Nov 11, 2021
Welcome to
Hang the Holly. I'll introduce you to SHARON SHANNON as we take an
inside look at artists in the latest episode of the Celtic
Christmas Podcast.
"Little Christmas" is the final episode of 2020. It features
Christmas music from The Jig Is Up, Cynthia Shelhart, Steel Clover,
Abbots Cross, Liz Madden, Laura MacKenzie, Reilly, Sharon Shannon,
deCeadaoin, Tiffany Schaefer, Emish, Stephanie Claussen, Celtic
Woman, Runa, The Selkie Girls
The show is generously brought to you by the Patrons of the
Celtic Christmas Podcast on Patreon. Please show your Celtic
Christmas Cheer, make a pledge to support the show. You will find
milestones on Patreon which will effectively launch this show in
2021.
If you enjoy the show, you can rate the show or post comments
on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher.
And now on to Sharon Shannon
Playing the accordion puts you in a unique category in terms
of making music, and Sharon Shannon is one of the artists that has
that distinction. Interestingly, although she can and does play
Irish music, her career has continually spanned many different
musical genres, always bringing her own style and background along
with her for the ride. She is an experienced and dedicated
musician, and has worked with some huge names in the industry.
Among the people/bands she has recorded and performed with, you’ll
find well-respected (and well-known!) Irish names like Sinead
O’Connor, The Chieftains, Shane McGowan, and even Bono. In keeping
with her genre-jumping style though, you’ll also see her name has
appeared alongside other musical heavyweights, like Jackson Browne
and Wille Nelson. As if that isn’t testament enough to Shannon’s
musical abilities, she has also collaborated with John Prine,
Natalie McMaster, and even Japan’s Kodo Drummers!
Good musicians are always eager to expand their circle and
play with other talented people, and this is something that defines
Sharon Shannon. It is also something that has allowed her to grow,
and that has seasoned her as a musical artist. From classical, to
Cajun, to rap, Shannon has embraced all forms of music and in turn,
they have informed her approach and style along the way.
Interestingly, the Irish influence always does seem to shine
through though, no matter who she has paired herself with!
Shannon has a well-rounded selection of albums, but with the
holidays quickly approaching, nothing is more appropriate than than
the Christmas single, “Christmas Time Again”, which features her
accordion play front and center. It’s a nice, jolly romp—a bit more
updated than the old, standard carols--but with the same spirit of
fun. Pick this one up to add something different to your holiday
playlist, or to gift to a friend or relative that loves expanding
their collection of Christmas music. After all, there’s always a
little bit of room for the accordion…right?
If you hear music you love in the Celtic Christmas Podcast,
then support the artists. Buy something from them. Sign up to their
mailing lists. And share the episode with your friends on social or
in your community.
The Celtic Christmas Podcast is free to enjoy. However, it is
supported by the generosity of Celtic music fans like you over on
Patreon. Get Christmas Cheer. Subscribe at
CelticChristmasPodcast.com . Nollaig shona
daoibh.