I`m on the look out for new trad singers specifically those fluent in Gaeilge.
Which of these singers do you think are the best, and more importantly why?
Pauline Scanlon
Róisín Chambers
Áine uí Cheallaigh
Pádraigín ní Ullacháin
Bríd ní Mhaoileoin
Claire Roche
Cara Dillion
and last by no means least
Cathy Jordan.
Well out of that list I would go with Cara Dillon and Róisín Chambers, but I guess you knew that. I could listen to both of them all day long, even though they probably couldn't be more different.
Cx
Wouldnt mind getting my hands on a Róisín Chambers c,d if I can, her name was suggested to me by a good friend, and i havent listened to her stuff before.
Hey Cón, any ideas for contact numbers for her?
What a star you are!
Agus na déan dearmad faoi an deireadh na seachtaine, cuirfidh mé glaoch ort. Ba bhréa liom a bheith i phlé leat ar son rudaí atá tabhartacht, muna mhiste leat?
Cara Dillon has always been in a class of her own for me, ever since hearing her sing "Sweet King Williamstown" on the 1st "Oige" cassette. [ What d'ye reckon, Murrough ? ] Quite amused to see her in the "Times" magazine last Saturday as one of the "bright new things" of the supposed trendy new folk scene, since she must have recorded that about 12 years ago, and I still don't think I've ever heard a traditional song sung better. Also she did a great version of a Dougie McLean song with the short-lived band "The Equation". Don't think I've ever heard her sing in Gaelic, though, but I could be wrong on that.
Mary Dillon, formerly of "Deanta", is also a mighty singer, but again I would say, mainly in English.
Yes also to Cathy Jordan.
Your list is all female. If blokes are allowed, I don't think you get better than Iarla O'Lionard. Donal Maguire has a few great recordings, again, of Irish songs, but in English. He's not nearly as well known as he deserves to be. Sean Corcoran of "Cran" is also a magnificent singer in both languages.
I may think of some more, but those are first thoughts.
Cara Dillon is great, although the stuff she sings on her records is a bit too poppy and brooding for my taste.
Like Kenny, I love to listen to her sister Mary on the old Deanta records, and wish there were more recordings of her available.
Pauline Scanlon, to my ears, has a bit too much of a high breathy sound, but she is talented.
Cathy Jordan is a wonderful talent, who brings mighty energy to everything she does, but sometimes I wish she could take it down a notch.
Can't really comment on the others on the list, I am less familiar with them.
I would add to the list Niamh Parsons, marvelous singer, with the added benefit of being recorded on some excellent albums with very sparse accompaniment that does not detract at all from her marvelous voice, and wonderful choice of material. And on top of that, when you get a chance to meet her she is a really nice person, and very serious about the music.
And an emerging talent is that young blonde girl who now sings for Danu (sorry but I can't for the life of me recall her name), she is an outstanding talent, who I suspect will only improve with age. And she is no slouch with a flute and whistle, so unlike other singers, does not just sit in the corner when the band switches over to tunes.
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh is who you guys are talking about. I prefered Ciaran Gealbhain, I thought he was a better singer. Although Muireann does add some Flute and Whistle which is better than Ciaran's Piano Box.
Out of that list I have to say Cathy Jordan of course, I am a big Dervish fan and am actually listening to them right now. I love the song "Callan Rua" on Palying With Fire, probably my favorite that she sings, I also like "Boots of Spainish Leather" a lot.
Unseen,
I like Ciaran myself, liked it when he sang with Danu, and was sad when he left the band, but they sure picked a good replacement. Your preference for her flute/whistle over his box playing must be a preference for those instruments over the box--he is one heck of a good box player.
I am not disagreeing with you he is a great player. Of course remember that I am a Flute player so I am a little biased. I esspecially like the set he does on "All Things Considered."
Since we have raised the issue of singing accordion players, I am surprised and very impressed lately with Mick McAuley of Solas, and the songs he sings on the new album he did with Winifred Horan--he definitely has talents "outside the box."
Not only is Róisín Chambers an outstanding singer, she's also a fine fiddle player. I'm surprised to hear she's in a band with box player Damien Mullane who I thought was based in London. Has Róisín left Dublin?
