Celtic Christmas Podcast Marc Gunn

A Holiday collection of Christmas music to tug at your heartstrings with Gaelynn Lea today as we spread Christmas Cheer.
It's Celtic Christmas Podcast #63. Subscribe at CelticChristmasPodcast.com.
 
WELCOME TO THE CELTIC CHRISTMAS PODCAST AND PLAYLIST I am Marc Gunn. I am a Celtic musician and I love Christmas music.
This podcast is funded by people just like you on Patreon. Your generosity funds the creation, promotion, and production of the podcast and our companion playlist. You’ll find a link to both in the shownotes.
Sign up for as little as $1 per episode on Patreon to spread Christmas Cheer today in 2022. Because this is the last episode of the year.
But if you subscribe to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, then you will also enjoy another episode of Celtic Christmas music coming this week.

FEATURED PLAYLIST: Celtic Christmas 2021 My final Celtic Christmas Playlist of the year is now completed. It features over 30 artists with amazing music to celebrate the holiday, from the slow and peaceful to the upbeat and rollicking. You can enjoy over two hours of Christmas music on this playlist.
And of course, if you’re a patron, you can download a podcast version of the show on Patreon.
Listen to Celtic Christmas 2021 now on Spotify.
“Angels We Have Heard on High (feat. Al Church)” by Gaelynn Lea from Deepest Darkness, Brightest Dawn
That was from today’s special holiday guest. She is on the latest Celtic Christmas Playlist.

HOLIDAY FEATURE: Gaelynn Lea Traditional fiddle music tugs at the heartstrings, and it infuses feeling into what is otherwise notes on a page. There’s something transformative about it. Not only has Gaeylnn Lea mastered her craft, but her experimental use of this time-honored instrument adds yet another dimension to the sound. Melodies are stretched and harmonies are crafted by her use of live looping, paired with obvious classical training. It’s updated, and ultimately, very satisfying. Cellist Zoe Keating springs to mind as one listens to Lea’s use of her chosen instrument. It’s no wonder she has drawn attention for her music—she has really been carving out her own niche in the industry.
Gaelynn has been playing the violin for over two decades, and there’s little doubt she’s comfortable with bow in hand. It really does take a person mastering an instrument before experimentation can be successful. The challenge is to depart from the norm and create something unique—all while expanding on previous training. The skill is still in there--but the music grows larger and more full. This is what Gaelynn does, and it’s a pleasure to hear the thread of the familiar woven in with the freshness of something new at the hands of an experienced artist.
The musician has been recognized for her work—being chosen as the winner of NPR Music’s 2016 Tiny Desk Contest, recognized as a benchmark in the world of music. This competition brings in thousands of submissions, and to win is quite the accomplishment!
Those who are looking for a forward-looking holiday collection of music will want to investigate Lea’s album, "Deepest Darkness, Brightest Dawn". The tracks that are included here boast many of the well-known popular carol names, such as Angels We Have Heard on High, Silent Night, Away in a Manger, and O Come, O Come Emmanuel--but you haven’t ever heard them played like this before.
The 14-track album is an easy fit for anyone who is a true strings aficionado, and it would round out any collection of holiday music. Perfect for everything from a romantic candlelight dinner with your love, or at a family gathering, “Deepest Darkness, Brightest Dawn” is a delight to listen to. Experience the joy of hearing Christmas favorites that are coaxed into a new form through the hands of a talented musician.
You can find out more about Gaelynn Lea at https://violinscratches.com/
“Silent Night” by Gaelynn Lea from Deepest Darkness, Brightest Dawn
IF YOU ENJOY THIS

It’s a Celtic Christmas jam session with Abbots Cross today as we spread Christmas Cheer.
It's Celtic Christmas Podcast #62. Subscribe at CelticChristmasPodcast.com. 

WELCOME TO THE CELTIC CHRISTMAS PODCAST AND PLAYLIST I am Marc Gunn. I am a Celtic musician and I love Christmas music. This podcast is funded by people just like you on Patreon. Your generosity funds the creation, promotion, and production of the podcast and our companion playlist. You’ll find a link to that playlist, and the artist, in the shownotes.
As a patron, you also get an extended podcast of each playlist. The music podcast version is exclusive to Patreon. Sign up for as little as $1 per episode on Patreon to spread Christmas Cheer today!
 
