Show 23 - Spring Forward
This week we feature the music of:
Andrew McFayden (The Connor and Liam March)
Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters (Roll On)
UglyStick (Will I make It Back Home)
Beyond The Pale (Sligo)
Siochana (Standin’ on the Corner)
For more information on the artists featured on the Celtic Folk Podcast, including links and pics, click on www.celticfolkpod.com.
CFP23 Show Notes:
Spring Forward. We delve a little this week into the more folky side of some of the artists that have been featured on past Celtic Folk Podcasts.
We lead off with Andrew McFayden, who has an interesting story describing how he came to learn how to speak Gaelic, then we take a listen to four bands that, without doubt are Celtic bands, but like to show their multi-dimensional abilities when it comes to their music.
Andrew McFayden - The Connor and Liam March.
Roots/Celtic music in the time-honoured Scottish Gaelic language and tradition with minimal accompaniment and rich vocal arrangements.
Instrumentation
Andrew McFayden - Gaelic vocals, keyboard
Biography
What gives an artist his flavour?
Andrew McFayden was born and raised in the Dryden area in Ontario on August 25, 1973.
Having heard the singing of the Canadian group “The Rankins”, and the Scottish group “Capercaillie”, he decided to teach himself the Scottish Gaelic language. In 2000, he discovered the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts in Nova Scotia. He’s been attending every summer since 2000, learning Gaelic and Gaelic song from teachers at the College, local Gaelic-speakers.
In 2003, various friends of Andrew had asked him about recording an album. In May 2004, Andrew decided to put one together with Rocketfish Productions in Prince George. The result was an album that reflects the personality of the artist - an eclectic mix of studio and live-performance songs yet is pointedly traditional in its flavour. “It’s eclectic. It’s different. It’s a reflection of me,” says Andrew
Andrew loves heavy drum beats and would love to incorporate this into future works. He especially likes African and Hispanic rhythms and musical styles. He would also love to fuse the deep Gaelic musical tradition with different genres of music, specifically but not restricted to jazz, blues, and funk. “Gaelic music is not something from the past,” says Andrew, “It is a living, breathing language with a cultural and musical style that is unlike anything in the world. Fusing ancient and modern Gaelic song with other musical styles would be a wonderful thing to do.” Andrew cites Scottish group Capercaillie (with lead singer Karen Matheson), and Cape Breton songstress Mary Jane Lamond as his greatest Gaelic fusion influences. He also admires the work of the late young Scottish musician Martyn Bennett on his album “Glen Lyon”. Andrew welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with other artists.
Andrew has begun to develop his song writing side through using the Scottish Gaelic language. He has written several songs with the intention of recording them at a later date.
Although his preference is to sing in Gaelic, Andrew also speaks French and Spanish fluently and is willing to sing in those languages as well as English. Gaelic, however, will always remain his primary focus and his heart’s favourite.
He has begun work on a second release with the help of the award-winning Lakewind Sound Studio in Cape Breton as well as through studio work in Prince George. It is hoped that it will be released in late 2007.
A Gaelic speaker, singer, and songwriter from northern British Columbia who speaks three other languages is unique in Canada. That is what gives this artist his flavour!
Website
http://www.grianmcbuttons.ca
Discography
2004 - An Rathad Cam, ’s An Rathad Dìreach (The Crooked Road and The Straight Road)
August 2006 - work to begin on second cd release with award-winning Lakewind studio in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. This release promises to have modern arrangements as well as traditional and roots-flavoured tracks.
Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters - Roll On.
Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters are one of the most exciting, energetic, and entertaining Irish bands you’ll ever see.
Instrumentation
Roger Drawdy: lead vocals, guitar, octave mandolin, tin whistle
Kathy Woods: fiddle, mandolin, backing vocals
John McBride: bodhrán, backing vocals
Eric Sayer: bass, Irish flute, accordion, tin whistle
Mark Milliron: drums, percussion
Biography
Roger Drawdy of County Cork Ireland, and his band the Firestarters play a mix of Traditional and original Irish music with a distinctive sound. Called “air punching acoustic rockers” by Irish Music Magazine; they deliver the goods.
