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Celtic Music
The question of What Celtic Music actually is has been raging for years. In our opinion it's rather pointless labelling music after all does it really matter what a musician decides to call his or her wonderful creations. The Chieftens, Afro Celt Sound Systems and Enya could all be described as Celtic musicians, yet they are all completely different. In reality what matters is the quality of the music.
Some Celtic music fans are drawn to the energy of the jigs and reels that send folks dancing and 'feet a tapping'. Others favour the more reflective and almost spiritual nature of Celtic music. In this edition we feature two well respected Celtic musicians, Gordon Taylor and the Californian songstress Heloise Love. Heloise was good enough to answer a few Questions for us.
 Heloise Love
To hear some of Heloise's music please click on the links below
1) Black is the colour
2) Dream Angus
1) You've been playing Celtic music for quite a while now when did you first get into it ?
I have always sung Scottish and Irish songs informally but approximately 6 years ago started playing and singing Celtic music in a professional capacity.
2) There is a bit of a debate at the moment on what is and is not Celtic Music, what does the term "Celtic Music" mean to you ?
To me it means any music that stems from a style based on one of the 7 Celtic Nations. Or has roots in Elizabethan Balladry. I don't like to exclude all the great things that are happening all over the world with regards to Celtic tinged music. I think musicians recognize a Celtic influence when they hear it.
3) You've performed a lot all over Southern California what is the Celtic folk scene like there?
It's very big here. In Highland Way, our lead singer is from Glasgow. That is a huge draw here. Americans are extremely whistful about Scotland and Ireland so no matter what your level of musicianship, that accent will bring crowds.
4) You have previously enjoyed playing with bands such as Highland Way why did you finally decide to go solo?
I am still with Highland Way and really LOVE playing with the boys. The reason I made my own CD is because I simply always wanted the control over every song on the CD. Something I can look back on and enjoy.
5) You have put a great band together for your debut Solo album, how did you come across them?
Boy...Thanks for the compliment. I wish I could take credit. Tim Day, the promotional/booking head of a group called San Diego Folk Heritage, suggested I record a solo CD with a guy named Randy Sterling. I called Randy and found him to be so understanding and knowledgeable, I went for it. The fellow who owns the studio where Randy records, (David Morgan) is the amazing guitar/dobro player. Between he and Randy, they played most of the back up for me. I am mostly a rythm guitar player and percussionist with Highland Way. Randy played mando, banjo, and r. guitar. A Celtic Fiddler pal of mine of 10 years, Maury Richmond, told me years ago that if I ever recorded my own CD, he wanted to be the fiddler. We all three performed my "solo" concert on Aug 27th. It was lovely.
6) The album includes some interpretations of traditional classics such as ''Black is the Colour'', "Star of the County'' and "Let him go let him tarry" was it difficult to add something new to these classics?
Not at all. David Morgan added almost a flamenco style guitar to Black is the Colour and that just floored me. I love how he handled that. I also love the way Maury's fiddle added drama to "Star of the County Down". As a singer I never even thought I was adding much new to them but over time and a period of attaining that comfort level with a song, I do notice many of the traditional songs become morphed into something a little different. I think that is a Highland Way influence to a point. We do traditional songs but we are not a traditional Celtic act. We have 3 and 4 part harmonies that sometimes unintentionally mimic The Eagles.
7) Your album tends to focus on the more melancholy songs as opposed to the Jigs and reels do you prefer the more reflective side of Celtic music?
I do love laments of all kinds. I think that is why I love Scottish and Irish Music so much. I enjoy the way those cultures handle tragedy through their music. I do believe I might include jigs and reels in my next project and will be backing up a fantastic fiddler at a little show tomorrow night. I will play rythm guitar to her jigs and reels. I really enjoy that. I love Strathspeys as well.
8) What are you and the band planning for the rest of the year?
I hope to record another project after the holidays. I have some solo events already on the books. I also plan to play at music festivals with Highland Way. We are in the middle of mixing down our 3rd Highland Way CD and a promotional DVD. We are also re-recording our very first CD. None of us are satisfied with our first attempt although it sells well.
For more information on Heloise please visit www.heloiselove.com
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Contact details Nesta Records T/A www.rootsmusic.co.uk
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