Niamh Parsons

Doug Folkins

Ludwig O’Neill

Doghouse Roses

Eamon Ireland

Mckinley Black

Brigands’ Folie

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SAILING, a new CD retracing the career of Washington, DC-area vocalist Grace Griffith, will be released by Blix Street Records on September 28, 2010. A retrospective collection of 11 songs from a career that spans more than 20 years and covers the genres of Celtic, contemporary and traditional folk, SAILING marks yet another milestone for a gifted singer and musician whose extraordinary voice has earned her a circle of devoted fans, multiple awards and critical praise.

The release of SAILING will coincide with Griffith’s appearance at the Second World Parkinson’s Congress which will take place September 28 through October 1 in Glasgow, Scotland. Griffith, a former physical therapist who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease some 13 years ago, has been active in Parkinson-related groups including The World Parkinson’s Foundation, APDA and PAN (Parkinson’s Action Network), and has provided programs to numerous caregivers, health-care professionals and students throughout the United States. In addition to singing at the opening of the upcoming Congress, she is on the faculty at this year’s gathering and will speak at a Music & Parkinson’s Disease Workshop on the event’s final day.

The 11 songs on this memorable collection are taken from four of Griffith’s albums on Blix Street. Three tracks-”Ripples in the Rockpools/Kiss of the Fiddle,” “Song of the Seals” and “Sailing/Ships Are Sailing”-first appeared on SIREN SONG (1995), an album recorded during her years with the Celtic-influenced group Connemara. Seven tracks are from her solo works: “Wondering Where The Lions Are,” “Bound By The Beauty” and “Swallow Song” were originally presented on MINSTREL SONG (2000); “Shape Of My Heart,” “My Life,” and “The Cuckoo” appeared on MY LIFE (2006), her most recent solo effort; and “Carry You” is from SANDS OF TIME (2003). The independently-released JOURNEYS (1990), which she recorded with Susan Graham White as Hazlewood, is the source for the final track, “The Last Leviathan.”

“The goal,” says Bill Straw, founder and president of the Seattle-based independent Blix Street Records who compiled and sequenced SAILING, “was to create a super album that, much like Eva Cassidy’s SONGBIRD (also on Blix Street), would elevate a relatively unknown artist to her rightful place among her peers. No one deserves it more than Grace Griffith.” Straw has had a deep respect for Griffith and her talent, as well as an appreciation for her musical taste for many years. He signed her to Blix Street Records in 1995 after first hearing EVERY HUE AND SHADE, her solo debut which earned her one of her now multiple WAMMIEs, presented by the Washington Area Music Association. Subsequently, it was Griffith who first brought the music of her friend Eva Cassidy to Straw’s attention.

“When I first saw the list of songs chosen for this project,” says Griffith, “I was surprised and pleased by the amount of research Bill had put into repertory selection, track sequencing, artwork and all the other details. The material covers a span of time beginning with my teenage years, when most of my singing was done in the woods where I grew up or in D.C.-area coffeehouses with my sister Maura, and continues through 2006′s MY LIFE, encompassing many of the songs I perform in my appearances these days. I was also pleasantly surprised when the Blix Street came up with a title and a theme that so suits this project, affirming my place in the world as I think of it-sailing. The little watercolor on the cover was done when I was in my late teens. The Viking ship was a recurrent image in my daydreams and watercolors during those years. I always thought of it as a dream ship sailing on the sea of life between storm and calm, but always coming home through the dark sky. As far as I know, this is the only remaining picture from my water-coloring days.”

If the songs chosen for inclusion on SAILING reflect the journey of the singer’s career and life, they also reveal her impressively eclectic taste, ear for the perfect match of words and music irrespective of genre and a delivery that goes straight to the heart. Grace Griffith’s musical roots run deep through the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland. She includes the legendary Scots singer Jean Redpath among her earliest and most abiding influences and admits to an insatiable love for Irish song during her college years. Her roots, though, extend into the fertile ground that is contemporary music as evidenced by her stylings of songs by artists such as Sting, Iris DeMent, and Jane Siberry.

