Gaelynn Lea #63

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 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 and share this episode on social media. Use the hashtag #celticchristmaspodcast

The Celtic Christmas Podcast is free to enjoy. However, it is supported by the Christmas Cheer and generosity of people like you over on Patreon.

Celtic Christmas Podcast was produced and edited by Marc Gunn. Graphics were by Miranda Nelson Designs. Subscribe through your favorite podcatcher or on our website where you can become a Christmas Patron for as little as $1 per episode. Promote Celtic culture through Christmas music at CelticChristmasPodcast.com. Nollaig Shona Daoibh!

#celticchristmas #celticchristmasmusic #gaelynnlea