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Afrocelts - any fans out there?
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Subject: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Fiona Date: 17 Nov 03 - 07:52 AM H Mudcat, this is my first post here, though I've lurked a while and very much enjoy the discussions. I'm a big fan of the Afrocelts and have been lucky enough to see them several times this year. Now they're up for the 'Best live band' award on the BBC Folk and Accoustic website and I just wanted to try to drum up a bit of support for them. The band are having problems with their website at the momant, so it will be harder for them to let people know it's happening. There is a rudimentry site that's been set up by some of the fans, which also links to their old forum if anybody wants to check it out it's at www.afrocelts.org/. I can't seem to turn that into a link, but the BBC site is at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/r2music/folk/. Fiona |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST Date: 17 Nov 03 - 08:00 AM I find them boring, myself. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Fiona Date: 17 Nov 03 - 12:26 PM Well, we can't all like the same things, very boring if we did. Have you ever managed to see them live? They were great at Cambridge and I've really enjoyed their newest album, Seed. I know some people don't like electronic beats and samples being added to folk music but I think it adds a lot. Have you heard Martyn Benetts new album Grit? Fiona |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST, Mikefule Date: 17 Nov 03 - 01:20 PM What a coincidence! I heard some Afrocelts on the wireless the other day. It was some nice diddly diddly Irish music with some nice tumpty ta tum tum African drum music. On this basis, I rushed out and bought their CD: "Seeds" the very next day. One of the tracks thereon is nice diddly diddly Irish music with some nice tumpty ta tum tum African drum music. All of the other tracks are pretentious twaddle of the type I associate with swimming with dolphins whilst burning scented candles. Big disappointment. :0( After a while, it grows on you, but so does athlete's foot. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST Date: 17 Nov 03 - 06:28 PM I've never heard the group, but I'm intrugued by their name. Southern writer/humorist Roy Blount once came out with this great quote that I've never forgotten, that the true folk culture of the USA is not Anglo-Saxon, but Afro-Celtic. I think he's absolutely correct, and I also think that a true synthesis is still incomplete and continuing to evolve. (Just one example: the banjo is an adaptation of the African ko, or kora, while much of the music played on the banjo comes from the Scotch-Irish traditions of the white southern working class.) Another related theory -- tap dancing is the result of intraction between Africans and Irish immigrants in New York. (While it's true that *most* members of these two groups maintained animosity toward each other as competitors for the available jobs at the bottom of the economic ladder, there must have been *some* individuals who played music and danced together -- especially in the very early days.) For an interesting take on this scenario, see Pete Hamill's recent novel "Forever." |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: alison Date: 17 Nov 03 - 09:57 PM didn't like the first CD (too "poppy")... thought the 2nd was great..... must try to hear this new one slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST,1st Guest Date: 18 Nov 03 - 07:55 AM Yup, I'm the first GUEST posting above. Sorry, Fiona, if my reply to your first ever post seemed a bit abrupt. But basically I agree with Mikefule above, their music may be very clever and all that, but to someone of my age (55) well I've just heard it all before. It's aimed at younger people who don't think it counts as music unless it's got a thudding 4-4 beat and comes at you through a 100 kilowatt p.a. Still, I hope you enjoy them and I hope you enjoy reading and contributing to Mudcat. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Fiona Date: 18 Nov 03 - 11:25 AM I was pleased to get any replies at all Ist GUEST, I thought it would just get lost in all the messages. In truth I wasn't mad fond of their third album (Further in time) although 'Colossus' is as fine a reel as you'll dance to, I did think that album was a wee bit too clever for it's own good. As I'd loved the first two cds, I was really happy when this last one turned out to be to my taste. Like Alison I think the second is my favourite, but I love Micheal McGoldricks stuff. I've always liked my folk with a twist, having first became interested about the time of the Fairports 'Liege and Leaf', I kind of see bands like the Afrocelts, Peatbog Faeries, Martyn Bennett et al as being the next logical step, just as Folk-Rock was in it's day. I would disagree with you about the Afrocelts being aimed at younger people (I'm 46) we seen them recently at the Royal Festival Hall and they have fans of all ages, the largest single group is probably middle aged women (mainly ones who still like to dance) I'd say the Afrocelts have one of the strangest mixes of audience ever. Old hippies, young clubbers, people with babies on their hips dancing with grannies in the mosh pit. So sorry you were dissappointed Mikefule, I hate when I buy an album and only like one track. I usually take them back and change them! I wonder if you heard Ayubs Song/As You Will? I heard it on Mike Hardings