Three of the songs on this EP – Lost and Lonely, Stagecoach and Ecstasy recently made it to the semi finals in the UK Songwriters contest along with another of David’s songs. Having all four of the songs entered go beyond the first round is a real testament to the writing skills of Oracle’s David McClean. These songs have a definite style that most songwriters take decades to fully develop. David and co founder Brian Mellors, along with lead guitar player and producer Chris Logan have every reason to be proud of this EP. The talents of the band members fully compliment one another in each of the songs offered here.

The entire EP is very atmospheric with the music perfectly complimenting but never downing out the lyrics. Each song has its own mood and draws the listener in with ease. They run the gamut from a more acoustic sound to rock elements. Songs like Best Days and Lost and Lonely have the kind of pop quality that will make you sing along. Stagecoach and Ecstasy are so hauntingly beautiful that they demand that you just listen. If there is a recurring theme it seems to be that these songs give voice to the feeling of being an outsider. Tortured Soul will surely resonate especially with fans of Twilight or anyone trying to find their place in the world.

All and all, Jewels of the Sky is a remarkable debut album and I can’t wait to see what they follow up with. Rumor has it that the group will find its way back to the studio soon so hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for their next one.

Song List

Lost and Lonely
Tortured Soul
Stagecoach
Best Days
Ecstasy

Samples can be heard and the ep can be purchased at the band’s myspace page here It is also available at iTunes here

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The Druids are an Irish Rebel Band. For those unaware of the meaning of the term, these men sing, play and recount the history of Irish rebellion and resistance to outside rule over the past centuries. They “sing songs which have meaning in terms of peoples every day life…”     

Starry Plough is The Druids latest anthology of these momentous accounts.  To this excellent selection of popular and well known rebel songs, Mick O’Brien has added his most recent self penned work, Starry Plough. In which he relates the story of James Connelly’s activist life and dreadful execution by firing squad in Kilmainham jail.

Although Starry Plough is serious in its content, The Druids present an upbeat and quite brilliant performance. Coupled with the unrivaled mandolin playing of Paddy Mangan, and pulsating beat of Mick O’Brien’s Bodhran the lyrics come alive for the listener.  Gary Lawlor’s lead vocals and fine acoustic guitar in the song Farewell to Bellaghy are soft and sincere but definitely deliver their message. Darren Egan, the “newest recruit,” is outstanding with his rendition of Highland Paddy. 

It would be hard to choose a favorite among all the favorites on this album, but if pressured, I would have to say I am especially fond of Let the People Sing. Call me an optimist but this one makes me feel good. The Legend is another favorite of mine, quietly telling the stories of long passed martyrs to the cause. I must also say that it was not possible for me to listen to these songs in the course of writing about them and not become engrosed and educated in the history of Ireland’s recent turbulent past.

This is an extraordinary album performed by talented, creative men who are passionately engaged in their cause. I would recommend it to anyone interested in outstanding Rebel music, Irish history and a great performance.  Starry Plough is meant to be enjoyed again and again and in the listening, learned from.  It definitely delivers on all counts. Great stuff Druids! 

 The Druids will launch Starry Plough on 01-Aug-2010 in Kildare.

Starry Plough

Back Home in Derry / Bobby Sands

Farewell to Bellaghy / Gerry O’Glacain

The Weeping Wind/The Lonesome Boatman / Bobby Sands/Finbar Furey

The Helicopter Song / Brian Warfield

The Legend / Dan Hannon

Starry Plough / Mick O’Brien     (scroll down to watch video of this song )

George and Pop / P. McGlinchey/G. Breslin

Highland Paddy / Sean McCarthy

Let the People Sing / Brian Warfield

Mick O’Brien – 5-String Banjo, Bodhran, Tin Whistle, Vocals

Paddy Mangan – Banjo, Mandolin & Vocals

Gary Lawlor – Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals

Darren Egan – Base, Vocals 

Alan Donohue – “The man that looks after us on and off the stage.”

Albums available at cdBaby:

Starry Plough (the week of launch)

From Bodenstown to Boolavouge

Visit The Druids at:

Bebo:  http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=8598844388

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-DRUIDS/138321612153?ref=search

Myspace:  www.myspace.com/thedruidsrebelband

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I truly enjoy being able to showcase Chicago bands and musicians for Fanrealm readers all over the world and this is one of those opportunities. It is my pleasure to introduce one of my very favorite local groups to those of you outside the Midwest; Kevin Flynn & the Avondale Ramblers, Celt Rock with a most distinctive Chicago flavor. “We’re a Chicago-Irish band” is a quote from Kevin that I’ve seen in every review or story I’ve read about Kevin Flynn & the Avondale Ramblers.  I agree they most certainly are a Chicago-Irish band and a darn good one!