I'm sure Róisín has a friend or two who reads this stuff and could probably tell you more. All I can say is I've seen and heard her at quite a few festivals around the country - Ireland and UK. As far as I know she's still based in Ireland. I don't think Cushtie are confined to playing in any particular part of these islands.
One more thing; I believe blas is ony looking for female singers at this stage.
I started a post about wanting more sean-nós recordings, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta has some excellent shows featuring singing, such as the Men's and Women's Oireachtas 2005, the under-35 competitors from same, etc. I heard some excellent renditions of some of the songs I'd been after, such as Sliabh na mBan and Donal Og.
Luke Kelly I'd file under "Gargles with sandpaper." Not necessarily a bad thing!
Well, Kevin, I guess I forgot that "The Dubliners" are not to be mentioned (much less respected and admired) on this site. Only "real" musicians allowed. Did I miss something? Did Luke Kelly not sing the same songs that all these other people sing? Or is it that he became too popular, and is thus considered a "sell-out?" Sorry for the retort but your argument that a folk singer sounds too rough is base. He sang for the folk, not the gentlemen such as yourself. Too pretty a voice and the songs suffer, I think. Leave the "pretty" for the Opera.
No his question was for Sean-Nos singers, which is not what Luke Kelly sang. Sen-Nos means "old-style" and no he did not sing what these other people sang. The question was for singers fluent in Gaelic, read the full question before posting. The Dubliners did how many songs in Gaelic?
I like any singing done in the sean-nós style -- English or Irish doesn't matter to me. All though I can follow the story with the English singing and that adds an extra and critical dimension.
I know there are those who insist it isn't "sean-nós" unless it's sung in Irish, but doesn't "sean-nós" just mean "old-style,” and aren't they just singing the same thing only in English? If you still call it "sean-nós" when it's in English then the name will identify the style better than just saying, "old-style" because you'd have to add the Irish distinction to it with an explanation. Sure it's easier just to say "sean-nós"... right?
Anyway, it’s the characteristics of the sean-nós singing that appeals most to me. The warbling Clancy Bros or Irish tenor style doesn’t do it for me.
Just wanted to mention a great singer from Kerry named Eilis Kennedy, fluent in Irish and has 2 really nice CD's. She will be singing in the states in March for a few gigs in CT.
Check out her website or mine for info on the gigs.
Eilís Kennedy, yes your right, I have her on the list but forgot to put it on the site here. Thank you for all your suggestions, they will be very useful, and if anyone has contact details for Róisín Chambers I would really appreciate it if you could e-mail me via the site with it.
I'd like to add three younger names to this list, all of whom sing at least partly in Irish - and beautifully;
Lasairfhiona Ni Chonaola
Anne-Marie O'Malley (formerly of Grada)
Nicola Joyce (currently of Grada!)
Since you mentioned Ciaran Gealbhain's accordian playing I have to relate this experience. The first time I heard Danu was a few years back at the Lowell Folk Festival north of Boston. We were driving up, and we heard a live radio broadcast of Danu's morning performance. It was like the first time I heard Bothy's 1975 album or the opening of Dervish's live record -- I was stunned by the drive and rhythmic force of their sound. Needless to say we watched every one of their performances at the festival after that (three!).
As part of the Lowell Folk Festival they hold workshops on different instruments. Basically a bunch of people playing the same, or similar instrument all play a little bit and talk about their different styles. Sometimes it's really great, one year they had Dr. Ralph Stanley and an African banjo player. All the Danu boys were fantastic at their respective workshops. We went to the piano accordian workshop to hear Ciaran and some Cajjun and Polish accordianist. When it got time to take turns Ciaran said he would play an air, and to excuse him because sometimes he gets lost while he's playing and loses sense of time. We thought it was just showmanship, and then he proceeded to play the most beautiful air I've ever heard ( I don't remember what it was). He was able to bring his incredible vocal phrasing over to the accordian and we were all in tears by the end. It was one of the best individual performances I've ever heard in any genre, incredibly moving and tender. His voice is like that too. Needless to say I really think he was irreplaceable in Danu!
Have to agree with Garrett about Danú and , I know we've had this discussion before, but I think I'd rate them as my all time favourite trad group - It's just a pity that they've decided to go their separate ways but then they have left us a fantastic DVD "One Night Stand" recorded live at Vicar Street (the spot with Phil Cunningham on Danny Boy is priceless but I'll say no more so as not to spoil it for "first time" viewers). See http://www.danu.net/modules/djmusic/ on the group and how to get their recordings.
