Irish Music CD Reviews

"Duck Feet Waddling" by NeidFyre

I first came across NeidFyre while talking to a mutual acquaintance online. It was one of those chance happenings - not only did we share a love of Celtic music of all types, but we also happened to live not far away from each other. After meeting the artist, I got a chance to see her in a live performance. I was truly blown away by her vivacity and sheer enjoyment of performing. I had so much fun watching her performance that I immediately bought her album, Duck Feet Waddling, and decided I needed to draw more people's attention to another fine local artist.

NeidFyre, who is primarily Mel Ginsberg-Stevens with occasional guest musicians, first began performing solo in 2002. She's a long-time violinist as well as a singer and both of these aspects are show-cased beautifully on her solo album, Duck Feet Waddling.

The album begins with a uniquely NeidFyre-oriented version of the Christmas Carol, "Here we go a-wassailing" with her own lyrics about...yes...you guessed it...ducks. It's a fun, silly song and the ending is all Mel. You're sure to enjoy it!

One of the other highlights on the album is the song Angus. Sung a cappella, it's full of a wonderful double entendre that's sure to make anyone laugh. Mel's light and clear voice is the perfect complement for this very straight-forward song (it's all about the cloth!). This, in my opinion, is the true brilliance of NeidFyre's performances. A clear soprano voice such as hers often lends a purity to songs that are not quite so pure. If you're not listening, you might miss the fun nature of some of these songs.

Other highlights on the album include the song, Johnny, which has a brilliant ending, and a gorgeous set of reels (Scarce o'Tatties/The Black Nag).

All together this is a very solid album that is sure to be the first of many for this talented artist. She is currently working on her next album, so keep an eye on her website for a release date!

And if you ever do get a chance to see Mel perform in person, by all means GO. You're guaranteed to have a great time! You can find a schedule of her upcoming gigs (mainly around the central NY region) on her website.

NeidFyre can be found on the web at: http://www.neidfyre.com

Buy the album: Duck Feet Waddling

"When Kitty Eyes are Smiling (and other Celtic Cat Songs)" by Marc Gunn

I recently received a preview copy of Marc Gunn's "When Kitty Eyes are Smiling (and other Celtic Cat Songs)," a single that contains three songs (Furragone's Wake, When Kitty Eyes are Smiling, and Wild Kitty) that are a preview of his upcoming release of "Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers." This is an absolutely brilliant single and a great advertisement for the CD. The three songs are standard Irish drinking songs (who doesn't know Finnegan's Wake, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, and Wild Rover?) rewritten to be about cats...complete with meows, hissing, and a set of brilliantly funny lyrics.

Of course, it also contains Marc's fantastic voice, touched with a bit of laughter that's readily heard, as well as some wonderful guest meow-ers...erm...performers. Simply put, these songs are FUN and no one is more aware of that than Marc himself. If you don't find yourself giggling like mad through Wild Kitty, I'd be completely shocked. It's guaranteed to put you in a good mood and cause you to laugh out loud.

For a limited time, "When Kitty Eyes are Smiling" is available for $3.95. The final CD is up for adoption in October 2005!

You can find more information on this single and the upcoming release of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers on the web at: www.catdrinkingsongs.com

Buy the single and pre-order your copy of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers today!: When Kitty Eyes are Smiling (and Other Celtic Cat Songs)

Liz & Yvonne Kane - The Well Tempered Bow

Artist: Liz & Yvonne Kane
Album: The Well Tempered Bow
Year produced: 2002

I had seen this album in my local Borders for many months before itwas brought up in traditional folk music community. Someone recommended it and when I was looking to pick up a few new albums, this was one of the four I walked out of the store with. I was more than pleasantly surprised at this album (especially considering theclassically-oriented title), I was completely amazed at the maturity and brilliance of these young women's playing.

Liz and Yvonne, who hail from the Connemara area on the west coast ofIreland, got their start through their grandfather, Jimmy Mullen (a leading figure in traditional music) and their teacher, Mary Finn McCrudden. Liz, who was into the competition scene, won several awards, including the prestigious All-Ireland senior fiddle title.The sisters have toured with Sharon Shannon and on their own, been guest artists on a number of albums, and have released two albums of their own playing.

