Artist: Abby Green
Album: Éiníní

Abby Green’s Éiníní is, quite simply, gorgeous.  Her website gives her away as a native of Texas, but without that she could easily be taken as a native of much further north.  She is a serious student of Irish Gaelic, as borne out here, and a veteran of Istanpitta Early Music Ensemble, the sensibilities of which echo in this CD.

Her voice is lovely, without blending in with all the other pretty voices singing in the Celtic tradition.  She accompanies her clear, powerful, soaring soprano on an octave mandolin, with E.J. Jones joining her on some tracks playing flute, Scottish small pipes, or great highland bagpipes – and on “Bheir Mi O” she sings unaccompanied but for a beautiful harmony looped in.

Words like “sprightly” and “delightful” are raised back above lukewarm compliments for this CD. The range of tracks in Gaelic, French, and English travels from the haunting title song to the sweetly jaunty “I Know My Love”, to the lullaby-lilting “Castle Dromore”, the wistful “Bheir Mi O”, and the passion that comes through in “Quant Je Sui” whether the words are understood or not.  Her voice is polished without ever sounding slick or generic, and the obvious pleasure she takes in her music is almost as great as the pleasure of listening to it.  This is her first solo CD, and may it be the first of many.

Tracey Stewart is a writer, card-carrying member of the IWG, and, in real life, an office supervisor living in Southern Connecticut. She reviews books, television, movies, and whatever else comes her way on twinned blogs, Stewartry and Walk in the dust, and is delighted to join the crew of Marc Gunn’s Celtic MP3?s Music Magazine.

Artist: Nancy Daily-Green

Album: Delia’s Hearth

A sweet album with an even sweeter sound. That really says it all here.

Nancy Daily-Green has a lovely approach, and her vocals are pretty, as well as rich with feeling. The accompaniment here is delicate, yet well done, and the gentle touch gives many of the tracks here an almost magical feel. Dedicated to Delia O’Halloran, Daily-Green’s neighbor in Ireland, this CD will be something you’ll savor if you’re a fan of ren faire music.

The folk songs compiled here reflect b0th traditional and original music, and they have been chosen carefully to evoke everyday life in the Connemara areas of Counties Galway and Mayo. This isn’t the type of album that explodes into memory, but rather one that steals its way slowly into your heart. You won’t hear rhythmic gymnastics or speedy, intricate instrumentation, but you will hear quality arrangements and thoughtfully chosen tunes.

If your music collection has room for a subtle, folk-styled Celtic CD, this is definitely one to consider. Nancy Daily-Green has taken the time to deliver something wonderful. Those who sample “Delia’s Hearth” will no doubt agree.

Catherine L. Tully specializes in writing about the arts, lifestyle and travel. She is the Owner of 4dancers, a blog for those who love dance, and Editor for Freelance-Zone, an award-winning site for freelance writers. Catherine also reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.

Artist: Maidens IV
Album: Celtic Fire

The four sisters of Maidens IV continue their musical maturation in their latest offering, Celtic Fire.  If you think you know Maidens IV, then get their latest CD and reintroduce yourself.  The opening track features a hard hitting instrumental the girls are known for.  Immediately after however, you are treated with an original composition telling the home front story of the men seeking glory in war.  The beautiful harmonies and background vocals in the original compositions take you on a musical ride.  Also to be found in Fiddlers Drums is a rare percussion solo beautifully done.

A re-imagining of a country classic, Rocky Top, is a surprise in the middle of the CD.  The girl’s talent is really on display as they successfully give the Celtic treatment to a song that helped define the country genre.

Maidens IV mixed the old with the new bringing to life the most beautiful rendition of the Lords prayer I have ever heard.

Maidens IV is one of the groups you use to introduce others to the world of Celtic Music.  Their undeniable talent, relevancy to current life, and unwavering positive messages are the perfect blend of qualities to bring everyone into the world of Celtic music.

T. Scott Stahl is a computer professional, freelance writer, budding woodworker, and writer for the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.

Artist: Marc Gunn
Album: Kilted For Her Pleasure

Marc Gunn has outdone himself with this great new album. “Kilted for her Pleasure” had me alternating between chuckling and laughing out loud. Here you’ll hear the rowdy, fun title track, which sets the tone for the entire CD, as well as some clever parodies, like “A Drop of Vulcan Blood” (for “A Drop of Nelson’s Blood) and more.

