Ryan Kelly

IN TIME

On Oct. 11, 2010, In Time the break out solo Cd for Ryan Kelly of Celtic Thunder was released to much acclaim and success.  All the information in this blog is taken from either www.ryankellymusic.com or from www.facebook.com/RyanKellyMusicOfficial.

The first time I ever saw Ryan Kelly was on Detroit Public Television on Easter Sunday in 2011 when he appeared live in studio with fellow Celtic Thunder member,  George Donaldson. There was just something about this black haired blue eyed man I couldn't quite put my finger on.  Maybe it was those piercing blue eyes or was it something else?  I wouldn't find out until I did some more reading about Ryan Kelly.

I didn't know he had already released a solo Cd given the fact that I just became aware of Celtic Thunder in 2011.  I bought the Heritage Cd in late summer of 2011 before their concert in December.  I just started to explore YouTube to see what I could find from Celtic Thunder.  I even started going to the group's website and then one day I was reading a blog post that said Ryan was leaving the group. I think my heart stopped. I bet I wasn't the only one that felt that way.  Neil Byrne who was the lead guitarist joined the other lads as a performer taking over for Ryan who left unexpectedly.  Emmet Cahill joined the group in 2010, he took Paul Byrom's spot but wouldn't go on tour with the rest of the lads until 2011.

Then before the fall 2011 tour started it was announced Ryan would be returning and that Damian was leaving to do Glee.  There were lots of changes for 2011 but everything worked out.  Ryan was back that was all that mattered.  Now I was searching for Ryan Kelly on YouTube to see what I could find that's when I came across the Official video of "Not Far Apart."  The first time I listened to the video I cried, the second time I listened to it I cried.  This song just brings back memories of my grandma.  Though she's been gone for a while its still hard because she's not there anymore especially when she loved Christmas.  Loss is a terrible thing to experience and this song really speaks to that emotion. Here is the link for the video of "Not Far Apart."  http://youtu.be/y0AfdSgK9Mc

The next song on YouTube I found  was the fan video for "Broken Things" which is another sad song. This song is about a broken heart which I can relate to 100 percent, because I have had a broken heart as do a lot of other people who've listened to this CD.  This was one of the first songs Ryan sang from In Time at the Acoustic By Candlelight show, it was the song he'd received a lot of comments about. I'm pretty sure there isn't a fan of either Celtic Thunder or Ryan Kelly that hasn't experienced heart break.  Loss of a loved one is heart breaking but loss from a breakup is just as bad.  With so many broken hearts its no wonder this song is so popular even if it is sad.  Here is the link for the fan video for "Broken Things." This is the video that was uploaded by RKMusicLTD. There is another fan video for this song but its not as good.  http://youtu.be/vaw8qI-QB0o

After "Broken Things" there was "The Village That They Call The Moy" which features photos of Ryan's beloved Moy in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.  I love this video because it gives you have a peek at the town Ryan holds so close in his heart. I know everyone that has seen that video can't wait for the chance to view The Moy for themselves.  This is one of four songs that have a uptempo beat, I could be wrong but then again I could be right.  Since it is not possible for me to put into words what this song means I'll just include the link to the YouTube video for you to enjoy.  http://youtu.be/duXXKPAJZ10

You can find just about all his music on YouTube with the exception of "Secret Bit of Right from Wrong" and "Heaven Bound."  Those seem to be two songs that fans haven't figure out how to create a video for.  I could post every link to all his songs but that would take up too much space besides I have much more to write about and I don't really want to cloud this blog with too many videos.  There seems to be only one official video for the song "Not Far Apart" and two fan videos that have been uploaded by RKMusicLTD, they are "In Too Deep" and "Broken Things."  If you want to check out any of the videos Ryan's fans have created just log into YouTube and search for the title of the song making sure to include the phrase "by Ryan Kelly" which will help narrow down the choices.

I only recently downloaded Ryan's CD In Time which I purchased from www.emusic.com which is available to members for $5.39.  At iTunes you can download In Time for $9.99.  You can purchase the actual CD from CdBaby via Amazon for $19.99 or just download it from Amazon for $8.99.  It is also available on Amazon from other suppliers in the US priced from $19.42 - 28.11 plus 2.98 shipping.  There are also 3 suppliers that ship from outside the US but be aware of import fees associated with making a purchase from them. Shop around to find the best deal especially if your just going to download it, you can still save some money.

Ryan Kelly is a gifted artist with many talents.  Lets not let his talents go to waste because with our support he can shine.  His music speaks to many of us, it comforts us in our time of need without it where would we be.  Personally I am willing to do anything to help him in his career, I'll write about him and I'll write about his music.  I'll sing his praises because he's the genuine article.  He is sincere and sweet and oh so suave.  He is the total package which is a rarity in the music business.  I've had the pleasure of meeting him twice once on Dec. 7, 2011 and once on May 11, 2012.  He is a perfect gentleman with his female fans who absolutely love him.  So please check out his Cd and the various videos on YouTube you won't be sorry.  I love In Time and wouldn't trade it for anything else.  I also have a signed copy of his Cd which I hold very close to my heart.

Please check out my other posts again you won't be sorry.

