I’m counting down my favorite Irish singers/bands as St. Patrick’s Day approaches. Cara Dillon, hailing from Northern Ireland, has the number 2 spot on my Irish playlist. Her voice is unique and pure, and needs nothing extra to make it special. But it doesn’t hurt that she’s married to an extraordinary pianist/guitarist, Sam Lakeman. This is “Garden Valley” from the Transatlantic Sessions 2007. Blessings, Lisa
Narrowing down my top 3 favorite Irish bands/singers has been a daunting task, but an enjoyable one, as I get to listen to lots of great tunes while deciding. 🙂 Number three has got to be The Chieftains…when I listen to them, I feel like I’m right there in Ireland, sitting by the fire in a pub, with great craic all about. Here’s a clip of The Chieftains performing in 1991 with the pre-Riverdance Jean Butler. Enjoy the hornpipe and the dancing. Slainte, Lisa
I’m counting down my top 5 favorite Irish singers/groups, and coming in at number four is a singer/whistler/flutist from County Kerry named Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh. She is the lead singer from Danu, but has also done two solo projects. The tin whistle and Irish flute are definitely my favorite trad instruments, and Muireann is a wonder at both. Enjoy this live performance of “An Spealadoir/The Caucus/Wind”. Slainte, Lisa
My love of Irish music is deep. And about this time of year, my favorite groups, singers and songs get turned up a little louder and more frequently. So I thought it would be fun to have my own countdown of my favorite Irish groups/singers, some of which are traditional and some not so much. Without further ado…..number 5 is The High Kings, a group of four talented guys who could sing me my address book and I’d be happy. Enjoy “The Star of the County Down.” Slainte, Lisa
Ever yearn for greener pastures, for things you don’t have, for something different? We all do sometimes if we’re honest with ourselves. But in reality, the something different isn’t always what we imagine it to be. Many different song lyrics come into my mind right now…”What you don’t have, you don’t need it now…” “But if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need….” and so on. (Disclaimer: For those of you who know me, don’t worry…I haven’t been thinking about running away. 🙂 )
Being content and grateful for what’s right around us; a great gift from God. Here is my very favorite Cara Dillon trad cover of “Spencer the Rover” which illustrates the story of a man who went through hard times, left home, but then dreamed of his family and friends. He missed them greatly, and returned realizing that they were what he needed all along. “Contented he’ll remain, and not ramble away.” Enjoy her wonderful vocals, and her husband Sam Lakeman’s amazing piano playing. Blessings, Lisa
Think About These Things 