Other tracks will make you smile just by their title. After all, who wouldn’t appreciate a tune called “The True History of No Pants Day” or “Call of the Bodice”? With his wry sense of humor, Gunn takes music and infuses a good time–and he’s had a lot of practice at it. What results is a polished, delightful roll through 15 songs that are sure to make your day a little brighter.

This CD is the perfect antidote to the long, gray days of winter, or to lift your spirits on a bad day. If it’s an especially bad one–track through to #13 and start out with the parody on Mary Mac–”Kitty Kat”. Sweet and silly, I can pretty much guarantee you won’t be able to grimace or groan after giving that a listen. Then, kick back and enjoy the rest of the CD. Better yet–invite a friend over and knock back a few while you enjoy the album. After all, laughter is better shared!

Catherine L. Tully specializes in writing about the arts, lifestyle and travel. She is the Owner of 4dancers, a blog for those who love dance, and Editor for Freelance-Zone, an award-winning site for freelance writers. Catherine also reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.

Artist: Henry Martin
Album:On the Salt Sea

This is a good CD of classic Sea Shanties and traditional Celtic music. Henry Martin has a voice reminiscent of Gregg Csikos (The Corsairs, The Shantyman & currently The Rambling Sailors) You would expect to hear him in a traditional Irish pub anywhere in the country. “On the Salt Sea” is a fun, upbeat CD for traditional music lovers, or as an introduction to traditional Celtic pub music.

Many musicians in this genre can be difficult to understand.  Henry Martin excels at enunciation. You can clearly understand the words to all of the songs, even those with a quick tempo. His voice is spotlighted particularly well on the ballad “My Sailor Boy”.

Henry Martin’s vocal tone shines brilliantly in a solo environment. It sounds as though he has over dubbed his voice on some tracks and I think it a shame to muddy such crystal clear waters. He has a powerful, smooth vocal quality that seems to me to have been well trained.

Jessica Brawner, agent with Unbound Booking writing for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine at www.celticmp3s.com . We are an agency that works with performers to bring affordable, educational programing to libraries across the nation. Jessica has been working with Celtic & Folk musicians for ten+ years.  You can find out more about Unbound Booking’s acts and mission at www.unboundbooking.com

Artist:  New Minstrel Revue
Album:  Far and Away

New Minstrel Revue has been playing the festival circuit for years.  Far and Away is their ‘debut’ album offering.  You will find 13 tracks mostly filled with classic songs like “Blackleg Miner”, “Bedlam Boys”, and “The Minguelay Boat Song”.  The ubiquitous guitar and harmony of the male vocals create a mellow ambiance while listening to this album.  Base, flute, and mandolin keep the music engaging and distinct.

An especially stand out track is “Molly Would You Wait For Me”.  Molly is a story about a hapless man who makes poor choices in life.  While in Jail the man puts all his hope into a woman, Molly, who is very unlikely to return his affections.  One can only speculate about the sequel when he finally confronts Molly with his love.

The only criticism of this album is New Minstrel Revue played it too safe by staying with so many classic songs.  They have the talent and creativity to gather a following around original music.

T. Scott Stahl is a computer professional, freelance writer, budding woodworker, and writer for the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.

Artist: Celtic Squall
Album: Celtic Squall

In this, their first album, Celtic Squall gives an impressive performance. Formed by Heather Greene, and her husband Stu Venable, whose other bands’ (The Merry Wives of Windsor and The Poxy Boggards, respectively) styles didn’t leave them much room to perform small-group traditional Celtic music. Greene does an admirable job on the recorder and Venable does equally well on the electric and upright bass. In addition to Greene and Venable are Claire Broderick on bouzouki and Phil Schwadron playing all manner of drums and the harmonica. Together with tight four-part harmony, they are a perfect fit for these songs.

The first tracks start it off wonderfully with “Ca the Yowes to the Knowes” and couple of well-paced renditions of “All Among the Barley” and “Drop of Good Beer.” Oh course, there is also more serious fare such as the traditional song “The Forsaken Mother and Child” and “Coal Miner Song,” an original song by Stu Venable in the fine tradition of angry folk songs. Of all of these, one of my favorites is the murder ballad “Sam Hall,” an old English folk song that most people know by the Johnny Cash version; here Celtic Squall use the tune of “Ye Jacobites by Name,” and it is as dark, and as imprecatory a song as you could ask for. However, great as that is Celtic Squall saves the best for last with a truly rocking version of “The Parting Glass.”

My only complaint with this album is that it is entirely too short with a running time of only a little over forty minutes. I suppose we will just have to wait patiently for their next album. I think the wait will be worth it, but in the meantime you should get this one.

