Find out more about Hair of the Dog, at their official website www.hair-of-the-dog.com
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Saor Patrol - 'Full Throttle'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'Full Throttle', the recent album by Saor Patrol.
The unique sound of Scotland in the 21st century, Saor Patrol (from the Gaelic word ‘Saorsa’, meaning freedom / liberty), bring the sounds of the past into the present and launch the listener into an exciting future for this Scottish band based at Kincardine.
Those that have heard Saor Patrol live never forget the visual image, and the vibrant energy they send out to their audience during a performance. Their vibrant pipe tunes and drum rhythms please, and excite, many a crowd from all walks of life.
Still holding onto their unique sound and style they continue to combine old roots and new blood. Once again with new album 'Full Throttle', Saor Patrol have brought to listeners their very own Celtabilly music. For more information visit their official MySpace page www.myspace.com/saorpatrol
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Bratach Bana - 'Shetland Lights'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'Shetland Lights', the recent album by Bratach Bana.
Bratach Bana is a traditional Scottish Folk band based in the North East of Scotland. The line up is: Sandy Fettes, Andy Ritchie, Scott Thompson, Babs Burnett and John Simpson.
Bratach Bana released their debut album 'Shetland Lights' back in July 2007 at the Heugh Hotel in Stonehaven during the Stonehaven Folk Festival. It features a selection of original material including the title track Shetland Lights and The White Horse of Mormond, which was adapted from a poem written by local minister Rev. Charles Birnie. There is also a broad mix of material from traditional Scottish songsmiths such as Dick Gaughan and Dougie Maclean.
Bratach Bana will be playing on Saturday 23 August on the Banshee Stage of the 2008 Wizard Festival, New Deer Showground, Aberdeenshire and on Saturday 27 September 2008 at the Doric Festival, Aberdeenshire. Visit their official website at www.bratachbana.com
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Dervish - 'Travelling Show'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'Travelling Show', the recent album by the Irish traditional band Dervish.
Dervish released their eagerly awaited album 'Travelling Show' (their tenth) on 26 October 2007. It was produced by the legendary John Reynolds and featuring a host of talented guest musicians.
Ever imaginative, their latest album features new arrangements of rare and unusual traditional songs such as Lord Levett. Cathy Jordan refashioned this poignant lyric by writing a new melody and asking the superb Triona Ni Dhomhnaill to play harpsichord. Jordan also sings a spine-tingling rendition of Suzanne Vegas’ The Queen and the Soldier. The results are enchanting.
For those who like their traditional music fast and furious, Dervish prove their muster with their trademark high-energy instrumentals ably aided and abetted by Triona and the inspirational Rick Epping among others.
To find out more about Dervish, visit their official website at www.dervish.ie.
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The Malkies - 'Suited and Booted'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'Suited and Booted', the brand new album by The Malkies.
The Malkies new CD 'Suited and Booted' is offically launched at the Live at the Star Club on Thursday 7 August at St Andrews in the Square, Glasgow.
The Malkies are Alistair Hulett (Roaring Jack, The Hooligans, Dave Swarbrick & Alistair Hulett) on lead voice and guitar, ex-Whiskey Priest, Hugh Bradley on double bass and vocal harmonies, Phil Snell from Bayou Gumbo on lap steel, mandolin and fiddle, Hugh Whitaker (Gargoyles) on drums.
'Suited and Booted' is a glorious mixture of folk, roots and country, that grew out of a great love and appreciation of American traditional music. Songs old and new, some written by Alistair Hulett, some covers from Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger and some new arrangements of traditional songs all feature.
To find out more about The Malkies, visit their official website at themalkies.co.uk.
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Music in the Glen - 'Fuar'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'Fuar', the recent CD album by Atlanta’s premier traditional Irish band Music in the Glen.
The 14 shimmering tracks on Music in the Glen's debut album 'Fuar', pull off melodies of traditional Irish in stunning fashion. Encompassing a bright atmosphere, one feels swept away and taken to the heart of an Irish town, as these songs blend with a mixture of love and hope.
