My soul dances with Ampouailh’s “Lang(u)ages”!

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”!

Dowally continues to evolve with “Ici et là-bas”

For reasons I can't for the life of me remember, I did not write a word on the fab duo of Rachel and Dan's 2021 releases, the gentle folk/singer-songwriter style early bird // night owl (yep, that's the album title) and the almost 100 % instrumental mini-album (at 26 minutes) ReDrawing Edinburgh, music for a … Continue reading Dowally continues to evolve with “Ici et là-bas”

The waiting is over for Socks in the Frying Pan

Jeez, it's almost a decade since the previous studio album from Ireland's brilliant Socks in the Frying Pan. I believe they've been otherwise active all these years, though, and when inspiration finally came and they headed for the studio, Waiting For Inspiration came out sounding fresh and vibrant late last year. In the cover photo, … Continue reading The waiting is over for Socks in the Frying Pan

Countercurrent’s “Flow” brightens these dark times!

It must have been one of those Bandcamp recommendations... Because I have zero recollection of ever hearing or reading about the folk duo from the Northwestern corner of the US before I found myself pressing play on Flow, their brand new release, the third album in their discography. When you don't really know what's coming, … Continue reading Countercurrent’s “Flow” brightens these dark times!

Dreamers’ Circus goes back to Danish folk roots – kind of – with “Handed On”

We have seen Dreamers' Circus, the pride of Denmark's modern folk scene, on stage only once. That was in Celtic Connections 2023 when they played in the main hall of the Royal Concert Hall. Their gig was preceded by Finland's very own Frigg who were absolutely great (and we were patriotically so proud in the … Continue reading Dreamers’ Circus goes back to Danish folk roots – kind of – with “Handed On”

Calan goes out in a blaze of glory with “Nefydd”

So sad... I'm sure there are perfectly good reasons for Calan to wrap up their amazing journey, from supertalented youngsters to the undisputed masters and stars of modern Welsh folk. But I can't but feel a bit forlorn here. I have loved their music, and now that they present us with their finest work, they … Continue reading Calan goes out in a blaze of glory with “Nefydd”

Finally checking out some fine music on my checklist

Whoa - an entire month has flown by without any blog posts. Good excuses, though: day job hassles, preparing for some gigs with my band (rock, not folk) and - most of all - a nine-day visit to the Southern and Inner Hebrides + one day in Oban. Loved Islay, adored Iona, was blown away … Continue reading Finally checking out some fine music on my checklist