The comment about Ciarán’s slow air on the piano accordion is a perfect example of how knowing the song allows the musician to get the best result when playing the melody.
I`ll second that, not enough instumentalists take the time to learn the songs properly, not just the air to the song, but the phrasing as well, you should hear Andy Dicksons version of Bessie the Beauty of Rossanure Hill. He actually plays the verses differently each time in accordance with the songs` patterns. You can tell which verse he is on by the way he plays it. Now thats the way to do it !
Really the essence is soul singing, that's really all it is.
In what might be the first Irish piano soul recording, check out
Soul Of The Irish Piano by Irish pianist J.J. Sheridan, available from Amazon.com and CDBaby.com
What do you think of these trad singers?
What do you think of these trad singers?
I`m on the look out for new trad singers specifically those fluent in Gaeilge.
Which of these singers do you think are the best, and more importantly why?
Pauline Scanlon
Róisín Chambers
Áine uí Cheallaigh
Pádraigín ní Ullacháin
Bríd ní Mhaoileoin
Claire Roche
Cara Dillion
and last by no means least
Cathy Jordan.
Feel free to point out others I have missed here.
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by blas
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Oh and the other thing is, if you had to pay to see one of them, which would be the best value for money?
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by blas
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Well out of that list I would go with Cara Dillon and Róisín Chambers, but I guess you knew that. I could listen to both of them all day long, even though they probably couldn't be more different.
Cx
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Wouldnt mind getting my hands on a Róisín Chambers c,d if I can, her name was suggested to me by a good friend, and i havent listened to her stuff before.
Hey Cón, any ideas for contact numbers for her?
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by blas
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
I'll see if I can get one from Damien Mullane; they're in a band called Cushty.
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Sorry, Cushtie
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
What a star you are!
Agus na déan dearmad faoi an deireadh na seachtaine, cuirfidh mé glaoch ort. Ba bhréa liom a bheith i phlé leat ar son rudaí atá tabhartacht, muna mhiste leat?
Mxx
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by blas
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Maith go leor!
Cxx
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Cara Dillon has always been in a class of her own for me, ever since hearing her sing "Sweet King Williamstown" on the 1st "Oige" cassette. [ What d'ye reckon, Murrough ? ] Quite amused to see her in the "Times" magazine last Saturday as one of the "bright new things" of the supposed trendy new folk scene, since she must have recorded that about 12 years ago, and I still don't think I've ever heard a traditional song sung better. Also she did a great version of a Dougie McLean song with the short-lived band "The Equation". Don't think I've ever heard her sing in Gaelic, though, but I could be wrong on that.
Mary Dillon, formerly of "Deanta", is also a mighty singer, but again I would say, mainly in English.
Yes also to Cathy Jordan.
Your list is all female. If blokes are allowed, I don't think you get better than Iarla O'Lionard. Donal Maguire has a few great recordings, again, of Irish songs, but in English. He's not nearly as well known as he deserves to be. Sean Corcoran of "Cran" is also a magnificent singer in both languages.
I may think of some more, but those are first thoughts.
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by Kenny
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Why is there a shortage of males in that list? Do guys just leave the serious singing to the ladies?
Oh, and what about some names or links for recordings?
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by Bob himself
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Cara Dillon is great, although the stuff she sings on her records is a bit too poppy and brooding for my taste.
Like Kenny, I love to listen to her sister Mary on the old Deanta records, and wish there were more recordings of her available.
Pauline Scanlon, to my ears, has a bit too much of a high breathy sound, but she is talented.
Cathy Jordan is a wonderful talent, who brings mighty energy to everything she does, but sometimes I wish she could take it down a notch.
Can't really comment on the others on the list, I am less familiar with them.
I would add to the list Niamh Parsons, marvelous singer, with the added benefit of being recorded on some excellent albums with very sparse accompaniment that does not detract at all from her marvelous voice, and wonderful choice of material. And on top of that, when you get a chance to meet her she is a really nice person, and very serious about the music.
And an emerging talent is that young blonde girl who now sings for Danu (sorry but I can't for the life of me recall her name), she is an outstanding talent, who I suspect will only improve with age. And she is no slouch with a flute and whistle, so unlike other singers, does not just sit in the corner when the band switches over to tunes.