Between Music in the Glen's four members, there are a host of instruments represented: fiddles, uilleann pipes, bouzouki, bodhran, guitar, whistle, concertina and voice.
Music in the Glen have played a myriad of festivals, private parties, weddings, pubs and concert halls throughout the Southeast of America.
To find out more about Music in the Glen, visit their official website at musicglenatlanta.com.
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Catriona McKay - 'Starfish'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'Starfish', the recent CD album by Catriona McKay.
Catriona McKay, musician and composer was born in Dundee, Scotland.
Catriona is a fearless contemporary explorer on the Scottish harp, having collaborated with folk, jazz, classical and experimental artists, as well as co-designing the new Starfish McKay harp, featuring an alternative tuning pattern, as heard on her recent solo album 'Starfish'.
Catriona is a member of the leading Shetland band Fiddlers' Bid and the Chris Stout Quintet. She has a harp and fiddle duo with Chris Stout and plays World/Jazz music with Phil Alexander(piano/box).
In 2007 she was filmed for Transatlantic Sessions 3, BBC 2 Scotland's Music with Phil Cunningham and won Instrumentalist of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards 2007.
To find out more about Catriona McKay, visit her official website at catrionamckay.co.uk.
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Marc Gunn and the Dubliners' Tabby Cats
- 'Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers', the brand new CD album by Marc Gunn and the Dubliners' Tabby Cats.
Are you a Cat lover? Do you love to listen to Irish Drinking Songs?
Combine Cats and Celts and you have 'Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers',
a CD for the wonderfully demented kitty cat fantatic.
Listen to music you've heard on St. Patrick's Day or by The Dubliners, The Clancy Brothers, The Wolfe Tones, and The Irish Rovers. Then laugh as all your favourite Irish Drinking Songs are rewritten with lyrics about cats.
To find out more about Marc Gunn and the Dubliners' Tabby Cats, visit their official website at catdrinkingsongs.com.
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Andi Neate - 'Lion Taming for Astronauts'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'Lion Taming for Astronauts', the brand new CD album by Andi Neate.
Andi Neate is a singer/songwriter of exceptional talent, with a powerful voice, a gift for melody and a memorably quirky turn of phrase. She is a compelling live performer, who has been compared with Suzanne Vega, Ani Difranco and Tori Amos.
Andi does not easily fit into established categories, but draws on a wide range of influences from folk to rock to jazz.
She has recorded with the Bhundu Boys and Ireland’s chart topping Mickey Harte and supported Rab Noakes, John Renbourne, Grammy nominee Eliza Gilkyson, Wolfstone and Horse MacDonald and shared a stage with KT Tunstall.
Andi has released four solo albums including her most recent, 'Lion Taming for Astronauts', which was recorded live at Edinburgh's Bongo Club.
To find out more about Andi Neate, visit her official website at andineate.co.uk.
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Churchfitters - 'Amazing'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'Amazing', the brand new CD album by Churchfitters.
The group Churchfitters was founded in 1978 by singer/songwriter Anthony McCartan from Belfast and multi-instrumentist Geoff Coombs from Essex.
Rosie Short joined soon after its formation having previously been playing in a London-based traditional Irish outfit. During the years that followed, the group frequently changed its line-up making a point of always including members from diverse musical backgrounds in order to maintain a fresh and original approach to Irish music.
In 1993 the duo decided to move to Brittany and was joined by Rosie's brother Chris who had been in London playing in World, Irish and Bluegrass groups. From their base in Brittany they then toured as a trio throughout France and Europe until Anthony's departure in early 2004.
With the arrival of Boris Lebret (double bass and percussion) and Topher Loudon (vocals and guitar), the group's tradition of breaking with the more classic treatment of Irish music has been upheld. And the unique and unmistakable sound of the Churchfitters continues.
To find out more about Churchfitters, visit their official website at churchfitters.com.
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Patrick Street - 'On the Fly'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'On the Fly', the most recent CD album by Patrick Street.
Now in their third decade, Patrick Street are considered "the Irish supergroup" with musical heritages dating straight back to The Bothy Band, Planxty and De Dannan.