“The first band I played and toured with was an Irish ‘mostly female’ band called The Hags,” Griffith recounts. That was in the early 1980′s. In the late 80′s, she performed with Susan Graham White as Hazlewood, resulting in the album JOURNEYS. Griffith spent the early 1990′s performing and recording with Connemara, a group heavily influenced by Celtic music traditions. SIREN SONG, a CD showcasing Griffith’s soaring vocals and group member Cathy Palmer’s lyrical fiddle, also featured stellar performances by multi-instrumentalist Zan McLeod and accordion player Billy McComiskey. The surprising variety of material and arrangements on the tracks from MINSTREL SONG, SANDS OF TIME and MY LIFE showcase Grace Griffith as a solo artist of rare talent and taste and a seemingly limitless appreciation for the human spirit. The names Marcy Marxer, Chris Biondo and Lenny Williams appear again and again on the liner copy. As producers and as musicians, their presence and contributions-as well as those by other musicians such as guitarist Al Petteway and banjo player Cathy Fink -are richly felt throughout. Chris Biondo, producer and mentor to the late Eva Cassidy, says “There is no one I know of on the planet who sings with the emotional credibility that Grace conveys.”

Grace Griffith’s journey has earned her an overwhelming armload of WAMMIEs in categories including Best Album, Best Artist, Best Folk Album and Best Folk Artist. Most recently, the D.C.-based organization named her as 2009′s Best Folk Traditional Vocalist.

For years, she practiced physical therapy by day and sang by night, earning a well-deserved reputation among peers and critics and fans. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1998, she continued to work and perform until a few years ago when the progress of the disease made the practice of physical therapy impossible and performing in concert difficult. In 2006, she underwent Deep Brain Stimulation surgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. She has benefitted from the still-experimental procedure and has actively created a new niche for herself as an effective speaker and educator on Parkinson’s and the role music and the performing arts play for those with the disease.

At the World Parkinson’s Congress, she will again be speaking on the topic of music and endeavoring to maintain a creative approach to living with the challenges of Parkinson’s. Her co-presenter will be Constance Tomaino, a researcher and published author in the field of music therapy.

In addition to her involvement with Parkinson’s-related groups and educational projects, Grace Griffith continues to perform. One such performance was at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where she sang “If I Can’t Dance,” a song from MY LIFE, accompanying a dance troupe comprised of people with Parkinson’s. More recently, she has been doing low-pressure performances around the Washington area in collaboration with local singer-songwriter Lynn Hollyfield. “Lynn is the perfect complement for me on guitar,” says Griffith. “For the most part, I’ve had to give up playing instruments in public performance due to the effects of Parkinson’s. Lynn and I are both physical therapists by training. Although I’ve retired from active status, she is still working in the field. I owe her, as well as some other music friends, deep gratitude for their patience, encouragement and support, which has enabled me to pursue the bliss that is my music despite Parkinson’s.”

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UPDATE: Adding this to the Music Friday category even though it predated Music Fridays and wasn’t posted on a Friday so people surfing that category for music won’t miss this post.

Eamon Ireland

Eamon Ireland is folk singer from Limerick, Ireland. His soft voice and superior story telling techniques make his songs unforgettable. They stir the soul and sooth it at the same time. There is a magical quality to them that few other songwriters can bring to their music. A digital version of his album Our Love Is Gold can be purchased through his ReverbNation store here Listen to a sample below.

Mick Flannery

I have been a fan of Mick’s for some time now. He is from County Cork, Ireland but has also played in the US. He won the U.S. Songwriting Competition in Nashville, Tennessee and they know a little something about great songwriting in Nashville so you don’t have to take my word for it. Mick’s songs have a gravely sound and an earthy realism to them that touch a nerve with his listeners. Mick’s music is available through ITunes

Gareth Brannigan

We have featured Gareth here before but since he has recently released his second EP, Say it Anyway, I thought it was time to showcase him again. Gareth is from County Antrim in Northern Ireland. He is a young singer/songwriter but his songs are more mature than you would expect from someone his age. There is a very acoustic feel to his music and his lyrics speak to the listener in a very personal way. His new EP is not yet on cdbaby but I will include a link to the first one Walk With Me

Following Bob

Following Bob is the stage name of Norwegian rock/pop singer Vegar Nesset. Vegar studied music at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. He has performed in several stage shows and has performed in a few tribute bands and has written songs for other acts.

