The Whole Music Experience

Rodrigo Romaní As Arpas de Breogán Folmusica Oddly, Galician harpist Rodrigo Romaní new album As Arpas de Breogán (The Breogán Harps) arrived in my mailbox right after I completed a section in my book Whole Music on harps.   I knew that harps played a role in traditional and most likely classical music of Galicia (Spain), but I believe this is the first harp recording I’m hearing from Northwest Spain.   While Galicia has Celtic influences, the bagpipes, frame drums, and other instruments differ from Celtic instruments of the British Isles.   Galicians also have their own styles of Celtic music with distinguishing features. The press notes tell the story of how the harp was introduced to Galician folk and popular music.   Rodrigo Romaní and lute-maker Ramon Casal introduced the harp to the University of Vigo in 1996.   Romaní who plays the roles of producer, composer, educator, conductor and broadcaster has built a solid reputation thro...

Kyle Carey Monongah Independent Release I want to thank Angel Romero of World Music Central for forwarding me American songster Kyle Carey’s self-release Monongah .   The recording which blends Appalachian, light gospel, and Celtic folk sounds refreshing with its compelling stories.   Carey has talent to burn as a songwriter, and a mature, clear voice in which to deliver her stories—more or less tales with some intriguing characters.   Not only that the musician brings luminous musical talent on board with musicians from Lunasa and Cherish the Ladies, among others. Her stories are sung against a lush background of mandolin, guitar, and banjo.   I think I might have heard some strings in there somewhere to, but it’s late in the day and my brain feels exhausted.    I do remember the sweet melodies that climb into my head and I catch myself humming them.   The cadence of Devil at your Back with its lilting guitar rolling along cert...