Three Mile Stone

Traditional music can be a funny animal. For example, the most exciting and creative players may never perform in public other than the occasional pub session or after-hours festival jam. This is a part of the tradition: old-time Irish and Appalachian fiddlers were usually farmers and tradesmen, just like the rest of us working stiffs. Thus we find a wierd, wonderful subculture of fanatic, world-class Irish musicians out here on the West Coast, leading normal lives at normal jobs and meeting up every so often to engage in the uplifting spiritual experience called the Irish session.

Three Mile Stone

Years ago, I first met Marla Fibish, Erin Schrader, and Richard Mandel of Three Mile Stone at a week-long musical gathering called Lark in the Morning (or Lark Camp), held every year outside Mendocino, California. There is an undeniable magic that happens during those late-night sessions, a spiritual uplifting not unlike Nirvana, that carries the players to a place beyond description. Out of those sessions comes a wonderful new recording from Marla, Erin, and Richard titled “Three Mile Stone.”

Produced by John Doyle, this collection shimmers like the moon on the Shannon when it breaks through the ragged clouds of Ireland’s west. The trio displays a canny knack for putting together sets of three or four tunes that lead the listener from lazy hornpipe to lilting jig to reels that swing like there’s no tomorrow. Marla’s amazing mandolin playing sets the bar for all others; Erin’s fiddle practically glows from within, with a fire stoked by her passion and experience; and Richard’s guitar lays down a rhythmic foundation full of nuance and intricacy. The ladies also sing now and then, with style and grace. Both Marla and Richard display ample prowess on their other instruments, the accordion and tenor banjo. And the band ventures beyond the usual jigs and reels to prove that they know their way around polkas, waltzes, and airs, both inside and out. There’s not a dull moment on Three Mile Stone. Fiddlefreak recommended!

LISTEN:

Gipsy Princess/Granny In The Corner/Fleur De Mandragore

La Valse Des Pastouriaux/Will You Come Home With Me/Miss Walsh

Band Website

Listen/Buy

Altan

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.

Altan Website

Preview/Order from Compass Records

Solas

The Turning Tide

“The Turning Tide” (Compass 4530) from Irish-American supergroup Solas will be released on February 16, 2010. For readers who are already Solas fans, this release will be a familiar listen. It fits like a comfy, well-worn glove: one part exciting tune sets, brilliantly  arranged and impeccaby performed; one part gorgeous, ethereal songs from vocalist Mairead Phelan; and one part lush, cinematic landscapes. This is Mairead’s second album with Solas, and she seems to have hit her stride. Whether she is singing a traditional ballad or a modern composition, hers is the call of a siren, even if her breathy whisper is a bit distracting at times.  From unrequited love to contemporary social commentary, Mairead delivers the goods on “The Turning Tide.” Solas band members Seamus Egan, Winifred Horan, Mick McAuley, Eamon McElholm and Mairead Phelan have again reset the bar for exuberance and beauty in modernized traditional Irish music. Fiddlefreak recommended!

LISTEN: A Sailor’s Life

LISTEN: The Crows of Killimer/Box Reel #2/Boys Of Malin/The Opera House

Solas Website

Solas MySpace

Mairead Phelan Interview

Pre-Order “The Turning Tide”

Barely Right Now

It has been almost a year since Fiddlefreak reviewed a live show by Whiskey Chimp, calling them “seven deadly sons who are bound for glory, or Hell in a handbasket.” We have been proven prophetic by their brand new third full-length record Barely Right Now (FP Records). On this CD they seem to fuse into each and every track the musical influences (bluegrass, swing, Cajun, punk, rockabilly) that formerly appeared on separate tracks. Born in the sunny time warp of Ventura, it’s a tasty blend that pairs well with Tecate and lime. Add a helping of humor and fold into tortillas with a dash of habanero sauce. Then run like the wind, because if you don’t you will be sucked into the hilarious toilet bowl that is Planet Chimp.

This past weekend I visited with the Chimp at the Parkfield (CA) Bluegrass Festival, where I laughed until my sides hurt. For every funny, edgy, irreverent original song in their extensive repertoire, they seem to have a half-dozen more waiting in the wings. Their wit is razor sharp, their sense of humor is sick, and their musicianship is impeccable — especially the many layers of harmony. Fiddlefreak sez: Whiskey Chimp is king of the jungle!

LISTEN: Loosen Your Bible Belt

LINKS:

WEB SITE

MYSPACE

LISTEN/BUY

BONUS VIDEO: If I’d a Shot Ya Sooner

Blame Sally: Night of 1000 Stars

Night of 1000 Stars (Opus Music Ventures), the fourth full-length record from Blame Sally, will be released on May 8. For all my fellow Fiddlefreakers who dig the pop-rock side of the folkie spectrum: sally forth and get your hands on the new record from Blame Sally. These four velvet-vocaled ladies from San Francisco have somehow laid claim to the modern pop-folk sound while yet sounding fresh and inventive. Lend an ear and you will hear strains of the Wailin’ Jennies, Radiohead, Rodney Crowell, and a hundred other diverse and worldly influences runing through their silky sound. This one will get lots of airplay.

LISTEN: All Rise

FREE DOWNLOAD: Night of 1000 Stars

LINKS:
Blame Sally Website
Listen/Buy (after May 8 )

BONUS VIDEO: Jump Start