This band needs no introduction to most Celtic music fans, but for those of you who might have missed it, Gaelic Storm provided us with incredible music in the film “Titanic”.

When they took the stage, I was instantly captivated. The music made me want to dance, and sing along. The stories that were told were funny beyond belief, and we were told that each one was true. I can’t even begin to remember every name of the songs they played, but there wasn’t a single one that I didn’t love. There were some that I loved more than others though. Johnny Jump Up, Pina Colada in a Pint Glass, Johnny Tarr, Darcy’s Ass, The Night I Punched Russell Crowe, and Floating on the Flambeau were my highlights.

Patrick Murphy, originally from Cork City Ireland, regaled us with tales between songs. With his Irish charm, voice, harmonica, spoons, and accordion, he had the audience in the palm of his hand.

Steve Twigger, from Coventry England, sang, played guitar, and for one of the final numbers, a bodrhan. He also assisted in the story telling, giving an added sense of fun to the whole night.

Pete Purvis, originally from Merrickville, Ontario, is a great addition to Gaelic Storm. Playing Uilleann pipes and the Irish whistle, not to mention adding his voice to many of the songs. What a treat it was to listen to this accomplished musician.

Ryan Lacey, the incredible drummer kept the beat steady and strong all through the night. His passion for playing is phenomenal. Watching him play was a great show in and of itself.

Last but not least, the beautiful fiddle player, Jessie Burns lights up the stage with her bright personality and dancing. Raised in England by her American mother and Anglo-Irish father, she adds a bit of glamour to the group, with her beautiful music, a bit of fancy foot work, and the energy and joy she puts into her playing.

The band members stayed after to sign autographs, and have a few random pictures taken.
All in all, the night was made complete by talking to the current president of the Myles Reif Center, David Marty, and other members of the Grand Rapids community. They are very proud of their theater and events that take place there, and they have every right to be. I wish to extend thanks to them for the time they took to talk to me and all the information they provided for me. I look forward to returning to the Reif Center for many performances to come.

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Wicked Tinker schedule for January 2010/February 2010
Jan.15

THE NAMM SHOW

9AM FRIDAY MORNING! Anaheim Convention Center, CA http://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2010

Jan. 22 – 23

CRUISE TO MEXICO WITH WICKED TINKERS

http://www.wickedtinkerscruise.com

Feb 27 – 28

46th ANNUAL ARIZONA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES

Phoenix, AZ http://www.arizonascots.com/05games.shtml

I hope that those of you who can, go and check them out. They are a great group.

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I usually listen to music most at work, and I have recently started listening to their On the Brink album. I find it quite soothing at times, especially the first track, Prince Charles. It is like a balm, healing the rough edges of my day. After that, the second track, Miss Spence’s Reel, gets my toes tapping slightly, bringing a wee smile to my face, and a pleasant greeting to my lips, should a customer just happen to walk in at that moment.

The entire album goes to and fro, flowing from soothing, all the way to being slightly mischievous, and back again, as most Celtic music does.

This album is wonderful as background music, non-distracting, but pleasing to the ear.

The track lineup is as follows:

* Prince Charles
* Miss Spence’s Reel-Sleep Soond ida Moarnin’-Willowfjord
* Harper’s Waltz
* Rakes of Mallow
* Haste to the Wedding-Swallowtail Jig-Blackthorne Stick
* Wantoness Forever-Tae Dautan Me-The Auld Man’s Mare’s Dead-Peat Fire Flame-Glenburnie Rant
* Covewood
* Holborn March-Mairi’s Wedding
* Wedding in Ennis
* Poached Pork Chops-Spootiskerry-The Easy Club Reel
* Bonnie at Morn
* Flowers of Edinburgh-Jackie Tar-Off to Livermore

This Peat & Barley CD, along with others, is available at CDBaby, or through the Peat & Barley website. http://www.peatandbarley.com/

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So, when Fanrealm staff members recently got to tour CDBaby, I took advantage of being there, and got Wicked Tinkers’ very first CD.

On the back of the CD it says, “It’s Not About Pretty”, and they weren’t lying. It is however, about pipes, drums, and music.

The songs that really grabbed me were Wallop The Cat, and The Pumpkin’s Fancy. I liked the other songs, but I loved these 2 .

I am looking forward to adding their other CD’s to my collection as finances permit.

If you love to listen to pipes and drums, this is the group for you. I hope to see them live and in person sometime. I think another working vacation is in order.