The Well Tempered Bow was the Kane sisters' first album. Filled with their brilliant unison South Sligo playing (heavily influenced by fiddle great, Paddy Fahey), every track on this album is beautiful and expertly executed, which is why it's so hard to pick out those that are the highlights. One favourite would be the Kye's Reel/Lenawee Reel set. Both tunes, which were composed by Liz, are darkly driving minor-based tunes and are certain to make you sit up a little further on the edge of your seat. Another favourite is the nostalgic waltz, Küsnacht. Written by Johnny McCarthy while in Switzerland, the title translates to "kiss in the night." A couple other highlights are the reel set, Paddy Fahey's/The Man of the House/Paddy Fahey's, which has a great minor tune surrounded by two of Paddy Fahey's well-known tunes, and The Girl From the Big House/Trá na mBan/Thank God We're Surrounded by Water, a jig set which features a tune by Liz (Trá nam Ban), and a Paddy Fahey setting of the final tune.

Keep an eye on these girls. They're young and they're going to go very far. I highly recommend this album and anything else they might come out with. The Kane sisters can be found on the web at:http://www.thekanesisters.com/.

Buy the album: The Well Tempered Bow

"The Secret World of Celtic Rock"

Artist: Various
Album: The Secret World of Celtic Rock
Year produced: 2005

When Marc Gunn sent me a preview copy of this album, I wasn't entirely certain what to expect. My exposure to Celtic rock has been very limited and generally consisted of avoiding it at festivals in favour of the more traditional music I know and love so much. Upon listening to this album, I realized how much I've been missing! While my first love with always be the traditional side of Celtic music, the rock world has come a close second.

This album, which packs 19 different groups into every little crevice of the CD, is at turns exciting, dramatic, driving, and just plain fun. It begins with, of all instruments, the Australian didgeridoo, which launches into Heather Dale's "Mordred's Lullaby," a rather sinister lullaby sung by Morgan LaFay to her bastard son Mordred (both of Arthurian legend). Heather's unique voice coupled with a rock beat and somewhat New Age sounding accompaniment give the opening track of the CD a very dramatic flavouring.

Besides the opening track, one of my other favourites is Rimbo's version of the traditional Scottish song "Red, Red Rose," which features Marc Gunn on vocals. Simply put, Marc's voice is gorgeous and Rimbo's background is a perfect complement for it. Other highlights include The Rogues' "Groovy Scooby," an exciting instrumental featuring highland bagpipes and drums, and Amadan's "Johnny Jump Up/Swallowtail Jig," which features a revved-up version of the song, "Johnny Jump Up" followed by the traditional jig, "The Swallowtail."

If you have no experience in the realm of Celtic rock, this is an excellent album to start with. With such a wide variety of styles, you're bound to find at least one (or 19) bands you really enjoy. And even better, Marc provides links to the bands' sites in the CD jacket, so if you're interested in purchasing the full albums, it's easy to find where to do that!

And if you do know about Celtic rock, this is still a great album to introduce you to many of the independent artists performing it around the world. It's definitely not an album to be missed!

Buy the album: The Secret World of Celtic Rock

"If I Should Fall From Grace With God" by The Pogues

Artist: The Pogues
Album: If I Should Fall From Grace With God
Year produced: 1988

I knew nothing of the world of Celtic rock until I was sent a preview copy of Marc Gunn's newly-released compilation, "The Secret World of Celtic Rock." Instantly, I was intrigued and was told to go listen to The Pogues who are highly influential in the Celtic rock world.

The Pogues, who's original name Pogue Mahone means "kiss my arse" in Gaelic, were founded by Shane MacGowan in 1981. Since then, they have shortened their name to the now well-known "The Pogues" (after a DJ discovered what pogue mahone meant) and put out 13 albums and several videos of their performances.

If I Should Fall From Grace With God, released in 1988, was their 3rd album and contains over 50 minutes of some truly great music. One of the highlights of this album is the Christmas anthem, "Fairlytale of New York." After a beginning with a solo voice and piano, it launches into a song that starts idealistic and turns fairly harsh as the couple involved speak of what has happened to their dreams. One can easily hear the youthful idealism that turns to cold pessimism as the song spins around them. Another particular favourite is the "Turkish Song of the Damned." Be ready to crank the volume up on this one! Beginning with a driving beat and a Mediterranean-influenced melody, it continually floats between this sound and a more Celtic-inspired dance tune. Screams and howls punctuate the singing, while the latter portion is a driving revved-up jig. A couple other highlights include the instrumental "Metropolis," which was inspired by Leonard Bernstein's music (no doubt this would be West Side Story), and "Streets of Sorrow/Birmingham Six," a song which shows their Republican leanings and was actually banned by the BBC.

If you're looking for an album of solid Celtic rock, which is both unique and fun to listen to, you cannot possibly go wrong with this album by The Pogues.