FEATURED PLAYLIST: Christmas Driving Music Our latest playlist features music that is perfect for a Christmas Drive. Gather up your presents. Hop in the car. Let's go for a drive to visit family and friends with this delightful playlist of Celtic Christmas music for driving down the road.
Listen to Christmas Driving now on Spotify.

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Pathways / The Kesh” by Abbots Cross from Christmas Visions
That was from today’s special holiday guest–Abbots Cross. They are on the latest Celtic Christmas Playlist-Christmas Driving Music.
HOLIDAY FEATURE: Abbots Cross Pair up two experienced musicians who enjoy Celtic music and what do you get? Well, in this case, you get Abbots Cross! One half of this duo is Alan Booth, who plays guitar, fiddle, and provides the vocals for the group. Alan comes from a musical family and has been steeped in it all his life, starting with piano at the tender age of five, and having two music teachers for parents. He even does musical volunteer work in the Pittsburgh area where he’s from—and has traveled all the way to Kenya to share his deep love of singing and playing instruments. 
The second half of this duo is Mike Clancy, who provides the percussion, as well as the Irish flute and whistles to the mix. Also a seasoned musician, he has performed for several of the Broadway shows that have traveled to Pittsburgh. Mike plays with several bands in addition to Abbots Cross, and has even created original jazz compositions and released them to CD himself. 
It’s easy to see how the blending of these two men would provide the foundation for a solid band, and they do come together well to highlight their considerable talents! The holiday album, “Christmas Visions” is a 10-track offering that has such interesting arrangements—and they are deftly played. Clancy’s flute takes center stage in many of these tracks, and it just adds so much to the music. In particular, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is just fantastic. These guys know how to stay true to the spirit of a holiday song while experimenting with what you can do with the music. Everything on this album has a very natural, free-flowing feel to it. It’s as if the arrangements are loose and the two musicians just get in the groove and have a good time pushing their abilities. A veritable Christmas “jam session”!
Don’t miss Si Bheag, Si Mhor / The First Noel. It’s hauntingly beautiful, beginning with the flute and then picking up the guitar gently in the background. This track builds slowly and easily with a warmth and genuineness that is very pleasing. Deck the Halls is happy and cheery as it should be, but also paired with a Christmas Eve Reel, adding that Celtic flavor and appeal. 
This holiday compilation by Abbots Cross is a real treat, and a standout among the many Christmas albums. Don’t miss the chance to add something different to your collection of Celtic music that will help you get into the mood for celebrating! 
“Si Bheag, Si Mhor/The First Noel” by Abbots Cross from Christmas Visions
 
IF YOU ENJOY THIS ARTIST... Follow them on streaming and add one of their songs to your playlist. You can also buy music from them, sign up to their mailing list a

Genuine, kind Christmas music from Matt & Shannon Heaton today as we spread Christmas Cheer.
It's Celtic Christmas Podcast #61. Subscribe at CelticChristmasPodcast.com. 

WELCOME TO THE CELTIC CHRISTMAS PODCAST I am Marc Gunn. I am a Celtic musician and I love Christmas music. In each episode, I introduce you to a Celtic band or musician that is creating great Christmas music. I highlight their music in a Celtic Christmas Playlist on Spotify. 
This show and our playlists are funded by people just like you on Patreon. Your generosity funds the creation, promotion, and production of the show. 
As a patron, you’ll get a music-only episode and will join the other 51 patrons who are helping spread Christmas Cheer! Sign up for as little as $1 per episode.
Subscribe to our Patreon to spread Christmas Cheer today!
CELTIC CHRISTMAS PLAYLISTS & NEWS The latest playlist is Christmas Drive. My idea was to create some good Celtic Christmas music for when you’re out driving around. Imagine a smile on your face, Christmas joy in your heart, and a relaxing drive to nowhere.
You can find a link to the Celtic Christmas Drive playlist in the shownotes

