Tag Archives: Celtic music

Dick Hensold’s Big Music for Northumbrian Smallpipes

Christopher Conder wrote this review. Despite his being a respected musician throughout North America, this appears to be the first solo album from Minnesota-based Dick Hensold. The remit here is to explore and expand the role of Hensold’s main instrument, … Continue reading

Posted in Music | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Dick Hensold’s Big Music for Northumbrian Smallpipes

The Poozies’ Changed Days, Same Roots

The Poozies include Karen Tweed (accordion, vocal), Patsy Seddon (electro-harp, Aziliz – a small Celtic harp, fiddle, vocal), Mary MacMaster (electro-harp, Aziliz, temple bells, clarsach, vocal), and Eilidh Shaw (fiddle, vocal). This recording is my introduction to the group and … Continue reading

Posted in Music | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The Poozies’ Changed Days, Same Roots

Straight Furrow’s Get Your Breath Back

Michelle Erica Green wrote this review. Straight Furrow began life playing Norfolk barn dances and now perform Celtic music all over East Anglia with a blend of traditional and innovative instrumentation. While their website emphasizes the weddings and parties that … Continue reading

Posted in Music | Tagged | Comments Off on Straight Furrow’s Get Your Breath Back

Seven Nations’ The Pictou Sessions, and Seven Nations (self-titled)

Some months back, I raved about Seven Nations’ 1999 release The Factory. Now I’m back with a pair of releases from one of the best Celtic rock bands out there. The Pictou Sessions, released in 2000 on their own label, … Continue reading

Posted in Music | Tagged , | Comments Off on Seven Nations’ The Pictou Sessions, and Seven Nations (self-titled)

Seven Nations’ The Factory

It’s almost inexcusable that I could have had this particular gem in my collection for so long and not written a review of it. I confess, then, that I was saving it for a rainy day, and as I fear … Continue reading

Posted in Music | Tagged , | Comments Off on Seven Nations’ The Factory

Smithfield Fair’s Jacobites By Name

For anyone who is of the firm opinion that the Battle of Culloden was the darkest moment in the history of western civilization, Smithfield Fair‘s Jacobites By Name is the album you’ve been waiting for. If you’re not craving a … Continue reading

Posted in Music | Tagged , | Comments Off on Smithfield Fair’s Jacobites By Name

The Sharecroppers Home, Boys!

Faith Cormier wrote this review. The Sharecroppers (Guy Romaine, Mike Madigan and Ed Humber) are three teachers from Pasadena, Newfoundland. Even their Web site doesn’t explain why they chose their name, since sharecropping has never been a way of life … Continue reading

Posted in Music | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The Sharecroppers Home, Boys!

The Sharecroppers’ This New Founde Lande

Faith Cormier wrote this review. The Sharecroppers (Guy Romaine, Mike Madigan and Ed Humber) are three teachers from Pasadena, Newfoundland. This New Founde Lande, their second CD, is largely a celebration of Newfoundland history. The title track speaks about the … Continue reading

Posted in Music | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The Sharecroppers’ This New Founde Lande

The Sharecroppers’ Natural

Faith Cormier wrote this review. The Sharecroppers (Guy Romaine, Mike Madigan and Ed Humber) are three teachers from Pasadena, Newfoundland. This, their first album, contains a variety of styles. The first cut, “One Room School,” is very country and sounds … Continue reading

Posted in Music | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The Sharecroppers’ Natural

Shebeen’s The Pebbled Shore

Pat Simmonds wrote this review. Shebeen is based around the piping of Robbie Byrne who, according to his Web site, is an ex-Scots Guard Highland Piper and folk musician. The CD arrived with an accompanying note but no cover and … Continue reading

Posted in Music | Tagged , | Comments Off on Shebeen’s The Pebbled Shore