Celtic MP3s Music Magazine

"Heartwood" by Sora

2009-06-30T08:41:00.002-05:00

Her voice is mystical and beautiful, described as organic and soulful with a touch of whimsy. Sora takes Celtic music to the next level with her stylized melody lines and narrative vocals. her powerful and rich voice stirs old stories to life and makes each song an adventure.

Hometown: Calgary, Canada
Website: Sora
Download MP3: Heartwood
Buy CD: Heartwood

Similar Artists: Loreena McKennitt, Mary Black, Enya

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Auld Dublin Town" by Jim Clarke and Granny's Apples

2009-06-30T08:25:00.005-05:00

Jim Clarke and Granny's Apples is an Irish themed cross-over band. Their songs are all original tunes, written by Jim Clarke. These songs range from up-tempo Irish pub songs to beautiful Irish ballads. They definitely have something for everyone.

Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Website: Jim Clarke and Granny's Applies
Download MP3: Auld Dublin Town
Buy CD: Hand of God

Similar Artists: The Pogues, The Waterboys

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Donegal/Cooley's/Jean's" by Stanley & Grimm

2009-06-17T08:51:00.003-05:00

Stanley & Grimm celebrates traditional music by encompassing new and old interpretations of jigs, reels and songs. They not only play traditional tunes of old, but modern songs and those of their own creation. Stanely & Grimm capture the very essence of what Celtic music is about. Their energy explodes in their sound and brings a joy and love for traditional music back to the audience.

Hometown: Falmouth, Massachusetts, USA
Website: Stanley & Grimm
Download MP3: Donegal/Cooley's/Jean's
Buy CD: Another Round

Similar Artists: Natalie MacMaster, Michael McGoldrick, Planxty

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

6 Interesting Celtic Culture Websites

2009-06-15T17:21:00.003-05:00

Ireland Fun Facts. Unique articles on travel, culture and humor in Ireland. Everything that's fun and interesting about old and new Ireland.
Scotland Secrets. Scotland Secrets to enhance your Scotland tour or feed your passion for "Caledonia".
Top Ten Glasgow Guide. A personal but detailed and up-to-date guide to Glasgow, incorporating the popular Lobey Dosser Tribute Blog of Glasgow.
Bagpipe Tutorials. William A Robertson, ex Pipe Major 1st Bn, The Royal Scots, shares with you his bagpipe knowledge through bagpipe lessons and resources. Suitable for players, bands and tutors. Learn the secrets of the championship winning players. More than 60 years experience in playing the bagpipes.
Homeland Irish Art. Homeland Art is your source for fine oil paintings of beautiful Ireland and more. Each canvas is created by hand by an experienced, commissioned artist. Feel free to browse our online catalog. This collection includes some of our most popular pieces, but Homeland Art also offers custom-made pieces.
The Irish Path. This is the place to learn about old Irish traditions. Whether you are looking up names, a recipe, wedding traditions or a little history. You just might find what you are looking for here.

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Captain O'Kane" by Children of the Gael

2009-05-30T07:51:00.001-05:00

Children of the Gael are classified as anciently acoustic and experimentally traditional. The reason has to do with their instrumental line-up: mandolin, mandola, bouzouki, 4 course tenor guitar, Irish low string guitar, tenor banjo, feadog, bodhran, and vocals in both English and Irish. This band is quite proud of their heritage and pour all of this pride into the music they create, paying homage to their ancestors.

Hometown: Nevada City, California, USA
Website: Children of the Gael
Download MP3: Captain O'Kane

Similar Artists: Dervish, Altan, Andy Irvine

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"As I Roved Out" by Bill Grogan's Goat

2009-05-29T07:37:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for a high-energy, Celtic rock band that isn't afraid to take on traditional Celtic and folk tunes by reinventing them and adding a bit of rock n' roll to the tunes, then Bill Grogan's Goat is the band you've been seeking. The diversity of the musicians that make up this band is what makes this new spin on Irish music so do-able. And the best part is...it's done well!