Buy the album: If I Should Fall From Grace With God

"Songs of Ireland" by Brobdingnagian Bards

Artist: The Brobingnagian Bards
Album: Songs of Ireland
Year produced: 2002

I found this album through Marc Gunn's website. After an introduction to his music through his solo album, I turned to his duo, the Brobdingnagian Bards, to see what they had to offer. Once again, I was not disappointed. The Bards (who are Marc Gunn, on vocals and autoharp, and Andrew McKee on vocals, mandolin, and recorder) have a unique sound that's very enjoyable to listen to. They simply don't sound like anyone else out there which, in this day of duplicate ensembles and conformity, is a very good thing.

Songs of Ireland came out in 2002 and contains a full hour of some of the greatest traditional songs of Ireland. One of the highlights of this album for me was "An Irish Lullaby." Sung by Marc in a soft, lilting voice, it perfectly suits this nostalgic song about hearing a mother singing a lullaby as she rocks you to sleep. If you're anything like me, you'll find yourself going back to this track over and over again, shutting your eyes, and losing yourself in the music. Another great song on this album is "The Unicorn Song." This particular song is sung by Andrew, who has a lighter voice than Marc, and tells the story of why we don't see unicorns anymore. Perhaps the funniest moment in this song comes toward the end when Andrew sums up his explanation for the disappearance. Marc's theatrics at this moment cannot possibly do anything but bring a smile to your face. And a note to those who have heard this song before: there's a new verse on the end to give the song a more optimistic spin. Other highlights include "Lish Young Buy-A-Broom," a song about a man who meets a broom seller and spends the day in love with her before departing overseas and "Patriot Game," which tells the story of Fergal O'Hanlon (who tried to abolish the border between the Republic and the six counties) and was heard recently on NPR's Marketplace during a show on the IRA.

If you're looking for the perfect St. Patrick's Day album or even just an album with some great songs and singing, I highly recommend this one.

Buy the Album: Songs of Ireland

"The Hour Before Dawn" by Solas

by Michelle Osborne

Artist: Solas
Album: The Hour Before Dawn
Year produced: October 2000

I happened upon this album somewhat by accident. After looking through the entire Celtic section, I found some albums by Solas and 'The Hour Before Dawn' instantly drew my eyes. Without having ever heard anything by this group, I bought the album, a decision I have never regretted.

Founded by Seamus Egan (a talented multi-instrumentalist who plays flute and tenor banjo, among others), this quintet of brilliant Irish musicians has been hailed as one of the best in the genre. Since their inception in 1995, Solas has produced six albums and a live DVD, as well as several solo albums. They have also toured throughout the world.

The Hour Before Dawn (2000) was the fourth album put out by this group. The opening is a rollicking song in gaelic, sung by Deidre Scanlon (who replaced Karan Casey as Solas's main vocalist). While her voice is not as light and flexible as Karan's, her darker alto brings a new sound to Solas's songs. The second track, a set of reels, was what made me really sit up and take notice of what this group is doing.

"Granny Quinn's" is a celebration of Winifred Horan's fiddle playing, with all the drive and accentuation she is capable of. Seamus Egan takes over with "The Lilac Reel" and one can only gawk in utter awe at the brilliance of this young man's flute playing. This reel set is fast, it's furious, and it's what defines Solas's sound. Other highlights include Deidre Scanlon's "Last of the Great Whales" (a lament about the slaughter of these animals), "A Miner's Life," sung by John Doyle, and Boy/Girl Tune, a Mediterranean-influenced tune by Mick McAuley.

The final track is a joy all its own. Originally an instrumental tune written by Seamus Egan and rewritten with Sarah McLachlan for the movie Brothers McMullen, it is recorded here with Deidre Scanlon singing and a purely traditional group backing her up.

While not pure-drop trad, this group is well worth a listen (or a thousand) and this particular album is a definite must-buy. Solas can be found on the web. They have just finished recording their latest albums and it is expected to be available in the spring of 2005.

Buy the Album: "The Hour Before Dawn"

"Kinnitty Sessions" by Lunasa

by Michelle Osborne

Artist: Lunasa
Album: Kinnitty Sessions
Year produced: 2004

Lunasa's first album arrived on the scene in 1997, a natural outgrowth of their time spent playing together. Since then, they have produced 4 more albums, as well as several solo albums. Lunasa's musical sound is defined by the uilleann pipes (an instrument that most of these Irish "super groups" sadly seem to do without) and the use of an acoustic bass. Unashamedly influenced by jazz music, Lunasa's music is filled with a variety of syncopations and lush harmonies that are expertly woven into both traditional and newly-composed tunes.

