Category Archives: Irish music

Devri Irish Music CD review and links

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Devri CdWhat do you get when you take a couple of Irish fellas, mix in some veteran American country guitarist, add an Irish trad player, and a Cambridge cop? You get Devri’s newest CD “Broad Street”. Declan and the crew have put together an Irish American story, anchored by “Leaving Ireland” written by Declan Houton that tells the story of the dual loves of our Boston Irish. Landmark music venues of Mr Dooleys and Paddy Barrys  bring the local flavor thats easy to taste for anyone from the Boston area.

Larry Flint gets to show off his down home vocals and  homestyle guitar work in a nice mood setting rendition of “Junior” This CD walks the tightrope between Traditional Irish Folk songs and American city tributes with an Irish trad beat. The songs represent the band in so many ways, Proud of Ireland and Love of America, their songs represent both, class.

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The Girls come front and center on “Ride On” a show stopper and must hear whenever Pauline and Devri get together. Pauline Wells’ dynamic voice set off by Caroline O’Shea’s haunting low whistle  provide one of the best versions of this song as you are going to find. Slow and haunting to start then they crank it up and Pauline Devri Cdbrings it back home as the band lets loose.

For those that are loyal Devri followers this CD is a welcome representation of the band, for those still new to the band the CD represents a definite Irish tradition with American country touches. But this is an Irish Cd with classics, Black and Tans, Flight of Earls, Tell me Ma, Lovely Irish Rose, Ride On, Mountains of Mourne, and a nice 6:16 of trad/fusion music to wrap it up.

Devri CD release Cruise Boston Harbor June 15 2013 to support Lucy’s Love Bus

On Saturday, June 15th, 2-5PM:
Join Devri and special guests on board the ‘MV Freedom’ as they celebrate the launch of their new CD, ‘Broad Street’ ! We will be sailing from Rowes Wharf in Downtown Boston for a 3-hour Cruise of Music & Craic. Devri is a proud member of Lucys Love Corps, and is delighted to announce that a portion of The Cruise’s profits will be donated to Lucy’s Love Bus. Tickets are $25 and can be reserved by calling Declan at 617-347-1260, or by emailing info@devriband.com. Or pick them up at The Old Court Pub in Lowell at 29 Central Street

If you can’t get your hands on a CD or you like living in the cyber world you can order downloads @http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/devri 

Have fun,

Cheers.

Time for some Irish music

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Irish music is a good way to spend a day, a night, an afternoon, or an evening, and it’s a Irish musicnice way to remember the good days of old and those to come. The joke about Irish folk music is that every song has to do with some tragic event, rebellion, lost love, or eviction, but there are plenty of uplifting Inspiring irish folk songs to pep up your spirits.

A few positive uplifting Irish songs and Irish music.

  • Cliffs of Donneen, after all it’s a nice place to be on a warms summer day, my favorite Irish music version is sung by Paddy Rielly.
  • Song for Ireland, best sung in old pubs where fiddlers like to play.
  • Irish rover, except for the poor old dog being drown it’s a pretty upbeat lively Irish folk song and you never know when you might need some nanny goat tails.
  • The Jug of Punch, Especially nice on a pleasant evening in the month of May.
  • The Hills of Connemara, Running moonshine or more accurately poteen and sharing same with your local priest just has an uplifting effect.
  • I’ll Tell me Ma, except for maybe some young fellow getting a talking to, it’s a really a popular lively song.

So when you need to sing a happy tune or at least listen to one there’s no reason why that song shouldn’t be an Irish one. When the news of the day gets a bit overwhelming, and you just need a break from the everyday doldrums, maybe it’s time to learn a few pleasant Irish songs. In the famous words of Seamus Moore ” Lighten up when you still can”

Now to my fellow Tourists you should know that country music is just a wildly liked in Ireland as it is back home, my favorite being the humorous Irishman genius Seamus Moore.