Thought provoking lyrics, haunting melodies, and thunderous live performances are the keys to their success. The Firestarters formed in 2000 and have played in numerous venues throughout the US. Their new cd “Open Seas, Empty Skies” released July 2005 promises to take them to the top of the Irish music scene.
Before forming the Firestarters, Roger released two solo albums, “Longing for Home” and “Dance in the Heather.” He gained international attention with the release of his track “For Erin’s Sake” on the “Trees are Life” Cd produced in Dublin, Ireland by the Earth Wisdom Foundation. Together with the Firestarters he has released four Cds: “The Emancipated Hostage” in 2000, “Touched by the Sun” in 2001, “Live Fire” in 2003, and their latest release “Open Seas, Empty Skies.”
The band is traveling more in 2007. In February, The Firestarters perform on two stages each day for the Savannah Irish Festival, which is certain to be a rich experience with beautiful weather and wonderful people. Early in March, the band again travels to Dallas to perform both Saturday and Sunday on the main stage at the North Texas Irish Festival. Warm crowds and grand weather illustrate why this festival has become so enormous. The month of March also includes a very important event in Indianapolis (Leopalooza) through which money was raised in the name of Bobby Sands to help aid St. Mary’s Primary School, Ballymena in the north of Ireland, which has been the target of violence.
People often ask why “The Firestarters?”
It’s very simple really. We were playing at my “Dance in the Heather” CD release party at Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub, and I thought it would be cool to have a fog machine. A girl I had playing the harp for me got cold. She closed the window I had opened for ventilation and set off the flipin’ fire alarm! It did not take long for the Fire Department to show up.
People thought it was part of the act. But the Fire Department did not quite share their enthusiasm.
We were fined $50. After that “The Firestarters” just stuck.
Website
http://www.roger.drawdy.com
Discography
Longing for Home released 1998
Dance in the Heather released 2000
Emancipated Hostage released 2001
Touched by the Sun released 2001
Live Fire released 2003
Open Seas, Empty Skies released July 2005
UglyStick - Will I Make It Back Home.
Traditional Celtic/East Coast music with an alternative flavour; a little funk, a little rock, a little jazz and a unique sound, truely Canadian.
Instrumentation
Tyree Lush - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Bodhran
Dana Arrowsmith - Fiddle, Backing Vocals
Steve Tudge - Bass Guitar
James Rock - Percussion
Biography
The members of UglyStick are anything but new to the festival scene. In fact, the core
members of UglyStick have played across Canada hitting festivals from as far East as
Newfoundland to the West coast in British Columbia. Tyree Lush, Singer/Song Writer,
hails from Newfoundland. Dana Arrowsmith, fiddle, was raised in Sudbury Ontario and
Steven Tudge, Bass, was born in Cold Lake, Alberta. These three members have
been playing together for a number of years. Once part of another group that played
the Canadian festival circuit, they have performed at such events as the Lunenburg Folk
Festival, Newfoundland’s George Street Fest, Celtic Colors in Cape Breton, The Ottawa
Jazz Festival and Tulip Festival to name a few. Percussionist James Rock is from Orleans,
Ontario and has extensive musical education from both the University of Ottawa and the
University of Toronto.
As UglyStick, they have played festivals, clubs, private functions, and fairs across
Canada from coast to coast and as far North as Iqualuit. In the band’s first year,
they headlined at the Multiculural Mozaic Festival in Regina, Saskatchwan, The
Festival Musique du Bout du Monde in Gaspe Bay, Quebec, and the Folk Arts and Music
Festival in Atlin, British Columbia.
Described as “high energy”, “passionate”, and “crowd pleasing”, UglyStick plays both
traditional and original Celtic music. In 2007, they hope to expand into the United
States and Europe where they intend to share their Celtic flavour and origional pieces.
Website
http://www.uglystick.ca
Discography
Four Track Disc
1) The Keeper
2) Will I make it back home
3) D’arcy and his boat
4) Dark Cove
Beyond The Pale - Sligo.
Beyond The Pale delivers a wild ride with stunning harmonies and dazzling instrumental flare. Weaving Roots/Folk music of the world together with original songs, they cook up a tasty “eceltica” stew on fiddle, flute, hammered dulcimer, accordion, guitar, bodhran, whistle, concertina and saxophone.
