How come when anyone needs celtic-sounding music for a fim they always ask The Chieftains? Is it just because everyone's heard of them? They've recorded some music for The Water Horse, the film from Dick King-Smith's book. I was wondering what everyone thinks as it seems like it doesn't matter whether the film is set in Ireland or Scotland, it's always The Chieftains who get asked to be on the soundtrack.
I get a little tired with the broad commercial view that ITM = The Chieftains. I wouldn't criticise their individual technical and musical ability. After all. each of them can play significantly better than me .. and last time I checked they were substantially more popular than yours truly!
However, there are an outstanding range of amazing talents now playing both Irish and Scottish traditional music. I wonder what the broad populace would say if they were exposed to the joys of Altan, 4 men and a dog, North Cregg etc etc.
Undoubtedly the Chieftains did a wondrous job exposing people to ITM some years ago, but now it would be nice to see other talents having a crack of the whip too. Having said that Paddy Moloney isn't such a young chicken these days and Matt Molloy is fast losing is 007 pezzazz! Maybe as they start reaching for their pension books and bus passes the young 'uns will have their chance.
In the meantime I will probably still play my Chieftains albums .. while still hoping to see the world transformed to the wisdom of us all cherishing ITM and the artists who play it.
The Chieftan's sound lends itself well to soundtracks... they have the harp... and no guitar player... their music is timeless in some ways... guitar driven traditional music doesnt have the same qualities.
... then there's Dougie MacLean on "Last of the Mohicans", Capercaillie on "Rob Roy", whoever Hollywood composer James Horner used on uillean pipes in his scores for Titanic and Braveheart - shurely not Paddy Moloney? - or Tony Hinnegan?, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0385840/
and er, James Galway in LOTR
There is a movie called "The Matchmaker" with great music on it, but no music credits that I can find. There are a few scenes with people singing in the pubs. I wish I could find the music, it was one of the best parts of the movie.
Other movies with short ITM interludes that come to mind are Gangs of New York, Road to Perdition, and Napoleon Dynamite. (Last one has Music for a Found Harmonium, Patrick Street version, if that counts...)
I have to say that the Chieftains are just fine in my book as they are excellent musicians that have done much for ITM. I'm not saying they "are" ITM but, like them or not, they have spread ITM the world over. I never get sick of hearing them.
The film was very stereotypical, shallow, and The Chieftains met the Celtic stereotype as did Sinead O'Connor who was also on the sound track. I was walking past the cinema and stopped in for a choctop. Very hot outside, so thought I might as well sit in the cool and see The Water Horse as it was starting in five minutes. Thought there might be some Celtic music, but apart from some little bits, in fact you had to wait till the very end to hear Sinead O'Connor sing and after reams of credits for the Chieftains to play.
Hey Welshman, I've heard tell that music matures with age. As long as your health holds out, It just gets better and better. No pension for musos.
I really liked the film! It was really cute I thought. I'd forgotten about Capercaille in Rob Roy. Always thought it was an odd choice of tune during that scene where the really nice Irish guy is getting chased through the woods & then gets killed, it's a really chirpy reel I think.
Chieftains on another film soundtrack
Chieftains on another film soundtrack
How come when anyone needs celtic-sounding music for a fim they always ask The Chieftains? Is it just because everyone's heard of them? They've recorded some music for The Water Horse, the film from Dick King-Smith's book. I was wondering what everyone thinks as it seems like it doesn't matter whether the film is set in Ireland or Scotland, it's always The Chieftains who get asked to be on the soundtrack.
# Posted on January 15th 2008 by Pollyanna
Re: Chieftains on another film soundtrack
I get a little tired with the broad commercial view that ITM = The Chieftains. I wouldn't criticise their individual technical and musical ability. After all. each of them can play significantly better than me .. and last time I checked they were substantially more popular than yours truly!
