Showing posts with label Cockswain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cockswain. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Thursday, September 14, 2017
2017-09-14 VIDEOS - MAD MAN'S CREW, KELTIKON, COCKSWAIN
On 8:06 PM
In 3 Videos, Celtic Punk, Celtic Rock, Cockswain, Folk Punk, Hungary, Keltikon, Mad Man's Crew, Switzerland, USA
Some videos that have been recently added to the Celtic Folk Punk YouTube channel. Don't miss any update, subscribe!
Mad Man's Crew - Riot
Keltikon - Donald McGillavray
Cockswain - Dirty Old Town
Keltikon - Donald McGillavray
Cockswain - Dirty Old Town
Saturday, July 29, 2017
2017-07-29 ALBUM REVIEW - COCKSWAIN " For the Whiskey" (2017)
Release date: March 6, 2017
Running time: 36:31, 10 tracks
Cockswain, the band from Phoenix, Arizona, released their sophomore album just before St. Patrick’s Day. Some minor changes have taken place: Jack Hoole is the new drummer, Evan Fourness plays lead guitar now and Mo Perzan Ryan Woods headed back east for a new chapter in their life. Fortunately, Mo and Ryan have guested on some tracks.
Even if Cockswain are not from Boston, Chicago or New York, it’s obvious that they are an Irish American band. Influences from top Celtic punk bands can be noticed on their songs, but they have their own identity and sound. Neil Jay Ward (lead vocals, guitar, bouzouki and mandolin) is a great lyricist and all the members write the music. So, “For the Whiskey” is based on self-penned songs and only two covers can be found.
Which are the album highlights? I would pick up tracks 1, 3, 5 and 10. The title track “For the Whiskey” is an upbeat number with powerful backing vocals and an infectious chorus. Mo guests on accordion and Amanda Lubking shines on the fiddle tune. The lively number “Cursed” features Mo on tin whistle. The song has a slight The Mahones touch and the band is really tight. The mix is quite good, as every single instrument can be easily heard. Neil and the boys do a great job on vocals and banjo and fiddle lead the melody. Mo sings lead vocals on “Come Have a Drink with Me”. The song kicks off with the boys singing the drunken chorus and then Wake on banjo and Mo on vocals join in. There is a banjo passage in the middle and then the main theme follows. Kick-ass Celtic punk number with a traditional flavor. The closing cut, “Whiskey, Love and War” is American Irish music at its best. The classic banjo led approach is used in this amazing song that can be filed together with Flogging Molly and Bastard Bearded Irishmen stuff.
“Johnny Be Fair” is a song written by Canadian singer Buffy Sainte-Marie. The folkie lyrics are really funny. Cockswain have re-arranged the song. Jack Hoole on drums and Wake on banjo create atmosphere. Amanda sings the daughter’s lead vocals while Mo sings the mother’s final verse. “Paddy is a Loose Cannon” has a Dropkick Murphys infused intro. Banjo and fiddle back Neil’s raw vocals about Paddy. Cockswain move to a quieter end on “When I Die”. Wake plays harmonica and Neil sings with acoustic guitar. More instruments are added and the song evolves in a way that I would define as a cross between The Whisky Priests and The Tossers. What about “Dark Angel”? Neil showcases his love for Shane MacGowan’s songwriting on this “obscure” The Pogues inspired track.
Cockswain come back to their seafaring territory with “Doriza”. The song is pushed by the wind: calm, storm, calm. “Dirty Old Town” is the second cover on the album. Interesting fiddle arrangements and the bass sound are the band’s addition to the Ewan MacColl’s classic song.
“For the Whiskey” is packed on a jewel case with a 6 page booklet. If you want to sing along, all of the lyrics are printed, together with a lot of information: line-up, guests, studio credits, band’s links and picture credits. The back cover band picture was taken once again by Marlow Sharpe, while the front cover picture was shot by banjoist Wake Lubking. That’s what he said about the photo: “It’s a pretty obscure picture on purpose and it’s a picture of a drink glasses being made in a glass factory in Prague. I visited this factory a few years ago (…) and the factory supplies beer and drink glasses to a huge number of pubs and bars in Europe. I thought it was fitting since the title of the album is “For the Whiskey”.”
