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Now In: Home » Sean Chara News
Some Great Releases For The St. Patrick's Season. All On Sale Here!
Derek Warfield & The Young WolfeTones Debut 33 Song CD features Young Wolfe Tones The singer regarded by many as Ireland’s greatest living balladeer, Derek Warfield, is soon to release a double CD of classic Irish songs and music with his new band, The Young Wolfe Tones. The album officially launched in Chicago on Valentine’s Day, 14th February. And Derek says he hopes people will find lots to love in a collection which features many of the most popular songs in the Irish tradition, from older songs of rebellion like ‘The Foggy Dew’ to present day favourites such as ‘Streets of New York’. After 44 years on the road as a singer, many of them in the frontline with the legendary Wolfe Tones, Derek says he’s still excited about the new release. “It’s a celebration of our popular Irish song culture in the company of some fabulous musicians and singers,” he says. “Sometimes there’s an inclination to take these songs for granted, but our aim to put our own stamp on them and help hand them on to future generations.” The three talented Young Wolfe Tones on the album are Padraig Allen, a singer-songwriter who was given his first instrument by his uncle Tony of Foster and Allen fame, and brother and sister Jim and Damaris Woods. Born in Luton of Irish parents, both are top-rated instrumentalists, Jim on accordion and bodhran and Damaris on banjo/mandolin.
The new CD mines a rich seam of Irish song and also includes favourites like ‘The Devil is Dead’, ‘My Darling Girl from Clare’, ‘Rathlin’ Bog’, ‘The Lonely Banna Strand’, ‘The Parting Glass’ and many more. There are first-class instrumental tracks, including a great version of the one-and-only ‘Mason’s Apron’.
The High Kings Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey & Darren Holden - renowned vocalists and musicians - have come together to create the an exciting Irish ballad group – The High Kings. Incorporating some of the classic ballad repertoire from the past with new and exciting modern songs in the folk idiom, The High Kings are not to be missed and their special performance is now being seen on PBS (check local listings). The highly acclaimed composer and musical Director David Downes, of Celtic Woman, brings intricate harmonies and driving rhythms. Frankly on some songs it works others it does not. The songs themselves reflect a wide range of moods, the rousing “Rocky Road To Dublin,” the haunting strains of “The Parting Glass,” the irresistible “The Wild Rover” and the stunning “Fields of Glory”. The four-part vocal harmonies are backed by a band which includes world-class musicians; Martin O’Connor on accordion, Nollaig Casey on fiddle, Dave Keery and Ewan Cowley on guitars, Paul Moore on double bass and master percussionist Robbie Harris who performs a modern, contemporary ‘dance off’ with the spectacular Irish dancer, Mick Donegan, formerly of Riverdance.
Celtic Thunder For Celtic Thunder, Sharon Browne (Producer of the original Celtic Woman show, as much as the current owners of the franchise refuse to admit it) has teamed up with Grammy-nominated Irish songwriting and composing veteran Phil Coulter to produce a show that includes an eclectic mix of songs ranging from the traditional “Mountains of Mourne” and “Come By the Hills” to international hits such as “Brothers in Arms” and “Desperado,” as well as original compositions by Coulter, who has written hits for Elvis Presley (“My Boy”) and the Bay City Rollers, and performed with Van Morrison, Tom Jones, and the Rolling Stones. The ensemble numbers in Celtic Thunder reflect the power of the vocalists, who range in age from 14 to 40, and feature songs that celebrate a common Celtic heritage. Both the CD and DVD are aiting on PBS nationwide and so far selling extremely well. Shipping will begin on 3/18. Order now.
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