The new CD
indicates the opening of an exciting new chapter for the group, as well as a
change in one of its longest-running line-ups.
Andy Irvine has been with Patrick Street since the group formed 22 years
ago. Well established as one of Irish music’s leading singers, his compelling
canon of material draws across time and borders.
Renowned accordion player
and founding member Jackie Daly has decided to step down from the
“Street,” and leaves us with some dynamic playing on the album. Meanwhile,
respected multi-instrumentalist and newest member John Carty makes his
Patrick Street recording debut.
'On the Fly' is the band’s eleventh release and perhaps the most profoundly
traditional, with many of the tunes rooted in the rural music of County Sligo.
Both John Carty and Kevin Burke spent their early years there, soaking up
music that the wider world learned mainly from recordings.
Now considered
two of the finest fiddlers of their generations, they team up here for some
thrilling sets of tunes. John’s imaginative phrasing and Kevin’s silky tone
joyfully portray the rhythmic ebb and flow of the swift, rolling Sligo music on
which they were raised.
To find out more about Patrick Street, visit their record label website at greenlinnet.com.
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Peter Paul Parker - 'Stepping Up'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'Stepping Up', the brand new CD album by Peter Paul Parker.
Peter Paul Parker who comes from Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, describes himself as an 'acoustic rocker' who is into most kinds of music from Motorhead to Mozart.
Studying bass guitar and musical theory at Basstech in Acton enabled Peter to enhance his natural talent and improve his chances as a gigging musician. His first big break was playing bass guitar with the original members of Thin Lizzy at a Phil Lynnot tribute gig.
To find out more about Peter Paul Parker, visit his official website at peterpaulparker.com.
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Four Men & A Dog - 'Wallop The Spot'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is 'Wallop The Spot', the brand new CD album by Four Men & A Dog.
Four Men & A Dog made a name for themselves with their eclectic and vivacious blend of traditional Irish music with a wide spectrum of other genres, including rap, Southern rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, polka, country swing, and even salsa.
They made their debut performance as a band in 'Murphy's Bar', Dungiven, County Derry in 1990 before going on to steal the show at the Belfast Folk Festival later that year, with a high-energy approach that combines furious traditional dance tunes with irreverent new music and inimitatible covers.
The energy, verve and commitment that the five lads have approached this latest project, makes
'Wallop The Spot' a must have for all fans of the award-winning band. The thirteen tracks on offer include deliciously arranged Jigs and Reels, spicy Polkas and exceedingly palatable songs.
To find out more about Four Men & a Dog, visit their official website at fourmenandadog.com.
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Frank Carlier - 'Americana 101'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is Americana 101, the brand new CD album from Frank Carlier.
Frank Carlier defines himself as a hillbilly from West Virginia, and makes no bones about it. But he is much more than that.
He is a viper’s nest of ironies and dichotomies, to use what Carlier would call $20 words.
To find out more about Frank, visit his official website at frankcarlier.com.
Hear tracks from the current featured album throughout this week on Celtic Music Radio 1530AM and here online.
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Nick Keir - 'Fishing up the Moon'
The Celtic Music Radio CD Album of the Week is that brand new offering from Nick Keir entitled 'Fishing up the Moon'.
Nick Keir was born in Edinburgh and studied at the University of Stirling where he gained a degree in literature. In 1973 he and Tony Ireland founded the now legendary folk-rock band Finn macCuill.
In the late 1970s he had a spell with 7:84 Theatre (Scotland) writing and performing the bulk of the songs for the shows "Joe's Drum" and "Swings and Roundabouts" and in 1982 he was invited to join The McCalmans.
In 2004 , together with the group, Nick was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame on the occasion of being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Prize at the Scottish Folk Awards, and in 2005 the group received the Danish Folk Music Prize at the Skagen Festival. Away from the McCalmans Nick is in great demand as a soloist, Nick still lives in Edinburgh.
To find out more about Nick, visit his official website at nick-keir.com
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Rattle the Boards - 'The Parish Platform'
Our CD Album of the Week is the recently released 'The Parish Platform' by Rattle the Boards.