It’s obvious that Cockswain members trust their friends. Not only have they used a pic by Marlow Sharpe for the rear cover, but they have recorded, mixed and mastered “For the Whiskey” at Full Well Recording Studio in Phoenix with producer Mike Bolenbach. The final result is spotless. Even if it’s a studio recording, he’s been able to capture the band’s live energy.
In 2017 the focus is placed on the albums released by the heavyweights of the genre: Dropkick Murphys, The Real McKenzies, The Tossers, Flogging Molly … However, there are a bunch of bands out there that are delivering honest albums that are worth hearing. Cockswain “For the Whiskey” is one of those CDs.
Even if Cockswain are not from Boston, Chicago or New York, it’s obvious that they are an Irish American band. Influences from top Celtic punk bands can be noticed on their songs, but they have their own identity and sound. Neil Jay Ward (lead vocals, guitar, bouzouki and mandolin) is a great lyricist and all the members write the music. So, “For the Whiskey” is based on self-penned songs and only two covers can be found.
Which are the album highlights? I would pick up tracks 1, 3, 5 and 10. The title track “For the Whiskey” is an upbeat number with powerful backing vocals and an infectious chorus. Mo guests on accordion and Amanda Lubking shines on the fiddle tune. The lively number “Cursed” features Mo on tin whistle. The song has a slight The Mahones touch and the band is really tight. The mix is quite good, as every single instrument can be easily heard. Neil and the boys do a great job on vocals and banjo and fiddle lead the melody. Mo sings lead vocals on “Come Have a Drink with Me”. The song kicks off with the boys singing the drunken chorus and then Wake on banjo and Mo on vocals join in. There is a banjo passage in the middle and then the main theme follows. Kick-ass Celtic punk number with a traditional flavor. The closing cut, “Whiskey, Love and War” is American Irish music at its best. The classic banjo led approach is used in this amazing song that can be filed together with Flogging Molly and Bastard Bearded Irishmen stuff.
“Johnny Be Fair” is a song written by Canadian singer Buffy Sainte-Marie. The folkie lyrics are really funny. Cockswain have re-arranged the song. Jack Hoole on drums and Wake on banjo create atmosphere. Amanda sings the daughter’s lead vocals while Mo sings the mother’s final verse. “Paddy is a Loose Cannon” has a Dropkick Murphys infused intro. Banjo and fiddle back Neil’s raw vocals about Paddy. Cockswain move to a quieter end on “When I Die”. Wake plays harmonica and Neil sings with acoustic guitar. More instruments are added and the song evolves in a way that I would define as a cross between The Whisky Priests and The Tossers. What about “Dark Angel”? Neil showcases his love for Shane MacGowan’s songwriting on this “obscure” The Pogues inspired track.
Cockswain come back to their seafaring territory with “Doriza”. The song is pushed by the wind: calm, storm, calm. “Dirty Old Town” is the second cover on the album. Interesting fiddle arrangements and the bass sound are the band’s addition to the Ewan MacColl’s classic song.
“For the Whiskey” is packed on a jewel case with a 6 page booklet. If you want to sing along, all of the lyrics are printed, together with a lot of information: line-up, guests, studio credits, band’s links and picture credits. The back cover band picture was taken once again by Marlow Sharpe, while the front cover picture was shot by banjoist Wake Lubking. That’s what he said about the photo: “It’s a pretty obscure picture on purpose and it’s a picture of a drink glasses being made in a glass factory in Prague. I visited this factory a few years ago (…) and the factory supplies beer and drink glasses to a huge number of pubs and bars in Europe. I thought it was fitting since the title of the album is “For the Whiskey”.”
It’s obvious that Cockswain members trust their friends. Not only have they used a pic by Marlow Sharpe for the rear cover, but they have recorded, mixed and mastered “For the Whiskey” at Full Well Recording Studio in Phoenix with producer Mike Bolenbach. The final result is spotless. Even if it’s a studio recording, he’s been able to capture the band’s live energy.