Marty Logue

Marty Logue is a talented singer/songwriter from Derry in Northern Ireland. He also has an acoustic rock style music. His debut album As Good a Time as Any was produced by Paul Casey, who is also a very talented singer/songwriter. I couldn’t find Marty at ReverbNation but you can hear samples of his music at his myspace page http://www.myspace.com/martylogue It is well worth the trip over to myspace to hear him. He is very good. His album is available at cdbaby.

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Declan’s intricate lyrics allow the minds eye to visualize the story he’s weaving, causing thought and reflection on its meaning. Each song in the collection is unique from the others, some happy and upbeat, some reminiscent of a smoky piano bar singer, others more introspective or mysterious; and all superb.   

Galileo (Someone Like You) has received the most notice and accolades. Having an unusual and unforgettable storyline, it has been covered successfully by several other artists over the past years. I would have to say though; the original is still the best. 

Of all the extraordinary songs included in this album, my personal favorite and the most unique of them all to me is Marrying the Sea. In this one Declan relates the tale of a young mans tortured romance with the sea, done a cappella except for the softly lapping waves against the shore. I’ve listened to this song so many times over the last several months and continue to puzzle at its meaning.  I do sometimes wonder though if that was his intention all along.

For anyone who has never heard Declan O’Rourke, I would suggest this album as a perfect way of become familiar with this wonderfully talented singer/songwriter. He also tours all over the world and should he come to your area, don’t miss the opportunity to see him in concert. Declan and his music will captivate you, leaving you wanting to hear more.  

Declan is currently working on his third studio album.

 Song List

No Place To Hide
Birds Of A Feather
Galileo (Someone Like You)
Your World
No Brakes
We Didn’t Mean to Go To Sea
1-Way Minds
Love Is The Way
Sarah (Last Night In A Dream)
Everything Is Different
Marrying The Sea – Til Death Do Us Part

Available at iTunes:

Since Kyabram

Big Bad Beautiful World

Webpage:  http://www.declanorourke.com/intro.php

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

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1038906154&v=wall&story_fbid=1414912446356&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/profile.php?id=624141781&ref=ts

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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.

Song List

*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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Declan O’Rourke began his career on the Dublin singer-songwriter circuit in 2000 and released his debut album under an independent Irish record label in late 2004. Since Kyabram went straight in at fifth position on the Irish charts and very soon achieved Gold, Platinum and then double-Platinum status.  Even now, more than five years after its release, it continues to sell steadily.

His songs have gained him much interest with a number of the industry’s top names both in Ireland and abroad. Declan supported Snow Patrol on their 2006 European tour where he played Wembly Stadium and the Odyssey Arena among others.  He has also made a number of special guest appearances on stage with the band. 

In 2006, when asked by Q Magazine which song from the past twenty years he most wished he’d written, Paul Weller chose Galileo, a song from Since Kyabram. Jonathan Ross, Britain’s top chat show host and foremost radio DJ, plays Declan regularly on his Saturday morning show.  Declan’s songs have been recorded by a number of artists, including Brian Kennedy and Maura O’Connell.  Eddi Reader’s latest studio album, released in April, 2009, covers Declan’s Love Is The Way, and is also the album’s title.

Declan’s long awaited and critically acclaimed second album, Big Bad Beautiful World was released in September, 2007, and reached fourth position in the Irish charts. In April 2007/08, Declan toured the recording, including a small Australian tour in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, with great success. He returned to Australia for an extended tour of New South Wales and Victoria throughout March, 2009. Declan plans a more extensive tour of Australia in spring 2010.