The Kinnitty Sessions album was recorded live in front of a small audience (though the sound quality is so good you wouldn't actually know this) in Ireland's supposedly haunted Kinnitty Castle. The opening track is typical Lunasa and is a true joy to listen to. The first tune is an entirely traditional rendition of the jig, the Stolen Purse, played on pipes (Cillian Vallely) and flute (Kevin Crawford). The second tune, An Síoda, brings in the accompaniment in a syncopated pattern that is Lunasa's jazz-influenced sound at its best. After a brief pause, the full group launches into the final tune, Brendan McMahon's Reel. Yes, that's right. One of the hallmarks of Lunasa's tune arrangements is their change between tune types in the middle of a set. While this is far from traditional, it brings an unexpected and refreshing twist to the music.

Other highlights on this album are Kevin Crawford's whistle playing on the reel set entitled Island Paddy (besides a gorgeous whistle tone quality, his technique and style are amazing to listen to), a gorgeous uilleann pipe air entitled The Wounded Hussar, and a fantastic moment on the Walrus track where three members of the ensemble (Kevin and Cillian are joined by Sean Smyth, the fiddle player) all play low whistles and weave in and out of harmony and melody with each other.

Like Solas, Lunasa is not quite pure-drop trad. But if you want a fun album to listen to, this, or any of their other four albums, comes highly recommended. You can find more information on Lunasa at the Lunasa website.

Buy the Album: Kinnitty Sessions

"Underneath the Stars" by Kate Rusby

by Michelle Osborne

Artist: Kate Rusby
Album: Underneath the Stars
Year produced: 2003

My first introduction to Kate Rusby was through finding her albums at my local Borders. I knew nothing about her and so I trudged home to check out some clips on amazon.com. I found she had a lovely voice and ended up getting this album for Christmas. I had mixed feelings about the album at first, but the more I listen to it, the more I fall in love with it.

Kate Rusby, who also sings with the all-female folk group the Poozies,appeared on the scene in 1998 with her first solo album, Hourglass. A little bit folk, a little bit Celtic, a little bit entirely her own, Kate has been a voice for a new generation of folk singers. Underneath the Stars, her latest album, is almost solely tracks composed by the artist. Does this leave her as simply folk, more than Celtic? A friend once told me that artists cross over into the "folk" category when they spend most of their time writing and performing their own tunes. In that way, Kate Rusby, is certainly folk, but the beautiful simplicity, Celtic vocal styling, and instrumental backup consisting of guitar, fiddle, and even whistle, give her music a sort of folk/Celtic fusion.

The opening track, "The Good Man," has traditional lyrics, but music written by Rusby. This is one of my favourite songs on the album. The words are deceptively simple and at first listening, I didn't really pay much attention. Upon focusing on the words, it becomes a song which could very well imply two different stories: a cheating wife or a suspicious husband? Other highlights on this album are "Let Me Be" (a song about a woman who wants to remain independent, but then finally meets someone she wants, only to have him overlook her) and the title track (a lamenting song about leaving before you can't leave of your own free will).

Buy the Album: Underneath the Stars

"Lake Effect" by Liz Carroll

by Michelle Osborne

Artist: Liz Carroll
Album: Lake Effect
Year Produced: 2002

Ask anyone about great American fiddlers and the name Liz Carroll is sure to come to the forefront of anyone who knows anything's mind. Beginning with winning both Junior and Senior All-Ireland championships before she turned 20, she has produced four brilliant solo albums received a National Heritage Award Fellowship (1994), and was named "Irish Traditional Musician of the Year" by the Irish Echo (2000).

Lake Effect (the title a tribute to the particular type of heavy snowfalls that occur in Chicago and the northeast as winter storms come across the Great Lakes) is Liz's most recent solo album. Accompanied by John Doyle on guitar, the album is a beautiful showcase both for Liz's fiddle playing and her composition skills. It takes a true understanding of the tradition to compose tunes which seem to be a part of it and yet still retain their unique character. She does this easily and has, in fact, done this on all her albums.