Instrumentation
Gordon McLeod–fiddle, guitar, mandolins, vocals.
Betsy Cummings–Accordion, bodhran, vocals
John Delaney–Wooden flute, hammered dulcimer, whistles, concertina, saxophone
Christy McLeod–Guitar, bodhran, harmonica, percussion
Biography
True to their name, Beyond The Pale delivers a wild musical ride outside the boundaries of convention. Delighting audiences for over twelve years, the band is grounded in the traditional roots music of America,Northern Europe and Ireland with imaginative ventures across musical borders. Where else can you experience fiery reels, haunting ballads, outrageously humorous songs and music from around the world including Mexican polkas and Texas swing?
Expect the unexpected as fiddle, flute, hammered dulcimer, accordion, guitar, saxophone whistles concertina, mandolin and percussion hold you in a melodic spell and whisk you around the dance floor. And, the entire band sings, from well-crafted original songs to “celticized” versions of contemporary songs ranging from 1930s music hall songs to stunning a capella pieces to Grand Ole Opry favorites and classics form the British Pop invasion. Are we having fun yet?–You bet!
Beyond The Pales’ eclectic and diverse mix of traditional celtic and contemporary styles and is the key to their popularity. They have developed their unique sound by blending their own original songs and compositions with an array of traditional dance tunes and folk songs of Ireland, America Scotland and Europe using a wide range of instruments including fiddle, flute, accordion, guitar, hammered dulcimer, tin whistle, saxophone, harmonica, concertina, mandolin, clarinet, bodhran, percussion and of course the voices of band members.
Beyond The Pale have been featured performers at some of the largest music festivals in the USA including in The North Texas Irish Festival ( Dallas) and The Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games (Arlington). They have shared billing at these events with the top Celtic groups in the world including Altan, Tim O’Brien, Eileen Ivers, Solas, Danu, Lunasa, Dervish, Silabh Notes, Teada, to name just a few. In addition to these large events, BTP give frequent concert and festival performances throughout Texas and the South Central US and occasionally as far afield as Ireland and France. They have appeared live on National Public Radio’s “The Glenn Mitchell Show” and ” No Cover” and on RTE, Ireland ” Live From Miltown”. Beyond The Pale’s members have performed throughout the USA and in Europe.
Beyond the Pale’s popular recordings include their new CD, The Music Plays Me as well as Queen of Skye, (2004) Strange Turns (2002) Angel On The 7th Stair (1999) and Life Is All Chequered (1997). It has been said that their latest CD The Music Plays Me is like Tim O’Brien meeting The Chieftains. Beyond The Pale’s recordings feature a diverse blend of traditional, original and contemporary songs and folk dance tunes from the Irish and Scottish to American and Canadian and Europe ranging from fiery Irish reels to plaintive Scottish folk songs and even include a Mexican Polka, and covers of songs by Elton John, Janis Ian, Laurie Lewis, The Red Clay Ramblers, Todd Rundgren, Dolly Parton and Hank Williams. Their original songs are humorous, stirring, haunting, and always true to the band’s heritage.
Gordon McLeod plays fiddle, guitar, bodhran, mandolin, bass, sings lead and backing vocals and composes original tunes and songs. Gordon has been performing and composing music all of his life as a solo artist, a member of several bands and as a recording session artist. He has performed over much of the United States as well as in Ireland and France. BTPs latest CD The Music Plays Me, feature Gordon’s original songs as do their earlier releases , “Queen of Skye”, “Strange Turns” and “Angel on the 7th Stair.” He also works as a producer, specializing in acoustic, roots oriented music. His original songs, including the award-winning “Hester”, have been featured on several releases aside from Beyond The Pale’s recordings including Pinnacles Record Company’s new release, “Celtic Energy”.
Betsy Cummings plays piano accordion and bodhran and sings a wonderful array of traditional and contemporary songs. Betsy has been performing Celtic music for many years and is also and currently President of the Southwest Celtic Music Association. Formerly with the renowned group Lost Tribe, Betsy’s wonderful voice combined with her sensitive feeling for the music and skillful fingers on the accordion keys, along with her knack for picking the most captivating songs add a rich dimension to Beyond The Pale’s sound.