He has also toured in England and mainland Europe, supporting such notable names as Paul Weller, The Cardigans, Paulo Nuttini, Paul Brady, The Beautiful South, and Nizlopi while appearing on the same bills as Planxty and Bob Dylan. In February 2009, he shared a Belfast stage with Nancy Griffith and in October/November 2009, supported New York songwriter Ari Hest on a nationwide U.S. tour.

Declan recently sang with Swedish singer Peter Jöback on a cover of R.E.M’s Everybody Hurts.  The Scandinavian sensation has also covered Declan’s song I Can See A Little Something and both songs are included in Peter’s newest album, East Side Stories, released in October 2009. This past December, Declan performed with Peter in Sweden and Norway in their largest indoor arenas to sell out audiences. Declan recently wrote a song with Midnight Oil veteran Jim Moginee.

Declan is praised for his heartfelt, intimate performances as well as his larger, energetic concerts. His popularity continues to grow steadily, with a vast amount of sell-out performances in Ireland’s most prestigious venues. A third studio album is in the works and a Spring 2010 release is anticipated.

Currently touring in Ireland, check Declan’s website  for appearance dates and locations: http://www.declanorourke.com/news.php

 Listen to Declan at his Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/declanorourke

Since Kyabram and Big Bad Beautiful World are available for download at:

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Having music as a way for Siobhan to cope with events in her life was a cathartic release; writing about love and loss, hope and growing up, memories and dreams. The music is a mixture of contemporary folk and acoustic rock, drawing influences from her childhood experience and her current musical tastes.

Siobhan has recently started gigging and is currently working on getting into the studio to record her first EP with a lot of positive interest in her work and exciting plans for the year ahead.

You can catch her live in coffee shops, singer-songwriter nights and even busking in and around Belfast city centre.

Website: http://www.myspace.com/siobhanday
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/sizeborg
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Siobhan-Day/180952197211

Siobhan also offers a free download of her song Outside at: http://www.nichart.com/downloads.html It’s under SSS

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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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During the Hebridean Celtic Festival in 2007 he got the chance to play his songs “Take Me Away Across the Sea” and “Lonely Lonely Night” live on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal.

In summer 2009 he was invited to play at Elphin Drift, an acoustic evening in Yorkshire. His performance went down well with the audience and he was invited back to play at the next Elphin Drift which was in November.

In February, Andrew will be performing at Skipinnish Ceilidh House, Oban, supporting folk rock band COAST on their debut Scottish tour.

You can sample Andrew’s music using the widget below. You can also find more info at these pages:

Andrew’s Facebook page

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Singer/songwriter Mickey Coleman, from the shores of Lough Neagh, County Tyrone Ireland is on his way to becoming the latest sensation to hit the Irish music folk scene.

Mickey who has been writing, singing and playing music from an early age completed his critically acclaimed debut album Carefully Crafted, consisting of all original material, a short 18 months ago. And, since its debut has been sharing the stage with artists such as The Chieftains, Cara Dillon, Francis Black, Liam Reilly, Steve Cooney and many more.

His talent for penning songs that in some way or another have shaped his life and which have captured the hearts of many in his live performances has been well documented in songs such as The Brantry Boy, The Holylands Belfast, My Coalisland Girl and Kilkeel Fisherman.

Drawing influences from Christy Moore, Bob Dylan and Luke Kelly, Mickey has developed his own identity saying; “I am like myself. I don’t think I sound like anyone” in an interview with popular folk artist and producer Column Sands.

James McGarrity from JW Promotions says; “Mickey Coleman is another example of the class and caliber of new musicians in the Province. This talented singer/songwriter produced a sensational debut album and is set for great things.”

Mickey is currently writing with some of Ireland’s finest and adding the finishing touches to his brand new album, Mothers Lullaby. Scheduled to launch on 29-Jan-2010, it is now available for purchase and pre-order on his website:  www.mickeycoleman.com

Listen to some of Mickey’s songs now at: www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1

Become a fan and follow Mickey on Facebook at:

Mickey Coleman Folk Singer/Songwriter: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=156313743038

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