This is only the second month of the new year and I feel like time is just slipping by, before I know it March will be here along with PBS promos for Mythology. I still need to figure out how I'm gonna get the two disk deluxe CD from the CT Website but I'll get it eventually. Since the new CD is already in the bag I think its time the Lads record and produce a new Christmas CD since that's the only way they will have Christmas Shows again.
With the addition of Colm Keegan last year and Emmet Cahill the year before I think its high time they did just that. I know that last summer Lady A recorded their new Christmas CD that came out before Christmas and this coming summer seems like the perfect time to record a New Celtic Thunder Christmas CD.
Their first CD contained: It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas and When You Wish Upon A Star which were both solo's of Neil Byrne. Then there was Winter Wonderland and Our First Christmas Together which were solo's of Damian McGinty, who is no longer with the group. Then there's Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow and Baby, It's Cold Outside two solo's by Ryan Kelly. Last Christmas and All I Want For Christmas Is You which are two amazing solo's by Keith Harkin. Going Home For Christmas and I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday two solo performances by George Donaldson. Then there was Ave Maria the only solo performance by Paul Byrom, who also is no longer with the group. Then you have a bunch of ensemble performances which includes: Silent Night, Christmas 1915 and a Christmas Medley of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year/We Wish You A Merry Christmas.
I've asked a few people who are frequent visitors to the CT Pub which is part of the the CT website for help in coming up with a list of Christmas songs the lads might sing on a new CD. I created a playlist on Spotify which I posted on both Facebook and Twitter. The following is a list of songs that were chosen and the artist who has recorded it:
1. Blue Christmas, I chose the Michael Buble not the version recorded originally by Elvis the following video as taken from Michael Buble's Christmas Special on NBC http://youtu.be/CxieY7dKyt0
2. Wonderful Christmastime recorded by Paul McCartney
http://youtu.be/V9BZDpni56Y
3. Step into Christmas recorded by Elton John http://youtu.be/9Fjik78LapA
4. Carol of The Bells (voice) the version that John Williams recorded which was apart of the Home Alone soundtrack http://youtu.be/xajv-YAYUJk
5. Christmas[Baby Please Come Home] recorded by Michael Buble the following was part of the X-Factor Live Final http://youtu.be/pbwO2nyUYYA
6. (There's No Place Like)Home For The Holidays recorded by Perry Como http://youtu.be/7WqdBtEXoWo
7. Little Saint Nick recorded The Beach Boys, the following video is an original video so its in black and white
http://youtu.be/P-vAZabkn3U
8. Christmas Dreaming recorded by Frank Sinatra
http://youtu.be/fsaH3al730k
9. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear recorded by Josh Groban, the following video came from the Dec 10, 2007 episode of Regis and Kelly http://youtu.be/cXTk9tadkvY
10. Jingle Bell Rock the Glee Cast version not the original version by Bobby Helms http://youtu.be/r9lfPy5eCk0
11. Happy Christmas (War Is Over) the Glee Cast version not the John Lennon version http://youtu.be/Dh5aNLVJvkE
12. Twelve Days Of Christmas recorded by Bing Crosby
http://youtu.be/AF-cTsxRW_8
13. White Christmas which was made famous by Bing Crosby, this is from the movie Holiday Inn which also features White Christmas
http://youtu.be/9Yg5g_Xl-uU
14. Christmas in Killarney another song recorded by Bing Crosby http://youtu.be/_KgoUNH2f8c
15. Home (Christmas Version) recorded by Blake Shelton featuring Michael Buble can be found on Blake Shelton's Christmas CD the following video was part of Michael Buble's Christmas show on NBC http://youtu.be/wKEPXzfxPRc
16. We Need A Little Christmas the Johnny Mathis version of the song from the musical Mame, its the version I hear every Christmas http://youtu.be/_FB3h8IFCro
17. Marshmallow World the Dean Martin version http://youtu.be/f1HCQ3pOdRY
18. River recorded Sarah McLachlan http://youtu.be/E2t9J4YBI_0
19. A New York Christmas recorded by Rob Thomas the following video is from Live at Rockefeller Center 2009 http://youtu.be/X2-vMdNk7fw
20. Do They Know It's Christmas the Band Aid version is the best but I couldn't find it so I went with The Pop Royals instead. The following is a video of the original 1984 Band Aid from Top of The Pops http://youtu.be/NoGAC7ELG9Q
21. Grown-up Christmas List recorded by Anthony Evans and Amy Grant, the following video is the Amy Grant version http://youtu.be/RmF2rsDHOZc
That's a lot of music but its all songs that have been recorded at one time or another by other artists. I'm pretty sure most everyone has heard these songs played on the radio during the Christmas season. As for who should sing what, I'm still working on that but here's what I've come up with so far: Little Saint Nick and Step Into Christmas would be ideal for Keith while Neil could really brighten up the song Blue Christmas; It Came Upon A Midnight Clear would be an excellent choice for Emmet to sing, I can hear him singing that song right now; Ryan would be perfect choice to sing Christmas in Killarney while I think George could definitely bring new life to the song Happy Christmas(War Is Over) which was made famous by John Lennon/Yoko Ono and even though the song River was recorded by Sarah McLachlan I definitely think it would make an excellent choice Colm to record.
I know that's not every song on the list but its a start. I definitely think that 12 Days of Christmas and Do They Know It's Christmas would have to be an ensemble songs. I think the Christmas version of Home would be an excellent duo between Ryan and Colm.