So taking Seamus’s advice I’ll try to steer clear of the politics for a while and get back to what is good in the world, Irish music, Irish food, and Irish fun.

Cheers.

Favorite Irish music, live Irish music.

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This is the weekend that exhausts all Irish musicians, they are in high demand to play that great Irish music we all want to hear for Paddy’s day. When you attend a concert or listen to some good Irish pub music support your local musicians. Find your favorite Irish music.

Local Favorite Irish Music

favorite irish music

DEVRI Band Great irish music.

DEVRI. Quincy ma. based band led by Donegal born American citizen musical power house Declan Houtan. DEVRI is the best Irish/folk/country band around. If you love guitar riffs you’ll enjoy music legend Chuck Parish as he masterfully impresses all. Kerry is represented by drummer Stevie O’Callahan and the Big man on Bass and vocals Larry Flint. DEVRI’s new Cd can be purchased off their website DEVRIband.com . Larry’s personal Cd Ghost on the railroad is classic American country. Check out larryflintmusic.com

This clip includes Kevin Doherty also born in Donegal, and whistle player Caroline O’Shea.

favorite Irish music

Pauline wells classic vocalist Irish and more.

PAULINE WELLS. Cambridge lieutenant and vocalist Pauline has performed concerts  at the Wilbur theater, Norwood Theater, Fenway park, all in the cause of raising cash for kids with cancer charities. You’ll notice the back up band for pauline is Devri.

Paulines CDs are available on her website Paulinewells.com

favorite irish music

traditional Irish musicians “The Ivy Leaf”

IVY LEAF. This young traditional Irish band is among the best around. Lindsay Straw, Armand Aromin, Caroline O’Shea, and Dan Accardi, stay true the traditional Irish music style. Next time you are in the Boston area do youself a favor and check them out. You can buy CDs or download mp3 tunes from the ivyleafmusic.com

Enjoy your favorite Irish music, go to a show, buy their CDs, support you local Irish musician.

Cheers.

Do you have a favorite local band? give them some publicity on the Comment page

Damn Good Irish music from Serbia, The Orthodox Celts.

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Irish Music From SerbiaIrish music orthodox celts

I feel a little screaming is in order for a band that has been kicking out Irish music and their own take on Irish music for twenty years.

The Orthodox  Celts put out high energy traditional Irish folk tunes. I get upset when I read comments on other forums from people who have never listened to these folks play. They question their authenticity. This band would be kicking  butt all over the world, if they were from the west.

Lead singer Alexander Petrovic aka  ”Aca Celtic” takes his growly thick voice and combines it with pure enthusiasm. He gives respect to the Irish traditional music. Rumor has it that the band will be heading west in 2013. If so I’ll be the old guy screaming in the front row.

Ana Dokic, the pretty fiddle player does pure justice to the tunes she blazes out. The River Dance blurb in the middle of “the Rocky Road to Dublin” is brilliant. Combined with the beautiful low whistle,  this version of “Down the Rocky Road” is an Ireland favorites, favorite.

In 2009 Ana Dokic left the band and was replaced by Nikola Stanojevic. Not much more info about her, she is missed.

The Orthodox Celts are:

  • Aleksandar Petrović – Lead Vocal
  • Dejan Lalić – Octave Mandola, Mandolin, Back Vocals
  • Nikola Stanojević – Violin Bojan Petrović – Whistles, Back Vocals
  • Vladan Jovković – Acc. Guitar, Back Vocals
  • Dejan Grujić – Bass, Back Vocals
  • Dušan Živanović – Drums, Bodhran

Belgrade rocks with an Irish accent every St Patricks Day as the Orthodox Celts play their annual gala celebrating Irelands Patron Saint.

A few interesting tid bits.

  • they sing all their songs in english, determined to keep the faith with the Irish tradition.
  • When you look up comments you get a mixed bag, as sometimes you’ll find them all in Serbian.
  • Other times you’ll find them in punk rock rudity.