The entire song line up is as follows:

The Bird Set
Hugh Ross Set
Seal Set
Strathspey & Reel
The Odd Set
The Ferret Set
Wallop The Cat
6/8 Marches
The Pumpkin’s Fancy
A Flame of Wrath
Aaron’s Set
Toasty Set
Fiollaigean
Hornpipe/Jig Set

Other CD’s by Wicked Tinkers
Hammered
Loud
Banger For Breakfast
Whiskey Supper
Rant

Official Wicked Tinker Website
http://www.wickedtinkers.com/

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Katie McMahon, original lead singer in the Riverdance show, will be performing Celtic Christmas at several locations around the state of Minnesota.

The harpist/singer has several critically acclaimed CD’s, that include: After The Morning, Shine; Celtic Christmas; and St. Patrick’s Day.

Friday, December 4th, 2009 @ 7.30pm
Duluth, Mitchell Auditorium, St. Scolastica
Tickets: 218-723-7000 or www.css.edu

Thursday, December 10th, 2009 @ 7.30pm
Minneapolis, Pantages Theatre
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com

Saturday, December 12th, 2009 @ 7.30pm
St. Paul, O’Shaughnessy Auditorium
Tickets: 651-690-6700 or www.ticketmaster.com

Saturday, December 19th, 2009 @ 8pm
Lancaster, SC, Bundy Auditorium, University of SC
Tickets: 803-286-1145 www.usclancaster.sc.edu/bundy

For further information on Katie McMahon  http://www.katiemcmahon.com/iWeb/KatieMcMahon/Home.html

Purchase at

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I discovered Ronan Keating last year, after listening to Phil Coulter’s Songs I Loved So Well. After hearing his voice on the last song, Town I Loved So Well, with Phil, I felt I needed to hear more from this man. While he isn’t well known on this side of the pond, he is known around Europe and Australia.

I have several of his CDs. I prefer the more recently made ones compared to the older ones, but there is something worth listening to on every disc.

Now, normally, I would be skeptical about a CD that is almost all cover songs, but this one is very good. It starts out with a rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time. While I still prefer Lauper singing this, I do think Keating’s version is worth a listen or two. Make You Feel My Love is absolutely beautiful.

I am not really a big fan of Both Sides Now, or Vincent, I do think this artist has improved upon them. I even find myself singing along to them, when I least suspect it. Momma’s Arms is so touching.

The traditional songs on this album blow me away. Carrickfergus, and Wild Mountain Time are 2 of my favorites on this disc. I never thought that I’d like anybody besides Elvis Presley singing Suspicious Minds, but Keating does a wonderful cover.The last song on the disc, This Is Your Song, quickly rose to be one of my favorites. If you have a good mom, had a good mom, or know a good mom, you can picture her with this song. It is a song about what mothers inspire in their children, and how it sticks with us as we grow into adulthood and beyond.

The complete song list

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Enter the Haggis Gutter Anthems

The Little and the Leaves starts, and I can immediately feel the energy. The instruments are the first thing that I notice. Usually it’s voices I notice, not so much the instruments. But with this group, the guitars, pipes, and fiddles rule. They do sing, and the words are good, but it’s the instruments that I really pay attention to with this group.

And the names….
The names of some of ETH’s songs just grab you before you even have a listen. Like “Noseworthy and Piercy”, or “Did You Call Me Albatros”. You know you just have to find out what that is about.
If the song itself doesn’t explain it, you can find the explanation in the insert of the cover.

I swear if this group is ever in my state I am gonna see them. I have yet to do so, but from what I have heard from others, this group is well worth the effort, and I am determined to find out in person.

Song List

Intro
The Litter and the Leaves
Cameos
DNA
Did You Call Me Albatross?
Noseworthy And Piercy
The Death of Johnny Mooring
Suburban Plains
Real Life/Alibis
Murphy’s Ashes
Sea of Crutches
Bury My Demons
The Ghosts of Calico
Lights And Cars
Broken Line

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My favorites on the CD are Brantry Boy, Destination, Soldier Soldier, and Holyland Belefast. All of the others on the CD are wonderful too. Just take a listen, and I think you’ll agree.

http://mickeycoleman.com
http://www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1

Carefully Crafted is available through cd baby and http://www.mickeycoleman.com

Song List

The Holylands Belfast
My Coalisland Girl
Somewhere Else Instead
Plastic Paddys
Kilkeel Fishermen
Life and Me
Fishermans Lament (Old Ardboe)
Brantry Boy
Sometimes Its Hard
Sunday Morning Calling
Soldier Soldier
Destination

Mickey also has a new album due for release in Dec. 2009.

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