In 2017 the focus is placed on the albums released by the heavyweights of the genre: Dropkick Murphys, The Real McKenzies, The Tossers, Flogging Molly … However, there are a bunch of bands out there that are delivering honest albums that are worth hearing. Cockswain “For the Whiskey” is one of those CDs.
Track listing:
01. For the Whiskey 3:35
02. Paddy Is a Loose Cannon 3:19
03. Cursed 3:00
04. When I Die 3:25
05. Come Have a Drink with Me 3:14
06. Dark Angel 4:25
07. Dirty Old Town 3:38
08. Doriza 5:03
09. Johnny Be Fair 1:59
10. Whiskey, Love, and War 4:53
Website
Reverbnation
Click to buy:
CDbaby
Amazon
iTunes
Review by Kinksmarkham
Some live videos. Sound quality may vary.
Monday, September 28, 2015
VIDEO - COCKSWAIN "Hanged Man / Gods Have No Graves" (Live)
Cockswain performing "Hanged Man" and "Gods Have No Graves" at Pho Cao on 9/12/15.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
REVIEW - COCKSWAIN "Séamus" (2015)
Cockswain "Séamus"
Release date: April 20, 2015
Running time: 31:31, 9 tracks
Cockswain is a Cetic/pirate band hailing from Phoenix, Arizona. They are two girls and four guys: Mo Perzan (flute, tin whistle, piano, vocals), Amanda Lubking (fiddle, backing vocals), Neil Jay Ward (vocals, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin and songwriting), Wake Lubking (tenor banjo, 5 string banjo and vocals), Clint Davis (bass, backing vocals) and Shane Smith (drums, backing vocals). "Séamus" is their impressive debut, a CD showcasing Neil's songwriting skills and a traditional set of tunes.
Cockswain have taken an interesting seafaring approach on their lyrics and musically they have chosen to add to their sound some sax by guest Tuff Eddy.
The album opener is titled "Tonight We Dance" and it's a mid-tempo sing-along on which some of their heroes are mentioned: Brendan Behan and Shane MacGowan.
"Gods Have no Graves" is a badass instrumental. That's the kind of stuff that I miss on some recordings
The shanty "All Hands on Deck" is one of the album's highlights. There is also a shade of gypsy music which is more obvious on the following number, "Ghost Ship".
"Hanged Man" is probably my choice. One could feel that it's an instrumental because of the dancing intro. However, it's a fantastic song with great banjo, fiddle, whistle and hey shouts.
The next number is a duet boy/girl, "Long Lonesome Road", a ballad with la-da-da-oh chorus.
"Damned to Hell" is Celtic punk at its best and "Sailor's Son" is a number that Celtic punk fans will enjoy too. Between those tracks, Cockswain deliver a set of tunes: "Wind That Shakes the Barley / Cock o' the North".
"Séamus" comes in a jewel case. All the lyrics to the songs can be found on the 4 page booklet, together with full info about the band (line-up, website, favebook page), guests on the album and credits. The amazing cover artwork has been drawn by Jeremy "Zombie Yeti" Packer and the back cover picture has been shot by Marlow Sharpe.
Cockswain's debut album has every single thing that I love to find on a Celtic punk/rock CD: shanties and sailors' songs, catchy chorus, uptempo songs, some gypsy drops, instrumentals and no overexposed ballads. Maybe some arrangements could have improved the final result, but one thing is clear: all of the tracks are rad songs. Hats-off!
Release date: April 20, 2015
Running time: 31:31, 9 tracks
Cockswain is a Cetic/pirate band hailing from Phoenix, Arizona. They are two girls and four guys: Mo Perzan (flute, tin whistle, piano, vocals), Amanda Lubking (fiddle, backing vocals), Neil Jay Ward (vocals, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin and songwriting), Wake Lubking (tenor banjo, 5 string banjo and vocals), Clint Davis (bass, backing vocals) and Shane Smith (drums, backing vocals). "Séamus" is their impressive debut, a CD showcasing Neil's songwriting skills and a traditional set of tunes.
