It’s been getting colder at night, which really gets my Celtic blood pumping. With the sunlight fading and the ale growing darker, my senses are filled with the drifting sounds of pipe music and the lights that dance in the bonfire’s flames. It’s just this time of year that gets me thinking about fusion music once again.
No, it’s not that ridiculous jazz rock marketing gimmick that assaulted our ears and sensibilities, but the fusion of world music — which in this case comes from the coasts of England, Ireland, and Scotland. Now, toss in some tasty sonic sprinkles of world music from India, Africa, the Middle East, and even stranger places like Soho, and I’m writing about Michael McGoldrick, of course, a musician who has gained wide respect from his peers in all avenues of modern music.
McGoldrick, who blows and endless stream of Celtic reels and melodies from the flute, whistle and pipe, was a founder-member of Celtic rock band, Toss the Feathers. He’s since played with too many musicians to mention and has directed his solo efforts to gracefully extend outside the realms of traditional Celtic tones. The results are a mixture of ethnic and popular electronic musical textures and rhythms, poured effortlessly into a finely tuned Celtic assembly. I just can’t get enough of it, lately.
His 2006 CD, Wired, is positively hot. Wired is packed full of world flavors. Indian percussive texture support multiple layers of electronica and jazz, all while the winds and strings of British Isles dominate the overall landscape. Jump into Wired with the straight ahead entry, “Spike Island Lassies.” On the CD, this collection is listed as “The Hillsbrook Reels” which contains “Spike Island Lassies,” “Skyedance,” “Merry Harrier’s Reel” and more. Grab a pint and give a listen. If you like it, go deeper.
– Peter Raffington Dysart
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