Kevin and the guys released their third album “Double Door 9-15-09” on March 17, 2010. A collection of self penned tunes (with the exception of The Minstrel Boy), it is a distinctively Chicago themed collection of songs recorded on September 15, 2009 at the Double Door here in the city. The album is filled with tales of local figures and legendary incidents having occurred over Chicago’s storied past. Kevin knows his city’s history, and his knowledge is unmistakable in his lyrics. An audience favorite and one of mine as well is The Pope of the Windy City, an accurate and true depiction of one of Chicago’s most famous and long serving mayors, Richard J. Daley. Another song, One Day In May, tells the story of the Haymarket Riot on May 4, 1886. Original lyrics set to the beat of a distinctively Chicago Celt Rock rhythm, these guys have another winner. This is an outstanding album and well worth adding to any collection.

See Kevin Flynn & the Avondale Ramblers at the IAHC Celt Fest in Chicago, July 10, 2010 appearing in the 5^th Province Pub – 8:00pm-9:30pm. Be sure to check out their website at www.kevin-flynn.com/

Double Door 9-15-09:

The Devil & Dr. Holmes

The Minstrel Boy

You Don’t Want Me

Somethin’s Goin’ Down

Sign of the Cross

Hey Now-You’re My Savior

Pope of the Windy City

The Legend of Money Malone

One Day In May

Here’s To You, Second City

Stand Tall

Kevin Flynn – Lead Vocals/Acoustic Guitar

Sean Mulroney – Ampeg, Baby Bass/Vocals

Nils St. Cyr – Electric Guitar/Vocals

Andy Gerber – Mandolin

Fred Frey – Drums/Vocals

Kevin Flynn & the Avondale Ramblers on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kevinflynnandtheavondaleramblers

Albums available at cdBaby and at ITunes

Double Door 9-15-09

Don’t Count Me Out

The Murderer, The Thief, The Minstrels & The Rest

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 Over the weeks I found myself returning to two favorites, If Love is a Red Dress and When I Get Low, and playing them again and again. Poignant and engaging, I found Red Dress just the song to curl up with on a dark rainy day to relive memories of past loves. When I Get Low is amusing, upbeat and showcases Kate’s ability to switch flawlessly between blue and bubbly without missing a beat or breaking a sweat. 

 With her distinctive lyric blend and the bands offbeat instrumentation, this EP is well worth adding to any collection. Descriptive words layered upon unusual melodies blend together to create a totally original sound. Kate O’Callaghan is someone to watch. She surely has the talent to make her mark in the music world. Observe and enjoy. 

To You, Kate O’Callaghan’s debut EP, will be released on June 25^th of this year, launching at McGrorys in Culdaff. With Mark Black, Peter Doherty, Seamus Devenny, Kevin Murphy and The Henry Girls. She Cries, All You Can Be, To You, Well Runs Dry
were all written by Kate.

TO YOU

*She Cries

*All You Can Be

*To You

*Well Runs Dry

 If Love is a Red Dress

 When I Get Low

* These songs were all written by Kate.

Kate O’ Callaghan – vocals and guitar
Mark Black – guitar
Peter Doherty – double bass
Seamus Devenny – drums, cajon, fiddle

Additional musicians:
Jennifer Kimball – backing vocals
Lorna Mc Laughlin – accordion
Kevin Murphy – clarinet
Paul Devenny – viola

www.kateocallaghan.com

www.myspace.com/kateocallaghanmusic

www.breakingtunes.com/kateocallaghan

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This, his second album, was recorded in Nashville and you can detect that wonderful mellow realism that is part of the city’s style throughout. The songs have great lyrics. They spin intimate tales of dreamers, lovers and all of those who have reached the point in life where they realize that fabled happy ending may not happen but they keep going anyway. The tunes are catchy and the mood is upbeat not angsty, even when things are not going the way the subject of the song may have hoped. These are songs people can identify with which just adds to the enjoyment of listening to them.

I’d have a hard time picking just one favorite track. The first song Full Moon Child draws you and each of the songs that follow tightens the hold on your attention. I Am, You Are is a commentary on how we, as humans, are losing touch with our fellow humans in this busy world. These are songs of love, of regrets, of all the things that make up life. Great writers don’t really show us a light, they show us a mirror and that reflection is what is really enlightening. Ben Glover is one of those writers.