As the early Celts were rooted in Serbia, now modern Irish rock, folk, music spreads its branches through the hard work, dedication, and joy that is the Orthodox Celts.

Cheers.

Sing your Irish song, don’t be afraid.

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A round about way to sing your Irish song

I was all set to write some nice little piece on Irish sayings and just couldn’t get into the groove. As I stared at the screen and tried to get witty, one of my daughters needed a lift to a charity Irish concert. Taking any chance to procrastinate, allowed me to do two things;

  1. get out of the house,
  2.  drop into a singers session to maybe hear an Irish song or ballad.
  3. O.K. a pint of guinness was part of the plan also.
Irish song

sing your Irish song

So I pop into this singers session which had been struggling a bit to see some old faces. This session is handicapped by the head of the group as he uses it to self promote and loses most that have any understanding of session rules. But this night was different, some box players came and were highjacked by some set dancers, who in turn hijacked the session. The hapless leader was a bit flummoxed (which was fun to watch) and this also gave the opportunity to call for a song or two.  This long set up does have a point.

I know some of the shy singers, the fearful singers, the ones that sing their Irish song over and over in preparation but never quite get it out.  We ask the box players if there is room for a song, (which they are grateful for since they have played non stop for forty minutes). I manage to get the first fearful, excited singers to give it a try,This is what made the night so fun. You know he does a nice job of Carrickfergus, a tough song really. I now nudge another fellow to give us his song when the inevitable happens. He turns the tables and wants to know where my Irish song is.

In the best I’ll show you mine if you show me yours first, I’m forced to sing up or shut up. This is where you need not be afraid. Only three things can happen and two of them are good.

  1. You sing a really good Irish song as well as you can.
  2. You sing a really good Irish song poorly.
  3. Or the one bad thing, you forget the words and give up.

On this night I was lucky and the first choice won out, and a few jokes were thrown about. The really nice result was others who don’t normally sing, gave it a try. It is not easy getting up in front of a room full of people and maybe not doing so well, the trick is to believe in yourself whether you are on that night or not. So don’t be afraid, sing your Irish song. Oh and one more thing, the box players retook control and the set dancers were a joy to watch.

Cheers.

Will Ferrell loves Irish music.

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Will Ferrell best known as the funny man of film really hides a secret desire to sing an Irish song. I’d like to take the credit for Mr. Ferrell’s singing prowess, as he is not afraid to let his voice ring out. The top 2 rules of singing an Irish song are followed by Will Ferrell, He knows the words and he follows the rules of the Irish singing session. This may be because his father was a fine musician and instilled the proper respect for the music to his son. It could be because he is proud of his Irish heritage and wishes to sing proudly. Be it his lineage or heritage this American of Irish descent can be found singing a very rare Irish song.

The only thing that gets my goat in this scene of Will Ferrell singing in this Hollywood style pub are the glasses they are drinking their guinness from. C’mon Will if you are going to represent, make sure your guinness is poured in a proper glass. The glasses that held the guiness in the above scene are comedic.

When you find yourself in a pub or an Irish sing song do what will Ferrel does:

  1. Follow the rules
  2. Know the words
  3. sing confidently
  4. use good pub etiquette

The songs will flow along with a guinness or two, for lubrication not courage, and maybe you’ll end up on youtube yourself.

Cheers.

Irish songs for tourists, like me.

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Irish songs are my favorite thing about my Irish heritage. There I said it. Many would roll their eyes and ready the sharp knives to ridicule and insult one into submission. Like the wizard behind the curtain in the Wizard of Oz, I say, pay no attention to these nay sayers.

The problem comes up not in the liking of traditional Irish folk songs but the circumstances that surround your letting them out. On a trip to Ireland you have these scenarios that are acceptable, if not encouraged, to sing an Irish song.