As well as other Celtic Christmas playlists to follow:
Celtic Christmas Women
Joyful Celtic Christmas Music
Christmas Drinking Songs
Don't forget to check out the Top Irish & Celtic Music playlist as well.
HOLIDAY FEATURE: Matt & Shannon Heaton One of the lovely things about Celtic music is the fact that just a couple of people can make a whole lot of music, and this is certainly true when it comes to Matt & Shannon Heaton. This music duo offers flute/guitar/bouzouki and sweet, sweet harmony vocals in arrangements that are quite lovely. 
Deeply involved in the Boston traditional music scene, the pair plays together seamlessly, and the enthusiasm that they have for the music really comes through. There’s a genuineness that is unmistakeable grounding their play. A husband and wife team can certainly telegraph their collective love for the music--and the sheer fun they have playing together. This one does it better than most. 
The two are definitely experienced, and surround themselves with music in many different ways. Shannon has her own podcast, Irish Music Stories, and she’s also the co-founder of Boston’s Celtic music fest, which undoubtedly expanded her vision and abilities in the field. 
Matt is front man for another band, the "surf-rock" Electric Heaters, and performs with a wide range of bands and musicians when he’s not playing with Shannon. Each an accomplished musician in their own right, the blend of the two is a true celebration of musical talent—dosed with a wholesome affection for the Celtic sound. It’s a pleasure to hear them play.
The couple’s Christmas song collection is filled with a little bit of everything. You’ll find fresh holiday fare as well as traditional favorites like “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” to sing along to. Irish music lovers will appreciate the jigs and reels that are included in the mixture, and there’s certainly enough here to fill a holiday party to the brim with some good cheer. 
Don’t miss “Julius the Christmas Cat”—it couldn’t be any sweeter, and is sure to be a favorite for those who love their feline friends. Nothing like a cute little "story song" to get in the holiday spirit! Other notable tracks in this collection include “Christmas in Mt. Horeb” and “Wexford Carol,” but there really isn’t a bad track on the compilation. 
There’s 13 tracks offered here, and listeners who love the flute will really be pleased, as it appears often on these tracks. Soft harmonies and easy strumming on the guitar are other hallmarks of what this holiday album is all about. There’s little doubt this will have a place in any rotation of Christmas music where an updated Celtic sound is welcomed. 
You can find out more about them at https://mattands

Spread Christmas Cheer. Listen and Share Christmas music from Celtic musicians featured on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Subscribe at CelticChristmasPodcast.com.
Celtic Christmas music from Stephanie Claussen, The Gothard Sisters, Laura MacKenzie, Eira, Celtic Woman, Screaming Orphans, Steel Clover, Sarah Marie Mullen, Heather Alexander, Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy, Aizle, Rioghnach Connolly, Peat in the Creel, A Shamrock in Kudzu, Susan Toman, Jil Chambless, Ed Miller, Scooter Muse, Matt & Shannon Heaton, Heather Dale, Carolina Ceili, Catriona O'Leary, Jennifer Licko, Cherish the Ladies, Liz Carroll, Golden Bough, Four Celtic Voices, Jessica Victoria, Banshee in the Kitchen, Liz Madden, Katie McMahon, Bonnie Rideout, Nancy Daily-Green, Sheri O'Meara, Eileen Ivers, The Poor Clares, Sharon Shannon