Playing together since 1992, Rattle the Boards have been praised as one of the best traditional acts in Ireland's music scene.
Group members Pat, John and Benny, were all members of the Knocknagow Ceili Band who were based in Clonmel, Co.Tipperary and spend many years playing for dancers throughout Ireland. Benny is also leader of the International supergroup "Danu" and has toured all over the world.
In 1999 Rattle the Boards released their debut album to much acclaim. With many performances in Ireland and Europe over the past years, Rattle the Boards have grown into an act very much sought after.
To find out more about them, visit Rattle the Boards official website at rattletheboards.com.
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Landermason - 'The Reason'
Our CD Album of the Week is 'The Reason' by Landermason.
Released last year, 'The Reason' is a 14 track album which skilfully encompasses both the folk and jazz genres.
The mood of the CD is everchanging as beautiful songs are interspersed with lively jigs and catchy up tempo jazz tracks. All material on the album on the album is original with the exception of track 4, a striking arrangement of the traditional North East song 'When the Boat Comes In'.
Fiona Lander and Paul Mason were performers on the Danny Kyle Open Stage at Celtic Connections 2008. To find out more about them, visit Landermason's official website.
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Annie Grace - 'Take Me Out Drinking Tonight'
Our CD Album of the Week is 'Take me out drinking tonight' by Annie Grace.
***** “A gem-studded collection of songs...
a contender for 2004's best-of list." - Sunday Herald
Annie Grace will be Gordon Hotchkiss’ guest on his programme on Wednesday evening at 7pm.
Annie grew up in the Highland town of Fort William and music played a large part in her formative years - she began learning to play the bagpipes at the tender age of ten.
In February 2004, Annie released her solo debut album 'Take me out drinking tonight' to an overwhelming response, including a 5 star review in the Sunday Herald. The album, a sparkling collection of contemporary and traditional material, shows Annie at her mature and confident best, living up to her reputation as a superb singer and exponent of the whistle.
Find out more about Annie Grace from her official web site www.anniegrace.co.uk
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Bow Triplets - ‘Fair Play to You’
Fair Play to You is the brand new CD album from the Irish-Celtic band who hail from Switzerland - Bow Triplets, and is our featured CD Album of the Week.
With the heartiness of an authentic Irish pub band, and the intonation and technical precision of a symphony orchestra, the Bow Triplets present a sound that has familiar warmth combined with an intellectual stature that creates the recipe for an incredible listening experience.
The Band is a multinational project, well established in Switzerland and abroad through many years of performing and the production of four original CD albums and four compilations. World wide media describe the Bow Triplets as a top notch Celtic band, their traditional interpretations as well as their own compositions get frequent airplay in many radio stations around the world. The musicians come from Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany.
Find out more about Bow Triplets from their official website.
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Ben Sands - ‘Roots & Branches’
To celebrate the performance of Ben Sands at the Live at the Star, St Andrews in the Square, this week’s CD album is Ben Sands 'Roots & Branches'
The album was produced by Ben and Colum Sands, recorded and mixed by Colum Sands at Spring Recording Studios, Rostrevor, Co. Down, Northern Ireland during the summer of 1998.
Ben hails from the frontier town of Newry, County Down on the East coast of Ireland. He has been touring and recording with his sister Anne and brothers Tommy and Colum since the late 1960s. "The Sands Family" have just finished recording their 16th album - "Keep on Singing" and is due for release in April 2008.
Find out more about Ben from his official website.
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Lorna Lavelle - ‘A Thousand Miles Behind’.
This week's Album of the Week is 'A Thousand Miles Behind', the new CD from singer-songwriter Lorna Lavelle.
Lorna Lavelle launched her debut CD album ‘A Thousand Miles Behind’ on 24 March during an exclusive interview on Bill Morris’ evening programme.
After being told for many years, like far too many other women, that she couldn't or shouldn't sing, not even a floor spot, two events happened in quick succession to change that.
Folk legend, the late Bobby Eaglesham, asked her to perform with him at his Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows and independently John McCreadie asked her to collaborate in a new project with him. The path leads from here through the following events, to "A Thousand Miles Behind".