Christy McLeod’s natural soulfulness shows not only in her beautiful singing and guitar playing but in her wit and instant rapport with her audiences as well. Christy began performing in her early teens. She plays guitar, harmonica, bodhran and percussion and sings lead and backing vocals. Christy has performed over much of the United States and in Ireland and France as well. She is also a gifted and witty songwriter. For example, her composition “The Music Plays Me” is the title track of Beyond The Pale’s latest CD ” The Music Plays Me”.
John Delaney brings a wealth of talent to Beyond The Pale. John plays flute, hammered dulcimer, tin whistle, concertina and saxophone and adds his dulcet baritone to the band’s vocal performances as both a lead and backing vocalist. John has been performing Irish, Scottish and other traditional music for many years with several well known groups including Lost Tribe, Rakish Paddy and Slim Richey. He is well known as a talented multi-instrumentalist and his vocal talents are often the highlight of the band’s shows.
Website
http://www.beyond-the-pale.com
Discography
The Music Plays Me 2006
Further Beyond 2005
Queen of Skye 2004
Strange Turns 2002
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Siochana - Standing on the Corner.
Síochána (pronounced sha kahw naa) are 2005 MUSICNL Entertainer of the Year nominee. Síochána which is gaelic for “Peace” are high energy on stage and play a mixture of original, Traditional Newfoundland music, bluegrass, Celtic, folk and some rock and roll.
Instrumentation
Darrin Feehan - accordion & guitar, lead & harmony vox
Jim Carroll - guitar, mandolin, accordion, tin whistle & bodhran, lead & backup vox
Wayne James - guitar & mandolin, lead & harmony vox
Jim Feehan - guitar & bodhran, lead & harmony vox
Bruce Mesh - bass guitar, lead & backup vox
Biography
Síochána (pronounced sha kahw naa) is based in St. John’s, NL, Canada. Síochána is gaelic for Peace. The band is made up of six (5) talented singers, musicians and songwriters. Founding members Darrin Feehan & Jim Carroll are joined by Wayne James, Bruce Mesh & Jim Feehan.
For more than 7 years Síochána, has evolved from a kitchen band to one of the best party bands in the city. They are known for their high energy on stage. Besides their own original material, the band plays a wonderful mixture of traditional Newfoundland music as well, bluegrass, Celtic, folk and some old rock and roll. They play crowd pleasing jigs such as “The Jig Is Up” and shanty’s like “The Last Shanty” to 5 part harmonies on “Fox on the Run” and their own version of the Eagles classic “Seven Bridges Road”.
In September 2005, all their hard work paid off with two Music NL Award nominations (formerly known as MIANL). They were nominated for Entertainer of the Year and SOCAN Song of the Year for Jim Feehan’s song, “Dance Me Away”.
In 2000, with the help of several local artists, Síochána released their first CD entitled “COPS FOR CANCER” “on the beat”. All profits for this compilation CD were donated to charity.
In October 2002 they released their second compilation charity CD in support of four local children’s charities entitled “COPS FOR KIDS” “….the beat goes on”.
With the success of the first two CD’s, the support of family and friends and the encouragement of an ever growing fan base, Síochána released a third CD in February of 2005. This disc was aptly entitled, Síochána “On Our Own” and was recorded “Live” at Bridie Molloy’s on George Street. For the first time this group of six were releasing a CD that was all Síochána, not a compilation and it was not for charity.
Since the CD’s release in February, 2005, they have seen many of their 9 original songs receive regular air play on the local radio stations. Their CD is now being played on a host of internet radio stations from California to New York and Edmonton to Toronto. The success of songs like “Dance Me Away”, “Take Me Home”, “Standin’ On The Corner” and the title track “On Our Own”, have caused the boys to be a hot commodity, giving them one of the busiest schedules around appearing at local festivals & conferences as well as regular club appearances and private functions in and around the city.
The 2006 festival season was especially busy time for Síochána and August will marked their 4th straight appearance at the annual George Street Festival. It is the premier event of the festival season. In October, the boys will appear on stage at the Arts & Culture Centre at the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Gala. They were chosen because of their ability and diversity and will be backed up by the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra.