  1. You are visiting friends, locals, and an Irish song session starts up. This singsong will be spontaneous, if you have a song handy to add when the session is in full swing, you will rewarded. These singsongs could be of any genre, they are for fun, so you’re just as likely to hear”I walk the line” or “Watermelon wine”.
  2. You have a voice that surprises people. Normally I mean a voice that is semi- professional and is pleasant for all to listen to, but don’t over do it. No on  likes a show off. On the other side of the spectrum you have a voice that is not so good. If your younger, you provide good fodder for humor. If you are older singing a song you love, you will gain respect. But there is a fine line between respecting one old codger singing his favorite Irish song and a blathering old idiot.
  3. You find yourself in a real touristy pub, in a real touristy section, in the midst of real tourists, who would like to hear some touristy Irish songs but don’t know the words.   And as is my way reminds me of a trip to Temple bar.
irish songs

Temple bar section Dublin Ireland.

 

Temple bar is a pub and also a section of Dublin. It is a main draw for tourist and you will be drawn in to the manufactured Irish experience. It can be a lot of fun as long as you know what you are getting into.

I was in Dublin on some business and decided to head down to the Temple bar section of town. It was during mid week and I figured it would be fairly empty. Well it was anything of the sort. I followed my ears to a good band playing their best Tourist pied pipers songs. The good part was I got to hear a song or two and the bad part was they were done with their set and moving on. So I’m talking with people a bit after and they’re wanting to sing,  but don’t know the words. I help one lady through ” the water is wide” and she enjoys singing it. Her daughter knows most of “Raglan Road” and a few people join into the chorus.  We tourist are a funny bunch. I sing the “Old Triangle” and know the words, which helps out, and don’t you know even a couple of bored Dubs chime in with a tune or two. Before you know it, there is a full fledged singsong going on. A lot of fun and really good craic.

So I say sing some Irish songs, or sing a song you love, in the end you are the judge of what is good or not so good,

Cheers.

Ireland favorites New Years resolutions

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Happy New year to all,

After reading one of my favorite blogs the daily spud give her year in review, Aoife’s article prompted me to look into the future and of course New Years resolutions for Ireland favorites.

New years resolution

Happy New Year!

  1. I’m sorry to say Aoife, but eating more spuds is not at the top of my list, Instead it will be to check out more Irish music. I’m sorry to say I missed out on a few concerts in town (Altan, Lunasa, Enter the Haggis). So Ireland favorites New Years resolution #1 is To attend concerts of established Irish music bands.
  2. Support local traditional Irish music and Irish traditional musicians. The next great band is just forming now. Somewhere in a small pub, or coffee house open mic, is that flutist, whistler, fiddler, or singer that we all are going to wish we had seen.
  3. I am going to catch Atlantic steps in March, Sean-os dancer and Connemara man Brian Cunningham and crew’s production of Irish dance. The reason is the same as above, I want to see them now before they become to famous to get a good seat.
  4. Re-start the Irish gift shop either in a brick and mortar store or on line. Too many good friends still in the business to say goodbye just yet. May have to get some references from Donegals biggest supporter Emeraldsire.com check her out for all things Donegal.
  5. Plan a trip to Ireland and see some of the parts of the country I’ve not seen before. Vibrant Ireland has painted beautiful pictures of the Kilkenny region of Ireland and it would be nice to check it out in person. (for some reason my link to Susan’s site is working in the side bar only).

I think these five will do for a start, we’ll see which will be done. Goals are always a good thing. Besides, I like these New Years resolutions better than my normal lot, going to the gym, losing 20 lbs., organizing the basement, garage, closets, life.

So Happy New Year, and Happy resolutions, I’m sure you’ll attain yours.

Cheers, and P.S.

Add your resolutions for the New Year to inspire the rest of us.

Irish music for an Irish Christmas

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Irish music sets the tone for Christmas celebrations and now is the time to organize your CD’s or add to your collection. What’s nice about Irish music for Christmas is the variety of styles that make up the Irish music genre. I’ll try to give a few suggestions to throw on the player and add to the joyous Christmas season.

