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The latest Celtic Fiddle Festival CD, “Storm in a Teapot”, features a new fiddler in the group, Charlie McKerron, the wonderful musician from Capercaillie, one of Scotland’s most renowned and revered bands. The CD showcases some Galician pieces as well as tunes from Brittany and Ireland and also highlights the Scottish music that Charlie’s inclusion has brought to the band. Many will remember that the Celtic Fiddle Festival’s original line-up featured another much loved Scot, the irrepressible Johnny Cunningham. Johnny’s passing was a painfully sad blow to the band but, more than a decade later, the group are delighted to revisit the vast treasure trove of Scottish music that used to be such an integral part of the Celtic Fiddle Festival’s repertoire.

In January 2016, after an appearance at Glasgow’s “Celtic Connections” festival , the band extended their visit to Scotland by setting off to TPot Studio, nestled in the rolling hills of rural Perthshire. Charlie, Christian, Kevin and Nicolas made themselves comfortable inside the studio and, while the wind, rain and snow storms raged outside (and inspired the title of the CD), they set about choosing the repertoire, building the arrangements and making the music that can be heard on the “Storm in a Teapot”.

With the always engaging guitar accompaniment of Nicolas Quemener, “Storm in a Teapot” is a collection of traditional and contemporary music ranging from light hearted, vigorous dance tunes to heartachingly soulful airs – another milestone in the long history of The Celtic Fiddle Festival which spans more than two decades of inspired and inspiring fiddle music. .

The first release from Loftus Music (LM 001) introduces the exciting collaboration between fiddler Kevin Burke & guitarist/composer Cal Scott. Selected by the New York Times as one of the top World Music releases of the year, this collection of traditional and self-penned instrumentals has entranced and charmed fans of all genres all over the world. It is one those few recordings which manages to appeal to widely ranging musical tastes.
A masterclass in finesse … a gorgeous, swinging collection. Spine-tingling The Irish Times
… impressive new album. Spellbinding … graceful … sings out with a confidence that allows the listener to relax. The Washington Post

Called three of the finest folk violinists anywhere by The Washington Post, Celtic Fiddle Festival released their fifth CD, Equinoxe, in February 2008. A harvest of international tunes, the album celebrates the possibilities of the violin in all its globe-trotting variations. It is their first on Burke’s new Loftus Music label, after many acclaimed recordings on Green Linnet.
… a classic album … such a pleasure to listen to. Irish Edition

On the Fly is Patrick Street’s eleventh release and perhaps the most profoundly traditional, with many of the tunes rooted in the rural music of County Sligo. Both John Carty and Kevin Burke spent their early years there, soaking up music that the wider world learned mainly from recordings. Now considered two of the finest fiddlers of their generations, they team up here for some thrilling sets of tunes. John’s imaginative phrasing and Kevin’s silky tone joyfully portray the rhythmic ebb and flow of the swift, rolling Sligo music on which they were raised.
Carty and Burke each contribute an original tune as well: Kevin’s airy hornpipe “The Long Acre” and John’s haunting piece “Seanamhac Tube Station.” And John’s banjo and flute playing is a welcome addition, greatly broadening the group’s range of sound.
Andy Irvine has been with Patrick Street since the group formed 22 years ago. Well established as one of Irish music’s leading singers, his compelling canon of material draws across time and borders. For On the Fly, Andy also chooses traditional songs: the powerful Scottish “Erin go Bragh,” “The Rich Irish Lady” learned from his early influence Peggy Seeger, and “Sergeant Small,” an Australian song of migrant workers which mirrors the American experience. The quality of Andy’s singing, his virtuoso playing on bouzouki and mandolin, and the unique arrangements combine for some his best performances in years.
On the Fly not only captures successfully Patrick Street’s transitions but heralds another exciting new direction for the band
A new energy … Patrick Street sounds like a band with something to prove. Boston Herald
Impeccable … the best on the market. The Newry Reader

After the success of their first CD together, “Across the Black River” (LM 001) Kevin Burke and Cal Scott have re-united to produce, a second ‘gem’
Suite features duo performances from Kevin & Cal plus exciting contributions on several tracks from the members of “Beoga”, one of Ireland’s most adventurous and exhilarating traditional groups.
The traditional sounds and instrumentation of these tracks surround what may be considered the centre piece of the recording — “The Irish Session Suite”, ten traditional tunes arranged for string quartet. Kevin is joined by Andrew Ehrlich (violin), Charles Noble (viola) and Justin Kagan to perform Cal’s beautifully written arrangements
“Suite-ness and Light … pure listening pleasure” Earl Hitchener, Irish Echo

A delight for music lovers and cat lovers alike. Produced by Gerry O’Beirne, this album showcases not only Bronnie’s beautiful fiddle playing but also her fascination with our feline friends.
She met Kevin not long after he first arrived in Portland, OR and soon became one of his students. For this, her first release, some of her notable musical friends were delighted to join her on the recording — Kevin Burke, Johnny Connolly, Nancy Conescu and more — and she even persuaded Kevin to read some of her favourite cat poems!
The beautifully designed cover artwork gives just a small indication of the care, attention and affection that went into making this charming CD.
… a wonderful album. I can see this CD staying near the stereo for a long time Irish Edition

… three of the finest folk violinists anywhere … Washington Post
Exhilarating fun! Boston Herald
breathtaking virtuosity. Philadelphia Weekly
The Celtic Fiddle Festival rejoices in 20 years of compelling and powerful music with their sixth recording, Live in Brittany. The group, described by the Boston Herald as “three sensational fiddlers from three distinct Celtic traditions”, features Kevin Burke, a giant of Irish music; renowned fiddler Christian Lemaître (Kornog) from Brittany, France; and sensational young Quebecois musician André Brunet (De Temps Antan, La Bottine Souriante).
Live in Brittany was recorded in the beautiful, centuries-old Breton town of Guémené-sur-Scorff, home to Nicolas Quémener, the group’s talented guitar accompanist. Featuring all newly-recorded selections, the album represents the rich cultural traditions of Ireland, Quebec, and Brittany. Live in Brittany encapsulates both the energy and excitement of a live performance as well as the beauty and vitality of this ageless music.
The Celtic Fiddle Festival received a rousing and affectionate welcome from the enthusiastic audience. As you listen to the joyous performances enjoy the intimate warmth of a winter’s evening concert in rural Brittany. The group’s combination of music, musicianship, and love for their respective traditions is exciting audiences worldwide in this anniversary year, both in concert and with the release of Live in Brittany.

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