Every week, you can vote for your favorite songs in the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. It's called the Celtic Top 20. Patrons of the Podcast vote for their favorites in each episode. The top songs are added to a playlist on Spotify and a live version on YouTube. Those are narrowed until we have the 20 most-popular songs and tunes of the entire.

It's great fun. I thought it'd be extra nice to fine out more about the artists and their albums by publishing a blog on them.

Celtic Instrumental Reconnect #591

The Byrne Brothers “Savage Cabbage” – McKennas Jig, Ships are Sailing, Ormond

There’s nothing quite like solid Irish traditional music, and The Byrne Brothers are an award-winning family band that certainly does this genre justice. This track, “Savage Cabbage”, provides a great sampler of the music the group plays, and we think it’s the perfect way to start off today’s listening. It’s fascinating that some of the players in this group are quite young, proving that you can truly master an instrument at an early age! Expert performers, they have played for audiences ranging from visitors to Walt Disney World to cruise ship passengers, as well as touring extensively in the United States. This is meat and potatoes Irish music right here.

Scythian “Scratchbox Reel” from American Shanty

Scythian describes their music as “high energy folk” and it’s a good label for their style. The band knows how to build energy over the course of a song—but more importantly, they understand how to sustain it once it’s rolling! The ebb and flow they have just really works, and it’s what makes them such a joy to listen to at the core of things. There are many great musicians out there, but the ones that stand out are the ones that have the ability to draw the audience in with their own blend of “special sauce”. Scythian has the right mixture of things, and this track is a great example of what can happen when that kind of magical formula comes together.

Listen to Celtic Instrumental Reconnect #591.

She Moved Through the Fair #592

The Bookends with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra “ Salvation Contradiction” from A Celtic Celebration: The Bookends with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra

This track is off the live album where The Bookends performed as a guest of the Stratford Symphony Orchestra—and that kind of match up is something you don’t hear every day! It’s really cool to see how this type of collaboration brings out the best in both of these musical styles. The symphony capitalizes on the fact that they can enhance the sound of this band with the breadth of their instrumentation—but the band itself is never lost in the mix—they’re always front and center here. Such a unique offering, and it really makes us wonder what it would be like if more bands tried something like this out. Anyway…enjoy the show!

Scythian “Fire in My Heart” from Roots & Stones

Scythian is back with “Fire in My Heart”, and we’re not sorry to play it! This catchy tune encapsulates the spirit of this band, and is just plain fun to listen to. With over a decade of playing together under their collective belt, the band members remain dedicated to the fun spirit and easy music they began playing back in the beginning—and there’s nothing wrong with that! When you do something well, why not keep it rolling, right? This is a band that is well-liked, and we have a feeling they will keep popping up on the list of favorites here. Just a hunch!

Jen Midriff “She Moved Through the Fair” from Collage

Singer and harpist Jen Midriff’s “She Moved Through the Fair” is as light as it is lovely, and that’s true of her music in general. While her sound is solid and true, she doesn’t back herself into a corner when it comes to her style. As an artist she isn’t afraid to explore different genres of music with her vocals and instrumental skills. It can be difficult to classify her, but it certainly isn’t difficult to listen to her music! She makes the harp seem like it’s so easy that anyone could do it—and we know that is far from the truth!

Listen to She Moved Through the Fair #592.

593: We All Need More Kindness

Achill Crossing “I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Everyday” from The Rising of the Moon

Hailing from Cleveland, Achill Crossing consists of husband and wife team Brent and Brittany (and it must be mentioned, banjo player/musician Damaris Woods on this album) playing traditional songs with bluegrass and folk influences. With over 16 years of musical experience together, they have an easy way about them that only comes with time and seasoning—much like any good personal relationship! “I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Everyday” spins a good story that lends itself perfectly to their unique combination, and showcases the results of their dedication to the musical life they have chosen together.

The Irish Rovers “Diabolical Things” from No End in Sight

From their 2022 release, No End in Sight, the fact that “Diabolical Things” makes this list is no surprise. This band is celebrating 60 years of playing music together this year, and they have everything smoothed out perfectly. Although they are a Canadian band, there’s no mistaking their heritage when you hear them sing and play their instruments. They’ve enjoyed quite the following, and a group like this appeals to nearly everyone. The love for their craft shines through and it just seems like they’ve always been playing music as a team. For them it has become a way of life rather than something that they do. There’s a difference—and it shows!

We Banjo 3 “We All Need More Kindness in This World” from Roots of the Banjo Tree

Not only is “We All Need More Kindness in This World” the title of this song by We Banjo 3, it’s also true, and the band brings it with their music here! There’s just something about the sound of a banjo…it’s tough to be in a bad mood when you hear it playing away…

Although the group is on an indefinite hiatus after a decade of playing together, it doesn’t mean that their music is any less enjoyable to listen to! We’ll keep a good thought that they may find their way back together one fine day. Until then…they’ve left some great tunes to keep us company!

Listen to 593: We All Need More Kindness

Patrons of the Podcast can now listen to the first Highlight Reel of 2023 featuring these songs and more. Thanks, as always, for listening, and for your support. Stay tuned for our next one!