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’
Today marks the release date of flutist Hanz Araki’s new record titled Foreign Shore, on Little Sea Records. Recorded at Secret Society in Portland Oregon, and produced by Hanz himself, Foreign Shore is perhaps the most mature and satisfying of his many albums. (My previous review is here.) Some of Portland’s finest trad players support… Continue reading Hanz Araki: Foreign Shore
The capercaillie is a big, beautiful bird that looks like a mix of a turkey, a grouse, and a raven. It requires a habitat of old coniferous forests. In Scotland, the population has declined greatly since the 1960s because of deer fencing, predation and lack of suitable habitat. There are believed to be fewer than… Continue reading Capercaillie: At the Heart of It All
For almost 30 years, Irish supergroup Altan has been wowing the world with their trademark combo of red-hot tune sets and mesmerizing songs from the Donegal region. The group originated in 1981, when teachers Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (fiddle and vocals) and the late Frankie Kennedy (flute) began performing as the duo that would later become… Continue reading Altan: Gleann Nimhe – The Poison Glen (MP3)
Is this the first time in almost four years of Fiddlefreak reviews that I’ve let an entire month pass without a post? Gack! So here we go with the first review of 2012, and by God it was worth the wait. Scotland’s Aaron Jones and his partner Claire Mann make up half of a brillant… Continue reading Litha: Dancing of the Light (MP3)
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. One of the best things about being a music blogger is when one of my friends releases a record that turns out to be Fiddlefreak-worthy. Such is the case with the album “Inspired,” a lovely new collaboration from champion Scottish fiddler Rebecca Lomnicky and piper David… Continue reading Brewer and Lomnicky: Inspired (MP3)
