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IRISH EXAMINER | December 25th, 2019
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Welcome to our regular music and entertainment guide, brought
to you by Paddy McCarthy for your reading enjoyment

the lead singer of the rock band Oasis, and later served as the singer of Beady Eye,
before performing as a solo artist after the dissolution of both bands. His dress
sense–with a penchant for Parka jackets–and abrasive manner have been the subject of
commentary in the press; through these and his distinctive singing style he remains one
of the most recognisable figures in British music.
His debut solo album As You Were, which was released 6 October 2017, proved to be a
critical and commercial success, topping the UK Albums Chart and being certified
Platinum. With over 103,000 units sold in its first week it was the ninth fastest-selling
debut of the decade in the UK. His second solo album, Why Me? Why Not., topped the
Multi-platinum international music sensation, CCeellttiicc WWoommaann return with the ultimate UK charts on 27 September 2019. His tenth chart topper (including eight with Oasis), it
Christmas Gift: a collection of their very favourite Christmas songs. Celtic Woman is the is the fastest selling vinyl of 2019.
most successful all-female group in Irish history, with a legacy of 12 consecutive Billboard Liam Gallagher has said he doesn’t think Oasis were “that great” and reckons they never
number ones, 10 million album sales, and an incredible 1 billion online streams to date. pushed any boundaries. The band, which also comprised of Liam’s brother,
From delicate traditional Irish carols to magnificent uplifting anthems, Celtic Woman Noel, decided to part ways in 2009, and Liam reckons it was definitely for the best.
has a wealth of seasonal music to gladden your heart on their brand-new studio album Speaking to MOJO magazine, the 47-year-old said: “I think we could have banged out a
‘‘TThhee MMaaggiicc ooff CChhrriissttmmaass’’. Hear stunning new arrangements of the classics Silent Night, good album but... how long were we together? It’s like anything, it does become tiresome
O Holy Night and Auld Lang Syne alongside the ancient Gaelic carols Dia do Bheatha at some point. So maybe he'd just had enough and needed a break.
and The Wexford Carol. Hear the jingle of bells as you glide through the snowy land- Here is a musician who has been in the shadow of greatness for a long time and it’s now
scape of Sleigh Ride and get ready to sing along when it’s time to Deck the Halls!Celtic time to acknowledge how great she really is! We here at the Irish Examiner have been
Woman’s ‘The Magic of Christmas’ fuses shimmering strings, the tinkle of the Irish harp, following her career for a long time and are so happy to highlight who she is.
the proud call of the bagpipes, and the beat of the bodhrán drum, paired with Tara’s MMaarryy CCoouurrttnneeyy sang for Martin McGuiness Month’s Mind Mass at St. Patrick’s
lilting fiddle and the crystalline voices of Mairéad, Éabha and Megan. Cathedral, in New York City on April 24, 2017. It was her great honor to perform
Following its debut on PBS in the Irish National Anthem, ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’ (‘The Soldiers’ Song’)
2005, the group has achieved Mary Courtney grew up in a musical family in the parish of Castlegregory, near the sea
massive success encompassing in County Kerry, a likely beginning for this remarkable singer and guitarist. Whether
twelve chart-topping albums, accompanying herself, or holding the rhythm line with her trad band, MMoorrnniinngg SSttaarr, she
eight DVDs and nine public tel- is a consummate musician.
evision specials leading to sales Her music is an engaging collaboration of traditional Irish music and a progressive
of over ten million albums, with social conscience born of a political education in the United States. Her bodhrán (Irish
platinum success in nine coun- hand-held drum) playing offers another dimension to her exceptional performance.
tries. Each of its CDs – includ- Courtney has used her music to spread Irish culture and to educate her audience about
ing Destiny which was nominat- the struggles of the Irish people. From rock ‘n’ roll to the ethereal strains of some ancient
ed for a Grammy - has debuted Celtic bard, Mary can sing anything, and sing it unforgettably.
at #1 on Billboard’s World Reviews just highlight what a singer she is! “Her powerful vocals are direct, allowing the
Albums chart. The group has beauty of the melodies and the emotion of the lyrics to come through; however her voice
been is also distinctive, making her stand out both from a sincerity point of view as well as a
named Billboard Magazine’s #1 technical one. Frankly, she has a voice that is difficult to ignore… I’d almost forgotten
World Albums Artist six time. what a dynamic instrument banjo is. Ryan brings that special melodic drive I’ve not
You will be hearing a lot about heard for quite a while, as he pushes the tunes along with gusto, enthusiasm, and a lot of
them for the next few months, talent. As you listen, it’s no wonder Redmond has 4 All-Ireland titles under his belt. All
so look out for them. this is built on Courtney’s excellent guitar accompaniment…. Sometimes, I’m amazed at
William John Paul ‘‘LLiiaamm’’ how a small group such as this can have such a ‘big’ sound, one that is so involving and
G Gaallllaagghheerr (born 21 September welcoming. Mary Courtney and Morning Star has risen to the top of my list of must-see
1972) is an English singer and musicians. When you listen to Live from the 33rd County you’ll understand why.” -
songwriter. He rose to fame as Jamie O’Brien, Putting on Airs, Irish Edition C