Cockswain have taken an interesting seafaring approach on their lyrics and musically they have chosen to add to their sound some sax by guest Tuff Eddy.
The album opener is titled "Tonight We Dance" and it's a mid-tempo sing-along on which some of their heroes are mentioned: Brendan Behan and Shane MacGowan.
"Gods Have no Graves" is a badass instrumental. That's the kind of stuff that I miss on some recordings
The shanty "All Hands on Deck" is one of the album's highlights. There is also a shade of gypsy music which is more obvious on the following number, "Ghost Ship".
"Hanged Man" is probably my choice. One could feel that it's an instrumental because of the dancing intro. However, it's a fantastic song with great banjo, fiddle, whistle and hey shouts.
The next number is a duet boy/girl, "Long Lonesome Road", a ballad with la-da-da-oh chorus.
"Damned to Hell" is Celtic punk at its best and "Sailor's Son" is a number that Celtic punk fans will enjoy too. Between those tracks, Cockswain deliver a set of tunes: "Wind That Shakes the Barley / Cock o' the North".
"Séamus" comes in a jewel case. All the lyrics to the songs can be found on the 4 page booklet, together with full info about the band (line-up, website, favebook page), guests on the album and credits. The amazing cover artwork has been drawn by Jeremy "Zombie Yeti" Packer and the back cover picture has been shot by Marlow Sharpe.
Cockswain's debut album has every single thing that I love to find on a Celtic punk/rock CD: shanties and sailors' songs, catchy chorus, uptempo songs, some gypsy drops, instrumentals and no overexposed ballads. Maybe some arrangements could have improved the final result, but one thing is clear: all of the tracks are rad songs. Hats-off!
Tracklist (click to listen to the songs on soundcloud):
1. Tonight We Dance 3:46
2. Gods Have No Graves 2:33
3. All Hands On Deck 4:31
4. Ghost Ship 2:34
5. Hanged Man 3:10
6. Long Lonesome Road 3:52
7. Damned to Hell 3:02
8. Wind That Shakes the Barley / Cock O' the North 4:20
9. Sailor's Son 3:45
Website
Soundcloud
Click to buy:
Amazon
CDbaby
iTunes
Review by Kinksmarkham
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
FEATURED ALBUMS AT CELTIC-FOLK-PUNK RADIO (8-10 MAY 2015)
On 8:32 PM
In Airplay, Cockswain, Foxes Faux, Mr.Irish Bastard, Radio Station, The Mollys, The Pox Men, Tonynara
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Mr. Irish Bastard "The World, The Flesh and The Devil", Cockswain "Séamus", Foxes Faux "Fox Tales" and The Pox Men "s/t" are the featured albums at Celtic-Folk-Punk Radio.
This is the weekend schedule:
Friday 8 May 2015
6h00, 10h00, 14h00, 18h00 and 22h00 (CET, Paris-Berlin-Rome time)
Saturday 9 May 2015
2h00, 6h00, 10h00, 14h00, 18h00 and 22h00 (CET, Paris-Berlin-Rome time)
Sunday 10 may 2015
2h00 (CET, Paris-Berlin-Rome time)
There are two different playlists, and therefore every 4 hours the songs won't be the same. Besides, the order will be different every day. That is, if you can only listen to the radio on Friday, for instance, at 22h00, you can listen again on Saturday at 22h00, since the songs won't be exactly the same.
Tune in and enjoy!
http://www.radionomy.com/es/radio/celtic-folk-punk/index
http://celtic-folk-punk.playtheradio.com
http://tunein.com/station/?StationId=196762
1) Mr. Irish Bastard (Münster, Germany)
Website
Wikipedia
2) Cockswain (Phoenix, AZ, USA)
Website
Soundcloud
3) Foxes Faux (Keighley, West Yorkshire, England)
Wikipedia
MORE NEWS!!!!
