Today’s spotlight is going to be on Shane Ó Fearghail, an Irish singer-songwriter who lives in Vienna.
Up till now Shane was an unknown name in the folk scene. The three alternative pop albums, although lovely to listen to, had little to do with folk music. But luckily for us, living away from Ireland during a pandemic made Shane reminiscent of his past, reminiscent of his family, and reminiscent of his heritage. And as to be expected from an Irishman living abroad, the result is a beautiful singer-songwriter folk CD.
With his captivating voice, this talented musician takes us on a lovely journey to his hometown of Dublin, to his youth, and into his mind; his perspective on life. It’s a journey I loved from the beginning to the very last note.
Please follow the link to read all about Born From Tradition and I hope you will end up loving this album just as much as I did.

Go raibh maith agat as do cheol Shane. Ba mhór an pléisiúr éisteacht leat.
– Cliff

When we started CeltCast, our roots were in the pagan folk scene, but quickly we discovered how diverse and beautiful the European folk scene is. In the last two reviews, we explored the talent-filled and vibrant Scottish folk scene, now we turn our attention to the smaller but equally vibrant Danish folk scene. Over the years we made many friends in that scene. One very dear to our heart is Mia Guldhammer and we are happy to introduce her latest musical project to you all. Not only because we love Mia, but also because Tral, Tråd & Traditioner is a fun, good mood album, the lilting in it addictive as…well..folk (!?), and because Morten Alfred Høirup a vocal revelation for those who don’t know him.
So without further ado we give you: the review of Tral, Tråd & Traditioner.

Cliff

Ever since the Luminosity review, I have been a fan of the Scottish band Back of the Moon and its members. Two of them, Findlay Napier and Gillian Frame together with Mike Vass have recorded a beautiful album filled with 10 traditional folks songs from Scotland. I was really looking forward to this review, as Findlay and Gillian are truly talented musicians with beautiful voices. What I didn’t anticipate was that it would become a true journey into the rich history of Scottish folk music. A journey that I enjoyed intensely.
Please join me in discovering this beautiful album and the story behind it. As always, the review is just one click away.

Slàinte Mhath
Cliff

Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of fresh Scottish folk talent. Acts like GNOSS, Mànran, Hò-rò, Maeve MacKinnon, or Talisk are proof that the Scottish folk scene is as vibrant as it has ever been. Another star, starting to shine high and bright in the Scottish folk sky, is Iona Fyfe. Since 2015 this talented singer has been building up an impressive musical catalog. With this review, we are going to introduce her music for the first time, but it will not be the last, I can assure you that!
Away From My Window, Iona’s first full-length album, is a treat! From the very first note to the very last. A must-have album for every folk fan. Want to know why? Just follow the link and find out!

– Cliff

‘- I received something really special! A CD, a real handwritten letter, and dried lavender. The energy splashed off this present that I received a few days ago in the mail.’
With this post by Jyoti Verhoeff on Facebook a lovely journey started. The lady sending this present was Angelika Abend , and she just published her debut album Year One under the name Ivy Leaves.
Just as Jyoti’s album The Sky Of You, this album came at exactly the right moment. I hád to write about Angelika’s debut. I wanted, no HAD to tell about it! I had to share my enthusiasm about what I was hearing! I just loved it instantly. Listening to the album and talking with Angelika about her music; I was reminded why I actually started writing reviews.

At CeltCast we hear quite a lot of music, most of it beautiful, all of it made with a lot of love and passion. It’s a true blessing that I am allowed to share all this beautiful music with you. That I am able to tell about the new albums of the big bands, but even more special that I can acquaintance you all with music from lesser-known artists. Musicians with talent, with passion, that would normally disappear in the big pile of releases.

Our scene may be a small scene, but it is one filled with talent, with free spirits and open-minded, caring people, fans and artists alike. Being allowed to be a part of this scene is huge blessing. Being able to help (young) artists find an audience is an even bigger gift!
Listening to Year One, writing the review for it and then talking with Angelika about her music, her heart and soul made me realise that again. And THAT is the gift Angelika gave me. Thank you, Angelika, for that. And now let’s get that link to the review out. I give you : Year One

Cliff