I urge you to go to Ben’s myspace page and listen to his music. You too will become and instant fan. You will be hearing lots more from this singer/songwriter.

myspace: http://myspace.com/benglovermusic

website:www.benglover.co.uk

Song List

1. Full Moon Child
2. Monument Green
3. Where the Lines Are
4. I Am, You Are
5. Grounded
6. The Hat
7. A Little Less Blue
8. Let It Do What It Does
9. First Chance For Second Tries
10. Too Late To Leave Her Alone

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Karnataka has taken rock to a whole new level in this album. It is musically rich and captures the listener from the first note. The songs are all powerful and beautiful. This is one you want to just kick back and listen to and let it take you away to a magical place. It would be hard to pick a favorite song as they are all so rich but I think mine would be the final track. It is like the perfect ending of a great book or movie.

This cd is available for pre-order now at Amazon.com and will be available June 1

Song List

The Calling
State of Grace
Your World
Moment in Time
The Serpent and The Sea
Forsaken
Tide to Fall
The Gathering Light

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This CD hits the perfect balance of being musically rich and lyrically intelligent. The songs tell tales of love and loss and life that are based in the imperfect real world that the listener can identify with. They prove that you can be knocked around a bit by life and come out stronger and smarter than you were. I can’t recommend this album enough. The songs were written by Paddy Nash but the rest of the band is not to be overlooked. The Happy Enchiladas are Diane Greer, Johnny Nutt and Liam McGuigan. They were joined on this CD by several other talented musicians from Northern Ireland who are also outstanding – particularly Wally on the drums.

If you are a fan of the Saw Doctors you will love Paddy Nash & the Happy Enchiladas. The CD will soon be available on both cdbaby and Itunes. I will post updates as soon as they are up. In the meantime, you can purchase it through Paddy’s website www.paddynash.co.uk
They accept paypal. I will post their reverbnation widget at the end of the post so you can hear some samples from the cd. You can also listen at his website and myspace http://www.myspace.com/paddynash

Paddy Nash and the Happy Enchiladas will be touring a bit in the US in the fall. I will keep you posted on that too.

Song List

1 BT48
2 Damsel in Disguise (Drunken Love Song)
3 Barefoot in Verona
4 Other Side of the World
5 Martin
6 Turned Up
7 Every Inch
8 Billy Bragg Jeans
9 Cushialitee
10 Sailing Out

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Timeless Traditions, released in February 2009, is Malachi Cush’s fourth album and follows successes with his debut album Malachi, New Day and Celtic Heartbeat. It is an exceptional collection of traditional Celtic songs enhanced by Malachi’s effortless laid back style and smooth mellow voice.

A favorite of mine is County Tyrone. I listen and my minds eye sees those vividly green high holy hills.  The Donaghmore Exile, another favorite, is a perfect example of Malachi’s expertise at storytelling.

Peggy Gordon is beautifully done as a duet featuring Deirdre Bonner. Her lovely voice compliments Malachi’s and reminds me of Mary Black’s Anachie Gordon. They also join voices to sing Ned of the Hill.

Mention should be made of the considerably talented artists and musicians Plunkett McGartland, Brendan Monaghan, Davey Muldrew and Declan Magee who so ably contribute backup. I would highly recommend this album to anyone and find myself listening over and over again. The songs  are each a little different from the other and are well done and enjoyable listening. I just wonder how this one slipped past me when it first came out. It’s a winner for sure!

Timeless Traditions Song list:

Young Matt Hyland
Lover’s Heart
Ned of the Hill
Step it out Mary
The Wild Goose
The Donaghmore Exile
Spanish Lady
I Wish my Love was a Red Red Rose
Peggy Gordon
The Creel
County Tyrone
A Soldier’s Farewell
 

Timeless Traditions

Available at iTunes:

Visit Malachi Cush at:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/malachicush

Website:  http://malachicush.net/

Fansite:  http://www.malachimad.com/

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I never know who or what I will find as I casually surf the Internet. I was fortunate enough recently to come across a singer/songwriter named Eoin (pronounced Owen) Harrington.

Although Eoin had played piano and guitar since he was a boy in Dublin, Ireland, he became a chemical engineer as an adult and ultimately accepted an engineering position in San Francisco. There he was inspired to write and sing his own songs. I for one am glad he did! His CD “Story’ was released in 2009. It is full of songs that make me either want to dance or just listen to the intriguing lyrics. My particular favorites are “I’m Sorry”, “Play Your Piano”, and “Last Temptations”. This CD is available through CDbaby, ITunes, and Amazon.

