Christmas Holiday Irish

1 MP3 Songs in this album (3:37) !
Related styles: WORLD: Celtic, FOLK: Celtic Pop

People who are interested in Cherish the Ladies should consider this download.


Details:
Brand new for Christmas in 2008 is a bright and fun new Holiday single from Celtic Cross called "Always Believe." The song is a Celtic Cross original that borrows from their successful Shores of America CD sound and songwriting to capture the quintessential Irish Americana Christmas story. Of note is the guest performance from ten year old Kenny Vesey Jr. (son of Kenneth Vesey, fiddle) on the tin whistle.

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Celtic Cross pure pop/folk fun with a deep Celtic traditional influence from the heart of New York City.



Celtic Cross has just completed an exceptional 2008 concert and festival tour in promotion of its latest CD Shores of America. The tour included highlight shows at New York City's Joe Pub and the Irish 2000 Festival at Altimont NY. The spirited seven-piece band features lead vocalist Kathleen Fee, a talented singer-songwriter. An animated accordion, fiddle, banjo/mandolin trio and a rock-solid bass-drums-guitar rhythm section makes for a dynamic and entertaining stage show. A family affair, Kathleenâs brothers Kenny and John are band mates and founders of the group.

Growing up with Irish immigrant parents, the band was immersed in Irish music, dance, and tradition, yet heavily influenced by rock & roll on the radio; the result is thoughtful pop & Americana with a lively Irish flare.

Mike Farragher of The Irish Voice writes that Celtic Cross is âquintessential Irish Americanaâ and that their new release Shores of America is âthe soundtrack of your life set against a diverse musical back drop that includes alternative country, modern rock, traditional melodies, and playful funk.â

Those who have been around Irish and Celtic music in the Northeast and in the NYC area are no strangers to this band. Making each performance an event, Celtic Cross is an entertaining musical experience not to be missed. Bringing together international award winning ceili playing, great vocals, fantastic originals and a rocking rhythm section are Celtic Cross hallmarks. Whether you hear them in a bar, a party, or a festival⦠get ready for fun, energy and passion.

Celtic Cross is played frequently in the most popular Irish and Celtic radio and webcast broadcasts in the US. Notable tracks are Shores of America, the title track from the latest record, âAll Around My Hatâ from the bandâs first album Part The First and âDonât Fear Me Nowâ from the Last Call recording. In addition to their original set, the band loves to cover R&B, rock and country with their own special style. The new Celtic Cross CD Shores of America (released in December 2007) explores the bandâs family and musical roots growing up Irish-American or ânarrowbacksâ in New York City. The songwriting ranges from the intense âFlight of the Earls in reverseâ story in the title track Shores of America, to the intensely personal Going Home, and dreamy passion of First Kiss. The musical energy and skill is especially well captured in the instrumentals Recovery and 22. Harkening back to the days that many a ânarrowbackâ kid may remember growing up in Irish households around New York, the band is reaching back with their fans to their roots for this work.

The band is made up of all New York area players with a great variety of experience, but with a common NYC-Irish background: Kathleen Fee is the bandâs lead singer-songwriter, front-woman, and driving force. An accomplished Irish Traditional singer, Kathleenâs voice ranges from silky ballads to the driving rock and pop dance songs that are the bandâs hallmarks. You may even catch her âgive a stepâ during a performance, showing of her champion Irish step-dancing. With writing credit for Shores of America, Who I Am, Those Were The Days, Going Home on the bandâs new CD, Kathleen has established herself as one of New Yorkâs up and coming songwriters.

Kenneth Vesey is a All Ireland Champion and eight time North American Champion fiddle player. His eclectic style was developed in part by his instructors, Martin Mulvihill, Mary Mahon and Eileen Ivers. While a virtuoso Irish player, Kennyâs style fits right in with the country, R&B and rocking styles of the band.


John Vesey, button accordionist and brother to Kenneth and Kathleen, is a three time North American Champion. John blends impeccable Celtic chops with a Cajun and downright honky-tonk style. His innovative approach to traditional Irish music is evident in his unparalleled physical style overflowing with energy. You might even catch him playing the box over his head Jimi Hendrix-style.

Frankie McCormick on banjo and mandolin, from Tyrone, Ireland, came to the USA 1986. He has 2 All-Ireland solo championship titles on banjo and mandolin as well as the coveted All-Ireland Scor Award. Frankie brings a fresh northern punch to the phrasing of the tunes and his quick wit keeps the audience howling. When Kenny, John and Frankie play together, it is pure magic⦠so much so that they placed third in the 2005 Senior Trio Championship in Ireland this summer.

Walter Ensor is a native of the well-known Irish stronghold, Rockaway Beach, New York. With charming vocals and versatile guitar-playing, Walter is at the heart of the Celtic Cross sound. Walter hails from a family of musicians who have influenced his unique style and knowledge of music. Walter is also an accomplished solo performer around town.

Pat Dineen, another NYC native, is the bandâs bassist/keyboardist. Also providing vocals and songwriting, Pat plays a major role in the bandâs signature punchy rhythmic style. Pat has appeared with several popular NYC area bands including Tippling Way and Peter Street.

Dave Barckow grew up in Woodside, Queens. Like his bandmates, Dave has been playing the drums since he was a kid, and has vast and storied experience with a variety of leading bands, both Irish and rock & roll. Dave plays guitar, sings, and is an accomplished song writer. Also an accomplished solo performer, Daveâs other major musical project is Trigger, one of the most happening original alternative Irish acts in NYC.

Celtic Cross has had the great fortune to play at these notable venues over the last few years: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York PNC Bank Arts Center, New Jersey Waterloo Village, New Jersey Sherman Theatre, PA Northern Lights, Albany, NY Kenny's Castaways, New York The Harp, Boston, MA Fairfield University, CT St. Peters College, New Jersey Iona College, New York Manhattan College, New York WFUV at Fordham University, New York The Museum for Television & Radio, New York Fox & Friends, Fox News Network Joe's Pub, NYC, NY