I have never been to France, so I haven't been to Brittany/Bretagne/Breizh either. I guess I should visit that northwestern corner of France, because it has a fabulous culture of Celtic music, there's a unique Celtic language and the history of the region is fascinating. And it's where the village of Asterix was located, so … Continue reading My soul dances with Ampouailh’s “Lang(u)ages”!
Category: Artists – A
Tophøj & Barslund’s “Trails and Traces” brings hygge to days leading to winter
Danish folk music's super duo of Andreas Tophøj (fiddle) and Rune Barslund (accordion) released Trails and Traces in 2020 but I just discovered it. Really, there's so much good music and so many great albums released in the Celtic, British and Nordic folk music scene that I like to highlight also older releases - there's … Continue reading Tophøj & Barslund’s “Trails and Traces” brings hygge to days leading to winter
Amy Laurenson’s wonderful “Strands” leaves me exhilarated and emotional
"I believe the phrase 'joie de vivre' was waiting for its moment. It has arrived." Those words are from a supporter of this album on Bandcamp. I quote them here because that is exactly how I feel about this music. And it's not just that the music is brilliant. There's more to it than that. … Continue reading Amy Laurenson’s wonderful “Strands” leaves me exhilarated and emotional
Sunday listening at home: Alaw
Just a quick note: while doing Sunday chores around the house this morning, I have been playing music by the Welsh trio Alaw. In case you didn't know them yet, I can just say that they are skillful, fun, with loads of energy and different moods - everything you could expect from an acoustic Celtic … Continue reading Sunday listening at home: Alaw
Celtic Connections 2023: Ross & Ali Trio, with Startijenn and Beinn Lee
The evening of Sunday 29th at St Luke’s was a nicely balanced three-layer cake of music. We caught most of the Hebrides band Beinn Lee’s set and were duly delighted and entertained by the solid performance. Their trad stylings lean occasionally towards pop and, for me, it sometimes works for them and sometimes not so … Continue reading Celtic Connections 2023: Ross & Ali Trio, with Startijenn and Beinn Lee
Aoife Doyle: Inifinitely Clear
Not Celtic and not folk either, but hey, the Irish singer-songwriter’s third album just made me feel good when taking a walk in the nice spring air yesterday. The album features blue-eyed Irish soul, singer-songwriter stuff, folksier tunes and some laid back jazz colors. Her singing voice is soft and sensitive rather than Aretha-style strong … Continue reading Aoife Doyle: Inifinitely Clear
Album Review / Andrew Waite: Tyde
Let me just say that I find Simon Thoumire's excellent Hands Up For Trad website and his Foot Stompin' podcast most valuable sources for a fanboy like me to spot new and exciting music. It was on one of the more recents podcasts I came across the name of Andrew Waite. Didn't ring no bells … Continue reading Album Review / Andrew Waite: Tyde
“The force of intuition and playing just one note forever”: my interview with Adam Sutherland
Last autumn, when I was only planning this web site, I found myself playing fiddler/composer/teacher Adam Sutherland's solo albums over and over and enthusing about them even to my prog rock loving son (who nodded approvingly). The personality that came through the music was so positive I picked up my courage and sent Adam a … Continue reading “The force of intuition and playing just one note forever”: my interview with Adam Sutherland
Retro Review / Alasdair Fraser: Dawn Dance (1995)
When I began to get interested in Celtic trad and folk, I might have stayed a longer time in the doorstep, peeking curiously in but not really entering the house had it not been for two artists: Capercaillie and Alasdair Fraser. Capercaillie's Celtic crossover was a virtual key to this music to someone who adores … Continue reading Retro Review / Alasdair Fraser: Dawn Dance (1995)
Retro Review / Ailie Robertson: Traditional Spirits (2016)
Ah, the Celtic Harp... Such a fragile sounding instrument; looks great but can you really use it as the central piece in a band context? Yes, you can. If you're Ailie Robertson, that is. Traditional Spirits is a great album for various reasons and I just mentioned one of them: the harp takes many roles here … Continue reading Retro Review / Ailie Robertson: Traditional Spirits (2016)
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