Sean Feeny's NORTHERN SOUL is a charity CD blending the sounds of motown and soul with the distinct strains of traditional Irish music.
To celebrate St. Patrick's Weekend I thought why not introduce you to this unique and fascinating mixture of Irish and American music styles. And into the bargain, Sean has provided four copies of his wonderful album as prizes for four lucky readers of Irish American Mom.
The Album
On this album 'Soul Man' meets the uilleann pipes. The fiddle features on 'Reach Out I’ll Be There'. The ukulele seems to be asking 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?'. These carefully chosen tracks are a unique take on some old classics. Sean describes this album as "The Commitments meets The Chieftans".
"Sean Feeny's NORTHERN SOUL is a brave and beautiful collection of classic soul songs re-interpreted by a new and fresh soul singer. What a breath of fresh Donegal Air in every heartfelt note!"
- Brian Kennedy
A Donegal man, Sean spent three years planning and developing Northern Soul, his first solo album.
In his early twenties Seán toured with bands such as Westlife and Irish Country star Derek Ryan, and his former band D-Side, but now he is taking center stage to bring his musical vision to the world.
Musicians and singers from all over Donegal shared their talents to record this charity album.
Fiddlers, piano accordionists, flautists, tin whistle, mandolin, banjo and ukulele players all joined forces to recreate beautiful, heartfelt renditions of some old favorites. Sean said:
“I am very privileged to have so many wonderful singers and musicians, whom I am honoured to call friends, featuring on this album. Without their generosity and willingness to help this album would never have been possible and wouldn’t have turned out the way it did.”
I have listened to this album many times, and love to sing-along when I'm driving. My voice is so bad, I'm banned from singing to it when the kids are in the car.
The Charities
This CD is raising funds for GROW Mental Health Movement and the North West Simon Community.
Five years ago Seán was part of the first annual Letterkenny Street Sleep, increasing his awareness of the plight of homeless people throughout Ireland and the world.
This eye-opening experience led him to choose the North West Simon Community charity as one of those to benefit from sales of Northern Soul.
The aim of the Simon Community is to ensure people keep their homes, by providing a listening ear, practical supports, information and advocacy.
Grow is a National Mental Health Organisation that provides an opportuinity for growth and personal development for people with mental health problems, and also for people who may be having difficulty coping with life's challenges.
How To Buy The Album
Northern Soul is only 10 euro. The album is available at Books & Charts, Dungloe, Leo's Tavern, Meenaleck, Crolly or An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny.
It is also available by mail order. For queries email: northernsouldonegal@gmail.com.
Thank you to Sean for his generosity, and concern for others. I wish him every success for a long and enduring career as a talented musician.
Sean Feeny's Northern Soul is also featured on Facebook.
The Giveaway
Four lucky winners will receive a copy of the CD Northern Soul by Sean Feeny.
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Tuesday, March 18th, 2013. Any comment will do but if you need inspiration why not tell us what type of music you enjoy, or what type of music would be a good blend with Irish traditional music.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published or shared, just used to contact our lucky contestants.
Winners will be announced on Tuesday March 18th, so I can get the winners’ prizes in the mail.
Thanks to everyone who enters and supports our giveaway. I look forward to reading your comments.
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
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Sheila
I clicked on the YouTube link for 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow'. What a beautiful, haunting rendition of this song. Thanks for letting us know about this album. Just lovely.
Irish American Mom
That song is just fabulous. I love how Sean plays the ukulele to accompany it.
Best wishes, and thanks for entering our giveaway.
Mairead
Pat F.
What a wonderful combination, Soul and Irish tradition. Would love to have a copy. Thanks for the giveaway!
Irish American Mom
Truly a great musical combination.
All the best, and have a lovely St. Patrick's Day.
Mairead
Aimee
These songs are both wonderful! We really aren't a very picky family, when it comes to music. We like all kinds. Right now, anything we can do a little stepping to seems to make the kids really happy. 🙂 I appreciate your introduction to another Irish artist! I enjoy finding them and listening to their wonderful music.
Irish American Mom
Aimee - It's always great to introduce readers to new Irish artists. Sean Feeny is a very talented singer and musician.
All the best, and have a lovely St. Patrick's celebration with your family.
Mairead
Aimee
Thanks Mairead! I hope you and your family enjoy the parade (I'm guessing you're having yours on Saturday as well?...) and have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day too!
Irish American Mom
Have a wonderful time at the parade tomorrow, Aimee. Let's all celebrate our Irishness.
Take care,
Mairead
mick smith
I'm a great fan of Irish music, from balleds to folksongs to Irishrock and now to Sean Feeny's Northern Soul.Brilliant sound, new and fresh. Wonderful. Would love to be one of the lucky winners. ! Wishing you and yours a very Happy St. Patrick's Day. Have a great time one and all. <3
Irish American Mom
Mick - "New and fresh" is a great way to describe Sean Feeny's music.
Best of luck, and have a lovely St. Patrick's Day too.