I'm pretty sure that there are more songs that I could add to this list but I thought this would be a great start. If you know of any Christmas songs you think the lads should record please leave me a comment with the title of the song and who recorded it also let me know should it be a solo, duet or ensemble piece. If it should be recorded as a solo let me know which one of the lads should sing it.
It really is time they recorded a new CD besides they won't do Christmas shows until a new one is recorded.
Showing posts with label Celtic Thunder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Celtic Thunder. Show all posts
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
A Year in Review
I know this blog is about Celtic Dreams which would usually be centered around the guys of Celtic Thunder but since I wasn't able to go to a CT concert last year this time its just gonna be about MY year.
I started Jan. 1, 2012 unemployed and not so sad about loosing my job, a job I really grew to hate over the last few years. I figured it was time for a change of scenery but I assure you I was not ready for the nightmare that was my year.
I was lucky that I had some money in a 401K but that didn't last long especially when I had to visit a specialist about my breathing. The summer was not good at all. I spent 3 hours the day before my birthday in the ER and the only thing they did was do a CT scan. It was specialist that I feel like I wasted my money on but the up side was that it didn't cost me thousands of dollars to see him. The ER visit cost me 2900 which I can't pay for since I don't have a job or any form of insurance.
I met some new friends in the CT Pub which is a great place for me to relax especially when I need to unwind.
My mom went to the ER the night before Thanksgiving and was admitted on Thanksgiving morning. I had already made some things for the dinner but now we were going to be 1 less this year. I made the turkey, the stuffing and the mashed potatoes. She was in the hospital until the following Monday when she was transferred to a skilled nursing rehab facility. She stayed in there 20 days though I think the PT people wanted her to stay longer but she kept telling them that she couldn't afford it. My mom takes care of the finances so she knows what she can afford and what she can't.
On the 16th of December she finally got out of that place. They didn't work with her to help prepare her to come home so when she came home that Sunday she almost didn't get into the house because she was afraid to fall. She had only did the stairs in rehab once which wasn't enough especially when we have 3 steps you have to climb in order to get in our kitchen.
Christmas was not so good last year it wasn't so bad at least I got to see CT at the Fox Theatre in Detroit but not this year. I did see Neil and Ryan at the Old Shillelagh in Detroit on May 11, 2012. It was probably the highlight of my year. Santa did not visit my house this year and its not because I was on the naughty list it was because no one could afford it. I was happy when I was baking cookies or bread but it was the time in between that was the darkest for me.
I ended the year just as I started the year broke and unemployed, two things I never thought would happen to me. I so wanted to work but it just wasn't in the cards for me but not this year. I have a new train of thought and I've decided to go for the Brass Ring its the only way for me to be happy. Ever since I changed the direction of this blog I've become one with the music that I love.
One of my resolutions is starting to come true now if I can just stick with my goals and plans I will be a new person at the end of next year 2013.
Look out 2013, this is my year.
Sorry its a bit late, but better late than never.
I started Jan. 1, 2012 unemployed and not so sad about loosing my job, a job I really grew to hate over the last few years. I figured it was time for a change of scenery but I assure you I was not ready for the nightmare that was my year.
I was lucky that I had some money in a 401K but that didn't last long especially when I had to visit a specialist about my breathing. The summer was not good at all. I spent 3 hours the day before my birthday in the ER and the only thing they did was do a CT scan. It was specialist that I feel like I wasted my money on but the up side was that it didn't cost me thousands of dollars to see him. The ER visit cost me 2900 which I can't pay for since I don't have a job or any form of insurance.
I met some new friends in the CT Pub which is a great place for me to relax especially when I need to unwind.
My mom went to the ER the night before Thanksgiving and was admitted on Thanksgiving morning. I had already made some things for the dinner but now we were going to be 1 less this year. I made the turkey, the stuffing and the mashed potatoes. She was in the hospital until the following Monday when she was transferred to a skilled nursing rehab facility. She stayed in there 20 days though I think the PT people wanted her to stay longer but she kept telling them that she couldn't afford it. My mom takes care of the finances so she knows what she can afford and what she can't.
On the 16th of December she finally got out of that place. They didn't work with her to help prepare her to come home so when she came home that Sunday she almost didn't get into the house because she was afraid to fall. She had only did the stairs in rehab once which wasn't enough especially when we have 3 steps you have to climb in order to get in our kitchen.
Christmas was not so good last year it wasn't so bad at least I got to see CT at the Fox Theatre in Detroit but not this year. I did see Neil and Ryan at the Old Shillelagh in Detroit on May 11, 2012. It was probably the highlight of my year. Santa did not visit my house this year and its not because I was on the naughty list it was because no one could afford it. I was happy when I was baking cookies or bread but it was the time in between that was the darkest for me.
I ended the year just as I started the year broke and unemployed, two things I never thought would happen to me. I so wanted to work but it just wasn't in the cards for me but not this year. I have a new train of thought and I've decided to go for the Brass Ring its the only way for me to be happy. Ever since I changed the direction of this blog I've become one with the music that I love.
One of my resolutions is starting to come true now if I can just stick with my goals and plans I will be a new person at the end of next year 2013.
Look out 2013, this is my year.
Sorry its a bit late, but better late than never.
Friday, May 18, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
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.
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