The latest from Luka Bloom, Lúnasa, and Enter the Haggis. Luka Bloom This New Morning It is no secret that Ireland boasts some of the most potent singer-songwriters of modern music. Joining the ranks is Luka Bloom. Bloom has made a career in Ireland with his heartstring-tugging original songs and original interpretations of folk classics. This new record is pleasantly … [Read more...] about Music Reviews
Tara Dougherty
Music Reviews
New releases from your favorite Irish and Irish-American artists. Nuala Kennedy • Noble Stranger Nuala Kennedy’s Noble Stranger, one of the newest releases from Compass Records, fluctuates between your typical trad album and a very new, innovative pop sound. Kennedy is an Irish vocalist and flute player with a voice that hits an intriguingly high pitch. This vocal peculiarity … [Read more...] about Music Reviews
The Luthier: George Lowden
Irish guitar makers are rare, and George Lowden, the man behind Lowden Guitars, is the best of them. Here, he tells Tara Dougherty about the beginnings of his craft and the future for Lowden Guitars. Luthier is certainly not the word one might hear an Irish child say is their dream profession. In fact, luthiere, or the crafting of stringed instruments, mainly guitar and lute, … [Read more...] about The Luthier: George Lowden
Music Reviews
CONTEMPORARY: Glen Hansard • Rhythm and Repose It is almost hard to believe that, with decades of successful records, an Oscar and a Tony, it was only this year that Glen Hansard (of Once fame) released his first solo album. Rhythm and Repose is an earnest and vivid collection from the Irish songwriter known for his work with bands The Frames and The Swell Season. Given … [Read more...] about Music Reviews
A Lineup of Legends
The Teetotallers is one of those remarkable flash in the pan moments of the seisiuin genre that seems too good to be true. The trio is lineup of giants, Martin Hayes on fiddle and viola, Kevin Crawford on flute, whistles and occasionally the bodhrán, and John Doyle on vocals, guitar, bouzouki and mandola. After debuting as a trio in late 2011 with a tour in Ireland, the … [Read more...] about A Lineup of Legends