show and thought it may have been a wee bit misleading, as it's not the best indicator of what the cd was like. I must say tho, I've never had any urge to swim with a dolphin and I wouldn't have a scented candle in the house. Love the idea that tap-dancing is Afro-Celtic! I really love Mudcat too, I never thought I'd find the words to Rocks of Bawn anywhere! Fiona |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Thomas the Rhymer Date: 18 Nov 03 - 11:40 AM The overwhelming postive effect I get from the Afro-celts through their concept, their production, and their fusion of some ancient musical traditions. They've peeled the heavy layer of dust off some long standing and well respected musical roots, and they have tried to do something 'up to date' with them... Not a bad attempt, and they are bringing some effects of the traditional music to the mainstream culture that has it's ears full of oversexed twaddle... It is meant to be loud, and modern, and a creative interplay between independent generas, and because these are attractive to the typically rebellious music enthusiast... I say great! Some will actually be moved to start on their way to more 'purist' traditional musical interests, that whould not otherwise have been so motivated... That being said,... I wish that they would concentrate more of their music into the 'Celt'... to even a beginning student like myself, 'sounds like' the real thing... isn't. ;^) ttr |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST,Poppa Gator, cookieless at work (3d GUEST) Date: 18 Nov 03 - 01:14 PM Fiona, I'm glad you liked the idea that tapdancing may well be a synthesis of African and Celtic cultures. I was certainly intrigued to read Pete Hamill's fictional treatment, describing a moment of creative synthesis that gave birth to this unique American art form. I forgot that I'm posting anonymusly these days. I've had the proper cookie in place both at home and at work, but my at-work PC just died and I'm temporarily using the workstation of a cowoker who is on the road. Not about to install my identity on his machine! |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: michaelr Date: 18 Nov 03 - 03:24 PM Fiona, if you like AfroCelt Sound System (did they shorten the name?), you'll probably like Capercaillie, too. The great Michael McGoldrick is a member of that band. Check out the CDs "Beautiful Wasteland" and "Live in Concert". Cheers, Michael |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Brian Hoskin Date: 19 Nov 03 - 03:54 AM And whilst we're making suggestions for other bands you might like . . . if you haven't already you should check out Shooglenifty Shooglenifty |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Fiona Date: 19 Nov 03 - 10:24 AM Great post Thomas the Rhymer, geat name too (one of my favourite songs). Michealr & Brian, I'm a fan of both Capercaillie and Shooglenifty. I've seen Micheal McGoldrick play with Capercaillie at Cambridge a few years ago, not heard the new stuff yet. He played with Lunasa and Flook just before, not only is he a genius but a very energetic one too. Shooglenifty also guested on the Afrocelts first album 'Sound Magic'. I seen them for the frst time this year at Camcridge where they went down very well. BTW I recently got a compilation cd called 'Roots, rythm and eels' which has some tracks by a band called Big Sky, which is described as a Capercaille offshoot. Fiona |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST,guest Date: 21 Nov 03 - 11:55 AM saw them live and thought they were pretty fab myself.... |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: fat B****rd Date: 22 Nov 03 - 06:57 AM One of the few, if not the only, musics that my wife and I both love. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST,Dark stranger Date: 22 Nov 03 - 05:51 PM Having witnessed first hand the amazing Afrocelt show at RFH London this year, I have happily added my vote to their no doubt teetering pile. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Thomas the Rhymer Date: 22 Nov 03 - 08:15 PM Are they really great live? I have only heard their first CD... How is their live show different from their recorded stuff? What am I missing? ttr |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST,Dark stranger. Date: 22 Nov 03 - 09:36 PM Yes, they really can deliver the goods live. The RFH show was a two hour feast for the eyes, ears and soul. But then again, I do aspire to swim with dolphins, and know my way around a scented candle. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Thomas the Rhymer Date: 22 Nov 03 - 09:52 PM Deliver the Goods? Care to expound? Shallow are coulds, how is the sound? |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Fiona Date: 23 Nov 03 - 02:20 PM The sound is very good Thomas, Martin Russell, their sound engineer, is a member of the band and is co-writer on many of their tracks. What is so special about the Afrocelts live? For a start the music, it's rare to hear music of such richness and complexity played so well, live. At times it's hard to believe your ears, to believe that anything could sound so good. It really does have 'the tingle factor' but cubed. It's not only the major production tracks which have this quality, Iarla O'Lionards unaccompanied singing is superb, he has a heart melting voice. There is a real feeling at an Afrocelt concert that the band want to entertain you, that they want you to go home having had one of the best nights of your life. Part of the way they do this is with N'Faly Kyoute, vocals, kora etc. He has