May 24, 2011
Marc Gunn, The Celtfather
Celtic Music, the Traditional and the Twisted
Proud Supporter of Indie Celtic music!
www.marcgunn.com

“Marc definitely knows how to have a wonderful time. He and his music is enjoyable to listen to. I love his music. Keep up the great work. I wish you much health, happiness, and of course… prosperity. Thank you for your wonderful music.”
– Jeff Peterson, on The Bridge

Greetings,

It is official.  My family and I are now residents of Alabama.

At the beginning of the month, we loaded up our U-Haul and drove to Birmingham.  So far, I love it.  It's beautifully lush and green.  While it's different from the green of Ireland, it's just as stunning.  Our backyard is a like a small forest.  We sit on our porch and listen to the sounds of nature and melt… relaxed.

Gwen and Kenzie are adjusting nicely too.  Gwen and I are slowly unpacking and finding new places for our stuff.

Moving with a baby is definitely a challenge.  Someone has to watch after her while the other works.  I never realized how tough that could be.

Course, Kenzie's biggest challenge is that she is teething.  If you've never been a parent, let me tell you that teething is more than, “Ouch, my mouth hurts.”  There's congestion, sleep deprivation, drool, and more.  It's not a pretty sight, but SO worth it.  Who would imagine someone so small could mean so much.

All in all, life in Birmingham is slowly turning into a new home.

Inter-Versal Mudder's Day Becomes the CD Release Day for Firefly Drinking Songs

June 7th is Inter-Versal Mudder's Day.

How do I know that?  Inter-Versal Mudder's Day was invented during an interview I had on The Signal Podcast. Cedric (of the Bedlam Bards) and I talked with podcast host, Les Howard, about our latest CD–“Firefly Drinking Songs.” We shared some insights into how it came to be and our love of Joss Whedon's incredible TV show Firefly.

Les Howard asked when “Firefly Drinking Songs” would be released. We picked a date.. then we turned that day into a holiday!

The interview should be online soon. Keep an eye open on my website. I'll let you know as soon as it is.

Of course, June 7th also conicides with the start of another big event-Can't Stop the Serenity.

Can’t Stop the Serenity (CSTS) is a unique opportunity to indulge your geeky side while doing some good! Since 2006, fans have organized screenings of Joss Whedon's Serenity to raise funds and awareness to support Equality Now in their work for the protection and promotion of the human rights of women around the world. It's a great cause. We are donating a whole bunch of CDs to CSTS to raise money at the screenings. Visit the website to find a screening near you.

Of course, that's not the only orgnaization that his CD will benefit. We're also donating a portion of the profits for cancer research and suicide prevention. We're just happy to be doing good works.

In the meantime, mark your calendars for June 7th. I think we can easily push this CD to the top of the charts on CD Baby with your help!

Musicians Wanted for Hobbit CD

I finally started mixing some of the songs I recorded for “Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits”.  Even without additional instrumentation, it sounds great.

However, I am determined to make this CD a collaborative effort.  That's why I'm looking for musicians who would like to record on the new album.  If you want to be on the album, and have or are willing to acquire recording gear, email me slainte@marcgunn.com.  Put “Hobbit Collaborator” in the subject line.

In the meantime, you can still pre-order the album.  My co-writer, Rie Sheridan Rose, recently added songbooks to the list of gifts you will receive as a Hobbit Patron or higher.  Lord of the Rings artist Jef Murray is designing the limited-edition t-shirts that will only be sold at ALEP 2: There & Back Again (read about the last one).

Recent News You May Have Missed:

• Review of “Kilted For Her Pleasure” by TechWriter
• Kenzie Update
• Thanks to Erfworld Readers
• Fan Funding Drinking Songs for Hobbits
• New Game: Runestone Wisp

Help Wanted! I Need Your Help With Celtic Playlists?

I haven't had any time to promote my Celtic Playlists on iTunes over the past month. It's tough to share them while I'm moving.  It's also extremely difficult when I'm trying to record a CD.

That's why I'm looking for three good people who are willing to help promote my music on iTunes. Start by Following Me on Ping. Then email me at slainte@marcgunn.com.

I'll need you to create playlists featuring my music and other independent Celtic musicians.  You'll share it.  Together, we will shoot music up the charts.

Free MP3 for May: “Lord of the Pounce”

Domesticated cats have been a part of our human culture for centuries.  I decided to make this song tell the story of cats as a part of the human experience, but with heavenly beginnings that will never end.  This song is based on the Shaker melody “Simple Gifts”.  The original lyrics to “Lord of the Dance” were written by Sydney Carter.  This is by far the most-popular song to pounce out of the Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers series.

