British Traditional Music Recommendations

My brother (back in the States) and I are both into British/Celtic traditional music.  His birthday's coming up, and I'm looking for recommendations of any relatively new cds to send him.  I'd particularly like to hear about anything that might not be easily obtained in the States.  I've got some ideas already, but maybe there's something I haven't heard of.

http://www.kathryntickell.com/  She plays the Northumbrian Pipes.  Has worked with Sting on his Soul Cages album. 

http://www.myspace.com/darkislandband   Saw them at the Godiva Festival two years ago

Thanks for the recommendations, SlicesMissus.  Kathryn Tickell is really good, but I'm pretty sure I've sent my brother one or two of her cds in the past.  And he has a vast collection, so I like to try to find things he's unlikely to have already.  I'll check out the Dark Island Band, though.  I've never heard of them before, and I'm pretty certain he won't have either.

What about Eddi Reader's Robbie Burns album?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/9fxm/

What about Eddi Reader's Robbie Burns album?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/9fxm/

Yes, an excellent choice!  In fact, I had just ordered this on Amazon, as well as her Peacetime cd.  Hope my brother enjoys them.

Even though I have now sent my brother his prezzie, I would still love to hear about any other good trad music, especially new stuff.  My husband and I used to go to folk clubs quite a bit when we were in Sheffield and also Glasgow, but somehow have never gotten involved in the Leeds area.  May have something to do with the fact that when we moved here we had our then 2-year-old son with us.

Not sure if you would like this kind of stuff. ..but this is on the Glastonbury scene at the moment...bit different to what you have so far....more hippy than folk..I wouldn't be able to pin point it from a specific area tho...possibly not quite what your after..but its modern british without being too harsh...

Nizlopi





Grandadbob

Thanks for the links, LuckyCuz.  I'll check them out.  Although I was looking for trad stuff for my brother's prezzie, I like all sorts of music myself, and I'm always happy when I find new stuff to listen to 

I'm sorry if it looks as if I've ignored your post - it's just that I've not had much time on the computer this week. 

I saw a group perform a couple years ago that just blew me away--a combination of some of the most amazing fiddling I had ever heard, great all-around music, and dancing that actually got people up dancing in the aisle.  It was seriously some of the most fun I've had at a live performance ever! 

Their name is Leahy (www.leahymusic.com).  They are actually Canadian--from Cape Breton, which is strongly Celtic still, and they perform regularly here as well.  They really are a kick, and you can't beat a live performance with them.  I don't think my heart stopped pounding for about an hour after it was over, and I lost count of the encores.  It's great stuff.

Here's a couple samples from a live album:
http://www.leahymusic.com/audio/Live_TheCallToDance.mp3
http://www.leahymusic.com/audio/Live_BMinor.mp3

Thanks, Cadenza!  I am listening to Leahy as I type.  Really sounds great!  I wonder if my brother knows about them, as he's a lot closer to their area (he's in Boston).  Maybe I'll ask him to pick me up one of their cds if he comes across one.



LuckyCuz - I finally managed to get access to the computer for long enough to check out your links, and I really like them, especially Nizlopi - I love that acoustic sound.  Many thanks.

LuckyCuz - I finally managed to get access to the computer for long enough to check out your links, and I really like them, especially Nizlopi - I love that acoustic sound.  Many thanks.

No problem, glad you liked them.   After the sharp pinstripe work suit comes off at night..the flared trousers, hippy tops and huge ethnic jewellery are on! (Don't tell anyone..but I am a Hippy Tree Hugger in my home life  )

I recommend Sileas http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sileas

More modern and folky? Seth Lakeman, Kate Rusby, Kathryn Roberts, Karine Polwart