Working with John as a duo, lead to bookings at folk clubs and festivals, but more importantly for Lorna, at sessions, singers she'd admired all her life would say 'Lorna Lavelle for a song.'
The next important development was when Gillian Smith and Gordeanna McCulloch took her under their wing as part of Eurydice and here she learned the harmony singing, so evident on these recordings.
With her new found confidence Lorna felt able to work with other musicians she met on her travels, without her "safety net", some of the fruits of which can be heard on these tracks.
Lorna decided to record some demos, so next Ken Caird came into the mix - recording engineer, multi-instrumentalist, and braw cook!
It became apparent, very quickly, that what was being produced was much more than just a demo session, and so the album was born. 'A Thousand Miles Behind' has given Lorna a chance to pay tribute to the songs, writers and performers that she has loved all her life.
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David Ferrard - ‘Broken Sky’.
This week's Album of the Week is 'Broken Sky', the debut CD from singer-songwriter David Ferrard.
David launched the CD album at the Edinburgh Folk Club venue - The Pleasance Cabaret Bar, The Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh on
Sunday 6 April.
Edinburgh is David's home town and the launch of Broken Sky will be with musicians who play on the album and musician friends, including Roy Bailey, Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth, James Ross & Michelle Burke, Sandy Butler, Karen Dietz, Kim Edgar & The Cast.
David Ferrard will also be the guest of Gordon Hotchkiss on his 'Hotchkiss Hotchpotch' programme on Wednesday evening (19:00-22:00 BST). Gordon will be chatting to David in the Celtic Music Radio studio about his Broken Sky album and his career to date and future projects.
Find out more about David Ferrard and get the CD from his website at: www.davidferrard.com
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Box Club - ‘Box Club’.
This week’s CD album is the debut release from Box Club, a Glasgow band featuring some of Scotland's finest young players:
Mairearad Green, Gary Innes, Angus Lyon and John Somerville all on accordion, Duncan Lyall on Bass, Mike Bryan on guitar and Martin O’Neill on Bodhran.
Bursting with energy and enthusiasm, Box Club are ready to take the music world by storm. With a front line of four young virtuoso accordion players and a remarkably strong rhythm section, this inventive outfit from Glasgow can’t fail to impress.
Four accordions together could be considered a bold experiment but it is one which works extremely well when in the hands of such accomplished musicians.
Find out more about Box Club and get the CD from their website at: www.boxclub.co.uk
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The Duhks - ‘Migrations’.
The Duhks are a band of five skilled, high-energy, tattooed twenty-somethings from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.
The Duhks have won admirers as diverse as David Crosby and Dolly Parton, which isn't surprising given their blend of soul, gospel, North American folk, Brazilian samba, old time country string band, zydeco, and Irish dance music. All of these interwoven acoustic styles are blended with attack on the new album ‘Migrations’
Their unique sound has also earned them a Grammy Award nomination in the Best Country Vocal Performance by a Group or Duo category, one Juno Award, two additional Juno nominations, two Folk Alliance awards, and an Americana Music Association nomination for Best Emerging Artists.
Find out more information about The Duhks and CD ‘Migrations’ at their official website www.duhks.com
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Karine Polwart - ‘This Earthly Spell’.
The bittersweet new album from Karine Polwart ‘This Earthly Spell’ released on 7 March is sure to be one of the biggest selling CDs this year.
The bittersweet, cascading harmonies of “The Good Years” sets the tone for Karine Polwart’s new album ‘This Earthly Spell’. And it’s been a good year indeed for The Scottish Borders based singer, who gave birth to her first child in 2007, and still managed to record enough material for not one but two new albums on her own label imprint Hegri Music.
Find out more information about Karine Polwart and ‘This Earthly Spell’ at her official website www.karinepolwart.com
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Various Artists - ‘Ballads Of The Book’.
To coincide with Aye Write! Glasgow’s book festival, this week’s Celtic Music Radio ‘Album of the Week’ is 'Ballads Of The Book'
The album turned into a significant artistic event with live performances at Glasgow's Celtic Connections, an all day festival as part of Triptych and a sold out show as part of Edinburgh's International Book Festival.