Bill Grogan's goat is a combination of bass, drums, guitars as well as traditional Irish bouzouki, tin whistle, mandolin, and five-string banjo. This is an exciting alternative to the average rock band as well as the growing legion of Celtic rock bands that are around today.

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Website: Bill Grogan's Goat
Download MP3: As I Roved Out
Buy CD: Bill Grogan's Goat

Similar Artists: Young Dubliners, The Tossers, Dropkick Murphys, Seven Nations, The Prodigals

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"An Unforeseen Event" by Gerard Smith

2009-05-28T07:14:00.003-05:00

Gerard Smith is a songwriter/musician that hails from Detroit. One of his gifts is his ability to have his listener explore his workd of music by implementing various styles and creating a travelogue of sound that contains hints of Celtic, jazz, folk, and rock influences. Smith is a proficient mutli-intrumentalist, playing electric and acoustic guitar, as well as mandolin, bouzouki, bodhran, tin whistle and concertina.

Smith began building his repertoire on traditional Irish ballads and tunes. Since then, in addition to playing solo, he has also played with groups such as The Bowzies and Bill Grogan's Goat. His latest album, "Idylls of the King of the Road" shows of his traditional Irish folk routes as well as highlights the other genres that he has honed in on. He's an amazing talent and one that shouldn't be missed.

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Website: Gerard Smith
Download MP3: An Unforeseen Event
Buy CD: Idylls of the King of the Road

Similar Artists: Christy Moore, Luka Bloom, Brendan Nolan, Paul Brady, Tim O'Brien

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Failte Slainte" by Corrigan Brothers

2009-05-06T10:47:00.000-05:00

Corrigan Brothers are an Irish Band who play everything from folk to light rock. They pride themselves on their ability to provide good songs and good humour. Their favorite part of being a band is their live performances, and their fans would agree. Over the past six months, the Corrigan Brothers have signed a recording contract with Universal as well as played at president Obama's inauguration. Their popularity is growing by leaps and bounds!

Hometown: Limerick, Ireland
Website: Corrigan Brothers
Download MP3: Failte Slainte

Similar Artists: High Kings,Saw Doctors,Dubliners

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Naturally Please" by 1916

2009-05-05T10:55:00.000-05:00

Their music is best described as bag pipes as the "lead guitar." Interesting as that is, 1916, a Celtic rock band, contribute a variety of instruments to bring us their amazing sound. Audiences everywhere find their unique sound to be catchy and enough to bring them to their feet. Their live performances are not to be missed!

Hometown: Bakersfield, California, USA
Website: 1916
Download MP3: Naturally Please

Similar Artists: Flogging Molly

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Botany Bay" by Adam Alexander and Joe Travers

2009-04-30T10:18:00.001-05:00

Adam Alexander and Joe Travers are quite a team. Their combination of powerful vocals and memorable renderings of both traditional and original Celtic music brings them to the forefront of this genre. They bring a fresh look at some of the most beloved Celtic songs, as well as provide amazing original tunes in their line-up.

Hometown: New York, New York, USA
Website: Adam Alexander and Joe Travers
Download MP3: Botany Bay
Buy CD: The Perfect Pint

Similar Artists: The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners, Dougie Maclean

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Risin' Of The Moon" by Terry Griffith

2009-04-29T10:05:00.001-05:00

Terry Griffith is a contemporary and traditional Celtic artist who specializes in Irish and Celtic ballads. His interpretations of favorite and much-loved ballads are always unique! His performances of these songs are always an enjoyable experience, whether you hear it on an album or live. Experience Terry Griffith.