The Classics,

Bing Crosby-White Christmas, Now I know that Bing Crosby is from an era gone by, and technically is Irish American, but there is something about this CD that just makes me feel the joy of Christmas.

Tony Kenny- Christmas time in Ireland, I met Tony at a show in New Jersey, and he was a really down to earth nice fellow. Tony is from the same mold as the late crooners of the past. A pure voice that is made for ballads and truly puts his beautiful voice and heart into every song.

Daniel O’Donnell, Christmas with Daniel, this will round out the the pure voices of Irish music. Daniel O’Donnell from Donegal has become one of the favorite balladeers of this generation.

The Trad players versions of Irish winter and Christmas tunes,

Eileen Ivers – An Nollaig: An Irish Christmas,  I have to confess that this CD is on my list to purchase for my collection this Christmas, and am looking forward to hearing some great fiddling.

Celtic Heartbeat Christmas – VARIOUS ARTISTS ….one of my all time favorite Cds, a combination of soothing vocals and nice instrumentals, that give a nice change of pace from the Santa Clause is coming to town CDs. When I had my shop this was my favorite Irish music to recommend for Christmas. Fiona Kennedy’s song Na Hu O Ho, is beautiful soothing and all around lovely.

And of course when the rush of the season starts to get you down, and it may be time to rest a bit and remember the season is for giving, but not overdoing things, You’ll need to listen to the Christmas Countdown by Frank Kelly.

Check out Dara records website for these and more, you could also check out Irish Records International two companies that always were fair and honest people to deal with.

 

As we head into the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas it is my wish that all take the time and remember why we celebrate these seasons. Thanksgiving is when we thank God for the blessings of our Country, in the words of George Washington;

PRESIDENTIAL THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATIONS
1789-1815 : George Washington, 

 

THANKSGIVING DAY 1789
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – A PROCLAMATION
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor – and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be – That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks – for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation – for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war –for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed – for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions – to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually – to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed – to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord – To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us – and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
GEORGE. WASHINGTON.

Have a happy Thanksgiving,

Cheers,

Brian.

Irish music today

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Irish music today will begin with a group that is in the process of making their name in the new music world. As I peruse different Irish websites sometimes a little banter over music, old and new, will erupt, in such a discussion the band “Little Green Cars” was talked about as being someones new fave. What exicited me about this new Irish music group is they have their own style and, even though they are young, have grown into their musical spot in the world.

The five member band has been togethet for close to five years but are still each only 20 years of age. The band has a soft rock edge, but not too corny or mushy, more of a folk based city music. The four guys and a gal lay, down finely timed vocal harmonies backed by a variety of guitar based melodies, singing each of their original songs with a genuine feeling, that is lacking in most new music. The fellas do a good job singing and such but I’ll have to say that this author was blown away by miss Faye O’Rourkes soulful voice. Check out this interview from the Bowery Presents Live, as they talk about their influences and inspirations.

Now I don’t advise you skip school a bit as miss O’Rourke suggests but I think she’ll do alright. What I enjoyed is Steve’s  appreciation of the Irish folk music, with it’s simplicity, art, and feeling. I could see these Irish music makers slipping in a folk song or two into a concert, keeping the music alive. It does my heart good to see a group stay together and develope their style and music. Just by listening to them you can tell they have nothing but appreciation for each other and of their version of Irish music today. We’ll leave you off with another youtube song from “The Little Green Cars” called The John Wayne. It starts of a bit slow but it definitely grows, and grows on you as well

The Little Green Cars,

Hometown: Dublin.

The lineup: Stevie Appleby (vocals, guitar), Faye O’Rourke (vocals, guitar), Donagh Seaver O’Leary (bass, vocals), Adam O’Regan (guitar, vocals), Dylan Lynch (drums, vocals).

Hopefully they’ll be finding you,

Cheers.