Ballads of the Book is a 17 track CD featuring:
Idlewild, Sons And Daughters, King Creosote, Vashti Bunyan, Mike Heron, Alasdair Roberts, Trashcan Sinatras, Emma Pollock and Aereogramme with writers Edwin Morgan, Alasdair Gray, Ali Smith, AL Kennedy, Robin Robertson, Ian Rankin, John Burnside, Alan Bissett and Louise Welsh.
Hailed as an artistic triumph, the album effortlessly showcased the breadth of talent currently operating in Scotland today.
Find out more information about ‘Ballads Of The Book’ from Chemikal Underground Records here.
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Johnny Coppin & Mike Silver - ‘Breaking the Silence’.
This week’s CD is the long awaited ‘Breaking the Silence’ album by singer-songwriter's Johnny Coppin & Mike Silver.
Now based in Launceston, Cornwall, Mike Silver has been writing and playing music for more than 30 years, enjoying a quiet success story throughout the UK and in various territories around the world.
Find more information about Mike Silver on his official website at www.mikesilver.co.uk
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WoodworX - 'Two Short PlanX'.
Celtic Music Radio ‘Album of the Week’ is by a band called WoodworX and is called 'Two Short PlanX'
This CD was in fact released in 2004 on Poke Records. The group's mainstays are ex-pat Australians Toni Wood (ex Tangled Web, Roseville Fayre) who has been living in Glasgow for some eight years and Brian Heywood (ex Cluster of Nuts Band, enQ, etc).
The pairing is joined on this album by a mixture of British and Australian folk and rock musicians, and the music they create is a beautiful blend of folk styles that draw of both Australian and Scottish traditional sources.
The album is notable for the excellent standard of song writing and musicianship and particular attention must be given to some sublime fiddle playing of Tom Fairbairn.
Find out more about the band on their website: www.woodworx.org
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Ockham’s Razor - ‘Ten Thousand Miles to Bedlam’
Celtic Music Radio ‘Album of the Week’ is by US band Ockham’s Razor and is called ‘Ten Thousand Miles to Bedlam’
Their CD arrived by post to the Celtic Music Radio studio a few weeks ago and was released at the end of last December.
Ockham’s Razor formed in the spring of 2006 and began introducing audiences in the Pacific Northwest to their exciting, youthful style of Irish and Folk music in June 2006 at the Fremont Summer Solstice Festival.
The musical backgrounds and influences of the members of Ockham’s Razor is widely varied which helps create a blending of genre’s into the music the band creates.
With the back beat of an African hand-drum, a guitarist raised on Metallica and the Indigo Girls, a classically trained Violinist with flowing blond, curly hair, a Scottish tin whistler with a green mohawk, the bluegrass influence of the mandolin and banjo and entrancing pulse of the bass, Ockham's Razor isn't your father’s Irish band.
You can hear tracks from this CD album througout the daily daytime programming from Monday 18 February, Click on LISTEN LIVE
Find out more about the band on their website: www.ockhamsrazormusic.com
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Mary Kathleen Burke - ‘A Song In Her Heart’
Celtic Music Radio ‘Album of the Week’ is from Mary Kathleen Burke and her debut album ‘A Song In Her Heart’ - released on Greentrax Records last week.
You can hear tracks from this CD album througout the daily daytime programming from Monday 11 February on Celtic Music Radio on 1530AM and Online.
You can find more information on local singer Mary K Burke at the following link: www.marykburke.co.uk
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Jenna Reid - 'The Laughing Girl'
Celtic Music Radio starts its ‘Album of the Week’ feature with the launch of Jenna Reid’s brand new CD titled 'The Laughing Girl' which she launched on the 26 January 2008 at the Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow.
You can hear tracks from this superb Shetland fiddler throughout the daily daytime programming from Monday 4 February on Celtic Music Radio on 1530AM and Online.
You can find more information on Jenna at the links below:
www.jennareid.co.uk/
www.myspace.com/jennareid
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