a true generosity of spirit and a smile which lights the whole stage. He is a very physical performer, when he comes on stage and spreads his arms and opens his mouth, his soaring voice carries everyones spirit with it. The word I would use to describe Johnny Kalsi, the dhol drummer, is 'gallus' (a Scottish word somewhat akin to chutzpah). He comes on banging his drum, drumming up more and more cheers and loving every minute of it. Add to that Moussa Sissoku on talking drums and James McNally on bodhran and you have all you need for the wonderful 'battle of the drums which has been a feature of the recent performances. James McNally adds to the drama at times by whirling like a dervish in a long black coat, playing his electric blue whistle all the while. The whole band seem to very much enjoy performing, the sets are well thought out, so the tunes flow into each other, in a natural organic way. It also becomes more than the sum of its' parts. The atmosphere at Afrocelt gigs is incredible, the band enjoy it as much as we do and it shows. The interaction between band and audience generates an emotional experience everyone shares in. I've known completely sober people to leave Afrocelts gigs spaced out and speechless, intoxicated by the music. I'm sorry to have gone on so long, but it's not as easy a question as it looks. I do love other music too. I've been to great gigs of all kinds, but there really is something special about the Afrocelts live. Fiona ps I didn't mean to diss scented candles but they bring on my asthma, plain church ones for me. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Thomas the Rhymer Date: 23 Nov 03 - 03:21 PM You doo go, girl... nice descriptions, fiona, and I'd love to hear more! A noble attempt, to be sure... at the near impossible task of describing music with words, and you even accomplished the daunting task of depicting an inspiration clearly! Good on you, and thanks! ttr |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Fiona Date: 24 Nov 03 - 04:12 PM Thanks Thomas. What I forgot to say (too much wine before dinner) is that that BBC Folk & Accoustic site have the Afrocelts at Cambridge on-line, not quite as good but better than nothing! Fiona |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST,Bill Kennedy Date: 24 Nov 03 - 04:46 PM NO |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST,Afrocelts fan Date: 24 Nov 03 - 06:07 PM Yes. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Fiona Date: 04 Oct 05 - 11:57 AM I don't know iif it's better to refresh an old thread or start a new on so I hope this is OK. The Afro Celt Sound Systems new album 'Anatomic' came out yesterday, extremely good to my mind. 'Mojave' the tune they've been playing live the last few years is on this one, we die hard fans are very pleased about this. Simon Emmerson and James McNally are answering any questions folk want to put to them this week on the forum here, http://www.ophidia.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=news There's a review of the album by the lad who does the discography here, http://www.afrocelts.org/wst_page5.html NB the Amazon sites have the wrong music linked to their samples of 'Anatomic' instead of the Afrocelts it's some kind of MOR jazz. It's been complained about, I hope they fix it! Fiona |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Les in Chorlton Date: 04 Oct 05 - 02:22 PM Are they the future of Folk Rock? Or just perhaps the future? |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Brían Date: 04 Oct 05 - 03:10 PM I would be cautious about attributing too much of African infuences on American music.Dave Brubeck stated through his own investigation of African influence on jazz here that, "The instruments on the European side were European, and right away, that almost made it melodically European because of the fingering of the instruments. (Jazz is) a combination of African and European(infuluences) melodically. ... (T)he original jazz rags were an exact copy of European marches." More later, Brían |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Fiona Date: 04 Oct 05 - 03:11 PM Hi Les, I've no idea! They're very good in the present though.... The BBC Folk site describes them as 'traditional/futuristic sound beat band'. Who knew? Fiona |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Brían Date: 04 Oct 05 - 06:00 PM To sum up my observations of 'traditional/futuristic sound', I relate to you the criticism of the sound engineer of an Irish band who shall remain nameless who stated that he thought that the band was "too diddley and not funky enough." Later a friend of mine reflecting on the conversation remarked, "It is my understanding that diddley is an aspect of Celtic music and funky is an aspect of African music. Brían |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST Date: 04 Oct 05 - 06:33 PM I've ordered it from play.com and will pounce on the postman soon. I hope, as the last recording they'll do for Real World, they have pulled out all the stops, and got down all those bubbling around for years tunes that they have tempted us with. They are fantastic live and the energy is breathtaking. I fail to see why they have seemingly been overlooked promotion wise in the past. There have been imitators but Afrocelts did it first and best in my opinion. Soaring stuff to warm the soul. Can't wait now. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: hesperis Date: 04 Oct 05 - 11:53 PM I like what I've heard of them which unfortunately isn't much. