MARC'S MUSINGS — April 28, 2009

– Marc's Music News
– Recording a Lot of Music
– New CDs: Live at the Cactus Cafe, Heart's Ease and Best of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast
– Gigs: Louisiana, Italy and Texas.
– Where Do You Want to Go Next

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Marc's Musings

Greetings Amici,

I was talking to a fan earlier who was raving about my latest CD Heart's Ease. She loves the new album, but when I told her it would be a couple years before I do another instrumental album, she was saddened.

My response. “I've written more music in the past six months than I've done in the past six years, so be patient. I might finish the album sooner than later.” It is so true too. I have recorded SO much music over the past few months, it blows me away. Now, I don't expect to keep this level of production up. In fact, I'm starting overextend myself. But for now I'm excited to announce another one! But first…

MARC'S MUSIC NEWS
Heart's Ease is enchanting listeners. If you now own a copy, I invite you to post a review so others can hear about how much you enjoy the album. Also check out this glowing review from a local New Orleans magazine.

The other album I released last month was Best of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. The new compilation was released just days before St. Patrick's Day. The glowing reviews are still flowing in for the album which you can listen to for free when you subscribe to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Course then you can catch up on my St. Patrick's Day specials. That's 3 1/2 hours of great Celtic music that is not to be missed. Go download it today. (Hint. It's just an MP3 AND you can now stream the shows from the website)

How are the other CDs coming along?

Live at the Cactus Cafe is now on sale. This fun new live album was selected by CD Baby to be featured on their homepage. They loved the album!

Happy Songs of Death is getting closer to completion. I finished most of the tracks, but there are a couple songs that still need recording. I really hope I can finish those up before I fly off to Italy in 14 days. Meanwhile, Ari Koinuma, who is producing the album, is nearly finished adding additional instrumentation to the tracks that are done. Three or four years after Andrew McKee and I jokingly came up with this title, and it is almost brought to life.

As if that wasn't enough, I wrote a very cool song last month. I got so excited I booked more studio time with Rich Brotherton. The recording went beautifully, but I still have to finish up a few more tracks. However, I decided to postpone that until after I release Happy Songs of Death which I hope to have out by June with at least TWO different CD covers to choose from. One from Ingrid Houwers (check out her newly designed website) and the other by Nikki O'Shea (who publishes the Bards Comic and designed my What Color Is Your Dragon? CD cover). If you have a CD cover you'd like to submit, send it to me.

I now have a regular special CD offer–5 CDs for $62. That should give you a chance to catch up on my overzealous CD production schedule. But order soon if you want them before I head to Ireland. Thanks for your support.

MARC GUNN LIVE!
I had a huge bunch of shows over the past few weeks, including shows in Texas, New York and Colorado. Now as I get ready for my first Celtic Invasion Vacation, I'm reminded of my plans for this summer–touring. I have three tours planned for this summer heading North and East. We are still looking for venues, so please contact my booking agent after you check out the Summer Touring Plans.

And don't miss these upcoming shows!!!!

5.7 (COVINGTON, LA) St. John's Coffeehouse
7.8 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Neutral Ground Coffeehouse
5.13-22 (TUSCANY, ITALY) Celtic Invasion of Italy
6.5-6 (ARLINGTON, TX) Texas Scottish Festival
5.12 (COVINGTON, LA) St. John's Coffeehouse
6.21 (AUSTIN, TX) Fiddler's Hearth
6.26 (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA) House Concert – Laura Cummings
6.27 (ELMHURST, IL) Benefit Concert for Feral Fixers
11.7-12.13 (ROBERT, LA) Louisiana Renaissance Festival

Remember, the demands are growing. Make yours today. Don't forget to download the latest Pub Songs Podcast. This show features a live show done at a house concert in Destin, Florida.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO NEXT?
I leave for my first Celtic Invasion of Italy in two weeks. I can't believe it! Time has flown by. But here we go. Six of us off to visit some of my favorite places on the planet.

Meanwhile, I have a bunch of people asking me if I'm gonna do it again. And you betcha, I am! Right now, I'm I'm planning on a Celtic Invasion of Scotland in May 2010 and Ireland in September 2010.

I was also sorta thinking about another trip to Ireland THIS September. But I need to know the interest. If you think you would like to do a 7 day vacation to Ireland in September and are willing to pay about $2200, then let me know ASAP. Send an email to marcgunn@celticinvasion.com. I need to know your interest in the next week if I'm gonna make something happen.

Meantime, if you were forwarded this or haven't yet, sign up to the mailing list, and join the discussion on the Sunset Connoisseurs Society website.

Slainte!
– Marc Gunn

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About Marc Gunn

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Marc Gunn is Celtic American Musician and Podcaster from Austin, Texas. Good food, good drink and good company. Folk ballads, Irish drinking songs, fantasy, Sci Fi, and cats on the autoharp. Embrace independent Celtic music!