Update: In April of 2013, Ryan Kelly asked his fans to send in photos to help him create a special video for one of his songs from his debut album In Time.  Fans from all over the globe submitted their pictures helping to create a one of a kind video for the song, "Secret Bit of Right From Wrong"a video for the fan by the fans.  The following link is the end result that was posted on YouTube on May 5, 2013. http://youtu.be/9mn4SGx3EHI

Neil Byrne

Sensitive Souls - EP

This is my second new post since I've changed direction from what I'd previously blogged about.  Now I'm going to delve straight into the subject matter for which I am dedicating this blog to.  My first subject  is going to be Neil Byrne's EP - Sensitive Souls.  I started re-reading his bio again today to see what else I might say about him that isn't already known.  He is a sensitive soul there is no denying it.  He is true to his craft and deserves nothing but great success in his future endeavors.  However there is one thing he needs more than anything, he needs our support to get him over the hurdle that lies ahead of him.  In order to be a success you need to have fans willing to give you 110% of their time.  When we purchase his Cd's, merchandise and pay to see him perform live we are helping to further his dreams.

When I watch his videos on YouTube I'm mesmerized by his fingers and the way they move.  I know it sounds weird but I've always been intrigued by musicians that way.  Like the way Declan attacks the drums during Heartland.  The way his fingers move from one note to the next is very interesting.  I like paying attention to details like that which is why I've grown so attached to him as an artist.  His voice is very soothing to the ears and he's not to bad on the eyes either.  He has a way with words and is a very gifted songwriter as well as guitarist.  He was lucky that he didn't have to go through the audition process like the other lads in Celtic Thunder.  He was hired to do the the backing vocals in the studio for Phil Coulter's new show "Celtic Thunder" and  he would also be asked to be the guitar player for the production as well.  He is the complete package, a one man band with the talent and the skill to back it up.  His first venture outside of Celtic Thunder is a testament to his drive and ambition to be the best.

Sensitive Souls is his debut EP which was released on September 6, 2010  has 3 original songs and one song most everyone should be familiar with because it was originally recorded by Madonna as a dance track.  Sadie Jones and I is the first track on the Cd, Neil and his dad wrote the lyrics for it and he wrote the music.  It's an uptempo and lighthearted song about meeting a girl, going to work every morning and years down the road marrying this girl and having a family with her then reflecting on the whole thing.  Raoul and Her Ladyship is the second song on the Cd was co-written with Nichole Hudson. The third song is Truador which is an acoustic version of the song that was on his website.  The fourth song  is Cherish which has been reworked into a love song after the tempo was lowered.  I really can't do an introduction to Sensitive Souls the justice it deserves so I've added the actual introduction to the EP that Neil Byrne uploaded toYouTube. http://youtu.be/q702RhfsrSk.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I absolutely love this Cd even though I only recently downloaded it from eMusic, I have seen several of  Neil's acoustic videos  plus the video of Sadie Jones which is really great and can be seen on YouTube.  I've listened to some of his music from his reverbnation page.  Once you get hooked your basically hooked for life.  He is good at drawing you in and keeping you there for the long haul.  I'll write more about Neil when I take a look at his solo Cd, Pale Blue Jak - Faces. Please check out Neil Byrne on Facebook and on YouTube.  He's definitely worth it.  I've had the pleasure of seeing him perform live as well as meeting him twice.  He's an absolute doll but next time I think I'll ask for a hug and give him a kiss.

Taking A New Direction

New Directions....

As the heading suggest I'm taking this blog on a new direction.  I've taken this blog on several unsuccessful journeys which have not gone as I would have like instead they just ended miserably.  I decided that I would devote this blog to promoting great music from Ireland.  

What does a girl in Michigan know about Irish music or even Irish musicians.  I know what I like and what I don't.  I was amazed at how many different bands that I like are from Ireland.  The band Snowpatrol is from Belfast in Northern Ireland and The Chieftains are from Dublin .  Celtic Thunder they are from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.  Gaelic Storm another great Irish band.  U2 another hugely successful band from Dublin, Ireland.  

The purpose of this blog is to promote the music of Neil Byrne and Ryan Kelly, who are current members of the group Celtic Thunder.  I think they need to get a little more exposure if they are to be successful in the United States and Canada.  I know they are probably more popular in North America and Australia then in their home country.  PBS has helped to a point but now its time to further the cause of great Irish musical talent.  I should probably include George Donaldson as well into the mix but alas he hasn't yet had a show in Michigan. 

On May 11, 2012 I had the opportunity to see Neil Byrne and Ryan Kelly perform live at the Old Shillelagh in Detroit, MI.  Acoustic by Candlelight, the name of their shows, was absolutely amazing there is no way to really sum up the experience of seeing them live.  If you have the opportunity to see their show it is well worth the money.   These shows are nothing like the Celtic Thunder shows because it is a more intimate setting where as the CT shows are grand productions.

Last December 7, 2011 I experienced my first Celtic Thunder concert.  I was blown away by the whole experience.  I loved every minute of it and wouldn't trade that memory for anything.  I'm not a regular concert goer because my past musical concert taste are rather dated so I was glad when I got to spend a night in the company of great Irish talent.  I didn't want to leave the vicinity of The Fox Theater in Detroit, MI without meeting the lads in person.  I didn't have the coveted meet&greet tickets from PBS but just regular main floor seats which were priced a bit cheaper than if I'd pledged for them through PBS.  

I've only recently downloaded Neil Byrne's EP - Sensitive Souls as well as his solo CD entitled Pale Blue Jak - Faces and Ryan Kelly's solo CD In Time.  I even downloaded Celtic Thunder's newest CD Voyage.  I hope that I'll be able to see them in Windsor, Ontario, Canada when they come to The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor on September 16, 2012.  

If you can get the opportunity to see Neil and Ryan live during one of their acoustic concerts or even when they start touring with Celtic Thunder.  I've posted the link to Ryan Kelly's blog for the Acoustic By Candlelight with the dates for all the shows and you might still have time to catch one before they leave for Ireland.

http://www.ryankellymusic.com/blog/acoustic-by-candlelight-may-2012/