A live album and a seminal studio album will be played on Saturday. These are the albums that will be played on Saturday 9 May 2015:
- Tonynara "Live.2" (1999) at 20:00 CET
- The Mollys "Hat Trick" (1997) at 23:25 CET
Info about these bands
1) Tonynara (Lyon, France)
Line-up:
Tony Canton - Fiddle, tin whistle
Nass Hassani - Lead vocals, guitar, bodhrán, bendir
Rachid Hassani - Guitar, backg. vocals , banjo, mandolin
Yves Donzel - Drums, percussion, guitar, bckg. vocals
Estelle Amsellen - Double bass
Discography:
"Combat Folk" (Cassette, 1991, 8 tracks)
"Vagabondage" (1992, 11 tracks)
"Sham Rock" (1994, 10 tracks)
"Pacific Way" (1996, 12 tracks)
"Live 1" (March 1999, 15 tracks)
"Live 2" (July 1999, 14 tracks)
2) The Mollys (Tucson, AZ, USA)
Website
Wikipedia
Line-up:
Nancy McCallion - Vocals, guitar, tin whistle
Catherine Zavala - Vocals, mandolin, bodhrán, fiddle
Kevin Schramm - Accordion, guitar, banjo, bouzouki, vocals
Dan Sorenson - Bass
Gary Mackender - Drums, vocals, percussion
Discography:
"Tidings of Comfort & Joy" (1992, 10 tracks)
"This Is My Round" (1995, 14 tracks)
"Hat Trick" (1997, 14 tracks)
"Wanking Out West (Live)" (1997, 10 tracks)
"Moon Over the Interstate" (1998, 11 tracks)
"Only a Story" (2000, 13 tracks)
"Trouble" (2002)
"Live at El Casino Ballroom" (2011, 11 tracks)
Friday, August 1, 2014
BAND OF THE MONTH - COCKSWAIN
The band of August 2014 hails from Phoenix, Arizona: Cockswain. The reverbnation widget will be at the top at the right the whole month of August.
"Cockswain cox·swain [kok-suhn, -sweyn]
noun
1. the steersman of a racing shell.
2. a person who is in charge of a ship's boat and its crew, under an officer, and who steers it.
3. Scruffy Celtic rock band from Phoenix AZ
"Distant hills look green."
Cockswain was originally conceived by lead singer/mandolin player Neil Jay Ward in late 2011 writing a few originals, mixing The Pogues, The Clash, Dubliners, Tom Waits and high energy pub rock and a few Irish pub standards.
Neil then recruited long time friend and recent Tucson transplant Clint Davis on bass, and Tempe rocker Shane Smith on drums. After a revolving door of guitar players, they nailed down Matt Cleghorn (who played guitar in infamous AZ punk rock band, The Impossible Ones a couple years before).
Soon, by the magic of the internet, they crossed paths with east coast native, Maureen Perzan, a classically trained flautist, who took to the low D whistle and tin whistle with ease! Adding ethereal vocal harmonies, she brings a softness to the roughish, drunken sound of Cockswain!
And with Saxy Tuff on the baritone sax, the band was ready to book their first show!
“It’s the first drop that destroys you, there’s no harm at all in the last”
Cockswain played their first show St. Paddy’s Day in 2012 and continued playing local punk rock bars, clubs for the next year, as well as a couple of national shows including Nathen Maxwell of Flogging Molly’s band, The Bunny Gang and Boston hard core band, Slapshot. St. Paddy’s Day 2013 came and went and it was decidedly time to grow the Cockswain sound. After a brief search, friends of the band, fiddle virtuoso Amanda Lubking, and banjo picker Wake Lubking enlisted in the Cockswain crew, solidifying the 8 piece lineup!
"The future is not set, there is no fate but what we make."
Many things in the works for 2014! Including a full length record of original songs and many, many more shows!
Slainte!"
Website
Reverbnation
Line-up:
Neil Jay Ward- Lead vocals, guitar, bouzouki
Clint Davis- Bass, vocals
Shane Smith- Drums, vocals
Maureen Perzan- flute, tin whistle, vocals
Tuff- sax, bodhran
Amanda Lubking- fiddle
Wake Lubking- banjo
Patrick Fowler- accordion