“Lord of the Pounce”
From: Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers
Download MP3: 128 kbps – Listen
Buy MP3 for 99 cents: 320 kbps or iTunes or Amazon
Read Lyrics: “Lord of the Pounce” Lyrics

You can support independent Celtic music and me.
Join my Street Team and buy my CDs!

Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License.  If you enjoy the music, please purchase the MP3, buy the CD, post a review, repost this blog, or tell a friend.  Every little bit helps to make to keep these free MP3s coming.  Thanks!  Find out more about Marc Gunn’s Podcasts.

Celtic Music CD Store Presents

Once again the Celtic Music CD Store is pleased to bring you more of the Best Celtic CDs for March. All of these albums are by indie Celtic music groups from around the globe and were recently reviewed in the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.

Of course, you can also buy all my CDs at CelticMusic.org.

Together, we are changing the way you hear Celtic music!

“The Ballads Of Archie Thompson” by George Murphy & The Black Donnellys

This amazing collection of songs is sure to please any lover of Celtic folk style music. George Murphy & The Black Donnellys do a fine job of connecting with the listener through a combination of sheer musical skill and carefully crafted arrangements. I really felt transported–as if I was sitting with my old relatives, listening to them sing [read review…]

“Heads Up” by Prydein

This is an enjoyable Celtic rock album that is a must-have for those who love this genre. Prydein has always ranked high for me on the list when it comes to a serious vibe, and this CD, “Heads Up” really rocks the house. Right out of the box with the first track, “Devil in the Kitchen”, you know this isn’t going to be your typical Celtic rock [read review…]

“Fainne Gael an Lae” by Dark Patrick

If I had to compare British-Ukrainian duo Dark Patrick to another musical act, I think I’d have to go with Dead Can Dance. That’s certainly the aesthetic they’re going for on their website, especially if you look at their photographs – Eva Purpurovsky, Dark Patrick’s Ukrainian half, even looks a bit like Lisa Gerrard. But never mind [read review…]

“Hair of the Frog” by Three Weird Sisters

Harpist Gwen Knighton, Teresa Powell on the upright bass, and Brenda Sutton on guitar and percussion, make up the The Three Weird Sisters on these recordings. The trio are the best sort of folk group:  the kind who do whatever they want musically rather than being completely locked in to any one style. With nary a traditional song in sight, they [read review…]

“Celtic Mayhem” by Celtic Mayhem

Supergroups: you have to love ‘em, regardless of what genre they may play in or come from… and it seems like no style of music is without their share.  Sometimes such groups are defined by the influence they have had on their genre (bands like Silly Wizard or Solas, for example) and sometimes they are defined as “super” because they are [read review…]

“The Journey That Lies Before” by Brothers 3

With the jazzy ‘Toss de Feddahs’, this album starts with a bang, and it’s clear you’re in for a swinging ride right off the bat. While it then moves into more traditional and slightly more solemn territory with ‘Erin’s Lovely Lee’, the rhythms are still decidedly catchy, giving this melancholy song a positive edge, without mutilating [read review…]

“The Seas are Deep” by The Pedrick-Hutson Guitar Duo

David Pedrick and Jeremy Hutson bring their talents to the Irish music scene in this album, one of many they’ve released over the past decade. They stay true to their established Classical style, while adapting the harp music of Turlough O’Carolan to the guitar. Originally released in 2006, “The Seas are Deep” is a mellow collection of duets on [read review…]

“Tionchar” by Brian Ó hUiginn

Initially released in 2008, Brian Ó hUiginn’s album “Tionchar” still stands as a wonderful collection of modern compositions of traditional tunes and new songs.  From start to finish, the album comes across as being a solid work of art. The title of the album, “Tionchar”, is Gaelic for ‘influence’ or ‘input’ and truly [read review…]

“Closer to Home” by Donal Clancy

I first experienced the guitar artistry of Donal Clancy in 2008 at the famous Swannanoa Gathering during their “Celtic Week” in Asheville, NC.  Donal and his cousin, Aoife Clancy, brought the audience to their feet and sent chills up my spine with the beauty and intensity of their renditions of traditional and modern Irish music. Donal is [read review…]

That's all the news. I hope you have a great month. And keep an eye on my website for more news from yours truly.

Slainte!

Marc Gunn, The Celtfather

Photo by Chuck Davis

ABOUT MARC GUNN

Please add “slainte@marcgunn.com” to your whitelist or email address book, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues!

Marc Gunn, The Celtfather, plays acoustic folk music rooted in the American Celtic song tradition–-Celtic music, the Traditional and the Twisted. He brings a powerful and expressive voice to Celtic music. His musical instrument of choice-the autoharp-continues to surprise musical veterans and fans a like for it’s unique sound and spirited energy. Embrace independent Celtic music!

Copyright 2000-2011 Marc Gunn