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: robomatic Date: 05 Oct 05 - 04:11 AM If Afrocelts is the same as Afrocelt Sound System I like them and have most of their albums. Have you ever heard 'Macumba'? |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST,kate begley Date: 05 Oct 05 - 07:42 AM have been a big fan of afrocelts have all 3 of the first albums would love to see them live never had the chance does anyone no where there next tours are? also i reccomened you got to go and see zion train and headmix collective, and capercaillie theres also similar sort of music to afro celts the best zion train gig was in endorset festival this year on sunday the 14 of august they were amazing the best headmix gig was in my local pub called the talking heads in southampton its was spritual and amazing and cappercaille are playing on the 20 of october in the brook in southampton there a website check it out. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST Date: 05 Oct 05 - 08:16 AM No live dates confirmed for afrocelts as yet. Hopefully there will be something planned to accompany this release? Although logistically getting them altogether live is hard as they are so involved with their own projects too. Yes, they dropped the Sound System tag when the live drums became more prominent, but they have reverted to type as confusion abounded. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: hesperis Date: 05 Oct 05 - 09:34 AM Hehe, I have a Sacred Circle Dance for a Macumba piece! It's a LOT of fun. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Fiona Date: 05 Oct 05 - 01:29 PM Just been listening to the clips of Macumba, they sound wild (in a good way). The drums would work very well in a circle dance I would think. There is a line dance to the Afrocelts tune 'Whirl-Y-Reel' I've never done it but it's a great tune to dance to anyway, the steps are here, http://www.midlandmavericks.com/Steps/whirly.htm kate begley, I love Headmix Collective (latterly Headmix) I thought they had faded away are they still going? I first aeen them at the launch of Simon Emmersons 'Celtic Soundclash' cd along with another (sadly gone) band called Celtica, also very good. They've gone back to being called the Afro Celt Sound System again on the new cd 'Anatomic' though they still have the drummer and bass guitarist as guests. As always the guests are very good, Eileen Ivers is on fiddle and an extremely good addition IMO. Nigel Eaton with hurdy-gurdy features too. Shame no tour is planned, I last saw them at Celtic Connections 2004 and they took the roof off. Fiona |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: muppett Date: 06 Oct 05 - 10:14 AM I think they are Brill, got all their Albums both as the Afro Celt Sound System and as the Afro Celts. Saw the guy in the band that plays the pipes in the band do a wonderful set with a Bangra drum band at the Bradford Mela, what a fusion of music and culture, started off with gigs & reels then slowly turned into bangra, wow you had to be there to fully appreciate it. Saw the highlights of the Cambridge folk festival on TV a few christmases ago and it featured them doing a set, it brightend up a dull day. Would love to see them live. If you claim to be a music love you can't help but love their music (before anyone takes a dig at me for that last statement, yes it's only my personal oppinion, and no doubt folk out there who won't agree with me, so don't get on yer high horse). |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: concertina ceol Date: 07 Oct 05 - 07:11 AM I think they are ok, and would see them again but it doesn't really grab ya. I saw Michael McGoldrick live with Dezi Donnerley and Tim Edey, they were playing jigs, reels and slow airs and accompanied by a chap playing drums which he had to sit cross legged to do. The mix of his indian/african rythyms and the playing of the others was fantastic. The bagpipe, jazz funk combo of Tartan Ameobas are also more exciting in my opinion. |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: Dipsodeb Date: 07 Oct 05 - 09:56 AM I am a great fan of Afro Celt Sound System. I also have all their albums. I first saw them live at Glastonbury and they led a candlelit procession through the field to the stage whilst playing and drumming. It was fantastic the atmosphere was electric and everyone was on a high. Most of em were probably high anyway to be fair ;-) Somehow I had managed to be standing right in front of one of the speakers at the back and the whole ground was vibrating. It was one of those times that you are just so happy and excited that it brings tears to your eyes. I will never forget that night. I will definitely buy the new album. ~Debs~ |
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Subject: RE: Afrocelts - any fans out there? From: GUEST Date: 07 Oct 05 - 10:53 AM muppett it may have The Dhol Foundation that James was playing with. Johnny Kalsi from The Dhol Foundation plays with Afrocelts , well at least he did on the last albums and you're right, it is fantastic to watch them together live. I am still waiting the postman to deliver Anatomic so don't know if he is it, but imagine/hope he will be. If you haven't checked out the Dhol Foundation they are excellent. I think Johnny Kalsi started it up as a dhol drum workshop and they then went onto perform and record. I have their first album 'Big drum small world.' But they have just released another, 'Drumbelievable.' If you love the energy Afrocelts give out, you'd appreciate the Dhol Foundation. |
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