A quick glance at the back cover of this album highlights one peculiarity of this album: The Turtle Island String Quartet. Rarely does the combination of classical ensembles with Irish traditional music produce anything but very trite music. Traditional music dressed in a tuxedo and paraded out as "Celtic." With Liz's touch, as well as this particular string quartet, this is not what we get. Instead, we get the Catherine Kelly's/Lake Effect tune set, an absolutely brilliant setting of a traditional tune, followed by one of Liz's own. The setting itself is jazzed up, with rhythm set up in the lower instruments and interjections by the higher violins. While not entirely traditional, it fits the music amazingly well and is the principal highlight of this album. Other highlights are the Liz Carroll tune "The Ghost," a beautiful air composed for a scene in a Marina Carr play, and an absolutely brilliant rendition of the traditional tune, "The Morning Dew."

Buy the Album: Lake Effect

"Soul of a Harper" by Marc Gunn

by Michelle Osborne

Artist: Marc Gunn
Album: Soul of a Harper
Year Produced: 2004

I first came across Marc Gunn in a Celtic music community I belonged to. Intrigued by his intelligent comments, I wandered over to his website and discovered several mp3s from both him and his duo, The Brobdingnagian Bards (who he has several other CDs available with). I never quite know what to expect from independent artists. I was very pleased to find that Marc's music (and the Bards as well) is the kind that is easy to fall in love with upon first listening to it.

Soul of the Harper, released in 2004, is a compilation of Marc's solo endeavours from 2000-2003. The music ranges from solo autoharp instrumentals to both traditional songs and tunes. This is, perhaps, the true beauty of this album, and gives you a true picture of what this artist is about. It is not purely traditional, purely composed, purely song, or purely instrumental. It is a combination of all four of these elements, which enables the music to stay fresh with each subsequent track.

Highlighting a few of my particular favourites on this album is difficult, as I enjoy each song and tune. "The Parting Glass" is one of the highest points of the album. A traditional Irish song sung with no accompaniment, it is soulfully rendered by Marc's deep, velvety voice. Also a high point is "The Leprechaun," one of Marc's composed songs, which shows his humourous side. Written in 2001, it's chock full of silly voices that are bound to make you laugh, as well as some light self-mockery, and creates an analogy between the modern idea of a Leprechaun and the unfortunate antiquated thinking of some Celtic musicians. Upbeat with a rollicking autoharp accompaniment, this song is just fun to listen to. On the more serious side of Marc's own songs is "The Bridge," a song about the distances so many will go for love.

At turns romantic, silly, nostalgic, and fun, this album has something for everyone on it and comes highly recommended.

Buy the Album: Soul of a Harper

Irish music suggestions

Top Irish CDs

If you're unfamiliar with Irish music, the following albums are a good place to start your exploration of this beautiful music.

1. Solas - self-titled album: The first of Solas's 7 albums, this is one of the most traditional sounding of them. Filled with driving reels, jigs, and some beautiful songs, you can't go wrong with this powerhouse of a group.

2. Brobdingnagian Bards - Songs of Ireland: The word "fun" often comes to mind when listening to the Brobdingnagian Bards' music. The hour this album plays for is packed full of some of the greatest of Ireland's songs. If you're looking for some excellent verions of many familiar songs, I highly recommend picking up this album.

3. Lunasa - Kinnitty Sessions: The latest of Lunasa's albums, this brings out all the spontanaeity of a Lunasa live performance with the quality of a studio recording. Recorded in front of a small audience at Kinnitty Castle this album is a showcase for yet another powerhouse of a group.

4. Liz Carroll - Lost in the Loop: Phenomenal Chicago fiddler Liz Carroll combines great fiddling, traditional tunes, and her own composed tunes to really dazzle you with all that the fiddle can do. If you want to hear some great traditional fiddle playing, this album comes highly recommended.

5. Paddy in the Smoke: Recorded in a noisy Irish pub in the 1960s, this is as traditional as you can get. People talking, telephones ringing, the musicians making exclamations over particularly good moments in the music, and above all, some fantastic performances by many long-dead greats.

6. Seamus Egan - Traditional Music of Ireland: Recorded by Seamus (most known as the founder of Solas) when he was merely 16 years old, this is an absolutely brilliant recording of traditional flute and whistle playing.

7. Natalie MacMaster - No Boundaries: Natalie's Cape Breton fiddling is virtuosic and absolutely enjoyable to listen to. This album floats between very traditional fiddling and blazing fiddle playing with a rock accompaniment.

8. Music at Matt Molloy's: If you want to feel like you're at a session, this is the album to pick up. Recorded at Matt Molloy's pub, with such great as Sean Smyth, Arty McGlynn, and Matt Molloy himself, this album makes you feel like you're sitting right there in between the musicians at their local session.

