Even though Columban priests are the closest thing that Filipinos can relate to Ireland,
A BLESSED SAINT PATRICK’S DAY TO ONE AND ALL!
The Patron Saint of Ireland
It’s been quite a while since I posted anything particularly Irish or Celtic in my blog. However I don’t want to post any old graphic of four-leaf clovers (a.k.a. shamrocks), fairies, or leprechauns and rainbows with pots of gold. My Celtophilia is usually exhibited by my taste in music so I have decided to post some good ol’ awesome tunes from the Emerald Isle. BRING IN THE FOLK MUSIC, LADS AND LASSIES!
1. Session – The Chieftains & Friends
I start off with a quintessential traditional Irish band. A “more-than-decent” performance is what you get when you gather a group of veteran Irish musicians to play in a pub. To call it “more-than-decent” is an understatement.
I start off with a quintessential traditional Irish band. A “more-than-decent” performance is what you get when you gather a group of veteran Irish musicians to play in a pub. To call it “more-than-decent” is an understatement.
2. Cailleach An Airgid (The Hag with the Money) – Liam O’Maonlai
A song about well-off old ladies. Things get primal as the pipes start playing. Good thing, the vocalist did not break his bodhran (hand drum).
A song about well-off old ladies. Things get primal as the pipes start playing. Good thing, the vocalist did not break his bodhran (hand drum).
3. Sally Brown – Planxty
A good example of a sea shanty (a folk song typically sung by seafarers, like sailors and pirates). It’s a cute performance, despite being traditional.
A good example of a sea shanty (a folk song typically sung by seafarers, like sailors and pirates). It’s a cute performance, despite being traditional.
4. Rocky Road to Dublin – The Dubliners
Some might recognize this song from “Sherlock Holmes” starring Robert Downey Jr. Taking their name from a James Joyce novel, The Dubliners were (and are still) big on the music scene, being the U2 of Irish folk during their time.
Some might recognize this song from “Sherlock Holmes” starring Robert Downey Jr. Taking their name from a James Joyce novel, The Dubliners were (and are still) big on the music scene, being the U2 of Irish folk during their time.
5. Se Bheag, Se Mhor (Fairy Mounds) – Mark Harmon
I’d be a fool if I did not include a harp tune in this post.
I’d be a fool if I did not include a harp tune in this post.
6. Galway Races – Tommy Makem & Clancy Brothers
This is the first Irish folksong I ever appreciated, although that version was played by The Dubliners.
This is the first Irish folksong I ever appreciated, although that version was played by The Dubliners.
7. Caoineadh na dTrí Muire (The Lament of the Three Marys) – Iarla O Lionaird
Since Holy Week is almost near, I have managed to include some religious music. As proven by Iarla’s rendition of a song about the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene and Mary of Cleophas grieving over Jesus’s death, Female Irish singers like Enya are not the only ones with angelic voices.
Since Holy Week is almost near, I have managed to include some religious music. As proven by Iarla’s rendition of a song about the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene and Mary of Cleophas grieving over Jesus’s death, Female Irish singers like Enya are not the only ones with angelic voices.
8. Drunken Sailor – Irish Rovers
To cap up this line-up, here is another sea shanty. Fans of Spongebob Squarepants might recognize this as one of the background music tracks in the Krusty Krab (and of Mr. Krabs, of course). Bring in the whiskey or beer, lads!
To cap up this line-up, here is another sea shanty. Fans of Spongebob Squarepants might recognize this as one of the background music tracks in the Krusty Krab (and of Mr. Krabs, of course). Bring in the whiskey or beer, lads!
I hope this post is a good introduction to Irish/Celtic music to people who are not familiar with the music genre yet (or to those who only know Enya and the Corrs when being asked about Irish music). And so, I conclude by greeting everyone, “Happy St. Paddy’s Day! Sláinte! (Cheers!)” (and not post anything about leprechauns or shamrocks).
(Oh, alright.)
