April Celtic Radio CD giveaway - Kierah is a passionate virtuoso fiddler, with a passion for timeless Celtic melodies. The artist’s high-level musicianship is apparent from the very first notes of the opening number, as she is able to combine technical proficiency with a spontaneous, natural feel.
Searson's “Home Grown” stands out as a very strong statement for a band that’s built on two simple ingredients before anything else: passion and vision. These talented sisters have a true desire to bring great music to life and share it with listeners throughout the world.
From their website, “Known for their captivating sound and engaging stage presence, Burning Bridget Cleary is currently one of the hottest young acts on the Celtic and folk music circuits. Band-leader Rose Baldino drives this band, delivering a dynamic blend of charisma, crackerjack fiddle work, and tightly woven harmonies. The front of the band is shared with some of the best fiddle talent on the East Coast. Currently featured is Amy Beshara, a multi-talented musician from the the NYC Scottish trad scene. The driving rhythm and bass end is supplied by Lou Baldino on guitar and Peter Trezzi on percussion.”
Burning Bridget Cleary have been working really hard to build their reputation as an exciting live act as well as excellent studio musicians. Their recent album, “These Are The Days” is a collection of songs that feel energetic, passionate and understated, translating the spirit of Celtic music with elegance and enthusiasm. Their engaging approach to music and the youthfulness of their performances are a true breath of fresh air for a group who isn’t only technically well-rounded, but also emotionally connected to the songs they perform. The have their hearts and their chops aligned, as they fill their songs with flamboyant fiddle licks, stunning harmonies and solid rhythm work courtesy of a skill percussion / bass section.
“These Are The Days” is chockfull of songs that showcase the most colorful and energetic side of traditional music. For example, their explosive rendition of “Madam I’m a darling” is a great example of the band’s musical prowess as well as their engaging approach. The band also shines on their instrumental work, including tracks such as “Chloe’s Passion”, where the fiddle truly takes its well-deserved place under the spotlight. Instrumental music has always been among my favorite expressions, and when you blend the Celtic tones and aesthetics with some really high quality musicianship, it is truly incredible to see things unfold. It is almost like a direct line that starts from the heart of the player, going to their mind, their hands, their instruments, and straight into the ears and hearts of the audience. From their most melancholic and heart-breaking tunes to their most up-beat and energetic vibes, these guys know how to rock some folk and get an audience truly excited! This band does a commendable job at keeping the authenticity of the Celtic sound alive, while approaching their genre with a playful, endearing twist that makes the music even more special. “These Are The Days” is ultimately a great snapshot of the band’s talent and personality! 5 stars from Celtic Radio!
1. Madam I'm a Darling 2. Chloe's Passion (Skin the Peelers / Chloe's Passion / Farewell to Whalley Ridge) 3. Another Day 4. A Day in the Life of Lou (The Pistachio Nut / The Pizza Connoisseur) 5. Bill Oja's Waltz 6. Tha Mi Sgith 7. Portherhead and BBC Set (Girl of the House / Stan Chapman's / Boys of Ballymoat) 8. The Mountain 9. Scones of Boxty (Farewell to Milltown / Three Scones of Boxty / Reel D'Issodun) 10. Return Of Skelly Shelly 11. Pipe Set (Over the Isles to America / Miss McLeod's)
Reely Jiggered , 02 ABC Winners of the SoundWave Music Competition 2014, are bursting with talent, alive with creativity and live to perform. They are inspired by Celtic Folk music, intrigued by World beats and melodies and drawn to an interesting and unique fusion of funk, rock, pop and jazz taking folk music to new heights.
If you could cherry pick a keyword to define Reely Jiggered's blend of sound, I'd chose contamination. Their eclectic approach to Celtic Folk Music takes a detour to explore wildly diverse genres, including funk, rock, pop, jazz and world - going for a truly explosive and infectious feast of rhythms.
This is not merely "folk music", but an exciting sonic journey throughout the world's most popular folk tradition, showcasing them in all their diversity, while highlighting what they commonly share - the glue that keeps it all together.
Reely Jiggered's aptly titled studio effort, Kaleidoscope, is a colorful release were notes, melodies and textures are free to fly in the air like confetti and ribbons: picture a bunch of drunken Celts storming a Brazilian Carnival!
The band's song are complex, yet extremely direct, fun and relatable. 5 stars from Celtic Radio!
Kaleidoscope
5.0 Stars!
Track List
1. Warrior 2. Parting Glass 3. Diablo In Kilarrow 4. Cuban Brenda Cutting the Bracken 5. La Llorona 6. Folk Police 7. Kaleidoscope 8. John Anderson 9. Scarborough Fair 10. Clumsy Lover 11. La Llorona Carnival (Bonus Track)