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by AlBrown
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Muireann Ni ***** can't remember the last name.
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by wormdiet
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh is who you guys are talking about. I prefered Ciaran Gealbhain, I thought he was a better singer. Although Muireann does add some Flute and Whistle which is better than Ciaran's Piano Box.
Out of that list I have to say Cathy Jordan of course, I am a big Dervish fan and am actually listening to them right now. I love the song "Callan Rua" on Palying With Fire, probably my favorite that she sings, I also like "Boots of Spainish Leather" a lot.
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by Why Bother?
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Unseen,
I like Ciaran myself, liked it when he sang with Danu, and was sad when he left the band, but they sure picked a good replacement. Your preference for her flute/whistle over his box playing must be a preference for those instruments over the box--he is one heck of a good box player.
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by AlBrown
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
I am not disagreeing with you he is a great player. Of course remember that I am a Flute player so I am a little biased. I esspecially like the set he does on "All Things Considered."
# Posted on February 3rd 2006 by Why Bother?
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Since we have raised the issue of singing accordion players, I am surprised and very impressed lately with Mick McAuley of Solas, and the songs he sings on the new album he did with Winifred Horan--he definitely has talents "outside the box."
# Posted on February 4th 2006 by AlBrown
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Not only is Róisín Chambers an outstanding singer, she's also a fine fiddle player. I'm surprised to hear she's in a band with box player Damien Mullane who I thought was based in London. Has Róisín left Dublin?
# Posted on February 4th 2006 by Bannerman
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Al I have to agree with you, when I heard him sing on "Waiting for an Echo" I was pleasently suprised, but Egan continues to dissapoint me.
# Posted on February 4th 2006 by Why Bother?
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Hi Bannerman
I'm sure Róisín has a friend or two who reads this stuff and could probably tell you more. All I can say is I've seen and heard her at quite a few festivals around the country - Ireland and UK. As far as I know she's still based in Ireland. I don't think Cushtie are confined to playing in any particular part of these islands.
One more thing; I believe blas is ony looking for female singers at this stage.
# Posted on February 4th 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Possibly my fave vocal track of all time is the last track on All Things Considered.
# Posted on February 4th 2006 by wormdiet
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
I like the one on "Think Before You Think" more, not that the on on All Things Considered is bad (quite the opposite).
# Posted on February 4th 2006 by Why Bother?
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
For me, Luke Kelly is it. Raw (while still acrobatic), powerful, and emotionally charged. He knew how to deliver a song in a way I haven't heard much.
# Posted on February 4th 2006 by 34MANdolin
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
I started a post about wanting more sean-nós recordings, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta has some excellent shows featuring singing, such as the Men's and Women's Oireachtas 2005, the under-35 competitors from same, etc. I heard some excellent renditions of some of the songs I'd been after, such as Sliabh na mBan and Donal Og.
Luke Kelly I'd file under "Gargles with sandpaper." Not necessarily a bad thing!
# Posted on February 4th 2006 by KLR
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Kathleen O'Sullivan.
# Posted on February 4th 2006 by Leftheris
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
How about Karan Casey? It seems she's singing only in English these days.
# Posted on February 4th 2006 by slainte
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Well, Kevin, I guess I forgot that "The Dubliners" are not to be mentioned (much less respected and admired) on this site. Only "real" musicians allowed. Did I miss something? Did Luke Kelly not sing the same songs that all these other people sing? Or is it that he became too popular, and is thus considered a "sell-out?" Sorry for the retort but your argument that a folk singer sounds too rough is base. He sang for the folk, not the gentlemen such as yourself. Too pretty a voice and the songs suffer, I think. Leave the "pretty" for the Opera.
# Posted on February 4th 2006 by 34MANdolin
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
No his question was for Sean-Nos singers, which is not what Luke Kelly sang. Sen-Nos means "old-style" and no he did not sing what these other people sang. The question was for singers fluent in Gaelic, read the full question before posting. The Dubliners did how many songs in Gaelic?
# Posted on February 4th 2006 by Why Bother?
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
I like any singing done in the sean-nós style -- English or Irish doesn't matter to me. All though I can follow the story with the English singing and that adds an extra and critical dimension.