However, there are an outstanding range of amazing talents now playing both Irish and Scottish traditional music. I wonder what the broad populace would say if they were exposed to the joys of Altan, 4 men and a dog, North Cregg etc etc.
Undoubtedly the Chieftains did a wondrous job exposing people to ITM some years ago, but now it would be nice to see other talents having a crack of the whip too. Having said that Paddy Moloney isn't such a young chicken these days and Matt Molloy is fast losing is 007 pezzazz! Maybe as they start reaching for their pension books and bus passes the young 'uns will have their chance.
In the meantime I will probably still play my Chieftains albums .. while still hoping to see the world transformed to the wisdom of us all cherishing ITM and the artists who play it.
D
# Posted on January 15th 2008 by Welshman
Re: Chieftains on another film soundtrack
are you telling us you've forgotten "Gaelic Storm" already?
# Posted on January 15th 2008 by Bren
Re: Chieftains on another film soundtrack
The Chieftan's sound lends itself well to soundtracks... they have the harp... and no guitar player... their music is timeless in some ways... guitar driven traditional music doesnt have the same qualities.
# Posted on January 15th 2008 by The Merry Highlander
Re: Chieftains on another film soundtrack
... then there's Dougie MacLean on "Last of the Mohicans", Capercaillie on "Rob Roy", whoever Hollywood composer James Horner used on uillean pipes in his scores for Titanic and Braveheart - shurely not Paddy Moloney? - or Tony Hinnegan?,
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0385840/
and er, James Galway in LOTR
# Posted on January 15th 2008 by Bren
Re: Chieftains on another film soundtrack
Horner's piper in "Titanic" and "Braveheart": Eric Rigler, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0726767/
# Posted on January 15th 2008 by juniper
Re: Chieftains on another film soundtrack
There is a movie called "The Matchmaker" with great music on it, but no music credits that I can find. There are a few scenes with people singing in the pubs. I wish I could find the music, it was one of the best parts of the movie.
# Posted on January 15th 2008 by grumblingoldwoman
Re: Chieftains on another film soundtrack
Who plays what on the soundtrack of 'The Matchmaker' can be found here:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119632/soundtrack.
# Posted on January 15th 2008 by Floss the Tethers
Re: Chieftains on another film soundtrack
Coyotebanjo compiled a list here:
http://www.coyotebanjo.com/music-39.html
Then there's The Boys and Girl from County Clare.
Other movies with short ITM interludes that come to mind are Gangs of New York, Road to Perdition, and Napoleon Dynamite. (Last one has Music for a Found Harmonium, Patrick Street version, if that counts...)
# Posted on January 15th 2008 by Bleedin' Heart
Re: Chieftains on another film soundtrack
I have to say that the Chieftains are just fine in my book as they are excellent musicians that have done much for ITM. I'm not saying they "are" ITM but, like them or not, they have spread ITM the world over. I never get sick of hearing them.
# Posted on January 16th 2008 by Raymond G
Re: Chieftains on another film soundtrack
The film was very stereotypical, shallow, and The Chieftains met the Celtic stereotype as did Sinead O'Connor who was also on the sound track. I was walking past the cinema and stopped in for a choctop. Very hot outside, so thought I might as well sit in the cool and see The Water Horse as it was starting in five minutes. Thought there might be some Celtic music, but apart from some little bits, in fact you had to wait till the very end to hear Sinead O'Connor sing and after reams of credits for the Chieftains to play.
Hey Welshman, I've heard tell that music matures with age. As long as your health holds out, It just gets better and better. No pension for musos.
# Posted on January 16th 2008 by Clear Drops
Re: Chieftains on another film soundtrack
I really liked the film! It was really cute I thought. I'd forgotten about Capercaille in Rob Roy. Always thought it was an odd choice of tune during that scene where the really nice Irish guy is getting chased through the woods & then gets killed, it's a really chirpy reel I think.
# Posted on January 17th 2008 by Pollyanna