Yorkshire singer-songwriter Sam Barrett is a very busy man. In addition to printing his own product packaging, stickers, and t-shirts, he maintains a hectic gig schedule all over Great Britain, singing a mix of his own songs and trad material from England, Scotland, and Ireland on his vintage Stella 12-string. Sam’s songs are raw, rowdy, and rooted in the green rolling hills of his native North. The original material references early Dylan, and the old songs bring to mind early Paul Brady and Andy Irvine, with just enough punk edge to keep the kids happy. You’ll hear echoes of Americana here too–from southern country blues to WoodyGuthrie and Carter Family. Serious Sam is the real deal!
While visiting California from the East Coast, folklorist Mick Moloney once commented to me that he always enjoys it when he discovers traditional Irish music thriving out on the “fringe.” This fact has been again proven by the new release from Sacramento-based quintet Nine-8ths Irish, titled “Out on the Ocean” (FGM Records, produced by Craig Long). This is a cracking collection of session-proven jigs and reels, with a smattering of strong singing and some very impressive original tunes composed by Linda Relph.
Out on the Ocean
The band’s sound revolves around Linda’s crystalline fiddling, with the solid support of Kathy Barwick (guitar), Bo Bowen (whistles), Brady McKay (vocals), and Chris Dunlap (bodhran). Here is a song written by Archie Fisher that they combine with one of Linda’s reels, and a lively reel set that kicks off with another of her tunes. Enjoy!
Julie Fowlis has the voice of a Celtic angel. With her ancient Scots Gaelic songs of earth and sky, she calls up a salty North wind that whistles through the mossy crags of remote, forgotten islands. On her latest release Uam (Cadiz Music/Shoeshine Records) she harnesses a stable of veteran musicians, including her Dublin-born husband Éamon Doorley (of Danu fame) and Scottish fiddler Duncan Chisholm. This flawless album is a gorgeous nod to the now-thriving but almost-lost Scots Gaelic tradition. And a smattering of lively Irish tunes keeps it fun.
From her press release: Here, she has brought a grandaughter of Scotland and Ireland back to its roots with a bilingual version of “Wind and Rain,” a mystically gory folk song from the Scots-Irish tradition that American folkies will find familiar … the next track, “Thig am bàta,” is the same song, but preserved in the Hebrides by generations of waulking women, sitting around a table hand- (and sometimes foot-) massaging tweed as part of the shrinking process.
The news that Altan was working on a recording of symphonic arrangements was met with some trepidation by Fiddlefreak. After all, traditional Irish music always seems to sound best in its native habitat… a pub, a kitchen, or a dance hall. Singer/fiddler Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh admits, “Ireland isn’t known for its opera or classical music. What we are known for is our traditional music, our language, our culture. That’s what we can give the world.” That and U2.
25th Anniversary Celebration
But my fears were ungrounded, as my ears met with pleasant surprise on “Altan: 25th Anniversary Celebration” (Compass Records). This is a sampling of 15 best-of songs and tunes from their previous releases, with orchestral arrangements by Fiachara Trench and performed by the RTE Concert Orchestra, conducted by David Brophy. As always, Altan owns equally the tender Celtic ballads and the ripping sets of twin-fiddle Donegal joy, underpinned by precision backing and sparkling counterpoint. It’s just that now, they play them in the grand concert halls of the world for an elite, well-heeled fan base. That ain’t bad for folk music!
LISTEN: Molly na gCuach Ni Chuilleannain (MP3)
LISTEN: The Roseville (MP3)
VIDEO: Altan who plays a set from the balcony of the James Joyce Room of Bewley’s Cafe, on Grafton Street in Dublin.
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Yorkshire singer-songwriter Sam Barrett is a very busy man. In addition to printing his own product packaging, stickers, and t-shirts, he maintains a hectic gig schedule all over Great Britain, singing a mix of his own songs and trad material from England, Scotland, and Ireland on his vintage Stella 12-string. Sam’s songs are raw, rowdy, and rooted in the green rolling hills of his native North. The original material references early Dylan, and the old songs bring to mind early Paul Brady and Andy Irvine, with just enough punk edge to keep the kids happy. You’ll hear echoes of Americana here too–from southern country blues to Woody Guthrie and Carter Family. Serious Sam is the real deal!