WELCOME TO THE CELTIC CHRISTMAS PODCAST I am Marc Gunn. I am a Celtic musician and I love Christmas music. In each episode, I introduce you to Celtic musicians from the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast who are creating great Christmas music.
This year I have an all new format. Instead of sharing the music in podcast form, I’ve created a playlist over on Spotify called Celtic Christmas Women. I hope to add YouTube and Amazon Music. But right now, it’s just on Spotify.
If you prefer the podcast format and want more Celtic Christmas MUSIC episodes of the podcast, make sure you join our Celtic Christmas Fans on Patreon. You’ll get a music-only episode and will join the other 51 patrons who are helping spread Christmas Cheer!
That said, this is actually the final MUSIC episode of the Celtic Christmas podcast. This episode was originally created for the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast in 2020. This is a replay of that show.
You can find a complete list of the artists in this show at CelticChristmasPodcast.com.
CELTIC CHRISTMAS PLAYLISTS & NEWS There, also, you will find a link to our 2021 Celtic Christmas Women Spotify playlist that features MOST of the artists in this show.
Go follow the Celtic Christmas Women playlist now.
More playlists to follow:
Joyful Celtic Christmas Music Christmas Drinking Songs Top Irish & Celtic Music CELTIC CHRISTMAS NEWS 1:30 - "'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime / Ding Dong Merrily On High" by Stephanie Claussen from Light so Brilliant: Carols and Tunes for Christmas
5:24 - WELCOME TO CELTIC MUSIC
* Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. My name is Marc Gunn. I am a musician and podcaster. This show is dedicated to the indie Celtic musicians. Please support these artists. Share the show with your friends. And find more episodes at celticmusicpodcast.com. You can also support this podcast on Patreon.
At the end of November, we hit a HUGE milestone for the podcast. We now have over 300 kind souls who donate to the podcast each and every month. They collectively pledge over $800 per episode to make this show happen. I was already planning a Celtic Christmas Women episode. But because of that milestone, I decided to turn it into a 2-hour special. Plus, I’m adding another 2-hour special next month.
So in this show I’m gonna share Christmas music by women playing Celtic music. That’s because women don’t get the attention they deserve in the music business in general and in Celtic music either. So I’m gonna highlight these ladies.
If you want to find out more about the gender gap in traditional music, check out the non-profit FairPle. They advocate for equal opportunity and balanced representation for all.
7:03 - "Good King Wenceslas" by The Gothard Sisters from Falling Snow
11:00 - "What Child Is This" by Laura MacKenzie from Yuletide Bagpipes
13:35 - "Christmas Is Coming/Red Hair Boy/King's Reel" by Eira from Glen Tidings
Liesel Wilson: Vocals, Fiddle, Erhu, Octave Fiddle Sue Spencer: Guitar, Vocals 17:51  - "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" by Celtic Woman from The Magic of Christmas
21:55 - "The Song We Used to Sing" by Screaming Orphans from Single
25:16 -

Welcome to Hang the Holly. I'll introduce you to SHARON SHANNON as we take an inside look at artists in the latest episode of the Celtic Christmas Podcast. 
 
"Little Christmas" is the final episode of 2020. It features Christmas music from The Jig Is Up, Cynthia Shelhart, Steel Clover, Abbots Cross, Liz Madden, Laura MacKenzie, Reilly, Sharon Shannon, deCeadaoin, Tiffany Schaefer, Emish, Stephanie Claussen, Celtic Woman, Runa, The Selkie Girls
 
The show is generously brought to you by the Patrons of the Celtic Christmas Podcast on Patreon. Please show your Celtic Christmas Cheer, make a pledge to support the show. You will find milestones on Patreon which will effectively launch this show in 2021.
 
If you enjoy the show, you can rate the show or post comments on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher. 
 
Subscribe to the podcast at CelticChristmasMusic.net.
 
And now on to Sharon Shannon
 
Playing the accordion puts you in a unique category in terms of making music, and Sharon Shannon is one of the artists that has that distinction. Interestingly, although she can and does play Irish music, her career has continually spanned many different musical genres, always bringing her own style and background along with her for the ride. She is an experienced and dedicated musician, and has worked with some huge names in the industry. Among the people/bands she has recorded and performed with, you’ll find well-respected (and well-known!) Irish names like Sinead O’Connor, The Chieftains, Shane McGowan, and even Bono. In keeping with her genre-jumping style though, you’ll also see her name has appeared alongside other musical heavyweights, like Jackson Browne and Wille Nelson. As if that isn’t testament enough to Shannon’s musical abilities, she has also collaborated with John Prine, Natalie McMaster, and even Japan’s Kodo Drummers!
 
Good musicians are always eager to expand their circle and play with other talented people, and this is something that defines Sharon Shannon. It is also something that has allowed her to grow, and that has seasoned her as a musical artist. From classical, to Cajun, to rap, Shannon has embraced all forms of music and in turn, they have informed her approach and style along the way. Interestingly, the Irish influence always does seem to shine through though, no matter who she has paired herself with!
 