On March 24, 2006, Dance Me Away, written by Jim Feehan reached # 1 on The Country Edge and RWAM charts. It had been at # 2 for a week before reaching the top spot. Released by Síochána February 2005, the song has found a new resurgence in a new national / international market. Síochána is very excited that their music is reaching new markets. The song remained in the top 100 for nearly 20 weeks.
For the past seven plus years, they have jumped at every chance thrown their way to play at charity functions from the Janeway Telethon to Celebrity Secrets and the Badger Relief to the Mermaids Gala, or showcasing their talents at events like the
Scott Tournament of Hearts, the final regular season home game for the St. Johns Maple Leafs or the 2004 ECMA 72 Hour Jam.
They appear regularly at local festivals and local clubs, as well as attending a number of conferences & private functions.
They have showcased in Dublin & Wexford Ireland,
Labrador City and Ottawa Ontario, in 2005.
Their music was also featured in a DVD entitled
“Canadian Curling Experience” which was produced by CBC and released nationally.
In April 2006, they were honoured to headline a video “Kitchen Party” sent to the troops in Afghanistan. They opened for The Masterless Men at the Shamrock Festival and for the Celtic Connection at the George Street Festival “Kitchen Party”.
They headlined at the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Gala in October 2006. They played several selections, backed by the Symphony Orchestra. December they will headline the 33rd Annual Avalon Mall/VOCM Happy Tree Concert.
Website
http://www.siochana.ca
First Annual Celtic Folk Scotland Tour - September 2007
Ever wanted to visit Scotland and see the real sights, visit a real, traditional pub session with great artists playing wonderful Celtic and traditional music, visit the hidden sights of a country steeped in over 6000 years of history?
Come join me on our first ever Celtic Folk Scotland Tour in late September 2007. I’ll be serving as your tour guide, driver, pub advisor and personal shopper for the trip. We have put together the Itinerary and have posted a pdf file right here in the Celtic Folk Podcast show notes - just check a few posts back.
The Celtic Folk Scotland Tour will be a limited opportunity for Celtic Folk Podcast listeners on a first-come, first-served basis, so email me quickly if you’re interested.
The ShowStopper Track:
Don’t forget to vote for your favorite track from this week’s podcast by emailing us, telling us who you want to hear again and we’ll tally the votes and crown the winner the ShowStopper Track. So drop us a line and tell us who you liked the best of the four great tracks this week.
Colin Grant - Drive ‘er like ya stole ‘er!
“Under the Blue” CD Giveaway.
Once again, I encourage you to register at CelticFolkPod.com and leave a comment on one or more of the shows. We gladly welcome all feedback so we can improve the show, whether that is the production side or the content. We are planning more giveaways throughout the coming year and a biggie for Christmas and you can only qualify for our Christmas present if you register at www.CelticFolkPod.com.
But who, I hear you ask, won Alan Reid and Rob van Sante’s “Under the Blue” CD? Congratulations Emily Malcolm. I’ll be sending you an email and we’ll have Under the Blue sent to you this week.
Please help us support these fine artists by taking a look at their websites, buying their music or at least let them know how much you enjoyed listening to their music on the Celtic Folk Podcast.
Check out our parent website at www.upbeatcafe.com where you’ll find a schedule of great live music, as well as our Online Music Shop were you can buy those old-fashioned CD’s, as well as digital downloads.
STOP PRESS We are currently uploading all the digital tracks and “Sip-A-Clips” to the server. We will be opening this new shop just as soon as we can. You’ll be able to find it here when it goes live. Stay tuned for more updates on our progress.
Like to listen to great new, independent music of all genres from all around the world? Subscribe to our other weekly podcast Upbeat Radio. We feature excellent music for all tastes.
A note for Artists:
Would you like to have your music included on a future Celtic Folk Podcast? Just email us or submit a song to us through Sonicbids.
Please, please, please give us some feedback and let us know how we’re doing. All podcasters live for feedback, both good and bad - it let’s us know what you, our listener and subscriber, want to hear. Email us at info@celticfolkpod.com