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Website: Terry Griffith
Download MP3: Risin' Of The Moon
Buy CD: Songs From The Pub

Similar Artists: Seamus Kennedy, Danny Doyle, Wolftones, Paddy Reilly, Andy Stewart

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"The Dublin Reel" by Beer Belly

2009-04-28T09:52:00.002-05:00

Beer Belly are a five piece band that brew up a mix of uplifting songs, sing-along ballads, and bawdy tales. They liven up each song with the sounds of Irish reels and jigs, Scottish bagpipes, and traditional Celtic music. All of the members come from a variety of musical backgrounds which only serves to enrich their music further. Their style will have you calling for another round.

Hometown: Kranj, Slovenia
Website: Beer Belly
Download MP3: The Dublin Reel
Buy CD: Paddy's Boots

Similar Artists: The Chieftains, Solas, The Dubliners

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Open Road" by Circled By Hounds

2009-04-14T19:54:00.001-05:00

Circled By Hounds is the next big thing to hit Celtic Music. Not only is this band wicked talented, but they continue to push the boundaries of traditional music to create a sound that ruly is their own. The band seamlessly integrates a healthy respect for traditional songs and instruments with original music that never strays far from its roots...all the while, avoiding cliche.

The band originally formed because of a mutual respect the musicians had for traditional music and their love of creatiing music together. This band is extraordinary. No doubt about it!

Hometown: Portland, Oregon, USA
Website: Circled By Hounds
Download MP3: Open Road
Buy CD: Howl No Demon Louder

Similar Artists: The Pogues, The Chieftains, Dervish, Dougie MacLean, Solas

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"The Prodigal One" by Victoria Trestrail

2009-04-13T08:16:00.000-05:00

Victoria Trestrail is not just a singer, but also a songwriter and guitarist. Blending the sounds of Celtic, flamenco, blues, ballads, folk and reggae, she creates a unique sound that definitely accents her natural gift for music.

Hometown: Trinidad and Tobago
Website: Victoria Trestrail
Download MP3: The Prodigal One
Buy CD: The Prodigal One

Similar Artists: Dolores O'Riordan, Joan Baez, Sarah McLachlan

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"All Day Long" by Bote

2009-04-12T07:51:00.000-05:00

In January 2008, Bote officially began to play as a band. However, in November, they hit the restart button, taking on a more 'rock' based ensemble. Their debut album came out in March 2009. With it's mix of acoustic and electric songs, Bote offers up a variety of music that a variety of people will love.

Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina, USA
Website: Bote
Download MP3: All Day Long

Similar Artists: Great Big Sea, Oysterband, Dubliners, Enter the Haggis, Irish Descendants

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Jesse James" by Madd Paddy

2009-04-11T07:44:00.000-05:00

Madd Paddy is redefining the feel for traditional culture and the timeless sound of Celtic music. These talented musicans form a band that provide bold entertainment and keeps the listener entertained throughout it's set. Many loyal followers have found this band. They wear their collective music-loving hearts on their sleeves and are better for it.

Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Website: Madd Paddy
Download MP3: Jesse James

Similar Artists: Fairhaven, The Mahones, The Barra McNeils

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Birks of Invermay" by Jesse Ferguson

2009-04-10T07:36:00.000-05:00

Hailing from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, Jesse Ferguson brings his love of Scottish and Irish traditional music to his own style. Not only does this talented musican sing, but he plays guitar, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, bodhran and pennywhistle. His album, "New Old Songs," was released in 2009.

Hometown: Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
Website: Jesse Ferguson
Download MP3: Birks of Invermay
Buy CD: New Old Songs

Similar Artists: Jim Malcolm, Great Big Sea, Silly Wizard, The Rankins, Gaelic Storm

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Rocks of Rodel" by Kiss The Mistress

2009-04-09T07:19:00.003-05:00

Kiss the Mistress brings its Euro/Celtic folk sound to the music scene, driven by voice, cello, accordion and bodhran. Not only does this band dabble in different tempos and rhythms, but they play with such emotion and energy that it's sure to carry the listener through each song and leave them wanting more. Playing traditional songs and new material, this band takes a journey from the Highlands of Scotland to Brittany with stops in between and strange occurances that happen. It's a lively sound...and one that is catchy!