Shannon has a well-rounded selection of albums, but with the holidays quickly approaching, nothing is more appropriate than than the Christmas single, “Christmas Time Again”, which features her accordion play front and center. It’s a nice, jolly romp—a bit more updated than the old, standard carols--but with the same spirit of fun. Pick this one up to add something different to your holiday playlist, or to gift to a friend or relative that loves expanding their collection of Christmas music. After all, there’s always a little bit of room for the accordion…right?
 
Find out more about Sharon Shannon at sharonshannon.com
 
If you hear music you love in the Celtic Christmas Podcast, then support the artists. Buy something from them. Sign up to their mailing lists. And share the episode with your friends on social or in your community.  
 
The Celtic Christmas Podcast is free to enjoy. However, it is supported by the generosity of Celtic music fans like you over on Patreon. Get Christmas Cheer. Subscribe at CelticChristmasPodcast.com . Nollaig shona daoibh.

Welcome to Hang the Holly. I'll introduce you to SCREAMING ORPHANS as we take an inside look at artists in the latest episode of the Celtic Christmas Podcast. 
 
"The Snows That Melt the Soonest" is the 4th episode of 2020 and show #58. It features Christmas music from Runa, Stephanie Claussen, David Pedrick, Matt & Shannon Heaton, Steel Clover, Mark O'Connor, Marc Gunn, deCeadaoin, Andrew D. Huber, The Rogues, Sheri O'Meara, Abbots Cross, Reilly, Screaming Orphans, Prydein, The Jig Is Up!.
 
The show is generously brought to you by the Patrons of the Celtic Christmas Podcast on Patreon. Please show your Celtic Christmas Cheer, make a pledge to support the show.
 
If you enjoy the show, you can rate the show or post comments on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher. 
Subscribe to the podcast at CelticChristmasPodcast.com.
 
And now on to Screaming Orphans
 
This four-person, all-women band hails from County Donegal, Ireland, and despite the loneliness that is hinted at by their chosen name—they are actually all sisters—with parents! As a matter-of-fact, their Mam used to be the band’s singer, and their Da was their engineer and manager before they struck out on their own to tour. The combination of leaving their parents behind, the “screaming” sounds that come with four girls living in an active household, and the fact that a school they attended actually was (previously) an orphanage all gelled together to create this catchy moniker for the group. It’s one that is not easily forgotten!
 
The girls started music young, eventually evolving into a pop rock band in their teens, and over time they just continued to blossom. The band began performing locally, and their circle quickly began to expand. Before long the ladies were chosen to play at a concert in Kildare, where known names such as Christy Moore and Sinead O’Connor were also performing. O’Connor chose the four to to tour with her as her backup singers after this, and they also opened up for the artist on the Gospel Oak Tour. This extended into other opportunities, including touring with Babba Maal, and recording tracks with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Joni Mitchell, and the Chieftains.
 
Since those days, the Screaming Orphans have become a well-known band in their own right, appearing on both the iTunes World Music charts and the Billboard World Albums charts, among many other accolades. They have put out 15 albums over the years – all their own one-of-a-kind recipe of pop/rock with Celtic influence, and this year they are releasing a Christmas single, "Song We Used To Sing” for the holiday season.
 
The single reflects the unusual time we find ourselves in this holiday—often isolated from our loved ones at the time we are used to gathering for storytelling, sharing memories, and celebrating Christmas. It calls forth a nostalgic feel with it’s simple arrangement and lovely harmonies. An original track, the band collaborated with songwriter John Spillane to craft a holiday song that focuses in on warm memories and togetherness at a time these ideas are most often highlighted. It’s a pretty song with a message of peace and hope that helps ease the sting of being apart at Christmastime. Not only is it especially timely for 2020, but this thoughtful tune will hold up well for future holiday seasons.
 
Find out more about Screaming Orphans at screamingorphans.com.
 
If you hear music you love in the Celtic Christmas Podcast, then support the artists. Buy something from them. Sign up to their mailing lists. And share the episode with your friends on social or in your community.  
 
The Celtic Christmas Podcast is free to enjoy. However, it is supported by the generosity of Celtic music fans like you over on Patreon. Get Christmas Cheer. Subscribe at CelticChristmasPodcast.com . Nollaig shona daoibh.