I know there are those who insist it isn't "sean-nós" unless it's sung in Irish, but doesn't "sean-nós" just mean "old-style,” and aren't they just singing the same thing only in English? If you still call it "sean-nós" when it's in English then the name will identify the style better than just saying, "old-style" because you'd have to add the Irish distinction to it with an explanation. Sure it's easier just to say "sean-nós"... right?
Anyway, it’s the characteristics of the sean-nós singing that appeals most to me. The warbling Clancy Bros or Irish tenor style doesn’t do it for me.
# Posted on February 4th 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Just wanted to mention a great singer from Kerry named Eilis Kennedy, fluent in Irish and has 2 really nice CD's. She will be singing in the states in March for a few gigs in CT.
Check out her website or mine for info on the gigs.
Bill Coulter
www.williamcoulter.com
# Posted on February 5th 2006 by williamcoulter
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Eilís Kennedy, yes your right, I have her on the list but forgot to put it on the site here. Thank you for all your suggestions, they will be very useful, and if anyone has contact details for Róisín Chambers I would really appreciate it if you could e-mail me via the site with it.
Blas X
# Posted on February 6th 2006 by blas
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
I'd like to add three younger names to this list, all of whom sing at least partly in Irish - and beautifully;
Lasairfhiona Ni Chonaola
Anne-Marie O'Malley (formerly of Grada)
Nicola Joyce (currently of Grada!)
# Posted on February 6th 2006 by hurleystick
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Since you mentioned Ciaran Gealbhain's accordian playing I have to relate this experience. The first time I heard Danu was a few years back at the Lowell Folk Festival north of Boston. We were driving up, and we heard a live radio broadcast of Danu's morning performance. It was like the first time I heard Bothy's 1975 album or the opening of Dervish's live record -- I was stunned by the drive and rhythmic force of their sound. Needless to say we watched every one of their performances at the festival after that (three!).
As part of the Lowell Folk Festival they hold workshops on different instruments. Basically a bunch of people playing the same, or similar instrument all play a little bit and talk about their different styles. Sometimes it's really great, one year they had Dr. Ralph Stanley and an African banjo player. All the Danu boys were fantastic at their respective workshops. We went to the piano accordian workshop to hear Ciaran and some Cajjun and Polish accordianist. When it got time to take turns Ciaran said he would play an air, and to excuse him because sometimes he gets lost while he's playing and loses sense of time. We thought it was just showmanship, and then he proceeded to play the most beautiful air I've ever heard ( I don't remember what it was). He was able to bring his incredible vocal phrasing over to the accordian and we were all in tears by the end. It was one of the best individual performances I've ever heard in any genre, incredibly moving and tender. His voice is like that too. Needless to say I really think he was irreplaceable in Danu!
# Posted on February 6th 2006 by garrett
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Thanks for all your suggestions especially the last couple.
Blas.
# Posted on February 7th 2006 by blas
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Have to agree with Garrett about Danú and , I know we've had this discussion before, but I think I'd rate them as my all time favourite trad group - It's just a pity that they've decided to go their separate ways but then they have left us a fantastic DVD "One Night Stand" recorded live at Vicar Street (the spot with Phil Cunningham on Danny Boy is priceless but I'll say no more so as not to spoil it for "first time" viewers). See http://www.danu.net/modules/djmusic/ on the group and how to get their recordings.
The comment about Ciarán’s slow air on the piano accordion is a perfect example of how knowing the song allows the musician to get the best result when playing the melody.
# Posted on February 7th 2006 by Bannerman
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
I`ll second that, not enough instumentalists take the time to learn the songs properly, not just the air to the song, but the phrasing as well, you should hear Andy Dicksons version of Bessie the Beauty of Rossanure Hill. He actually plays the verses differently each time in accordance with the songs` patterns. You can tell which verse he is on by the way he plays it. Now thats the way to do it !
# Posted on February 7th 2006 by blas
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Cathy Jordan is #1 for me...and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh still very much has it!
Lizzy
# Posted on April 14th 2006 by Lizzy
Re: What do you think of these trad singers?
Really the essence is soul singing, that's really all it is.
In what might be the first Irish piano soul recording, check out
Soul Of The Irish Piano by Irish pianist J.J. Sheridan, available from Amazon.com and CDBaby.com
# Posted on February 23rd 2007 by irishpiano51