Do yourself a favor and check out his website: eoinharrington.com. There you will find videos of Eoin performing, music from his album, and his 2010 gigs that have been scheduled so far. Eoin is also on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and YouTube. Please don’t fail to check him out; you will find a new favorite!

Song List

Close Proximity
Move Along
Play Your Piano
They Won’t Catch Us Now
So Wrong
Beautiful Thing
Addicted
Never Be Lonely
Already Done
Gave It All Away
No Way, No How
I’m Sorry
Last Temptations
Is It Over

Eoin’s other cds are aslo available at cdbaby

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Last fall Mickey Coleman and Plunkett McGartland sat down with Malachi Cush on his Sunday Morning Jukebox radio program and discussed Mickey’s newest song and upcoming album, A Mothers Lullaby. During a lighter moment and as friends do, Malachi poked fun at Mickey about being referred to as the “next Irish folk sensation.” Obviously self-conscious about the reference, Mickey responded without hesitation; “talkin the talks one thing, but walkin the walks another.” Prophetic words!. With his A Mothers Lullaby, Mickey most certainly is “walkin the walk” in the footprints of the likes of Christy Moore and Bob Dylan. Mickey advocates for powerless abused children, innocent casualties of war having no escape from the devastation, loved ones left to cope with suicide, the end of political corruptness, the unemployed and those unfortunates caught up in the associated turmoil. For this album, Mickey has written lyrics guided by his conscience and from his heart. His fine voice lending so much power to the words they take your breath away. Having Plunkett McGartland accompanying Mickey on some of these songs is the perfect compliment to the richness and clean clear sound of the new songs.

A Mothers Lullaby is the next step in Mickey’s journey up the road to becoming one of the great folk singers both in Ireland and here in the states. He’s surely ”walkin the walk” with A Mothers Lullaby! Brilliant Mickey, just brilliant!!!

The reasons why Mickey wrote Mothers Lullaby have been explained eloquently by Mickey himself and would be diminished by any synopsis I could pen here. Visit his MySpace page and read his blog: Mothers Lullaby (why I wrote this song). http://www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1

Locked Gates, a narrative written by Patricia Campbell, draws not so subtle parallels between County Tyrone’s recent past and present day Gaza. It is brilliant in its simplicity. Agree or disagree with Mickey’s recitation, where and when he spent his formative years makes him uniquely qualified to give voice to these words.

With Brighter Day Mickey describes the strife occurring in present day Ireland, both the Republic and the North. In three short verses Mickey covers dissention and hope for reconciliation, unemployment, alcoholism, corrupt politicians, poor or non existent services, wasteful excess and child abuse. Plunkett McGartland gives added depth to this piece with his considerable talents at the piano.

Mickey wrote Miss You More Than Words Can Say for a mother who had lost her 22 year old son to suicide. It has been included in a charity album, From The Heart, and performed by Mickey during a benefit concert last July to raise the profile of the Suicide Awareness campaign. This song is beautiful and it’s great to see him share it with a wider audience.

Pillow of Tears gives a voice to faceless closeted children abused by clergy. The stark honesty of Mickey’s words strongly illustrate the almost unbearable pain suffered from these ugliest of acts.

This man writes, sings and plays from his heart whatever the topic. Don’t let his more serious songsovershadow the other touching, more traditional songs penned by Mickey for this album.

Writing, singing and playing from the heart is clearly illustrated  with Culdaff. (a village in Donegal on the Inishowen peninsula). In this one Mickey tells the sad story of high hopes, disappointment and resignation over what will never be, and almost unbearable loneliness for home.

Stranger in the City weaves a tale of youthful exploration, immaturity of decisions made and the wisdom of realizing what’s important in life.

Your Love Pulled Me In and Can Always Count on You are most obviously written for a special person. The first song is the story of finding love at the exact right time, the second a confirmation of love and commitment to a present and future together.

Judgement Day is a genuinely happy tune that’s unashamed by its tilt toward good old fashioned country and western. It’s a toe tapping sing along song that will bring a great big smile to your face. Hard to choose which is more fun, Mickey’s words or Plunkettâ’s honky-tonk piano style in this one.

A Mothers Lullaby song list:

Mothers Lullaby

Locked Gates

Brighter Day

Your Love Pulled Me In

Miss You More Than Words

Pillow of Tears

Can Always Count On You

Judgement Day

Stranger in the City

Culdaff

Purchase A Mothers Lullaby on Mickey’s website: http://mickeycoleman.com/index.html

Now available at: and

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