CD REVIEWS FOR SEPTEMBER 2006
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
BILL BULINSKI
Bare Naked Guitar
The Celtic instrumentals on this Celtic/classical fusion CD are original compositions by celebrated guitarist, Bill Bulinski - celebrating ancient sounds by updating them to this century. Inspired by ancient melodies, it's easy-listening at its best. Old but new and played on pure acoustic guitar.
Born in Chicago, Bill fell in love with the guitar at an early age and finally was given a Silvertone by his parents at age 11 and he never looked back.
"Songs are like dreams...ephemeral and mysterious," Bulinski said. "The first time I heard Celtic music I was deeply moved - it was so tragic and beautiful. I wrote down my dreams to capture them - these songs are part of those dreams. I wanted to preserve this ancient sound - and share it with you."
Bill Bulinski's Celtic/Classical fusion compositions put you in the relaxing state; that can transport you to dreams. Recorded on the Spiritwood Music Label. Spiritwood's acoustic music is recorded earth-friendly at a wind and solar-powered studio in the wilderness. For more information, visit: www.SpiritwoodMusicInc.com
FAIRCHILD RADIO
BRINGS YOU THE WORLD! The World of 96.1 FM Volume 8 CD
Fairchild Radio have just released their annual salute to Canadian musicians and can be heard on 96.1 FM in association with AM 1470, Fairchild Radio in Vancouver.
The multicultural backgrounds of the producers at Fairchild Radio are reflected in the choices of music on The World of 96.1 FM Volume 8 CD.
Patricia Fraser is the host of Celt in a Twist on AM1470 every Sunday at 4 PM, playing the latest in contemporary Celtic music from the seven Celtic nations and the vast Celtic diaspora around the world. Patricia recommends The King of Scotland and Last Night's Dream, Celtic tracks on the CD.
Musical groups on the CD are Spirit of the West; Phase 111 Steel Band; Shona Le Mottee; Zukie Joseph; Odel Johnston; Adonis Puentes; The Apple; Aracely y La Tropa 21; Susan Chen and Min Zhang and Fana Soro and Masabo.
Whether you're tapping your feet to the Celtic music or the steel drums; Volume 8 of The World of 96.1 FM, CD has something for everyone. And the best part - it's free of charge. It can only be obtained through Fairchild Radio.
For information on how to receive The World of 96.1 FM Volume 8 CD, call, Seme Ho at (604) 295-1230, or e-mail: semeho@am1470.com.
BRUCE COUGHLAN
Wild Bird's Nest
Bruce Coughlan, of the celebrated local/international folk group Tiller's Folly, has just released a solo recording of some of his own favourite Irish songs. Not only is Coughlan the lead singer with Tiller's Folly, but he is also a musician, composer and researcher of British Columbia folk music and history, from which he has written many songs about the province.
"Irish music was very popular in the Coughlan household, while I was growing up," Bruce said. "Dad would tap his feet. Mom would sing harmony while she did the housework. For a six-generation Canadian of Irish descent, Irish music instilled in me a sense of cultural identity, a sense of belonging and a sense of history which I've carried with me to this day.
"When I began performing professionally at the age of 16, my first gigs were playing Irish music in pubs throughout western Canada. Although, my musical journey since that time has taken me through a gamut of musical styles, my heart remains tied first and foremost to Celtic music."
Coughlan has his own distinctive style and he has put his own spin on some of the old traditional Irish folk songs. When you read the liner notes of each track on the CD, it is evident that Bruce has again put considerable research into the origin of each song. Having this background information makes you appreciate and listen more intently to the words - and Bruce sings the words clearly and distinctly.
Tracks on the CD include: Leaving Liverpool; As I Roved Out; Kellswater; The Curragh of Kildare; The Kangaroo; She Moved Through The Fair; Bridget Flynn; Brennan On The Moor; A Jug of Punch; and Eibhlin A Ruin. For more information, visit: www.tillersfolly.com
CALEDON
Scotland's Tenors
The Power and the Passion
There can be no doubt that Caledon, Scotland's Tenors have aptly named their album ...The Power and the Passion...because, the energy is full throttle and Scots pride fairly oozes out of every pore.
Jamie MacDougall, Ivan Sharpe and Alan Beck, who make up Caledon along with their talented musical director Michael Barnett, breathe new life into some of Scotland's most powerful songs with imaginative new arrangements harnessing the group's rich and diverse vocal skills.
Tracks on the CD include: Sailing; The Braes O' Balquhidder; Over The Sea To Skye; Mingulay Boat Song; Highland Cathedral; Land O'Heart's Desire; The Dark Island; The Mist-Covered Mountains Of Home; Loch Lomond; Sleeps The Noon In The Deep Blue Sky; Gloomy Winter; Dumbarton's Drums; and Will Ye No'Come Back Again?
Having just completed a sell-out tour of North America, Australia and New Zealand, Scotland's three tenors returned to Scotland to perform a famous concert at Edinburgh Festival. Accompanied by the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, On A Beautiful Scottish Evening was filmed beneath the magnificent backdrop of a floodlit Edinburgh Castle.
Watch for Caledon's return to the U.S. to publicize the PBS broadcasting of On A Beautiful Scottish Evening. The group have just accepted invitations to make their debut in China and Malaysia and return to Germany for a two month residency.
But the great news for the Scots here on the West Coast - Caledon are coming to Vancouver! The Vancouver Scottish Cultural Societies will present the supergroup, for a one-night only performance on November 25, at the Scottish Cultural Centre on Hudson Street. These tickets will go fast so early booking is advised. For tickets and information call (604) 939-3963 or (604) 929-1802. For more information, call Island Music at (604) 984-9110 or 1-888-8907-9977.
|
