Dec 13, 2020
Welcome to Hang the Holly. I'll introduce you to THE ROGUES as
we take an inside look at artists in the latest episode of the
Celtic Christmas Podcast.
"The Snows That Melt the Soonest" is the 4th episode of 2020
and show #58. It features Christmas music from Runa, Stephanie
Claussen, David Pedrick, Matt & Shannon Heaton, Steel Clover, Mark
O'Connor, Marc Gunn, deCeadaoin, Andrew D. Huber, The Rogues, Sheri
O'Meara, Abbots Cross, Reilly, Prydein, The Jig Is Up!.
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.
If you enjoy the show, you can rate the show or post comments
on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher.
Subscribe to the podcast at CelticChristmasPodcast.com.
And now on to The Rogues...
The Rogues have been producing music since wayyyyy back in
1994 when they got their start at the Texas Renaissance Festival.
This Celtic band didn’t stay put in Houston for long though, and
soon they were off--traveling all over the U.S., and even abroad.
They’ve performed in Canada, Scotland, and Greece, among other
places over the years, as well as providing entertainment on a
number of different cruise ships. This great mixture of experiences
has allowed the band the opportunity to truly hone their live
shows, and put a shine on their ability to play together in a
variety of different contexts. It has also given them a great deal
of expertise in terms of playing Celtic tunes.
The Rogues are no amateurs when it comes to playing their
instruments either, and band members have won prestigious music
competitions, including first place in the World Pipe Band
Championships in Grade III in 1998. If pressed to describe them,
you could say they take their music seriously, but they don’t take
themselves too seriously, which results in a nice mash up of
outstanding musicianship and good fun—it really works out well.
Plus, you know a band is not messing around when they wind up with
their own tartan in the Scottish Register of Tartans. That’s
dedication to the Celtic genre at a deep level.
You can’t help but notice a full pipe sound and a lot of
percussion when you listen to this band play, but they are also
capable of music that pulls at the heartstrings. The variety of
instruments, arrangements, and pairings keeps things interesting,
no matter how familiar the tune. This is especially evident on The
Rogues 2013 Christmas album, Hellbound Sleigh, where you’ll hear
tried-and-true favorites such as “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” in a very different light. Be
sure to listen to the "O Holy Night / Ave Maria” track, which has
an almost haunting feel to it—in the best possible way. And—don’t
miss "Jingle Bells/Good King Wenceslas” for a rousing take on this
classic that showcases the pipes front and center.
The best part about this festive album though is the fact that
there are also a few tracks you won’t find in every Christmas
collection, making it a great pick for your music rotation this
holiday season. Keep it all to yourself and enjoy listening at
home, or ship it over to a friend or family member that needs a
little bit ‘o cheer in the stocking.
Find out more about The Rogues at therogues.com
If you hear music you love, 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.