Mairead
Mary Sullivan
We love Irish music at our house. We listen to it all day. We even listen to the Irish radio on the computer. I am happy to hear new groups so I can try to find their music. My favorite thing to purchase when I visit Ireland is cds. This past year I came home with thirty of them. I always buy the cds of whoever is playing in the pubs. It is a great reminder of the wonderful times we have had in Ireland.
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and yours.
Irish American Mom
Mary - I too love to listen to Irish radio on the computer. My husband often tunes into Highland Radio from Donegal, to stay in touch with Ireland. It's lovely to hear you have such a wonderful appreciation for Irish music.
Hope you have a lovely St. Patrick's Day too..
All the best,
Mairead
Sheila McTeague
Love this song. I always look for the unique sounds and this is beautifully blended. We always had some kind of music playing in our home as we grew up. My sister and I used to be on stage to sing. My father and I would spend hours just listening to the Irish music. While he taught me Irish history. They were special times for me. But I also remember him encouraging us to sing. He taught me how to dance too. Boy do I miss him. I also used to do step dancing. Anything with dancing and music was alright. With this St Patrick weekend coming upon us, I remember what I shared with my dad. Getting ready for the parade. Than off to have some fun dancing and singing. Your heart is just so much lighter with music. Sure enough I have my phone/ipod tuned into my Irish playlist and thinking about the good times.
Happy St. Patrick Day!
Irish American Mom
Sheila - I hope all of your wonderful memories of St. Patrick's Day celebrations with your Dad will make this weekend very special for you. You are blessed to have such fond recollections of your father.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Best wishes,
Mairead
Sarah
I've married a McMurray and I'm trying to learn about my husband's family's Irish background. So far, I discovered that Irish music is the BEST. I'd love to start my collection out with a great album like this!
Sarah
Irish American Mom
Sarah - Ireland has many talented musicians. I'm delighted to hear you enjoy Irish music so much. Wishing you every success on your search for your husband's family's history and stories.
Have a wonderful St. Patrick's weekend.
Mairead
David McMurray
My wife sent me the link to this contest. I'm loving the sounds, and I would love to get a copy of it as well. Thanks for letting us know about an awesome artist like this.
Irish American Mom
David - Thanks so much for entering this giveaway. Glad to hear you enjoyed Sean's music.
All the best,
Mairead
Kerie Kelly
What a great cause Mr. Finney. Love your voice and can get behind your cause! God bless you!
Irish American Mom
Kerie - they really are great causes. Thanks for commenting and supporting this giveaway.
Mairead
Karen Brundage
Mom...What a lovely website you have here. I am glad that I happened upon it. I enjoy seeing how you have adapted the recipes. I am from Monaghan and now have a shop in the states. We play Irish music all day and would love to have Sean's voice join all the others. All the best to all and a blessed Saint Patrick's day to you all!!
Irish American Mom
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too, Karen. Hope you have a wonderfully busy day in your shop tomorrow.
All the best.
Mairead
Molly
Fantastic songs. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful music on your site.
Irish American Mom
Thanks, Molly. Glad you enjoy this music as much as I do.
Mairead
Keri
Beautiful music!
Irish American Mom
Thanks Keri. Have a lovely St. Patrick's Day.
Mairead
Julie B Green
I have loved Irish music since The Irish Rovers sang the Unicorn Song. Hearing this mixture of Irish and American music would be a treat!!
Irish American Mom
Julie - I love all Irish music too, especially the Irish Rovers.
Best wishes,
Mairead
Penny Wolf
I can't imagine life without music. There is music for every kind of day even from the birds.
Happy Saint Patrick's Day.
Irish American Mom
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too, Penny.
Mairead
Emily
I am so excited for new Irish music, especially with a new twist :)!
Irish American Mom
And this is a unique twist. Thanks for entering our giveaway.
Mairead
Pam Michel
Hello Mairead!
I have a bit of Irish blood & love all things Irish! Being St. Paddy's Day, I went on a search for some new Celtic music & happened upon your blog. When I read your posts, I hear it in my head in the sweetest Irish accent! LOL I do wish I could produce the accent that I hear, but so far, no luck. I am a singer & also took up Irish Whistle about 15 years ago. When my oldest daughter was in high school, she got me hooked on Irish Rock. But I love folk music as well & tend to gravitate to music combining folk & pop sounds. I also enjoy Celtic Praise & Worship music - particularly from Robin Mark. The song by Sean Feeny here is really nice! I'm sure I would love the album!
I've been to Ireland once & am dying to go back! In the meantime, I think I will keep reading your blog...
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Pam
Irish American Mom
Hi Pam - I'm delighted you found my blog. Glad to hear you read my posts through an Irish accent - I don't think my kids would agree my accent sounds sweet when I'm "urging" them to go to bed on time.
Sean Feeny's music is wonderful. It's so nice to hear you have such a love for all Celtic music.
Hope you had a lovely St. Patrick's Day too.
Best wishes,
Mairead
Irish American Mom
Thanks to everyone who commented and participated in this giveaway. Our four winners are:
Mary Sullivan
Keri
David McMurray
Julie B. Green
I'll contact each winner via e-mail to obtain addresses for mailing the CD's.
Best wishes to all, and I hope everyone had a fabulous St. Patrick's Day.
Mairead