9. Karan Casey - Songlines: Karan (who was Solas's first singer) has a light and flexible voice you won't hear too many places. From the mournful to the playful, her voice is capable of crossing all boundaries.

10. Teada - self-titled album: A young traditional "super group," Teada shows both great virtuosity and an understanding of the tradition few young people have. Their first, self-titled, album is Teada at its best: exciting, enthusiastic, and extremely talented.

I'd like to follow this up with some more suggestions for listening. In each category, I am including my 5 favourites in no particular order.

"Supergroups"
1. Solas
2. Lunasa
3. Altan
4. Danu
5. Teada

Smaller ensembles
1. Brobdingnagian Bards (duo)
2. Sliabh Notes (trio)
3. Trian (trio)
4. Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill (duo)
5. Liz Carroll & John Doyle (duo)

Fiddlers
1. Liz Carroll
2. Kevin Burke
3. Brian Conway
4. Tommy Peoples
5. Natalie MacMaster

Flute/whistle players
1. Seamus Egan
2. Matt Molloy
3. Kevin Crawford
4. Joanie Madden
5. Hammy Hamilton

Ullieann Pipers
1. Leo Rowsome
2. Paddy Keenan
3. Seamus Ennis
4. Davy Spillane
5. Kevin Rowsome

Accordion/concertina players
1. Joe Burke

2. Sharon Shannon
3. John Williams
4. Mick McAuley
5. Joe Cooley

Irish banjo players

1. Mike Flanagan

2. Barney McKenna

3. Johnny Keenan

4. Gerry O'Connor

5. Seamus Egan (yes, the same Seamus Egan listed under flute/whistle)

Singers
1. Karan Casey
2. Kate Rusby
3. Marc Gunn

4. Mary Black

5. John Doyle

Celtic Rock/Punk
1. Pogues
2. Flogging Molly
3. Dropkick Murphys
4. Black 47
5. The Rogues

Free Irish music downloads

These bands are cool. They all have at least one free Irish music download so you can sample their music. Download and share with your friends. Tell people and please, please, buy their CDs.

Band: Brobdingnagian Bards
Download MP3: "Finnegan's Wake"
From the CD: Songs of Ireland

Artist: Marc Gunn
Download MP3: "The Parting Glass"
From the CD: Soul Of A Harper

Band: Heidi, Stef, & Bow Triplets
Download MP3: "Big John MacNeal"
From the CD: One Spot on Earth

More Free Music Downloads
~ Celtic MP3s Music Magazine - Free Celtic Music Downloads
~ St Patrick's Day Free Music Downloads
~ Directory of Free Music Downloads

Favourite links

Please sign my Guestbook (provided by Guestbook Depot).

The following are some of my favourite Celtic music resources on the web. Please stop by these places and check them out. More importantly, if you know of a place I don't, please feel free to e-mail me and let me know where it is!

Free music!:
~ Celtic Mp3s Music Magazine (offers free celtic music downloads, reviews, and more)

Tune resources:
~ The Session (if you're looking for tunes, this is an excellent place to go)
~ JC's ABC tune finder (another great tunes resource)
~ Old Music Project (more tunes...plus a lot of other neat stuff!)
~ Ceolas Celtic Music Archive (downloadable tunebooks and a lot more)

Whistle information:
~ Chiff & Fipple (a great resource for whistle players)

Whistle tutorials:
~ Whistletutor (the best free tutorial out there...it even has downloadable videos)
~ Brother Steve's Tin Whistle Pages (another good tutorial for the whistle)

Commercial sites:
~ Lark in the Morning (a great place to purchase a wide variety of instruments)
~ The Whistle Shop (for all your whistle needs...just watch out for WhOA!!)

~ Green Linnet (Celtic CDs of all sorts...they often have some great sales)

Bands that have been reviewed

The bands below have all been reviewed by me. Those marked with a star (*) have at least one free download offered on their site. Download and share with your friends. Tell people and please, please, buy their CDs.

~ NeidFyre (Duck Feet Waddling)*

~ Marc Gunn (When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling (and Other Celtic Cat Songs))*

~ Liz & Yvonne Kane (The Well Tempered Bow)

~ Various artists (The Secret World of Celtic Rock)

~ The Pogues (If I Should Fall From Grace With God)

~ Brobdingnagian Bards (Songs of Ireland)*
~ Solas (The Hour Before Dawn)
~ Lunasa (The Kinnitty Sessions)
~ Kate Rusby (Underneath the Stars)
~ Liz Carroll (Lake Effect)
~ Marc Gunn (Soul of a Harper)*