Gail Rybak is an occasional writer, artist and she helps run Amelia’s Heirlooms. She is also a full-time geek and cat owner, and enjoys writing for .

The Rogues barely need introduction. Their trademark sound, heavily infused with bagpipes, have made them one of the top Celtic music acts today. And that sound is exactly what you’re going to get on American Highlander. The album gently eases you into that typical Rogues atmosphere with ‘Steam Train’ and ‘Aidan’s Hornpipe’, and then really picks up with the titular track.

Then, the album makes a rather unexpected turn with ‘153 (The Simpleton’s Lament)’, which is a rather poppy track, and the first one to be vocal. It’s definitely a catchy song, but the build-up to it is perhaps a bit strange. Then the band slip back into the familiar territory of the traditional bagpipe and drum sound with the excellent ‘The Waterfall’.

This is kept up until the end of the album, with a live track thrown in for good measure, and ending with a bang with another great vocal track, ‘Centerfold’. The Rogues show with this album how good they are at making genuinely entertaining music. One thing though: you may prefer to play the tracks separately, as the album doesn’t seem to be compiled for listening to back-to-back in a single session.

Artist: The Rogues
Buy Album: American Highlander

Jan Jacob Mekes has a passion for history, writing, and writing history (and music, of course). He runs an online cultural magazine, Cultural Zest. You can read more examples of his writings on his portfolio. Jan also writes reviews for Marc Gunn’s Celtic MP3s Music Magazine at www.celticmp3s.com.

by J. Wallace

Canadian Heather Dale’s fifth release is an excellent find. The Road to Santiago finds her in top form, with confident and often sassy vocals. The album has some fine Celtic textures including good double fiddle on The Greyhound, and just the right amount of guitar on the nearly a capella Holly, Ivy and Yew.

Heather Dale has been compared to Loreena McKennitt and Sarah McLachlan, but her interest in Arthurian legends and Native American imagery gives the music an added dimension that’s a joy to discover. The Road To Santiago has its roots set firmly in Gaeldom, but there are many influences at work including a taste of piano blues on Confession, and on Sedna, there’s a hint of Australian aboriginal sounds that would fall flat in lesser hands. On this CD it works quite well.

Medusa is one of the best songs on the CD, and probably one with a good deal of commercial potential. Heather Dale puts herself on par with Tori Amos here-no easy feat-but this song rises to its own category. The energy running through Medusa is worth the price of the entire album.

Dale is getting some much-deserved attention. Her tours have extended beyond Canada into the UK and America, and the singer’s popularity is growing fast. After hearing The Road To Santiago, it’s easy to understand. Her confidence and skill behind the microphone make it easy to forget you’re listening to a studio album instead of a live performance. This could be one of the best Celtic-influenced CDs of the year.

Artist: Heather Dale

Buy the Album: “The Road to Santiago”

by Michelle Osborne

I first came across Marc Gunn in a Celtic music community I belonged to. Intrigued by his intelligent comments, I wandered over to his website and discovered several mp3s from both him and his duo, The Brobdingnagian Bards (who he has several other CDs available with). I never quite know what to expect from independent artists. I was very pleased to find that Marc’s music (and the Bards as well) is the kind that is easy to fall in love with upon first listening to it.

Soul of the Harper, released in 2004, is a compilation of Marc’s solo endeavours from 2000-2003. The music ranges from solo autoharp instrumentals to both traditional songs and tunes. This is, perhaps, the true beauty of this album, and gives you a true picture of what this artist is about. It is not purely traditional, purely composed, purely song, or purely instrumental. It is a combination of all four of these elements, which enables the music to stay fresh with each subsequent track.

Highlighting a few of my particular favourites on this album is difficult, as I enjoy each song and tune. “The Parting Glass” is one of the highest points of the album. A traditional Irish song sung with no accompaniment, it is soulfully rendered by Marc’s deep, velvety voice. Also a high point is “The Leprechaun,” one of Marc’s composed songs, which shows his humourous side. Written in 2001, it’s chock full of silly voices that are bound to make you laugh, as well as some light self-mockery, and creates an analogy between the modern idea of a Leprechaun and the unfortunate antiquated thinking of some Celtic musicians. Upbeat with a rollicking autoharp accompaniment, this song is just fun to listen to. On the more serious side of Marc’s own songs is “The Bridge,” a song about the distances so many will go for love.

At turns romantic, silly, nostalgic, and fun, this album has something for everyone on it and comes highly recommended.

Artist: Marc Gunn

Buy the Album: Soul of a Harper