- Celtic music in Canada
Celtic music is primarily associated with the folk traditions ofIreland ,Scotland andWales , as well as the popular styles derived from folk culture. In addition, a number of other areas of the world are known for the use of Celtic musical styles and techniques, including Newfoundland, and much of the folkmusic of Canada's Maritimes , especially onCape Breton Island .Newfoundland
There are very strong connections between Newfoundland folk music and Irish music, however elements of English folk music and
French-Canadian andAcadian music can be heard within the style.It should be noted that a very traditional strain of Irish music exists in Newfoundland, especially in the primarily
Irish-Catholic communities along the southern shore.The instrumentation in Newfoundland music includes the button
accordion ,guitar ,violin ,tin whistle and more recently thebodhrán . Many Newfoundland traditional bands also includebass guitar anddrum kit . Other folk instruments such as themandolin andbouzouki are common especially among Newfoundland bands with an Irish leaning.Because Newfoundland is an island in the North Atlantic, many of the songs focus on the
fishery andseafaring . Many songs chronicle the history of this unique people. Instrumental tune styles includejigs , reels,two step s, andpolka s.Newfoundland musicians and musical groups
*Fiddle players:
Rufus Guinchard ,Kelly Russell ,Emile Benoit and Patrick Moran
*Button accordion players:Minnie White and Harry Hibbs
*Bodhran players:Fergus O'Byrne andPaddy Mackey
*Popular Newfoundland traditional music group:Irish Descendants ,Great Big Sea ,The Punters ,Shanneyganock ,Connemara ,The Masterless Men ,Kevin Collins , andGreeley's Reel .
*Irish music band in Newfoundland:Ryan's Fancy Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island
Cape Breton is internationally known for unusual styles of
Cape Breton fiddling , which is derived from Scottish techniques. The island has produced traditional music-based popular performers likeJohn Allan Cameron ,The Rankin Family ,Natalie MacMaster ,Buddy MacMaster , TheBarra MacNeils ,Rita MacNeil ,Ashley MacIsaac and others. Irish traditional music is also very popular on the island, particularly Irish folk songs.Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island has long been associated with traditional Celtic music.Quebec
There are strong ties between traditional
Québécois music and the music ofBrittany ,Ireland ,Scotland and theMaritimes . The songs generally draw more from the French tradition, whereas the dance tunes are more closely related to Celtic traditions.Fiddle andaccordion are the most common lead instruments, whilepiano andguitar often provide accompaniment. More recently, swing has significantly influenced accompaniment styles and techniques.La Bottine Souriante is one of the most well-recognized groups which exemplifies this tradition.Rosheen is a good example of Québécois and Irish roots perfectly blended together creating a unique celtic sound. The only band that has a female singer.Popular music
A number of popular Canadian rock bands are also influenced by Celtic folk traditions. The most important and influential such band was
Spirit of the West , whose musical marriage of traditional Irish and Scottishjig s and reels withhard rock andBritpop influences paved the way for later acts such asGreat Big Sea ,Captain Tractor ,Mackeel ,The Mahones ,Ashley MacIsaac , Jimmy George,Mudmen , Uisce Beatha andThe Clumsy Lovers .Figgy Duff andThe Rankin Family served much the same role inpop music , influencing later artists such asLeahy ,Mary Jane Lamond ,The Barra MacNeils andNatalie MacMaster .See also
*
Irish-Canadian
*Canadian Gaelic
*Scottish-Canadian
*Scots-Quebecer External Reference:Celtic Music Base, http://www.celticmusicbase.com
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