Hometown: Ipswich, UK
Website: Kiss The Mistress
Download MP3: Rocks of Rodel
Buy CD: About Time

Similar Artists: Lau, Uiscedwr

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"The Twa Corbys" by Scott Boswell

2009-03-24T08:31:00.000-05:00

Scott Boswell started his music ccareer and his interest in music at a Ren Faire. He was at Scarborough Faire when he heard Gibbon the Troubador perform. He was captivated and soon found himself working at Ren Faires throughout the country. He met the Bedlam Bards and after a few words of confidence from his friends Hawke and Cedrick, he took his first steps into the Celtic Music world.

Already proficient at the guitar, he was a quick study on the whistle. Once he heard an Irish flute on a recording, he was hooked. Boswell found himself learning the complex instrument and recording Jug of Punch. His music inspires. His sound is fantastic. Everyone should give him a listen.

Hometown: Austin, Texas, USA
Website: Scott Boswell
Download MP3: The Twa Corbys
Buy CD: Thistle

Similar Artists: Andy M. Stewart, Gibbon the Troubador, Grada, Lunasa, Mike Mcgoldrick, Old Blind Dogs, Scott Boswell

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Pigeon on the Gate" by Annie B. Jamieson Elementary School Grade 7 Irish Orchestra

2009-03-23T08:09:00.000-05:00

Under the guidance of Mr. James Colpitts, Annie B. Jamieson Elementary School offers something that most schools don't have - the largest school string orchestra program in Canada. The 2008-2009 Grade 7 Orchestra is composed of 16 violins, 2 cellos and 1 bass. Every week, the students rehearse twice during their lunch hour. These students are amazing in their study and mastery of Irish and Celtic music.

Hometown: Vancouver, Canada
Download MP3: Pigeon on the Gate

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Park the Car" by Doug Folkins

2009-03-21T09:47:00.001-05:00

Doug Folkins sound brings listeners back to the old traditions of raucious Maritime kitchen parties. Infusing a bit of Canadian integrity, his sound is a bit like Great Big Sea meets Blue Rodeo. Unique and fun.

Hometown: Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada
Website: Doug Folkins
Download MP3: Park the Car
Buy CD: Another Last Call

Similar Artists: Bruce Guthro, Great Big Sea, The Mahones

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"The Butterfly/Miss McLeod's/Pigeon on the Gate" by Sweetfire

2009-03-20T09:33:00.000-05:00

Shannon Miller and Laurel Thomsen are the dynamic duo that came together to form Sweetfire. These two both shared a love of Celtic music and decided that they would create music in that genre. With the addition of Jana Heller, guitarist, and Andy Gilhooley, bodhran, doumbek, "laptop," the band has created a strong sense of rhythm and meoldy, adding a lot of flavor to their songs. This passion for music is what drives Sweetfire to create and to perform to perfection.

Hometown: Monterey, California, USA
Website: Sweetfire
Download MP3: The Butterfly/Miss McLeod's/Pigeon on the Gate
Buy CD: Shannon Miller and Laurel Thomsen

Similar Artists: Altan, Enya, Dervish

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"Toss the Feathers/Cooly's Reel" by Leprechaun Water

2009-03-19T09:19:00.003-05:00

Family, music and beer. That was how Leprechaun Water was conceived in the beginning. Since then, the band has been working hard to learn instruments and create a set of songs that audiences everywhere would enjoy. They succeeded. In the world of Celtic music...these traditional songs are top-notch and played to perfection. The music of Leprechaun Water sweeps you away to the green, rolling hills of Ireland.

Hometown: Newquay, Cornwall, UK
Website: Leprechaun Water
Download MP3: Toss the Feathers/Cooly's Reel
Buy CD: Traditional Irish Jigs and Reels E.P.

