Old ballads draw some singers like a siren song that cannot be denied. Part of the joy of collecting and presenting these ancient songs to a modern audience comes from finding, combining, dropping and adding words and verses, swapping melodies and hooks and finally recording an arrangement that resonates with the listener of today. This is… Continue reading Lindsay Straw: The Fairest Flower of Womankind
Natives of Toulouse, France, the six members of Doolin’ (guitar, bodhrán, violin, tin whistle, accordion/vocals, bass) bring a fresh and funky approach to Irish music. July 15 will mark the release date of their self-titled debut for Compass Records in Nashville. Doolin’ worked with legendary Irish guitarist John Doyle in the producer’s chair to record their unique mix of… Continue reading Exclusive Song Premiere: Doolin’
The brilliant new record from Irish supergroup Solas must have been a pain to produce. Or at least, a pain to round up the troops. Titled All These Years, the album features ALL former band members as well as the current lineup of Seamus Egan, Winifred Horan, Moira Smiley, Mick McAuley, and Eamon McElholm singing,… Continue reading Solas: All These Years
Last month, Nuala Kennedy released one of the most gorgeous records to cross my desk in years. Her fourth studio album, Behave the Bravest (Under the Arch Records) showcases her angelic voice in both Gaelic and English and as usual, her superlative skills on flute and various whistles. If you follow Nuala at all, you… Continue reading Nuala Kennedy: Behave the Bravest
I’ll begin this post with an apology. With summer festival season in full swing here at Fiddlefreak World Headquarters, and my own new CD released in May, the blog has not been refreshed lately. Sorry gang! I’m just returned from the renowned and unrivalled-for-fun fiddle camp held in Port Townsend, WA and called Festival of… Continue reading La Famille Leger: L’etoile Du Nord
The new record from moira smiley and VOCO hits the streets today. Laughter Out of Tears (Whim Records) is a beautifully transcendant creation that boldly spans Appalachian, Eastern European, and choral traditions with a tasty dash of Moira’s original material and covers from folk stalwarts Woodie Guthrie and Gillan Welch. Having followed and enjoyed Moira’s… Continue reading moira smiley and VOCO: Laughter Out of Tears
The new record from Kris Drever (of Lau) and Éamonn Coyne (of Treacherous Orchestra) was recently released on Compass Records. OK, it was three months ago but Storymap is a real cracker that deserves a listen. If you follow Fiddlefreak at all you know I have a healthy jones for trad music and this record delivers… Continue reading Éamonn Coyne & Kris Drever: Storymap