Similar Artists: The Bothy Band, Kevin Burke, Tommy Peoples.

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

"The Dolphin Song" by The Blarnacles

2009-03-19T09:08:00.006-05:00

The Blarnacles not only play traditional Celtic music, but they also sing their songs in English and Irish. Their new CD, The Road to Blarney, depicts their unique style and sound. Not only do they hit on slow tunes and the old-fashioned dance numbers, but they've incorporated a few funny songs as well. It's a CD that is made for everyone to enjoy!

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Website: The Blarnacles
Download MP3: The Dolphin Song
Buy CD: The Road to Blarney

Similar Artists: Clancy Bros, Altan, The Chieftains, Tommy Makem

Published by Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. Don't just download. Support your favorite Celtic music groups. Buy Celtic music CDs. Join Song Henge.

17 Free St. Patrick's Day MP3s for 2009

2009-03-16T00:12:00.006-05:00

Every year for St. Patrick's Day, I compile a new list of St Patrick's Day MP3 downloads that are 100% free and legal. Many of these artists are played regularly in the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. And ALL of these artists were generous enough to offer their music for a brand compilation CD entitled the Best of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

This compilation CD benefits the podcast as well as a Celtic non-profit. I've donated over $6,000 to Celtic non-profits around the United States. So when you buy a CD, you support both this podcast and your fellow Celts.

But please don't stop there!

The main point of this compilation and these free MP3s is to help promote independent Celtic music. If you find an artist that you really love on this compilation, then head over to the artist website, drop them an email to let them know you found them through the CD. Then buy their CD.

While you're at it, if you want to find out what it's like getting an annual subscription to Song Henge, you'll get a good idea when you download this free zip file of 17 Free St Patrick's Day MP3s for 2009.

Download "17 Celtic Music Downloads
for St. Patrick's Day" (64 MB)
(p.s. these MP3s will only be up for a month, so download them soon)

17 Free Irish & Celtic Music Downloads for St. Patrick's Day

"Sweeney's Buttermilk" by FIMM
from Roiboos e Disappunti
"The Whiskey Never Lies" (Burns, ASCAP) by Sligo Rags
from The Whiskey Never Lies
"The Girls Set" by Banshee in the Kitchen
from Live at Painted Sky
"Star of the County Down"
by Jed Marum with Hugh Morrison and Mason Brown
from Sands of Aberdeen
"Hot Days" (Siegl/Brabec/Trad.) by Poitin
from Hot Days
"Chi Mi Na Morbheanna/Sleepy Maggie" by MacTalla Mor
from The New Colossus
"Almost Irish" (Halloran) by Ceann
from Almost Irish
"Considine's Grove" by Anne Roos
from A Light in the Forest
"Boys Of Tandragee/Tuesday Morning/Checkered Blanket" (Trad./Lewin-Tiarks) by Athas
from Athas
"Ye Jacobites By Name" (Burns) by Beth Patterson
from Hybrid Vigor
"Loch Lomond" by Jesse Ferguson
from New Old Songs
"The Mason's Apron" by Rattle the Boards
from The Parish Platform
"Jig Jag" by Jamie Laval and Ashley Broder
from Zephyr in the Confetti Factory
"Rocks of Bawn" by Maidens IV
from Emerald Fire
"Auld Triangle" (Behan) by Patrick's Head
from Arse Biscuits
"Ormond Sound/Liberty Joe's/Broken" (O'Brien/Hurley/Trad.)
by Pitch the Peat
from Far From Home
"Wild Mountain Thyme" (McPeake) by Marc Gunn
from Slainte!

Well, I hope you have a brilliant St. Patrick's Day. Drink responsibly and Slainte!

Marc Gunn is an Irish and Scottish folk singer with a strange affinity for Celtic ballads, drinking songs and cats. He is also Celtic music podcaster and promoters as well as publisher of Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.